Editing United States Postal Service (section)

== How delivery services work ==
=== Elements of addressing and preparing domestic mail ===
{{See also|Address#United States}}

All mailable articles (e.g., letters, flats, machinable parcels, irregular parcels, etc.) shipped within the United States must comply with an array of standards published in the USPS Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pe.usps.com/DMM300 |title=Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service |date=2024-04-01 |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=Domestic Mail Manual {{!}} Postal Explorer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721164927/https://pe.usps.com/DMM300 |archive-date=2024-07-21 |url-status=live |publisher=[[USPS]]}}</ref> Before addressing the mailpiece, one must first comply with the various mailability standards relating to attributes of the actual mailpiece such as: minimum/maximum dimensions<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/101.htm |title={{nowrap|§101}}: Physical Standards |date=2024-04-01<!-- The main page, https://pe.usps.com/DMM300, states the site was last updated on this date. --> |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=Domestic Mail Manual {{!}} Postal Explorer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508163155/https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/101.htm |archive-date=2024-05-08 |url-status=live |publisher=[[USPS]]}}</ref> and weight, acceptable mailing containers, proper mailpiece sealing/closure, utilization of various markings, and restrictions relating to various hazardous (e.g., explosives, flammables, etc.) and restricted (e.g., cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, etc.) materials, as well as others articulated in §&nbsp;601 of the DMM.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm |title={{nowrap|§601}}: Mailability |date=2024-04-01<!-- The main page, https://pe.usps.com/DMM300, states the site was last updated on this date. --> |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=Domestic Mail Manual {{!}} Postal Explorer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408233638/https://pe.usps.com/text/DMM300/601.htm |archive-date=2024-04-08 |url-status=live |publisher=[[USPS]]}}</ref>

Mail going to naval vessels is known as the [[Military mail|Fleet Post Office]] (FPO) and to Army or Air Force installations use the city abbreviation APO (Army Post Office or Air Force Post Office).

Undeliverable mail that cannot be readily returned, including mail without a return address, is treated as [[dead mail]] at a Mail Recovery Center in [[Atlanta]], Georgia or [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]].

[[File:UseZipCode.JPG|thumb|Sticker promoting ZIP Code use]]

The USPS maintains a list of proper abbreviations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official USPS Abbreviations |url=https://www.usps.com/send/official-abbreviations.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728013026/https://www.usps.com/send/official-abbreviations.htm |archive-date=2014-07-28 |access-date=November 10, 2024}}</ref>

The format of a return address is similar. Though some [[style manual]]s recommend using a comma between the city and state name when typesetting addresses in other contexts, for optimal automatic character recognition, the Post Office does not recommend this when addressing mail. The official recommendation is to use all upper case block letters with proper formats and abbreviations, and leave out all punctuation except for the [[hyphen]] in the ZIP+4 code. If the address is unusually formatted or illegible enough, it will require hand-processing, delaying that particular item. The USPS publishes the entirety of their postal addressing standards.<ref>[http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub28/welcome.htm USPS postal addressing standards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050828111410/http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub28/welcome.htm |date=August 28, 2005}}. Pe.usps.gov. Retrieved July 8, 2011.</ref>

[[Postal address verification]] tools and services are offered by the USPS and third-party companies to help ensure mail is deliverable by fixing formatting, appending information such as ZIP Code and validating the address is a valid [[Postal address verification#Delivery Point Validation|delivery point]]. Customers can look up ZIP Codes and verify addresses using USPS Web Tools available on the official USPS website and Facebook page, as well as on third-party sites.<ref name="Zip Lookup">{{cite web|title=Zip|url=https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction_input|publisher=USPS|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222044440/https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction_input|archive-date=December 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Delivery Point Validation ====
Delivery Point Validation (DPV) provides the highest level of address accuracy checking. In a DPV process, the address is checked against the AMS data file to ensure that it exists as an active delivery point.<ref name="Delivery Point Validation">{{cite web|title=2004 Comprehensive Statement on Postal Operations Chapter 2 Postal Operations|url=https://about.usps.com/strategic-planning/cs04/chp2-027.html|publisher=USPS|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916155826/https://about.usps.com/strategic-planning/cs04/chp2-027.html|archive-date=September 16, 2016|url-status=live}} 2004 Comprehensive Statement on Postal Operations Chapter 2 Postal Operations</ref> The USPS provides DPV on their website as part of the ZIP Code Lookup tool; there are also companies that offer services to perform DPV in bulk.

=== Paying postage ===
Postage can be paid via:<ref>[http://www.usps.com/all/postagepayoptions/welcome.htm USPS.com]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723224356/http://www.usps.com/all/postagepayoptions/welcome.htm |date=July 23, 2011}}. USPS.com (November 26, 2008). Retrieved July 8, 2011.</ref>
* Stamps purchased online at usps.com, at a post office, from a stamp vending machine or "Automated Postal Center" which can also handle packages, or from a third party (such as a grocery store)
* [[Precancel|Pre-cancelled stamps]] for bulk mailings<ref>[http://www.usps.com/send/postagepermitimprintsandmeters/precancelledstamps.htm USPS.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701060911/http://www.usps.com/send/postagepermitimprintsandmeters/precancelledstamps.htm |date=July 1, 2011}}. USPS.com (November 26, 2008). Retrieved July 8, 2011.</ref>
* Postal meter
* Prepaid envelope
* Shipping label purchased online and printed by the customer on standard paper (e.g., with [[Click-N-Ship]], or via a third-party such as [[PayPal]] or [[Amazon.com|Amazon shipping]])

All unused [[U.S. postage stamps]] issued since 1861 are still valid as postage at their indicated value. [[Non-denominated postage|Non-denominated stamps]] and those with values denominated by a letter are "valid at the original prices of issue".<ref>{{cite web |title=Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service |url=https://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/dmmtoc.pdf |publisher=United States Postal Service |access-date=18 February 2025 |date=9 January 2025}}</ref> Additionally, ''Forever Stamps'' have been sold since 2007, which will always be valid for First-Class Mail up to {{convert|1|oz|g}}, regardless of rate changes.<ref>[http://www.usps.com/prices/ New Prices Coming May 12, 2008] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804055646/http://www.usps.com/prices/ |date=August 4, 2015}}. Usps.com (November 26, 2008). Retrieved July 8, 2011.</ref> In 2011, all first-class one ounce stamps, except for those sold in select coil sizes, "became forever stamps".<ref>{{cite web |title=Forever Stamp Fact Sheet |url=https://about.usps.com/news/fact-sheets/forever-stamp-facts.htm |publisher=United States Postal Service |access-date=18 February 2025}}</ref>

