I have several books I sent last month that have been stuck in Federal Way, Washington since 2/25.  I know that facility is the "black hole" of the Northwest.  Is there anything I can do to get them moving.  Has anyone had luck calling a local post office to have them check to see what's up or is that a useless endeavor?

Why do you feel the books are stuck Kate?  All my books go through Federal Way, and I have very good enroute times.  Recently I've noticed fewer enroute scans so it appears the books are still in Federal Way, but in a few days they appear where they belong.  Also, you may wish to enter the DC numbers directly into USPS tracking site, as they sometimes have more complete info than PBS. 

Yes, if you really feel your books are 'stuck' sometimes your local PO will make a phone call.  Take your DC number to the counter and ask.

But remember Kate, if you were using PBS DC (IIRC you promote e-bay) your credit would have already been guaranteed and transferred.

remember media mail works like a standy passenger

if there is no room on the truck the "passengers" have to wait for the next "truck"

that might be the problem

Why do you feel the books are stuck Kate?

Because all the other books I sent on that date (I believe it was more than a dozen), have already been delivered.  And, about half of them went through Federal Way at the same time as this book.  Some books I send go through a sorting center in Portland and some through Federal Way.  I'm not sure what the difference is, probably their ultimate destination.  I have never had a problem with a book making it through Portland and have had several problems with books making their way through Federal Way.

Oh well, there is a downside to sending books with DC.  If I hadn't, I wouldn't be worrying about whether or not it got lost at the sorting facility.

.

i have books go though bell with no problem

all my media books "stop over in that city " :)
 

I think something happened on the 25th in Federal Way.

By George, I think you are right.  My book is now finally on the move again.  This is not the first book I have sent that got stuck at Federal Way.  But, this is by far the longest it has been stuck there!

Heck, I live in FW and my incoming books have gotten here between 4 and 5 calendar days after mailing.  I have not heard of any such problems that affect us locally.  As to outgoing, I don't have enough data to comment yet.

Welcome to PBS David!   I'm in Maple Valley, and we've bunches of members all over the area...Bellevue, Sumner, Everett, Soap Lake, the Penninsula...   I've sent & received hundreds of books Media Mail, and they all go through FW.  Really can't say I've noticed any real problems myself.

ETA - now watch Murphy make a liar of me.  There is one I'm watching, sent several with DC on the 11th.  All show acceptance, and all but one were scanned in FW and have arrived at their destinations.  One lone package just shows acceptance at my PO, and nothing for FW (or anywhere else yet). *keeping fingers crossed*

I just mailed two parcels, one the 5th and the other the 8th of March.  Both books never showed up in the system until delivered.  We are now sending all parcel post and media mail from Oregon to Federal Way.  TPTB have decided this will be easier and cheaper for the Post Office.  Those books took almost two weeks to get where they were going and they used to be there in a week or less.  *SIGH*   We all may have to get used to the slower service, having been spoiled by faster delivery before.  Imagine what will happen if it privatizes?  Small towns will really be in for a surprise at the cost and time, believe me.  And I live in a small town, 4000 people.

Actually Priscilla, privatizing is proven to almost always result in more efficiency at a lower cost.  And I was raised in a town wide spot int he road even smaller than yours!