The problem is FedEx nor UPS stocks merchandise. An Amazon fulfillment center does. Twenty Five years ago IBM and FedEx had a deal where they would stock certain parts in Memphis and if you could get your order in before they loaded the plane to your town you could get next day and sometimes even same day service. (usually by 10AM).
Apparently, Amazon has reversed that decision. For now, at least.
My most recent Amazon order was delivered yesterday, Sunday, by USPS.
Also, I don't know how commonplace this is, but in the San Antonio, TX, area civilians can drive out to the Amazon fulfillment center and queue up behind the other retirees, housewives, and teenagers who are doing the same thing. When it's your turn, you pull up to the door and they toss a package into your car and off you go. It's a bit like Uber/Lyft, where you work if and when you want to. As a customer, it meant receiving my orders in usually less than an hour after placing them, but they'd be delivered by someone's mom in her minivan or grandpa in his beat up Ford Ranger pickup.
I asked one lady about the pay and she said it was better than her last job, delivering pizzas, and it allowed her to set her own hours.
We used to see those "contractors" here but now it is that big Mercedes van most of the time.
I think too many little shippers whined about it. UPS and FedEx are equally represented here but in some areas FexEx might be more convenient. It did seem petty and a reach to tell the third parties how to ship.
IIRC, it was only a few days at Christmas when there was concern packages would be delayed. After the holiday deadline they could go back.
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