Driveline/Restorer delivery

[Henry S.]

I know.........., you're saying NOT another DAMN thread about the Driveline and Restorer postal delivery or should I say, lack of. Beat that horse a little bit more, just a little venting!!

Up front, this is in NO WAY aimed at Eric, Vinnie or any NCRS members that are responsible for publishing and editing either the Restorer or Driveline. EACH OF YOU DO AN OUTSTANDING JOB AND YOUR DEDICATION TO THE NCRS AND THE CORVETTE HOBBY IS SECOND TO NONE!! I'm sure as much complaining as you guys have heard about this you've probably researched it inside and out and done everything within the NCRS's power to get the publications delivered efficiently.

Being a relatively new member I did a search of the archives and noticed the wide range of delivery dates for the Driveline and Restorer has been a subject of topic for quite some time so this problem seems to have been around for awhile. I commend the choice some months ago to add an online link for the Driveline to help out somewhat with late deliveries. That helps to relieve some of the stress for those still waiting for their hard copy.

Exactly what is the problem? I had heard how much bulk mailing there was in each area or zip code had something to do with it. Or the postal service will ONLY deliver daily so much bulk mailing to any one area. Is this right? Also does anyone know what area is actually the first to get the Driveline? Maybe the postal service in THAT area is doing something right and should be followed.

I know it's probably been looked into but how much more would it cost members if mailings were upgraded to another class or is that even possible or feasible?

We live in a small town (pop.450-500) about halfway between St. Louis and Chicago and I know I got my Driveline about 5 days or so after it was reported in St. Louis. It arrived yesterday (Wed. the 28th)

As I mentioned earlier I definitely didn't intend to step on anyones toes, from the chalkboard to the post office you guys are FIRST CLASS!!

Just venting,
Shooter

[Dick W.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

Henry, we share everyone's frustrations. My first terms on the BOD were in the mid '90's. We had the same problems back then, just not as bad and we did not have 15,000+ members then. We have looked into first class (dues would have to be well in excess of $50 to pay for that), we have moved the Restorer from bulk mail to periodical (extra costs) in hopes it would at least speed up the bag mailing, we have just finished a test of "sacking" the mailing (another 15

I just wonder if the PO goes to 5 days a week delivery how much poorer the delivery will get. Progress has really slowed the local mail down here. There are about 6 PO's within a ten mile radius, but the mail between them has to travel over 50 miles, one way, to be sorted. They have trouble delivering next day mail 50 miles away in less than two days. Real progress

[Gary C.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

Shooter, just let me say this about that. After extensive research with USPS as Dick can attest to, the Board has determined that periodicals can be processed and/or delivered whenever a bulk mail center, central post office, local post office or carrier decides to. They all decide on a daily processing/delivery volume; how much or how many periodicals they are going to process or deliver. Did you know your local carrier can decide how many periodicals they deliver each day. The Board tried going to mail sacks versus pallets and they made little if any differences. I personally spent a total of 2 days plus at the regional post office and bulk mail center in my area and discussed this issue and if any improvements could be made with their senior management. What I walked away with is that periodical mailings are subject to be processed when the processing location or mail carrier wants to do so. Don't mean to make harsh statements about USPS, but that's what I was told. Gary....

[Jeff A.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

If NCRS wants to save some money, why not give the members the option of opting out of the hard copy of Driveline in favor of the online version? I'd gladly forego my hard copy, as it is so outdated by the time I receive it that it goes directly into the recyling bin - a waste of paper and postage. Better yet, create an online 'for sale' and 'wanted' listing (with advertising) in lieu of the Driveline. But that's been beaten to death in previous threads (despite this being the 21st century). Just my two cents...

[Don H.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

I know this is out of our control, I have worked in the mail industry for 35 years (not for the USPS). Just for the information, I still do not have mine at a sectional center P.O. Box in Iowa (I think they are mailed in MO). So the mail carrier is not in the equation. Don H.

[Arland D.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

As a little different point of reference and comparison - due to an unusual set of circumstances, our household was receiving two subscriptions to the same magazine (not NCRS) for several years. Sometimes they arrived on the same day and sometimes they arrived several weeks apart. Sometimes subscripton A arrived first and sometimes subscription B arrived first. There doesn't seem to be any clear cut answer or explanation......

[Jake D.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

I have not received mine as of 1/30/09 in north central Illinois.

But then again, nothing works in Illinois anymore!

[Bill M.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

I recieved mine Friday jan 23rd. I agree stop printing the driveline the writing is so small i cannot read it anyway. Use the left over funds to go monthly on the restorer the drive line vendor ads can be included.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

Shooter, just let me say this about that. After extensive research with USPS as Dick can attest to, the Board has determined that periodicals can be processed and/or delivered whenever a bulk mail center, central post office, local post office or carrier decides to. They all decide on a daily processing/delivery volume; how much or how many periodicals they are going to process or deliver. Did you know your local carrier can decide how many periodicals they deliver each day. The Board tried going to mail sacks versus pallets and they made little if any differences. I personally spent a total of 2 days plus at the regional post office and bulk mail center in my area and discussed this issue and if any improvements could be made with their senior management. What I walked away with is that periodical mailings are subject to be processed when the processing location or mail carrier wants to do so. Don't mean to make harsh statements about USPS, but that's what I was told. Gary....

Gary gave as close a description of how the USPS works as your going to get. I worked for five years part time at the local post office. The only mail delivered each day was first class. All other mail is sorted and delivered at the postmasters time table. He gets better reviews and more pay raises if he can cut man hours so mail builds up until a light day when extra junk mail is sorted. If your driveline is sent second class and gets mixed in with the third class which happens all the time it could lay around for weeks. The only junk mail delivered on time was the local grocery store ad that was delivered each Tuesday. It got priority because 150 old ladys would be ringing the postmasters phone if they didn't get their copy.

[Terry D.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

I'm sure this has been considered, but just how much would it cost to send the driveline first class? Just got mine yesterday in Akron Ohio. According to the Restorer it looks like the club has plenty of money to spend, so why not the extra cost for mailing?
The dues could be raised to offset this I would think. Just a thought from a senile old member
Terry

[Joe R.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

Isn't the Driveline mailed several days before the online version is available? I think it would be more fair if it was the other way around (or if they occurred simultaneously). Personally, I could do without the print version. Perhaps a poll of the members is in order.

Joe

[Kenneth H.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

I'm with Jeff, Bill and Joe. I'd opt out of receiving a hardcopy of Driveline in the mail for the option of printing it locally from the online version. However, I won't want to print the entire magazine; just those pages that interest me.

Ken

[Joe R.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

Maybe we could give each member the option to get the e-Driveline instead of the print version. Also, a better way to print Driveline online pages would be helpful.

Joe

[Martin N.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

I have not received mine as of 1/30/09 in north central Illinois.

But then again, nothing works in Illinois anymore!

JAKE-

I live in a little town S.E. of Rockford, IL. and recieved mine approx. 10-12 days ago, I'm thinking that the ex-Govenor of our fine state got your copy.

Marty

[Rick S.]

Re: Driveline/Restorer delivery

Still waiting in suburban Detroit but then again they (USPS) has a hard time delivering my GM credit card bill on a regular basis. Yeah, I know someone is going to pipe in stating they wish they didn't get a bill but that doesn't make it go away.