How to receive packages on the road

[TurnThePage]

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!

[MrWizard]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Greyhound is another option that seems to fit your requirements.

[mikebreeze]

Backpackers use the PO General Delivery to receive supplies while hiking. Always get a tracking number for your box. That way, if it gets lost or you can't get to the PO to pick it up, you stand a better chance of getting it back.

[mmiille]

Every campground has an address. We get our packages sent to
sleepy hollow campground,
RV Site xxx.
everywhere, iowa 5xxxx
Works good after you get the mailman and UPS guy trained.

[donn0128]

UPS and FedEx both deliver. I have had a lot of packages delivered right to my camp site. In fact, both will also pick up for a small fee.

[valhalla360]

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.