The cost of mailing a {{convert|1|oz|abbr=on}} First-Class letter increased to 73 cents on July 14, 2024.<ref name="Notice 123" /><ref name="cbs-73">{{cite web |last1=Gibson |first1=Kate |title=Stamp prices poised to rise again, for the 2nd time this year  |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usps-prices-increase-forever-stamp-2024/ |website=CBS News |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=3 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003234410/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usps-prices-increase-forever-stamp-2024/ |archive-date=3 October 2024 |date=10 April 2024}}</ref>

==== Postage meters ====
{{Main|Postage meter}}
A postage meter is a mechanical device used to create and apply physical evidence of postage (or franking) to mailed matter. Postage meters are regulated by a country's postal authority; for example, in the United States, the United States Postal Service specifies the rules for the creation, support, and use of postage meters. A postage meter imprints an amount of postage, functioning as a postage stamp, a cancellation and a dated postmark all in one. The meter stamp serves as proof of payment and eliminates the need for adhesive stamps.

==== PC Postage ====
In addition to using standard stamps, postage can now be printed in the form of an electronic stamp, or e-stamp, from a personal computer using a system called [[Information Based Indicia]]. This online PC Postage method relies upon application software on the customer's computer contacting a postal security device at the office of the postal service.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |first=Henk C. A. |last=van Tilborg |year=2005 |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of cryptography and security |title=Electronic Postage |publisher=Springer |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m-9Zj-e-HDsC&pg=PA177 |isbn=978-0-387-23473-1 |access-date=November 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102035351/https://books.google.com/books?id=m-9Zj-e-HDsC&pg=PA177 |archive-date=January 2, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Other electronic postage payment methods ===
=== International services ===
[[File:FDA and the International Mail Facilities (IMFs) (40886549732).jpg|thumb|Packages awaiting inspection at the International Mail Facility in JFK airport]]

In May 2007, the USPS<ref>{{Cite news |title=United States Postal Service |url=https://www.nytimes.com/topic/organization/united-states-postal-service |access-date=2024-12-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> restructured international service names to correspond with domestic shipping options. Formerly, USPS International services<ref>{{cite web|title=International Delivery Options |url=http://www.usps.com/international/deliveryoptions.htm |publisher=USPS |access-date=September 29, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918144922/http://www.usps.com/international/deliveryoptions.htm |archive-date=September 18, 2010}}</ref> were categorized as Airmail (Letter Post), Economy (Surface) Parcel Post, Airmail Parcel Post, Global Priority, Global Express, and Global Express Guaranteed Mail. The former Airmail (Letter Post) is now First-Class Mail International,<ref>[http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/immc2_019.htm USPS International Mail Manual, Issue 35] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121014142/http://pe.usps.gov./text/Imm/immc2_019.htm |date=November 21, 2008}}. Pe.usps.gov. Retrieved July 8, 2011.</ref><ref>[https://www.usps.com/international/first-class-mail-international.htm First-Class Mail International]. USPS (November 26, 2008). Retrieved July 8, 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609095309/https://www.usps.com/international/first-class-mail-international.htm |date=June 9, 2015}}</ref> and includes small packages weighing up to {{convert|4|lb|kg|spell=in}}. Economy Parcel Post was discontinued for international service, while Airmail Parcel Post was replaced by Priority Mail International. Priority Mail International Flat-Rate packaging in various sizes was introduced, with the same conditions of service previously used for Global Priority. Global Express is now Express Mail International, while Global Express Guaranteed is unchanged. The international mailing classes with a tracking ability are Express, Express Guaranteed, and Priority (except that tracking is not available for Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes or Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Boxes).<ref>[https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input USPS.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231155147/https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input |date=December 31, 2015}}. Retrieved November 16, 2010.</ref>

One of the major changes in the updated naming and services definitions is that USPS-supplied mailing boxes for Priority and Express mail are allowed for international use. These services are offered to ship letters and packages to almost every country and territory on the globe. The USPS provides much of this service by contracting with a private parcel service, [[FedEx]].<ref>[http://www.usps.com/communications/news/press/2004/pr04_040.htm USPS press release, June 8, 2004, Release No. 40, FedEx to deliver premium postal int'l service] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508202413/http://www.usps.com/communications/news/press/2004/pr04_040.htm |date=May 8, 2009}}. Retrieved October 10, 2007.</ref>

[[File:M-bag Asendia.jpg|thumb|upright|An m-bag]]
The USPS provides an '''{{visible anchor|M-bag}}'''<ref>Styling for "M-bag" is inconsistent – the term is styled both as ''M-bag'' (with a [[hyphen]]) and ''M–bag'' (with an [[en-dash]]).</ref> service for international shipment of [[printed matter]];<ref name="Olivia">Postal Explorer>IMM Issue 37 – International Mail Manual > 2 Conditions for Mailing > [http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc2_026.htm 260 Direct Sacks of Printed Matter to One Addressee (M–bags)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817133102/http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc2_026.htm |date=August 17, 2016}}</ref> previously surface M-bags existed, but with the 2007 elimination of surface mail, only airmail M-bags remain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.customercares4u.com/2019/05/post-office-hours-usps.html|date=May 31, 2019|title=USPS Working Hour|access-date=May 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531094017/https://www.customercares4u.com/2019/05/post-office-hours-usps.html|archive-date=May 31, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The term "M-bag" is not expanded in USPS publications; M-bags are simply defined as "direct sacks of printed matter ... sent to a single foreign addressee at a single address";<ref name="Olivia" /> however, the term is sometimes referred to informally as "media bag", as the bag can also contain "discs, tapes, and cassettes", in addition to books, for which the usual umbrella term is "media"; some also refer to them as "mail bags".

