Here we go again.
Joe, aren't you glad it only comes out 4 times a year?
Try to remember that magazines are shipped as third class bulk. Delivery time totally depends on how far down the USPS chain the bundle gets dropped. A small PO will not be getting a bundle, they will get individual issues from a bulk mail center up the line. The magazines leave the printer in a semi, bulk packed for larger USPS distribution centers around the country. Departure from those centers depend upon volume going out. Third class travels as space is available. That's why the mailing rate is cheaper. When it gets to the smaller Dist center, it again gets broken down and goes down the line as space is available.......
If you live in a larger city, chances are that you will get it sooner than if you live in a small town. You are connected directly to the large dist center.
Here in Glendale, AZ, we are 2 steps from the Dist center. A smaller town like Pinetop is 5 steps.
JimQ