I’m fortunate that there’s one about 6 blocks away from us.
That would be nice as the FedEx “home” service here is subbed out and many of the packages we get look like they rolled down the mountain on their way.
I’m finding that merchants (Acoustic Sounds, Blue Note Records) are using FedEx SmartPost as a delivery option. Takes forever and FedEx doesn’t provide updates when you ask for them.
Elusive Disc also uses FedEx SmartPost but unlike Acoustic Sounds and Blue Note, they provide both the FedEx and the USPS Media mail tracking information.
I have been receiving more packages delivered by USPS with good results (delivered on time, box in good shape, etc.)
I do not know their package size limitations, but this has been a nice option.
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I have had some pretty large boxes delivered in the mail. Maybe 12" x 18" x 24" or so. We are on a rural route so the carrier will bring them to the door.
I was just cleaning up the pile of stereo related boxes in the basement and was surprised to see how many came via USPS and arrived in perfect condition.
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I, too, have received some good sized boxes via USPS.
My carrier will also bring them to the door. She is great in all respects.
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A few years ago a new cell phone was stuck in Troutdale hell for a week. I had their phone number on speed dial listed under WTF.
It’s so infuriating when something is 30 minutes away and it’s impossible to either pickup or get delivered.
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Do you have a Walgreens nearby?
Yes we do have one here but I have never used them for drop offs or pickups. I dont have a FedEx account so I dont use them for shipping but a lot of businesses use it to send. I’ll have to try and keep that option in mind!
As of 1:30 PM today, FedEx is still saying delivery tomorrow, by close of day. 
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My nearest FedEx drop point (Walgreens) is a mile from my home. It usually adds 47 days to the delivery cycle.
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I don’t see how the Walgreens drop point would make FedEx delivery any better. It’s easier for them, but if a package is stuck in a distro center, floating around in a truck with no destination info in the drivers handheld, or just plain lost, the drop point is no different then the Walgreens 8 blocks from my house.
We have asked the FedEx driver about the Walgreens drop / pickup service and they hate it. They never know what is going to be there to pickup and there seems to be confusion about which packages are supposed to be left there depending on last minute changes by the receiver via software app.
I assume their response did not surprise you based on past experiences.
FedEx drivers are not really the problem.
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10-4 to that (to both of you)
They do have trouble delivering heavy packages without damaging them though. The warning labels on the outside of the box must be written in a foreign language to them.
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The Fedex employees (not contract labor) are much better equipped to handle the larger and more valuable items than the Fedex home contractors are. At least around here.
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My experience with the drivers has been good, they have always been friendly and as helpful as they can personally be. The problem is the systems and processes they unfortunately represent.
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I will add that our normal UPS driver, Jane, is fantastic. She’s been on our route for a few years now. Whenever something is too heavy, I’ve asked her to feel free to ring the doorbell and ask for help. She’s taken my up on this several times.
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It’s funny how something as seemingly simple as a package delivery can drive our emotions. I really think Pre-Amazon, pre-overnight, pre-fast, the USPS really did a remarkable job.