Originally Posted by
Iowafuzz
I would believe your rural mail is delivered by a rural carrier who drives their own vehicle. This may appear to be an independent contractor, but in fact is a USPS employee. As to UPS being able to do the same job as the USPS, no doubt they could. But they would have to make a lot of internal structural upgrades that would cost a fortune. Also doubt they would want to open 3400 UPS buildings across America. (A lot easier to handle thousands of parcels than billions of letters, magazines and parcels) I'm sure they would pass these costs on for each piece they would deliver. Right now, what does the Post Office charge you each day they stop at your mailbox? Do you thnk UPS would stop at your box every day for nothing?
As to the carrier pay being more than a teacher. (Mailcarriers are basically paid on the same scale across the US. Don't know about TN. teachers compared to IA teachers.)) Don't know about TN., but in Iowa a teacher with a Masters would make way more than a mailcarrier. I'm talking same years put in to each career. I was a teacher and a mail carrier. I've figured it. If I'd stayed in teaching (without a masters) for 30 years or if I'd carried mail for 30 years - I would have made more at the end as a teacher - again without a masters. Retirement is the same. Everyone thinks a Postal worker gets a super great pension. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining - but if I'd stayed in teaching (no masters) my retirement would be a lot more. Better even with a masters.
My intention by replying is not to start a controversy. I'm just stating the facts as I know them.
Fuzz