[[Military mail]] is billed at domestic rates when being sent from the United States to a military outpost, and is free when sent by deployed military personnel. The overseas logistics are handled by the [[Military Postal Service Agency]] in the Department of Defense.<ref>[http://about.usps.com/publications/pub640/pub640_tech.htm USPS FAQ – Mailing to military personnel]. about.usps.com. Retrieved July 8, 2011.{{cbignore}}</ref> Outside of forward areas and active operations, military mail First-Class takes 7–10 days, Priority 10–15 days, and Parcel Post about 24 days.<ref name="usps_times">[http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb:USPSFAQ&view%28%29=c{12adaeb0-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000} USPS FAQ – Domestic Classes of Mail Estimated Delivery Time] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410072503/http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb:USPSFAQ&view()=c%7B12adaeb0-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000%7D |date=April 10, 2013}}</ref>

Three independent countries with a [[Compact of Free Association]] with the U.S. ([[Palau]], the [[Marshall Islands]], and the [[Federated States of Micronesia]]) have a special relationship with the United States Postal Service:
* Each associated state maintains its own government-run mail service for delivery to and pickup from retail customers.<ref name="doi" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mipsa.biz/ |title=Under Construction |publisher=Mipsa.biz |access-date=June 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217134938/http://mipsa.biz/ |archive-date=December 17, 2014}}</ref><ref name="fsmgov">{{cite web |url=http://www.fsmgov.org/info/com.html |title=FSM Communications |publisher=Government of the Federated States of Micronesia |access-date=June 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924015802/http://www.fsmgov.org/info/com.html |archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref>
* The associated states are integrated into the USPS addressing and ZIP Code system.
* The USPS is responsible for transporting mail between the United States and the associated states,<ref name="doi">{{cite web |url=https://www.doi.gov/ocl/hearings/112/USandPalauAgreement_113011 |title=U.S. and Palau Agreement |publisher=US Department of the Interior |date=November 30, 2011 |access-date=June 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906050558/https://www.doi.gov/ocl/hearings/112/USandPalauAgreement_113011 |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> and between the individual states of the Federated States of Micronesia.<ref name="fsmgov" />
* The associated states synchronize postal services and rates with the USPS.
* The USPS treats mail to and from the associated states as domestic mail.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kolonia.usembassy.gov/2007-10.html |title=USPS Domestic Mail Service Returns to the FSM and RMI |publisher=US Embassy in Kolonia |date=November 5, 2007 |access-date=June 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721223927/http://kolonia.usembassy.gov/2007-10.html |archive-date=July 21, 2015}}</ref> Incoming mail does require customs declarations because, like some U.S. territories, the associated states are outside the main [[customs territory of the United States]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pe.usps.com/FRN/Customs_Labels_Requirements_final.pdf |title=New Customs Declarations Label Requirements|website=Postal Explorer - USPS |access-date=April 14, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227192356/http://pe.usps.com/FRN/Customs_Labels_Requirements_final.pdf |archive-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref>
The U.S. Postal Service has suspended shipments from China and Hong Kong after the de minimis provision was ended, which allowed duty-free shipments for low-value goods. E-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu are adjusting to the new tariffs and increased scrutiny by expanding U.S. warehouses and diversifying product sourcing.<ref>{{cite news|last1=James|first1=Pomfret|last2=Lisa|first2=Barrington|last3=Hall |first3=Casey |title=US Postal Service suspends inbound parcels from China, Hong Kong
|date=5 January 2025 | work=Independent |url= https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-postal-service-suspends-incoming-packages-china-hong-kong-2025-02-05/ |access-date=6 January 2025}}</ref>

==== Discontinuation of international surface mail ====

{{For|more information about surface mail|Surface mail}}
{{#section:Surface mail|USA}}

=== Sorting and delivery process ===
[[File:USPS mail flow through national infrastructure.svg|thumb|upright=1.3|Mail flow through national infrastructure, as of 2005]]

Processing of standard sized envelopes and cards is highly automated, including reading of handwritten addresses. Mail from individual customers and public USPS mailboxes is collected by letter carriers into plastic tubs, which are taken to one of approximately 251 '''Processing and Distribution Centers''' ('''P&DCs''') across the United States. Each P&DC sorts mail for a given region (typically with a radius of around {{convert|200|mi}}) and connects with the national network for interregional mail.<ref name="bard"> Direct Marketing Direct Mail. Allbusiness.com. Retrieved July 8, 2011 from {{cite web|title=Equipment Scheduling at Mail Processing and Distribution Centers|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/marketing/direct-marketing-direct-mail/316648-1.html |access-date=April 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311080413/http://www.allbusiness.com/marketing/direct-marketing-direct-mail/316648-1.html |archive-date=March 11, 2008}}</ref>

Since the late 20th century, the USPS has been reducing [[Point-to-point transit|point-to-point links]] in favor of a [[spoke-hub distribution paradigm]], with sorting work tightly concentrated at the hubs. During the 2010s, the USPS consolidated mail sorting for large regions into the P&DCs on the basis that most mail is addressed to faraway destinations,<ref name="Wade">{{cite news|last1=Wade|first1=Madison|title=Changes announced for Redding mail processing center|url=http://www.krcrtv.com/news/changes-announced-for-redding-mail-processing-center_20160513173556232/11098437|access-date=January 19, 2017|work=KRCR News Channel ABC 7|publisher=Bonten Media Group|location=Redding|date=April 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131193446/http://www.krcrtv.com/news/changes-announced-for-redding-mail-processing-center_20160513173556232/11098437|archive-date=January 31, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> but for cities at the edge of a P&DC's region, this means all locally addressed mail must travel long distances (that is, to and from the P&DC for sorting) to reach nearby addresses.<ref name="Benda">{{cite news|last1=Benda|first1=David|title=Mail sorting facility will close; move will affect 90 jobs in Redding|url=http://archive.redding.com/news/mail-sorting-facility-to-close-move-will-affect-90-jobs-in-redding-ep-375253774-354500461.html|access-date=January 19, 2017|work=Redding Record-Searchlight|date=February 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131195039/http://archive.redding.com/news/mail-sorting-facility-to-close-move-will-affect-90-jobs-in-redding-ep-375253774-354500461.html|archive-date=January 31, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the P&DC, mail is emptied into hampers which are automatically dumped into a Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS). As mail travels through the DPRCS, large items, such as packages and mail bundles, are removed from the stream. As the remaining mail enters the first machine for processing standard mail, the [[Advanced Facer-Canceler System]] (AFCS), pieces that passed through the DPRCS but do not conform to physical dimensions for processing in the AFCS (e.g., large envelopes or overstuffed standard envelopes) are automatically diverted from the stream. Mail removed from the DPRCS and AFCS is manually processed or sent to parcel sorting machines.

