I'm sorry that's happened to you Harlan (and the member who sent the package). USPS is downright in the toilet regarding theft and corruption. Over the last year it's happened to us several times as well. Empty packages, broken contents, and check payments not delivered. It's gotten to the point that on the rare occasion that I need to send a check in the mail, I avoid the USPS and go directly to FedEx. It costs more but it gets there.
Best thing for the country would be for the USPS to get privatized and be forced to compete --