# Amazon has started using No Name Regional Shipping Carriers. It's one big mess. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 13, 2018, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495 "2018-03-13T16:17:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/41 "2018-03-14T19:53:58Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > So, to summarize: > > Nothing has changed in the way Amazon ships things. > Nothing has changed in the way they disclose who is selling & shipping any item you buy, which has always been clearly shown on the product page and again on the order confirmation page. > This was not a “Fulfilled by Amazon” item. > You got good prompt service from a Chinese vendor shipping from China. > China Post is the Chinese national carrier. > > Am I missing anything? How about: It pays to look at the estimated delivery date and not just assume that “in stock” means you’ll get it in 2 days. I added the OP’s cushions to my cart and it says estimated delivery April 4-25 for $17 in shipping charges. Pay a dollar more for “expedited shipping” and get them March 20-23. ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2018, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/42 "2018-03-15T05:48:41Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Did you, tho? If they shipped from China, that means they were fulfilled by the seller. I was under the impression that “Fullfilled by Amazon” meant that while the item was from a third-party seller, it was already sitting in an Amazon warehouse, stateside, ready to be packed and shipped. > … > This thread is already full of a ton of incorrect information. Let’s not continue to lead people astray by falsely equating “Fulfilled by Amazon” with “Shipped directly from China” (which is a real thing, which you experienced). Nope, it originally was “fulfilled by Amazon” and in-stock, and it changed. This is not the first time that’s happened to me. I ordered a relatively cheap mattress from Amazon, and I don’t remember if it was sent by Amazon or fulfilled by Amazon; it definitely did not say it was a third-party seller. And I had previously, like a year before, ordered a similar mattress in a different size. Ordered from Amazon, sent Amazon Prime, delivered within a couple of days. But on this one, the arrival date kept changing and getting further and further out, so I contacted Amazon and eventually ended up with a person on the phone who told me that the item was no longer in stock at Amazon, it might be again, but I would have to cancel that order and put in a new one, at a higher price. Or I could just wait and see if maybe the thing would eventually be shipped to me from whoever it was. (I don’t think it was from China.) I opted to wait, and I eventually got it, a little over two months from the original “delivered” date. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2018, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/43 "2018-03-15T05:56:14Z")
> [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](#): > > I never knew that, thanks! Now I can’t decide if I like the system or not. On the one hand, no mass advertising just stuffed into every letterbox; on the other, things may end up in nonobvious locations… In areas where the mail is delivered at the side of the street, some people have mailboxes with a second compartment for ads and newspapers. Although it often ends up in the middle of the driveway anyways. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2018, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/44 "2018-03-15T16:09:36Z")
> [@Lord\_Feldon](#): > > In areas where the mail is delivered at the side of the street, some people have mailboxes with a second compartment for ads and newspapers. Although it often ends up in the middle of the driveway anyways. :rolleyes: Or the paper ends up in your broken window, or in the giant tire that keeps mysteriously rolling into the street, or on the B-boy who was previously bicycle kicking in the air, or something embedded in the Grim Reaper himself. ---
**Author:** ![Caffeine.addict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f475e1/32.png) [@Caffeine.addict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caffeine.addict)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2018, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/45 "2018-03-15T16:45:18Z")
In my area, Amazon has been using local drivers for a while. One of them came from somebody driving a sedan who walked up to my door, and dropped off the package. Lately, what Amazon does is take a picture of the package on my doorstep. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2018, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/46 "2018-03-15T22:45:04Z")
> [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](#): > > I never knew that, thanks! Now I can’t decide if I like the system or not. On the one hand, no mass advertising just stuffed into every letterbox; I wish! Around here, even UPS and FedEx often take advantage of the “last mile delivery” thing and packages get left at to the PO. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2018, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/47 "2018-03-15T22:51:24Z")
> [@Caffeine.addict](#): > > In my area, Amazon has been using local drivers for a while. One of them came from somebody driving a sedan who walked up to my door, and dropped off the package. Lately, what Amazon does is take a picture of the package on my doorstep. [Amazon Logistics](https://logistics.amazon.com/) ---
**Author:** ![RaftPeople](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@RaftPeople](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RaftPeople)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2018, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/48 "2018-03-16T00:59:05Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > So, to summarize: > > Nothing has changed in the way Amazon ships things. Amazon has introduced two new delivery programs recently-ish, including the “average joe/jane delivers using their car, kind of like uber” program. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2018, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/49 "2018-03-16T01:03:15Z")
> [@RaftPeople](#): > > Amazon has introduced two new delivery programs recently-ish, including the “average joe/jane delivers using their car, kind of like uber” program. Fair point, but this is unrelated to the completely bogus claims in the OP. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2018, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/50 "2018-03-16T01:17:55Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > So, were the cushions attractive and comfy as advertised? > > It’s frustrating waiting for an update. I didn’t think you could send [instruments of torture](https://youtu.be/XnS49c9KZw8?t=38) through the mail. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2018, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/51 "2018-03-16T04:07:17Z")
> [@RaftPeople](#): > > Amazon has introduced two new delivery programs recently-ish, including the “average joe/jane delivers using their car, kind of like uber” program. That’s what I initially read on Amazon’s help page. I even quoted Amazon’s description of the new delivery program later in this thread. That’s what had me so upset. The last thing I want to do is play phone tag trying to contact a local delivery guy with a car. It’s hard enough getting packages from the major carriers. Thankfully that wasn’t the case. The package was with the post office. A fact the Amazon tracking did not indicate. ---