In contrast to the previous system, which canceled and postmarked the upper right corner of the envelope, thereby missing any stamps which were inappropriately placed, the AFCS locates [[Indicia (philately)|indicia]] (stamp or metered postage mark) regardless of the orientation of the mailpiece as it enters the machine, and cancels it by applying a [[postmark]]. Detection of indicia enables the AFCS to determine the orientation of each mailpiece and sort it accordingly. The AFCS rotates and flips over mailpieces as needed, so all mail is sorted right-side up and faced in the same direction in each output bin.

Mail is sorted by the AFCS into three categories: mail already affixed with a [[bar code]] and addressed (such as business reply envelopes and cards); mail with machine printed (typed) addresses; and mail with handwritten addresses.

Mail with typed addresses goes to a [[Multiline Optical Character Reader]] (MLOCR) which reads the ZIP Code and address information and prints the appropriate bar code onto the envelope (formerly POSTNET, later Intelligent Mail). Mail with handwritten addresses and illegible typed addresses is diverted from the mailstream to the [[Remote Bar Coding System]] (RBCS). Images of such mailpieces are transmitted through RBCS to the [[Remote Encoding Center]], where humans ([[data entry clerk]]s) read each image and type in the most likely address. Each mailpiece held for RBCS processing is sprayed with an ID Tag, a [[fluorescent]] bar code. When address data comes back from the Remote Encoding Center, RBCS uses the ID Tag bar code to identify the corresponding mailpiece and prints the appropriate bar code, then returns the mailpiece to the mailstream.

Processed mail is imaged by the [[Mail Isolation Control and Tracking]] (MICT) system to allow easier tracking of hazardous substances. Images are taken at more than 200 mail processing centers, and are destroyed after being retained for 30 days.<ref name="WaPo_confirm">{{cite news |first=Andrew |last=Miga |url=https://news.yahoo.com/ap-interview-postal-takes-photos-mail-keeps-images-074323981.html |publisher=[[Yahoo! News]] |title=AP Interview: Postal Service takes photos of all mail, keeps images for up to a month |date=August 2, 2013 |access-date=April 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419020929/http://news.yahoo.com/ap-interview-postal-takes-photos-mail-keeps-images-074323981.html |archive-date=April 19, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

If a customer has filed a change of address card and his or her mail is detected in the mailstream with the old address, the mailpiece is sent to a machine that automatically connects to a Computerized Forwarding System database to determine the new address. If this address is found, the machine will paste a label over the former address with the current address and the appropriate bar code. The mail is returned to the mailstream to be forwarded to the addressee's new location.

Mail with addresses that cannot be read and bar coded by any of the foregoing automated systems is separated for human intervention. Local postal workers can read the address and manually codes and sorts mail according to the ZIP Code on the article. If the address still cannot be read, mail is either returned to the sender (First-Class Mail with a valid return address) or is sent to the Mail Recovery Center in Atlanta, Georgia (formerly known as the [[dead letter office]]). At this office, the mail is opened to try to find an address to forward to. If an address is found, the contents are resealed and delivered. Otherwise, the items are held for 90 days in case of inquiry by the customer; if they are not claimed, they are either destroyed or auctioned off at the monthly Postal Service Unclaimed Parcel auction to raise money for the service.

Once the mail is bar coded, it is automatically sorted by a [[delivery bar code sorter|Delivery Bar Code Sorter]] (DBCS) that reads the bar code, identifies the destination of the mailpiece, and sends it to an appropriate tray that corresponds to the next segment of its journey.

There are necessarily two P&DCs for every domestic mailpiece which correspond to the regions in which the sender and recipient are located. The USPS calls these, respectively, the origin and destination P&DCs.<ref>See, e.g., [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-39/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-121 39 CFR 121.1 et seq.]</ref> Mail for which they are the same (because the senders are located in the same region as the recipients) is either trucked to the appropriate local post office, or kept in the building for carrier routes served directly from the P&DC itself. Out-of-region mail is trucked to the closest airport and then flown, usually as baggage on commercial airlines, to the airport nearest the destination station. At the destination P&DC, mail is again read by a DBCS which sorts items to local post offices; this includes grouping mailpieces by individual letter-carrier route.

At the carrier route level, 95% of letters arrive pre-sorted;<ref name="bard" /> the remaining mail must be sorted by hand. In 2009, the Post Office was working to increase the percentage of automatically sorted mail, including a pilot program to sort "flats".<ref>USPS.com. Retrieved July 8, 2011 from {{cite web|url=http://www.usps.com/strategicplanning/cs08/chpt4_pg46.htm|title=Comprehensive Statement on Postal Operations 2008|access-date=March 31, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508211032/https://www.usps.com/strategicplanning/cs08/chpt4_pg46.htm|archive-date=May 8, 2009}}</ref>

FedEx provides air transport service to USPS for Priority and Express Mail. Priority Mail and Express Mail are transported from Priority Mail processing centers to the closest FedEx-served airport, where they are handed off to FedEx. FedEx then flies them to the destination airport and hands them back to USPS for transport to the local post office and delivery.

