May I suggest that the last paragraph be sent by several on the list to
the Postmaster General.  USPS does have a web site and means to contact
the administration. Whatever company(ies) which pickup mail contracts
should be required by the PO to continue at least the services already in
place.  Keep in mind that USPS already ships mail on all kinds of
commercial shipping lines including passenger air and truck.

[I haven't done it yet because I have to fire up my graphics browser to do
it, but has anyone else check with the USPS to see whether this is more
than rumor?]

We don't ship bees, but our experience has been just the opposite.  UPS is
good here (Portland, OR) while Fed Ex damages their share. Airborne is the
worst.  I suspect it's a matter of supervision in various regions.

On Thu, 19 Jul 2001, James Ralston wrote:

...

> I don't think the USPS outsourcing its air mail deliveries is bad.  I
> do think, however, that reducing the options for shipping live cargo
> is bad.  If Fedex wants the USPS' air mail business, then they should
> have to carry all of the same types of cargo as the USPS.

---------------
Richard Yarnell, SHAMBLES WORKSHOPS | No gimmick we try, no "scientific"
Beavercreek, OR. Makers of fine     | fix we attempt, will save our planet
Wooden Canoes, The Stack(R) urban   | until we reduce the population. Let's
composter, Raw Honey                | leave our kids a decent place to live.