Someone mailed me a check from California on December 15th. I got it today.

That took two weeks, 14 days, to get here. It usually takes four days.

I realize it was during the Christmas rush. I also realize the USPS is in big trouble.

It is being crushed by the times. For one thing, more emails are sent than letters. As for Christmas cards, how many people have stopped doing that as the cards cost a minimum of forty-two cents each just for the stamp?

I quit it when stamps were a 'cheap' 37 cents.

But two weeks for first class mail?

Gimme a break.

Another point:

A friend took a package for me to the post office on December 7th.

It hasn't arrived yet.

It was also mailed from southern California.

And the USPS is threatening to ask Congress for another rate increase this year?

These are the reasons I always try to use UPS or FedEx Ground. The longest it takes, anywhere in the continental US, is five business days. And the price is competitive.

Every year the USPS goes to Congress and asks for a 'bailout.' They should improve their service before they get another penny for the stamp.