Topic: Fedex

David Steiner, a former FedEx board member, has been appointed as the 77th Postmaster General, sparking concerns about the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service. While Steiner claims he does not support privatization, critics point to his millions in FedEx stock and the potential for reduced rural mail service.

PBS coverage of the USPS reorganization has focused on the potential negative impacts on "last mile" deliveries for e-commerce giants like Amazon. The reporting has been criticized for claiming the USPS is the "only mail service" in some areas, ignoring the existence of private carriers like FedEx and UPS. The discussion highlights the legal protections of the Postal Service, such as mail fraud statutes, that are not applicable to private couriers.

Congressional testimony highlights a significant gap in U.S. Customs oversight, as 43% of import value arrives via air or land where data is not publicly published. The "de minimis" loophole allows over two million packages a day to enter the U.S. from China without meaningful inspection, potentially facilitating the entry of fentanyl and goods produced by forced labor. One host recounts personal experience with the surprisingly low cost of air shipping from China compared to other regions.

Recent near-collisions at airports in Austin and New York have raised alarms about the safety of the U.S. aviation system. In Austin, a FedEx cargo plane nearly landed on a Southwest jet after both were cleared for the same runway by air traffic control. Senator Ted Cruz questioned FAA officials about these lapses, suggesting that a focus on "diversity hires" may be impacting technical proficiency in the tower.

The hosts discuss recent failures in Amazon Prime's guaranteed two-day delivery service. One host notes that multiple orders for computer and audio gear arrived late, despite the Prime subscription fee. They speculate on whether Amazon is engaging in a "bait and switch" regarding delivery times as the company shifts more logistics to its own delivery fleet.

The federal government is launching a pilot program to lower the interstate trucking age from 21 to 18 to address supply chain backlogs. Meanwhile, FedEx has requested FAA permission to equip cargo planes with anti-missile laser systems for flights over contested regions. The hosts discuss these developments as signs of increasing desperation and danger in global logistics.

A "boots on the ground" report from a FedEx warehouse employee reveals that the Memphis central hub is operating at only 55% staffing capacity. This shortage is causing packages to be rerouted through Indiana, costing the company significant money. Despite the strain, the vaccine mandate is reportedly being "slow-rolled" to avoid lawsuits and mass firings, with the expectation that most Christmas packages will still arrive on time.

A massive internet outage on July 22, 2021, affected major companies including FedEx, UPS, Airbnb, and Delta Airlines, as well as 911 emergency lines on the East Coast. The disruption is attributed to a failure at Akamai, a major Content Delivery Network (CDN). The incident highlights the vulnerability of the global internet infrastructure when centralized services fail.

UPS and FedEx are coordinating the massive logistical task of distributing vaccines across the U.S. Each shipment is tracked using Bluetooth devices and real-time monitoring to ensure the sub-freezing temperature is maintained throughout the journey.

Authorities are investigating Roy Den Hollander, a "men's rights" attorney, for the shooting at the home of federal judge Esther Salas that killed her son and wounded her husband. Den Hollander, who later committed suicide, is also linked to the murder of attorney Mark Angelucci in California; both attacks involved a suspect dressed in a FedEx uniform.

The hosts discuss the impact of US tariffs on Chinese goods and the subsequent shift of manufacturing to Vietnam. They share personal observations of furniture and art orders now arriving with "Made in Vietnam" labels. A listener tip suggests that while manufacturing is moving to Vietnam, some companies are using Malaysia as a "P.O. Box" to circumvent trade restrictions and shipping costs.

The privacy implications of Ring doorbell cameras are discussed, specifically the "open pipeline" of data provided to law enforcement agencies. The hosts debate the trade-off between security and surveillance, noting that criminals can also potentially exploit these streams. An anecdote is shared about a delivery driver refusing to ring a doorbell to avoid being recorded.

Shipping carriers including UPS, FedEx, and the U.S. Postal Service are projected to deliver over one billion packages during the 2017 holiday season. Volume has increased 50% over normal levels, driven by a 30-40% year-over-year growth in e-commerce. Reports also note a rise in "porch pirates" stealing deliveries, leading some homeowners to install booby traps involving mouse traps or blank shotgun shells.

The hosts discuss the surge of synthetic fentanyl being shipped directly from China to U.S. consumers via postal services and private couriers like FedEx. They note that many small products ordered through Amazon are shipped directly from China with low shipping costs. Law enforcement has reportedly discovered significant quantities of contraband fentanyl in packages arriving from China Post.

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter proposes a "talent exchange" program between the Pentagon and private companies like Amazon and FedEx. The hosts speculate that this is a strategy to recruit skilled engineers and hackers who might otherwise be disqualified from government service due to drug use or lifestyle choices.

A letter from a retired postal worker explains that the USPS crisis is driven by a unique requirement to pre-fund retiree health benefits 75 years in advance. The hosts argue this is a manufactured crisis designed to facilitate privatization by companies like FedEx and UPS, allowing the federal government to skim postal revenue into the general fund.

A clip from the sitcom "Two Broke Girls" is used to highlight anti-post office propaganda in media. The hosts compare the actual costs of overnight shipping, noting that the United States Postal Service is significantly cheaper than private carriers like FedEx.

Adam Curry discusses his "Media Assassin" branding and the use of No Agenda business cards. A listener update clarifies that the allergy medication Allegra is now available over-the-counter, significantly reducing its price. Additionally, a report mentions FedEx drivers are prohibited from taking the smoking cessation drug Chantix due to its potential psychiatric side effects.

President Barack Obama addressed the nation regarding "apparent" explosives found in printer toner cartridges shipped from Yemen. The hosts analyze discrepancies in the story, noting that UPS does not fly out of Yemen and questioning the technical feasibility of the alleged cell-phone-triggered detonators.

The grounding of flights is viewed as a potential catalyst for promoting high-speed rail infrastructure, with mentions of Chinese contracts to build bullet trains in California. The economic fallout extends beyond passengers to include massive backlogs in mail and freight logistics for companies like FedEx. Predictions suggest the crisis will be used to argue that aviation is unreliable compared to rail transport.