We’ve been watching mail pretty closely lately. The standard seems to be about 4 days, some 3’s and some 5’s, and of course the odd blowouts, but never consistent 3’s. Generally, I think AP do a pretty good job. I’ve spoken with our local PO about this three day guarantee and there are so many variables; what time of day the item is lodged, how many collections per day a particulat PO is registered for, because not all have two or three, technology, machinery and staffing issues at distribution centres, and unforeseen overloads. And, that’s just for starters and at the receiving end only.

With respect to intra city we’re in the same boat as Transport-posters. It’s a mystery. To be fair it’s not all the time, but 4-5 days is prevalent enough to be a concern.

I know the guaranteed three days is within certain parameters, but even so I think it’s an opt in to guaranteed strife and more work somewhere along the way and confrontation with some customers, especially those who don’t read he fine print, and that’s the last thing we need.

Under promising and then exceeding customer expectations still seems to be the safest route for us. Opting in we won’t be.

Melina.