UPS and USPS Delivery Changes: What It Means for Your Packages
The new year brought significant changes to package deliveries in the U.S. as the long-standing contract between UPS and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for "SurePost" deliveries ended. Previously, USPS handled the final mile for many UPS packages, ensuring deliveries to P.O. boxes and military addresses. However, with the contract's expiration, UPS now delivers these packages exclusively through its own network.
This shift has left some customers scrambling, especially those who rely on P.O. boxes. USPS remains the only service allowed to deliver to these locations, as well as Army and Navy bases. Without the SurePost arrangement, customers must now use UPS store mailboxes or have packages shipped directly to their physical addresses. For many, this change complicates the process, as some were not notified in advance.
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For instance, Pam Loeb of Shelburne, Vermont, has experienced delays and challenges in retrieving her online orders. “I’m concerned about the broader economic impact. Many small businesses depend on efficient shipping, and these changes could disrupt both buyers and sellers,” she said. Additionally, she pointed out the limited availability of local goods, making online shopping a necessity.
UPS states it has taken measures to absorb millions of packages into its network. However, some customers are already noticing longer delivery times and increased costs. With USPS no longer involved, UPS may face higher operational costs, particularly for rural and remote areas, which could lead to higher surcharges for these destinations. Customers may also need to adjust their shipping labels or face returns, causing further delays.
The USPS, on its part, maintains that it communicated these changes as early as spring 2024 but acknowledged that how other companies relay this information is beyond its control. UPS advises customers without valid street addresses to utilize UPS store mailboxes for uninterrupted service.
Ultimately, this transition underscores the complexities of last-mile logistics and highlights how contract changes between shipping giants can ripple through the broader economy, affecting businesses and consumers alike.
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