**Author:** ![raventhief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raventhief/32/4_2.png) [@raventhief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raventhief)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2018, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/52 "2018-03-16T04:10:21Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > That’s what I initially read on Amazon’s help page. I even quoted the information later in this thread. > > That’s what had me so upset. The last thing I want to do is play phone tag trying to contact a local delivery guy with a car. > > Thankfully that wasn’t the case. You thought “China Post” was random uber driver in the states? Dude, if you have questions about your shipping, call amazon, or look under help for contact us and use click to call (an agent will call you - quickly!) and ask. Amazon has a whole department dedicated to Amazon Logistics. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2018, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/53 "2018-03-16T04:13:20Z")
Next time I’ll know what China Post means and that I should check for a post office card. Learning is a process eveyone has to go through. The only contact button Amazon offered sent email to the seller. It auto replied there was a two day response for seller replies. It all worked out in the end and I’m pleased with the cushions. ---
**Author:** ![RaftPeople](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@RaftPeople](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RaftPeople)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2018, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/54 "2018-03-17T03:51:37Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > That’s what I initially read on Amazon’s help page. I even quoted Amazon’s description of the new delivery program later in this thread. > > That’s what had me so upset. The last thing I want to do is play phone tag trying to contact a local delivery guy with a car. It’s hard enough getting packages from the major carriers. > > Thankfully that wasn’t the case. The package was with the post office. A fact the Amazon tracking did not indicate. Coincidentally, as I was leaving work yesterday one of these new “average person delivery” people was attempting to deliver a package in the building I work (I helped him find the right elevator). ---
**Author:** ![Not\_a\_Platypus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d26b3c/32.png) [@Not\_a\_Platypus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Not_a_Platypus)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2018, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/55 "2018-03-17T04:21:58Z")
I have a serious love-hate feeling for the “average person delivery” system. I live in a funky old building that is now several apartments but used to be a house, and we share a driveway with another house (which is much more visible than our building). There are a couple of main entrances to the building itself, and the apartment doors are inside. It really throws off unfamiliar delivery people, to the point where if I’m expecting a food delivery I’ll keep an eye out through the front window and my phone nearby for the inevitable confused call. All they need to do is just open the damn door out front, but a lot of them assume it’s someone’s apartment door even though it isn’t marked with any unit numbers, isn’t locked, and typically is partially open. My delivery instructions are pretty detailed these days. So! Amazon’s setup means Sunday deliveries are possible! Great! Except, without fail, I’ll watch the tracking information update from “Out for delivery” to a note about how delivery wasn’t possible because they couldn’t access the delivery location. Every single time. I’d be happy if they would just leave the package out front, like a lot of typical drivers will, or call me when my number is on the package, but they never do. Stop getting my hopes up, Amazon! ☹ ---
**Author:** ![actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2018, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/56 "2018-03-17T05:25:44Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I may have to rethink using Amazon in the future. > > I’ve been left waiting over two weeks for an order of chair cushions. It was supposed to be in stock. Instead the tracking shows it leaving China. > > Two weeks wasted and waiting. Finally! My order status shows a failed delivery attempt by China Post. Never heard of them in my life. There’s nothing on my door or in in my mail. > > I just sent a message to the seller. An auto reply said it may take two days to respond. > > This is a complete farce. I get a message from Amazon informing me they are starting to use regional carriers. Would have been nice to tell us that BEFORE we ordered. > > Fed Ex or UPS is how everyone expects to receive packages. > > Not Any more. > > If this is the new normal, my days of using Amazon may be over. If it’s from Amazon, there isn’t a “seller” to message. So, which is it? Sounds like you are describing a 3rd party seller, not Amazon or even FBA (which is the same as Amazon for shipping). Newsflash - I have sold on Amazon as a 3rd party seller, as a FBA merchant, and even worked as an employee for Amazon. When I was a 3rd party seller Amazon NEVER told me how to ship something. They gave me the order and said “ship this by this date.” There were ranges and vague descriptions and then I chose how to send something. For example, standard shipping for books I used Media Mail. For expedited I used USPS Priority, but there was nothing at all saying I had to use those specific services or any carrier on general. If I agreed to offer Expedited it just had to get there in a certain number of days. And every item I sold showed the origin location. Personally I’ve never bought anything ACTUALLY from Amazon that wasn’t shipped by UPS, USPS, or Fedex, and I can’t tell you how many years it’s been that I bought something that was more than 2 days shipping. As for major carriers, a few days ago UPS tried to deliver an empty box that was supposed to contain a $400 item (not from Amazon but from another big brand many of us use daily). I am glad that the driver alerted me and did not let me sign for it, but apparently one of their employees stole it somewhere in the chain. And now I’m waiting for their investigation while I pay twice for this item (replacement delivered by Fedex). ---
**Author:** ![Wolf333](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf333/32/3460_2.png) [@Wolf333](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolf333)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2018, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495/57 "2018-03-17T05:49:56Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > So, to summarize: > > Nothing has changed in the way Amazon ships things. > Nothing has changed in the way they disclose who is selling & shipping any item you buy, which has always been clearly shown on the product page and again on the order confirmation page. > This was not a “Fulfilled by Amazon” item. > You got good prompt service from a Chinese vendor shipping from China. > China Post is the Chinese national carrier. > > Am I missing anything? You forgot that the page for the given item very clearly states that the item ships from a company that is clearly not Amazon. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-has-started-using-no-name-regional-shipping-carriers-its-one-big-mess/810495.md?page=2)