After consolidating sorting work into the P&DCs, the USPS in August 2022 initiated a pilot program to consolidate delivery work into '''Sorting and Delivery Centers (S&DCs)'''. As of 2022, the USPS was still running "delivery units" out of most of its post offices, meaning that most carrier routes were based at post offices and there were dozens of delivery units in each [[Metropolitan statistical area|metropolitan area]]. The USPS planned to merge many delivery units in each metropolitan area into S&DCs, which implied that many letter carriers would have to endure longer commutes to S&DCs and drive longer delivery routes, while many post offices would be reduced to retail stores with no back-end mail processing capability on site. However, the USPS hoped to save money on the trucking fleet moving mail between its facilities.<ref name="Katz2">{{cite news |last1=Katz |first1=Eric |title=USPS Lists Hundreds of Post Offices and Other Facilities Where It Will Consolidate Operations |url=https://www.govexec.com/management/2022/08/usps-lists-hundreds-post-offices-facilities-consolidate-operations/376385/ |access-date=March 26, 2023 |work=Government Executive |date=August 26, 2022}}</ref> A 2023 audit by the USPS inspector general found that the facilities selected to serve as the initial S&DCs were operating smoothly and functioning as expected, but criticized the USPS for immediately consolidating workers into the S&DCs before they had been upgraded with adequate amenities like restrooms, break rooms, and locker rooms appropriately sized for such large numbers of employees.<ref name="Katz">{{cite news |last1=Katz |first1=Eric |title=New, consolidated USPS facilities are operating smoothly, but not yet delivering on improved working conditions |url=https://www.govexec.com/management/2023/09/new-consolidated-usps-facilities-are-operating-smoothly-not-yet-delivering-promise-improved-working-conditions/390307/ |access-date=December 16, 2023 |work=Government Executive |date=September 14, 2023}}</ref>

{{anchor|United States post office building}}

==== Types of postal facilities ====
{{main|List of United States post offices}}
[[File:OldPostOfficeTomahWI.JPG|thumb|Historic main post office in [[Tomah, Wisconsin]]]]
[[File:LongPointStationHouston.JPG|thumb|A typical post office station in the [[Spring Branch, Houston|Spring Branch]] area of [[Houston]], Texas]]<!--Used to show the new "generic" post offices-->
[[File:Galveston Federal Building 2009.jpg|thumb|A combined [[Galveston United States Post Office and Courthouse|Post Office, Customs House, and Federal Court House]] in [[Galveston, Texas]]]]<!--Photo used to show example of post offices that are tenants in other governmental buildings-->
[[File:Halibut Cove Post Office.jpg|thumb|Floating post office, [[Halibut Cove, Alaska]]]]
[[File:Wheeler-springs-smallest-post-office-in-america.png|thumb|right|220px|[[Wheeler Springs, California|Wheeler Springs, CA]] was home to the smallest post office in the U.S.]]
Although its retail postal facilities are called post offices in regular speech, the USPS recognizes several types of postal facilities, including the following:
* A '''main post office''' (formerly known as a '''general post office''') is the primary postal facility in a community.
* A '''station''' or '''post office station''' is a postal facility that is not the main post office, but that is within the corporate limits of the community.
* A '''branch''' or '''post office branch''' is a postal facility that is not the main post office and that is outside the corporate limits of the community.
* A '''classified unit''' is a station or branch operated by USPS employees in a facility owned or leased by the USPS.
* A '''contract postal unit''' (or '''CPU''') is a station or branch operated by a contractor, typically in a store or other place of business.<ref name="glossary" />
* A '''community post office''' (or '''CPO''') is a contract postal unit providing services in a small community in which other types of post office facilities have been discontinued.
* An '''approved shipper''' is an independent shipping business licensed to use certain USPS branding and signage, but which does not receive any financial compensation from USPS and may opt to charge higher rates for postage. Approved Shippers may also accept packages for other carriers such as UPS or FedEx.<ref>{{cite web |title=Approved Postal Provider Programs |url=https://about.usps.com/suppliers/becoming/approved-postal-provider-programs.htm |publisher=USPS |access-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308142338/https://about.usps.com/suppliers/becoming/approved-postal-provider-programs.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* A '''finance unit''' is a station or branch that provides window services and accepts mail, but does not provide delivery.
* A '''village post office''' ('''VPO''') is an entity such as a local business or government center that provides postal services through a contract with the USPS. First introduced in 2011 as an integral part of the USPS plan to close low volume post offices, village post offices will fill the role of the post office within a ZIP Code.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/expandedaccess/assets/pdf/vpo-fact-sheet-110726.pdf |title=USPS VPO Fact Sheet |publisher=usps.com |date=July 26, 2011 |access-date=November 17, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005130006/http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/expandedaccess/assets/pdf/vpo-fact-sheet-110726.pdf |archive-date=October 5, 2011}}</ref>
* A '''processing and distribution center''' ('''P&DC''', or '''processing and distribution facility''', formerly known as a '''General Mail Facility''') is a central mail facility that processes and dispatches incoming and outgoing mail to and from a designated service area (251 nationwide).<ref name="bard" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/our-future-network/processing_facility_types.pdf|title=Fact Sheet: Processing Facilities|publisher=United States Postal Service|website=USPS News Kit: Our Future Network|type=PDF|access-date=June 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515062651/http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/our-future-network/processing_facility_types.pdf|archive-date=May 15, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
* A '''[[sectional center facility]]''' ('''SCF''') is a P&DC for a designated geographical area defined by one or more three-digit ZIP Code prefixes.
* An '''international service center''' ('''ISC''') is an international mail processing facility. There are only five such USPS facilities in the continental United States, located in Chicago, New York, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2008/pr08_063.htm |title=USPS Postal News Release No. 08-063 |publisher=usps.com |date=June 5, 2008 |access-date=September 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511115012/http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2008/pr08_063.htm |archive-date=May 11, 2009 }}</ref>
* A '''[[network distribution center]]''', formerly known as a [[bulk mail]] center (BMC), is a central mail facility that processes bulk rate parcels as the hub in a [[hub and spoke network]].
* An '''auxiliary sorting facility''' ('''ASF''') is a central mail facility that processes bulk rate parcels as spokes in a hub and spoke network.
* A '''remote encoding center''' ('''REC''') is a facility at which clerks receive images of problem mail pieces (those with hard-to-read addresses, etc.) via secure Internet-type feeds and manually type the addresses they can decipher, using a special encoding protocol. The mail pieces are then sprayed with the correct addresses or are sorted for further handling according to the instructions given via encoding. The total number of RECs is down from 55 in 1998 to just 1 center in December 2016. The last REC is in [[Salt Lake City]], Utah.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sltrib.com/news/3445651-155/the-first-and-last-of-its|title=The first and last of its kind, a Salt Lake City postal facility looks to grow|last=Piper|first=Matthew|newspaper=[[The Salt Lake Tribune]]|language=en-US|access-date=January 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202054727/http://www.sltrib.com/news/3445651-155/the-first-and-last-of-its|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* A '''remotely managed post office''' ('''RMPO''') is an office with part-time window hours that is staffed by a Postal Service employee but managed remotely by a postmaster at a larger office.
* A '''part-time post office''' ('''PTPO''') is a Post Office that offers part-time window service hours, is staffed by a Postal Service employee, and reports to a district office.<ref>{{cite web |title=Handbook PO-101 Revision: Post Office Organization |url=https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2012/pb22344/html/updt_008.htm |website=about.usps.com |access-date=14 November 2024}}</ref>

