P.J., you're correct! The USPS is now setting up a tracking service that will be available for customers to track their shipments on-line, just like UPS. Not all areas have it yet, but it will be widely available soon. Your letter carrier will soon be carrying a scanner just like the guy in the brown van. For the price when it comes to sending small packages (like knives!), USPS insured is the way to go. When they have their tracking system set up, that will be even better. UPS is better for the heavy, awkward parcels, as that is really their line of the business. But, for smaller stuff, I go USPS. As for FedEx, they're too expensive and the local office is 40 minutes from my house, too inconvenient. USPS delivers every Saturday as a normal workday, and they even deliver on Sundays if you have an Express Mail package (for no extra charge). Plus, like someone else mentioned above, you can find a USPS office in every little small town USA. Not the same for the other guys. Just my .02 worth! I'll bet Prigger knows why I feel this way...HEHE.