I ordered an item from Amazon recently and it was shipped UPS but delivered by USPS in one day without any extra charge for rapid delivery. Apparently UPS and USPS are collaborating on the delivery end of it.
However, if you have a birthday card properly addressed it may take 7 days to get to the grandkids in Illinois from here in Corpus Christi, Texas. Still trying to figure that with no success. I note that at least two of the suburban post offices here have once a day pick-up in their drive-thrus and next day delivery of a local piece of mail isn’t happening any longer.
Like everything else, times are a changin’ and not always for the better.
I have begun to send email animated cards and emailed gift cards. I pay for them via Paypal or a Paypal MC debit card, so I have protection or I use Amazon or Discover points.
I do a lot of mailed retail items in my business. Only once in 15 years have I had someone not receive it. She said this had happened to her 3x recently. I replaced the item (low price point), but had her give me an alternate address.
Ir had to have been her carrier.
When I have a problem with something I purchased, when it has been via Paypal, the refund is instant.