While common usage refers to all types of postal facilities as "substations", the USPS Glossary of Postal Terms does not define or even list that word.<ref name="glossary">[http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub32.pdf Publication 32 – Glossary of Postal Terms] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508210619/http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub32.pdf |date=May 8, 2009 }}. (PDF). Retrieved July 8, 2011.</ref> Post Offices often share facilities with other governmental organizations located within a city's central business district. In those locations, often courthouses and federal buildings, the building is owned by the [[General Services Administration]] while the U.S. Postal Services operates as a [[tenement (law)|tenant]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentType=GSA_BASIC&contentId=18257 |website=General Services Administration |title=Texas Federal Buildings:Galveston U.S. Post Office and Courthouse |access-date=December 20, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117075004/http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentType=GSA_BASIC&contentId=18257 |archive-date=November 17, 2009}}</ref> The USPS retail system has approximately 36,000 post offices, stations, and branches.<ref>USPS.com. Retrieved July 8, 2011 from {{cite web|url=http://www.usps.com/strategicplanning/cs08/chpt4_pg38.htm|title=Comprehensive Statement on Postal Operations 2008|access-date=April 5, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509021712/https://www.usps.com/strategicplanning/cs08/chpt4_pg38.htm|archive-date=May 9, 2009}}</ref>

==== Self-Service Kiosks ====
[[File:APC 77598 Webster Texas.jpg|thumb|upright|A 24-hour Automated Postal Center kiosk inside the [[Webster, Texas]] main post office]]In 2004, the USPS began deploying Automated Postal Centers (APCs) at USPS locations.<ref name="APC04">{{cite web |title=Lunewsviews.com |url=http://www.lunewsviews.com/sspcplans.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802031753/http://www.lunewsviews.com/sspcplans.htm |archive-date=August 2, 2012 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |publisher=Lunewsviews.com}}</ref> In the early 2010s, the USPS renamed APCs to '''Self-Service Kiosks''' ('''SSKs''').<ref name="Frost">{{Cite news |last=Frost |first=Mary |date=August 2, 2013 |title=After complaints, DUMBO post office reopens |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2013/08/02/after-complaints-dumbo-post-office-reopens/ |access-date=July 15, 2024 |work=Brooklyn Eagle}}</ref> Self-Service Kiosks are [[automated]] and are able to weigh and mail parcels, letters and flats, renew postal office boxes, and print postage.<ref name="Baadke">{{Cite news |last=Baadke |first=Michael |date=November 5, 2019 |title=U.S. self-service kiosks won't vend new Christmas labels in 2019 |url=https://www.linns.com/news/us-stamps-postal-history/u.s.-self-service-kiosks-won-t-vend-new-christmas-labels-in-2019 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |work=Linns Stamp News}}</ref>

==== Evolutionary Network Development (END) program ====
In February 2006, the USPS announced that they plan to replace the nine existing facility-types with five processing facility-types:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lunewsviews.com/consolidations.htm |title=Lunewsviews.com |publisher=Lunewsviews.com |access-date=July 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324001913/http://www.lunewsviews.com/consolidations.htm |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''Regional Distribution Centers''' ('''RDCs'''), which will process all classes of parcels and bundles and serve as Surface Transfer Centers;
* '''Local Processing Centers''' ('''LPCs'''), which will process single-piece letters and flats and cancel mail;
* '''Destination Processing Centers''' ('''DPC'''), sort the mail for individual letter-carrier route;
* '''Airport Transfer Centers''' ('''ATCs'''), which will serve as transfer points only; and
* '''Remote Encoding Centers''' ('''RECs''').

Over a period of years, these facilities are expected to replace Processing & Distribution Centers, Customer Service Facilities, Bulk Mail Centers, Logistic and Distribution Centers, annexes, the Hub and Spoke Program, Air Mail Centers, and International Service Centers.

The changes are a result of the declining volumes of single-piece First-Class Mail, population shifts, the increase in drop shipments by advertising mailers at destinating postal facilities, advancements in equipment and technology, redundancies in the existing network, and the need for operational flexibility.

The program was ended in early 2007 after an analysis revealed that the significant amount of capital investment required to implement the END network concept would not generate the benefits originally anticipated.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://about.usps.com/postal-act-2006/postal-service-networkplan.htm | title=Postal Accountability And Enhancement Act §&nbsp;302 Network Plan | access-date=May 5, 2020 | archive-date=May 23, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523105341/https://about.usps.com/postal-act-2006/postal-service-networkplan.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Airline and rail division ====
[[File:Boeing 727-223(F), US Postal Service AN0236566.jpg|thumbnail|A former United States Postal Service [[Boeing 727]]-200 aircraft at [[Miami International Airport]] in 1999]]

The United States Postal Service does not directly own or operate any aircraft or trains, although both were formerly operated. The mail and packages are flown on airlines with which the Postal Service has a contractual agreement. The contracts change periodically. Contract airlines have included: [[United Parcel Service|UPS]], [[FedEx Express]], [[American Airlines]], [[United Airlines]].

