>>http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/tests/which-shipping-company-is-kindest-to-your-packages
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>I had a girlfriend who worked one summer during college at a USPS facility. She said it was pretty appalling. Some of the employees, she said, had not exactly undergone screening with the rigor of FBI applicants. There were some borderline psychos she quickly learned to keep her distance from. She said she witnessed packages being literally thrown against the wall with maximum velocity, just for the pure hell of it. She said when "going postal" became a recognized catch phrase it was no surprise to her.

My dad drove a UPS semi (between Chicago and Madison everyday) and I have a friend who works for the UPS (has for years). According to him, it all depends on the local manager. At holiday time, everything goes to "get the stuff out on time" no matter what. But as for the other stuff (throwing against a wall, etc) those are discharge offenses and if the local manager does his/her job, only happens on the shifts without a good supervisor. Getting the stuff on/off the trucks etc though is crazy - packages flying everywhere. It's surprising that in all the years I've shipped packages, none have arrived damaged! They are rated by their delivery numbers, not gentility... insure your packages!!! :o)