[mmacvicarprett]

The higher the role in the hierarchy, the more common is for me to see involving the new person as soon as possible, specially if there is a rare opportunity, like participating in an offsite or event that could provide a lot of context and happens close (some weeks before) the starting date. Many the times the new hire himself request it.

Said that, if you are not comfortable doing it, you shouldn't. It would be a warning signal if they make a situation about it. I wouldn't make it a thing of whether you should be compensated or not but in the future I would expect the same consideration when you ask for an hour here and there as well. It is about trust.

The HR and IT things are more common than you believe, shit happens. That might or might not mean that some processes are not working well, just send the feedback. I do not see why you feel obligated to wait for the FedEx package if they did not ask you if you could wait for it. It makes me feel you are not comfortable being candid.