The last air delivery route in the continental U.S., to residents in the [[Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness]], was scheduled to be ended in June 2009. The weekly [[bush plane]] route, contracted out to an [[air taxi]] company, had in its final year an annual cost of $46,000, or $2400/year per residence, over ten times the average cost of delivering mail to a residence in the United States.<ref name="idaho">[https://wheretobuyastamp.com/ Where to Buy Stamps] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903152355/https://wheretobuyastamp.com/ |date=September 3, 2018 }}'</ref> This decision has been reversed by the U.S. postmaster general.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://minnick.house.gov/2009/05/idaho-delegation-gets-reversal-on-backcountry-mail-delivery-decision.shtml| title= Idaho delegation gets reversal on backcountry mail delivery decision| website= Press release | date=May 7, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090527230620/http://minnick.house.gov/2009/05/idaho-delegation-gets-reversal-on-backcountry-mail-delivery-decision.shtml| archive-date= May 27, 2009| publisher= House.gov | access-date=July 8, 2013}}</ref>

==== Parcel forwarding and private interchange ====
Private US parcel forwarding or US mail forwarding companies focusing on personal shopper, relocation, Ex-pat and mail box services often interface with the United States Postal Service for transporting of mail and packages for their customers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm|title=Forward Mail {{!}} USPS|website=www.usps.com|access-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125025859/https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm|archive-date=January 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Delivery timing ===
[[File:Usmailcontractor.jpg|thumb|USPS contractor-driven [[semi-trailer truck]] seen near [[Mendota, California]]]]
[[File:2008-08-06 Postal delivery van in Durham.jpg|thumb|1998 United States Postal Service Ford Windstar, showing the larger driver's side door]]

==== Delivery days ====
From 1810, mail was delivered seven days a week. In 1828, local religious leaders noticed a decline in Sunday-morning church attendance because of local post offices' doubling as gathering places. These leaders appealed to the government to intervene and close post offices on Sundays. The government, however, declined, and mail was delivered seven days a week until 1912.<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://atheism.about.com/b/a/242048.htm About.com, "Sunday Mail Service in a Christian Nation", Austin Cline, February 19, 2006] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906100319/http://atheism.about.com/b/a/242048.htm |date=September 6, 2008 }}. Retrieved October 10, 2007.</ref><ref name="The Atlantic">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/11/the-unlikely-alliance-that-ended-sunday-mail-delivery-in-1912/281370/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214003537/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/11/the-unlikely-alliance-that-ended-sunday-mail-delivery-in-1912/281370/|url-status=dead|title=The Unlikely Alliance That Ended Sunday Mail Delivery ... in 1912|first=Megan|last=Garber|date=November 12, 2013|archive-date=February 14, 2017|website=[[The Atlantic]]}}</ref> Since then, U.S. Mail (with the exception of Express Mail)<ref>[http://www.usps.com/serviceperformance/dayofmailing.htm USPS – Express Mail Delivery Chart] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929150736/http://www.usps.com/serviceperformance/dayofmailing.htm |date=September 29, 2007 }}. Retrieved October 10, 2007.</ref> has not been delivered on Sunday.

Saturday delivery was temporarily suspended in April 1957, because of lack of funds, but quickly restored.<ref>[http://www.onthisday.com/events/april/13 Historyorb.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102035351/http://www.onthisday.com/events/april/13 |date=January 2, 2016 }}, events April 13.</ref><ref>[http://www.onthisday.com/events/april/15 Historyorb.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102035351/http://www.onthisday.com/events/april/15 |date=January 2, 2016 }}, events April 15</ref>

Budget problems prompted consideration of dropping Saturday delivery starting around 2009. This culminated in a 2013 announcement that regular mail services would be cut to five days a week, which was reversed by Congress before it could take effect. (See the section [[#Revenue decline and planned cuts|Revenue decline and planned cuts]].)

==== Direct delivery vs. customer pickup ====
Originally, mail was not delivered to homes and businesses, but to post offices. In 1863, "city delivery" began in urban areas with enough customers to make this economical. This required streets to be named, houses to be numbered, with sidewalks and lighting provided, and these street addresses to be added to envelopes.<ref name="city delivery">{{cite web |title=City Delivery |website=Postal History |publisher=USPS |url=http://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/city-delivery.pdf |access-date=January 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305100057/http://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/city-delivery.pdf |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The number of routes served expanded over time. In 1891, the first experiments with [[Rural Free Delivery]] began in less densely populated areas.

To compensate for high mail volume and slow long-distance transportation which saw mail arrive at post offices throughout the day, deliveries were made multiple times a day. This ranged from twice for residential areas to up to seven times for the central business district of [[Brooklyn]], New York.<ref name="deliveries per day">[http://www.usps.com/postalhistory/_pdf/DeliveriesperDay.pdf Deliveries per Day] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509022313/http://www.usps.com/postalhistory/_pdf/DeliveriesperDay.pdf |date=May 9, 2009 }}. (PDF). Retrieved July 8, 2011.</ref> In the late 19th century, mail boxes were encouraged, saving carriers the time it took to deliver directly to the addressee in person. During the 1910s and 1920s, they were phased in as a requirement for service.<ref name="city delivery" /> In the 1940s, multiple daily deliveries began to be reduced, especially on Saturdays. By 1990, the last twice-daily deliveries in New York City were eliminated.

Since then, mail is delivered once a day to most private homes and businesses. The USPS still distinguishes between city delivery (where carriers generally walk and deliver to mailboxes hung on exterior walls or porches, or to commercial reception areas) and rural delivery (where carriers generally drive).<ref>[http://www.usps.com/receive/businesssolutions/cityruralandgeneraldelivery.htm?from=receiveyourmail&page=homedelivery Home Delivery]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723225613/http://www.usps.com/receive/businesssolutions/cityruralandgeneraldelivery.htm?from=receiveyourmail&page=homedelivery |date=July 23, 2011 }}. USPS (November 26, 2008). Retrieved July 8, 2011.</ref> With "curbside delivery", mailboxes are at the ends of driveways, on the nearest convenient road. "Central point delivery" is used in some locations, where several nearby residences share a "cluster" of individual mailboxes in a single housing.

Some customers choose to use [[post office box]]es for an additional fee, for privacy or convenience. This provides a locked box at the post office to which mail is addressed and delivered (usually earlier in the day than home delivery). Customers in less densely populated areas where there is no city delivery and who do not qualify for rural delivery may receive mail only through post office boxes. High-volume business customers can also arrange for special pick-up.<ref>[http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb:USPSFAQ&view()=c{15ca7f10-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000} USPS FAQ – Caller Service], multiple pickups for a fee{{dead link|date=January 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>[http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb:USPSFAQ&view()=c{1624ad00-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000} USPS FAQ – Firm Holdout Service], free pickup once a day{{dead link|date=January 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Another option is the old-style [[general delivery]], for people who have neither post office boxes nor street addresses. Mail is held at the post office until they present identification and pick it up.

