USPS Package Handling... not the best!!

JUST TO REMOVE ANY MISGUIDED PERCEPTIONS ABOUT THE HANDLING OF OUR BOXES.
I WORKED AS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, FROM THE SUBSTATION IN OUR COUNTY, DELIVERING MAIL AND EXPRESS / PRIORITY BOXES TO OTHER POST OFFICES.
THE MANNER IN WHICH YOUR BOX IS HANDLED HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ITS LABEL OR 'FRAGILE' WARNINGS.
THEY ARE THROWN INTO A BAG AND TOSSED ONTO THE TRUCK PERIOD.... NO GRACE OR SPECIAL HANDLING, BELIEVE ME..
YOUVE HEARD IT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH.
IF THE PLANT IS EXPENSIVE, INSURE IT AND SEND IT EXPRESS, SIGNATURE REQUIRED!

Here is what I was greeted with today by my postal Lady.
I think the world of her, she is a dear and thankfully not responsible for the following.
You would think nothing could escape this damage.
By the grace of God the lil gal was just fine!!

The plant not only survived but was in remarkable condition LOL!!
Here she is after soaking in My shock cocktail and being potted up.
I asked The Good Lord if it were possible to let the root system be ok so I could nurse her back.
When I got to her I couldnt believe my eyes.
She lost about 30% of her roots 2 leaves and maybe 2 small skin patches.
No worse than some of the better boxes that arrive!! LOL!! 8^D

Ouch! I'm glad she is okay, Michael. Listen, when I get a plumie or brug with leaves in the mail, I always cut them off. I do this for two reasons: one, any bugs or spider mites that came along for the ride underneath the leaves are cut off, and, two, it relieves transport/transplant shock. The plant does not have to put forth a lot of energy to keep those leaves hydrated and green. I cut off all but the smallest top leaves, and then I spray the whole stem and remaining leaves with insecticidal soap. That is just my practice and has been for years. The leaves grow back fine and healthy as the root system adjusts to its new home. When I got some grafted plants from FC not too long ago, the leaves had rust on them. Had I left the leaves on, my collection would have been covered in rust as it spread quickly. I'm glad your plumie is okay. Here, I think Priority Mail packages are automatically insured up to $100. I think I would be making a claim if I got a package like that.

I could but I hear collecting on a 'plant' claim is real drudgery.
Im thankful that the plant is ok and happy to end my memory of it there.
Id be steaming mad if it had been damaged
and BTW Im no weeping violet heh.... sharp teeth for sure.
I was considering cutting them off but the whole plant woke up so nicely after the ST bath that I decided to forego it.
I inspected for bugs etc..... 1 resident spider found and mushed.
Im gonna keep her seperated from the rest of the gang for a lil bit yet and watch for ickies*..
I already have a healthy populationj of aphids and Mealies.
They are alll drawn to the brugs so no worries lol!!
Great advice though Clare, thanks! :^)

Michael - that is unbelieveable!!! Amazing that she came out of that mashed box ok. So do I understand by what you said that my writing PLANTS - HANDLE WITH CARE PLEASE - is sorta wasted time? Hmmm? LOL

YUPPER.... STINKS DONT IT?? 8^P

Holy moly! I was feeling like **I** needed some of your Shock Coctail after seeing that picture. I still feel a little lightheaded ;-)

I think that whole "Handle With Care" labelling thing just draws attention to the package and makes it that much more attractive to play soccer with . . .

LOL!! You may be right!!

Well heres the latest update.
I dont feel like typing it all over again so please follow the link.
http://www.mauiplumeriagardens.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6775&st=30
Id appreciate any help from those of you familiar with succulents.
Thanks!!
Michael ;^)

Edited to say: I am defenitly filing a grievence with the USPS.

This message was edited May 28, 2006 3:47 PM