by Obi Won
I live in a UPS zone where anything going “ground” is 1 day service. From a letter to 24″ dimmed box, it’s always one day.
So the over the past few days, I had to get out 2 sets of important paperwork (#2 8 1/2″ sheets, and purchase a 9″x6″ manila envelope). The recipient is in the same zone.
The first day was regular ground guaranteed by 7:00 pm the next day. The cost was $14 and a few pennies including the envelope. The letter arrived safely at it’s destination at 12:03 pm the following day. Awesome!
Today I sent off the same aforementioned and I actually used the AAA discount the estimate was $11 and change. WINNING, right?
Then the clerk asked me if I wanted it overnighted. Being puzzled, yet inquisitive I asked how much additional it would cost.
Are you sitting down? …$99!!! FOR A FREAKIN overnight letter that weighed in a a whopping .05 pounds!
I asked if he was joking, and with a straight face he said no sir, but if you’d like it guaranteed by 3:00 next day it’ll be $55!
I smiled politely and said “Thanks, but I’d like the $11 option please.”
Comparatively, pre Covid, an overnight letter guaranteed by noon used to be $27-$35 anywhere in the entire contiguous 48!
Talk about shell shock!? C’mon man! 3x the price for overnight, when it’ll still get there overnight because it’s in the same zone?
TL/DR: UPS is now charging $99 for an overnight LETTER!!!