Some customers receive free post office boxes if the USPS declines to provide door-to-door delivery to their location or a nearby box.<ref>[http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb:USPSFAQ&view()=c{0d389670-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000} USPS FAQ – Do I qualify for free box service?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324134730/http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb%3AUSPSFAQ&view%28%29=c%7B0d389670-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000%7D |date=March 24, 2012 }}. Faq.usps.com (November 26, 2008). Retrieved July 8, 2011.{{dead link|date=January 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> People with medical problems can request door-to-door delivery.<ref>[https://faq.usps.com/s/article/If-I-have-Hardship-or-Medical-Problems-how-do-I-request-Door-Delivery} USPS FAQ – Hardship / Medical Problems] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324134740/http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb%3AUSPSFAQ&view%28%29=c%7B03a36ea0-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000%7D |date=March 24, 2012 }}. Faq.usps.com (November 26, 2008). Retrieved July 8, 2011.{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Homeless]] people are also eligible for post office boxes at the discretion of the local postmaster, or can use general delivery.<ref>[http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb:USPSFAQ&view()=c{0a4e47c0-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000} USPS FAQ – Mail service available for the homeless] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324134748/http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb%3AUSPSFAQ&view%28%29=c%7B0a4e47c0-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000%7D |date=March 24, 2012 }}. Faq.usps.com (November 26, 2008). Retrieved July 8, 2011.{{dead link|date=January 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==== Special delivery ====
From 1885 to 1997, a service called [[special delivery (postal service)|special delivery]] was available, which caused a separate delivery to the final location earlier in the day than the usual daily rounds.

==== Same-day trials ====
In December 2012, the USPS began a limited one-year trial of same-day deliveries directly from retailers or distribution hubs to residential addresses in the same local area, a service it dubbed "Metro Post".<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Post office tests same-day delivery|date=November 23, 2012|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2012/11/23/cash-strapped-post-office-tests-same-day-delivery/EeG60PN9dhT9N7cdfMyj7J/story.html|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629183904/http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2012/11/23/cash-strapped-post-office-tests-same-day-delivery/EeG60PN9dhT9N7cdfMyj7J/story.html|archive-date=June 29, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Target |url=https://www.usps.com/metropost/ |title=USPS.com – Metro Post |publisher=Usps.com |date=March 28, 2011 |access-date=March 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613090157/https://www.usps.com/metropost/ |archive-date=June 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The trial was initially limited to San Francisco and the only retailer to participate in the first few weeks was [[1-800-FLOWERS]].<ref>{{cite news|agency=EcommerceBytes.com|date=January 14, 2013|first=Kenneth|last=Corbin|title=USPS Adding Retailers to Same Day Delivery Trial|url=http://www.ecommercebytes.com/cab/abn/y13/m01/i14/s04|access-date=February 11, 2013|archive-date=January 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120030907/http://www.ecommercebytes.com/cab/abn/y13/m01/i14/s04/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In November 2013, the Postal Service began regular package delivery on Sundays for Amazon customers in New York and Los Angeles,<ref>{{cite web |first=Joseph |last=Adinolfi |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/terms-deal-us-postal-service-usps-deliver-amazon-amzn-packages-not-revealed-usps-or-1470726 |title=Terms Of Deal For US Postal Service (USPS) To Deliver Amazon (AMZN) Packages Not Revealed By USPS Or Amazon |website=[[International Business Times]] |date=November 14, 2013 |access-date=June 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102035351/http://www.ibtimes.com/terms-deal-us-postal-service-usps-deliver-amazon-amzn-packages-not-revealed-usps-or-1470726 |archive-date=January 2, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> which it expanded to 15 cities in May 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bishop |first=Todd |url=http://www.geekwire.com/2014/amazon-expands-sunday-delivery-15-cities-deal-u-s-postal-service/ |title=Amazon and USPS expand Sunday delivery to 15 more cities, will reach 'large portion' of U.S. this year |work=GeekWire |date=May 7, 2014 |access-date=June 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223050133/http://www.geekwire.com/2014/amazon-expands-sunday-delivery-15-cities-deal-u-s-postal-service/ |archive-date=February 23, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Amazon Sunday delivery has been expanded to most major markets as of September 2015.

==== Forwarding and holds ====
Residential customers can fill out a form in-person or online to forward mail to a new address, and can also send pre-printed forms to any of their frequent correspondents. They must have a valid address to forward their mail from ''and'' to, and verify their identity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Standard Forward Mail & Change of Address |url=https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm |website=usps.com |access-date=14 November 2024}}</ref> They can also put their mail on "hold", for example, while on vacation. The Post Office will store mail during the hold, instead of letting it overflow in the mailbox. These services are not available to large buildings and customers of a [[commercial mail receiving agency]],<ref>[http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb:USPSFAQ&view()=c{11d2df10-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000} USPS FAQ – Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324134758/http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb%3AUSPSFAQ&view%28%29=c%7B11d2df10-57e2-11dc-51b6-000000000000%7D |date=March 24, 2012 }}. Faq.usps.com (November 26, 2008). Retrieved July 8, 2011.{{dead link|date=January 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> where mail is subsorted by non-Post Office employees into individual mailboxes.

==== First-class packages ====
In April 2022, the USPS announced it would slow deliveries of almost one third of first-class packages as it sought to rely less on air transportation and find cost savings.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Seal |first=Dean |date=April 18, 2022 |title=U.S. Postal Service to Slow First-Class Package Delivery |language=en-US |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-postal-service-to-slow-first-class-package-delivery-11650310634 |access-date=April 28, 2022 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref name="NPRServiceTimes" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Manfredi |first=Lucas |date=April 19, 2022 |title=US Postal Service to slow down nearly a third of first-class package deliveries |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/us-postal-service-first-class-package-deliveries |access-date=April 28, 2022 |website=FOXBusiness |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2022 |title=Here's why packages might not arrive as quickly as they used to |url=https://www.deseret.com/utah/2022/4/25/23041178/postal-service-delivery-changes-why-packages-slow-delivery-inflation-stamp-rates |access-date=April 28, 2022 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>