complaint about USPS

While I was visiting my mother in Latham, NY in July of 07, my mother and I

shipped 3 antique vases from Latham, NY to myself in Las Vegas. I purchased

$500 insurance for my package. When I returned to Las Vegas very late evening

and opened my package, I discovered the items were broken. I brought them

over to the post office the following day to file a claim. The local employees

as well as the agents I spoke with on their 1-800 customer service number

explained to me that I could have my items repaired and file a claim for a

repair instead of a reimbursement. I got an estimate from a local

restoration/repair shop and also an appraisal on my items and turned it in with my claim

form. The Postal employees accepted my claim, filled out a PS form 1000 stating

that the package was insured (section B. 1a), All contents were damaged

(section B.5) and in section B.6 they clearly marked that my items were

presented along with the wrapping, container/package. This PS form was signed and

dated by a postal employee and a copy was returned to me personally. Upon

returning home, I received a phone call from the Cross Roads Station asking that

I bring the items back, stating that they wanted to keep my items even though

I was previously told they would not need keep them when a repair is

requested. I asked to speak with a manager and talked to Jack Clark. I explained to

Mr. Clark that these were delicate antiques and I did not want further damage

to occur since it would raise the cost of the repair. I also explained to

him that his employees informed me at the time I filed my claim that I would

not need to surrender the items. Mr. Clark told me he would go ahead and

process my claim despite the confusion on their policy. After several weeks I

received a letter denying my claim and stating "they had no evidence that the

parcel was damaged in their custody and they were not liable". I filed an

appeal attaching a copy of the PS form 1000 which is validated proof signed by

their own employee stating that they inspected the entire package, contents and

wrapping and that they witnessed the damage to my article. Again, after

several more weeks my claim was denied for the same reasons. My final attempt

was my appeal to the Consumer Advocate in Washington DC. I sent all documents:

PS form 1000, a copy of my insurance receipt and 2 letters from witnesses.

One witness (my mother) saw me personally package the items and mail it. The

other witness was my husband whom witnessed the damaged items upon opening the

package. I received a letter dated Jan 18th from Cheryl Woody, Consumer

Research Analyst at 202-268-7216 stating that they denied my claim once again

stating that \"the antique vases and packaging were not presented for

inspection\". The PS Form 1000 clearly states that the items and packaging WERE in

fact brought in for inspection. It is a validated document signed by postal

officials stating they inspected my items and that the items WERE in fact

damaged. I do not understand how they can deny my claim when this evidence has been

presented. I paid for a service, I presented evidence for this claim and I

have documented proof of it. I feel that the post office should honor this

claim and repay me for the repairs for the damage done to my vases while in their

care.

Sincerely,

Barbara Hoyt

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Comment On This

I actually watched the postal carrier deliver a neighbors package no he did NOT gently lay it on the porch then knock on the door instead he frisbee tossed (I kid you not) it onto the porch and this was a good size package explains why on the day our books arrived we heard a sonic boom on our doorstep. I will be using Fedex from now on!!

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It seems the PO isn't able to follow simple instructions..my Friend sent me a copy of her first ever family photo with her new Hubby and their first baby..on the front of the large envelope it said in huge red lettering "PHOTO DO NOT BEND!" of course this photo was delivered with a deep crease down the middle of the pic. because the carrier folded the envelope and stuffed it inside our box..The main reason I do NOT use the PO to ship any of my deliveries..they are incompetant!