Pio Pico Thousand trails has been charging people $2 PER package when it is delivered to the park. This practice always bothered me. Why the charge? Where does the cash go? If one order on Amazon comes in two different packages, then you pay for two $2 fees. There was no real organization, and the board listing names for package pickup was never updated. So one day I asked the office person, Lisa, if I could update the board. She was thrilled. She was additionally impressed that I wrote them so neatly. LOL. When I returned the second day to do it again, she said that I would never have to pay for another package. Sweet! Due to the number of packages that arrive on a regular basis, they began using a shed to house the packages.
For almost the last 2 years, I logged in all packages, organized them for quick and easy pickup. I kept the board updated so people knew if they had a package and how many. I actually enjoyed doing this. Then around the first of Feb 2020, Thousand Trails put in the “Parcel Pending” locker system. People were encouraged to sign up for it at an introductory rate of $15 a year. Since Pio charged people $2 for EVERY package they received here, this would be much cheaper for most of them. The locker system would also be super convenient since they are accessible 24/7!
We were told the Parcel Pending system would be for ALL packages–UPS, FED EX, USPS, etc. I was excited for it to go into effect. Unfortunately, the local Jamul post office (USPS) won’t use the locker system, so the rangers were putting those packages in the shed as before. When I got notified that an Amazon package was delivered via USPS I immediately went and got it. Due to Covid-19, and the activation of the locker system prior to our return in May, I stopped logging in the packages. Then one day in June when I was picking up a package, Ranger Maggie told me she was pretty sure that I had a package yesterday that was sent back. WHAT!?!? Why??? Ranger Laura, spoke up and said that they don’t accept packages anymore if you don’t have Parcel Pending. But I have Parcel Pending! I can’t help it that the USPS won’t use it. We were told that it would include ALL packages! If I could control the method of delivery, I would, but with Amazon it is a surprise. You don’t know how your order will be delivered till you receive tracking info.
Luckily, the Jamul post office still had my package in a pile of packages that were waiting to be scanned for return. When I went and picked it up I asked why they wouldn’t use the Parcel Pending Lockers at Pio. They said they don’t use any code systems. But they told me I could use their address and just add “General Delivery” to the street address, and they would hold it there for 30-days at no charge! Cool. Looks like that is the answer for all Amazon orders now. It won’t be as convenient as the locker system right in the park, but at least I drive right by the Jamul post office on my way home from playing pickleball several times a week. If it works out well, I will cancel our “subscription” to Parcel Pending.
On Tuesday the following week, I was waiting for an alert from Parcel Pending for a package I thought was coming via UPS only to have Maggie tell me I had a package in the shed which meant USPS delivery! What the heck?? I told her it was supposed to be UPS! This is making me crazy!! Who knew that UPS may have the local post office deliver packages for them!?!? Unless I have previous history of orders from a regular place such as Mercola.com, or I can contact a seller to verify delivery method, I will use the “General Delivery” option at the Jamul Post Office. Packages via UPS or any other delivery shouldn’t be a problem having delivered to the PO either.
We have been using the Jamul Post Office for about 3 weeks now. Today the tracking from an Amazon order showed it was delivered to the post office about 11 AM, but they hadn’t processed it yet when I stopped by at 1 PM. I need to go tomorrow or just wait till Monday. Not a big deal really. Just a bit of a glitch with using General Delivery for all packages, but at least a package isn’t going to be sent back! I think it is time to cancel the Parcel Pending account. General Delivery at the local post office will work for everything, even if it may take an extra day for actual pick-up. General Delivery is a free, yet dependable way we can receive packages while here as well as when we travel. Being able to have mail forwarded and packages delivered is critical when living full time in an RV. Thank you, US Postal Service!