This isn't actually an RVing question, but I thought it was similar to some RVing scenarios,and that someone here might be in the know. I need to ship some packages to someone that doesn't have a reliable address in a larger city. They don't have their own car either, so would need to rely on public transportation to get to the shipping address. They are obviously on a tight budget. Thoughts or ideas appreciated!

Find out if the closest Post Office to them will accept 'General Delivery'We used 'GD' many times when full timing....but not all Post Offices accept it.Or ship it to closest FED-X/UPS Store that accepts 'pick ups'

If they are staying in a campground call the campground's management and advice that a package is being sent to that person and to receive it and hold it.If this is not possible the United States Post Office works, again try to contact the nearest Post Office's manager and explain the situation and the person that is going to receive the package, that way every one is on the same page. navegator

General delivery is the way as stated by Old-biscuit. We use it exclusively but as tated CALL THE PO FIRST because the postal service has NO CONSISTENCY

I did this one time to a local 7-eleven store for a friend haha.. Worked like a champ... Used to do the same thing wiring a money order to someone.I too called the local 7-eleven store and told them what the plan was...Roy Ken

In the RV context, we look for a place we will be staying at least a couple of weeks, so there is a good window if there is a delay.Do these people have a job? Could they ship to the office? Mail boxes etc..? A friends house? Othersie GD to the post office.Lots of options depending on thier specific needs.

How to receive packages on the road | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

MrWizard
Moderator
Dec 16, 2015
No Way .. would i give them pictures of the back of my card
they want the validation code

find somebody else to do business with
MrWizard
Moderator
Dec 16, 2015
i always use either the USPS aka post office
or
UPS
UPS has stores and drop of receive points all over the USA
not the cheapest, but no cost to the receiver, and IMO the most secure way of doing what you want
pacnw1
Explorer
Dec 15, 2015
Has anyone heard of or tried ipostal1.com? It seems like a good idea and their prices are reasonable, but they just sent me an email asking me to send them a copy of the front and back of my credit card since they coulsn;t verify my info: sounds suspicious. Thoughts?
TangoFox
Explorer
Nov 14, 2015
Amazon also has pick up at delivery drop boxes - they have lockers in some towns and cities and can ship directly to them. No risk of getting lost.
jimpaar
Explorer
Nov 10, 2015
I have used Good Sam Mail Service www.goodsammailservice.com because they will sign for packages and then forward them to my location wherever that might be at the time.
ljr
Nomad
Nov 05, 2015
Naio wrote:
Many towns also have small, private businesses that rent mailboxes, receive and ship UPS, USPS, and Fedex packages, etc. Sometimes they are the best deal and/or most conveniently located.

At a private place you are not limited to only one carrier, the way you are the the PO, or UPS or Fedex store. They normally fo all three plus others.

That used to be true but now both UPS (Surepost) and FedEx (Smartpost) have services that will deliver to USPS General Delivery. I have a UPS Surepost package from Amazon due at the local PO tomorrow.
Naio
Explorer II
Nov 05, 2015
Many towns also have small, private businesses that rent mailboxes, receive and ship UPS, USPS, and Fedex packages, etc. Sometimes they are the best deal and/or most conveniently located.

At a private place you are not limited to only one carrier, the way you are the the PO, or UPS or Fedex store. They normally fo all three plus others.
ljr
Nomad
Nov 05, 2015
BillyW wrote:
Thanks for the info! I wasn't familiar with the General Delivery option. It looks like I can use it with Amazon and other retailers too!

Yes. I do it all the time.
TurnThePage
Explorer
Nov 05, 2015
Thanks for the info! I wasn't familiar with the General Delivery option. It looks like I can use it with Amazon and other retailers too!
kayakcrazy
Explorer
Nov 05, 2015
Greyhound is another option that seems to fit your requirements.