Dealing with USPS Delivery Issues: Tips to Ensure Proper Mail Delivery

Mail delivery is a critical aspect of daily life for most people, and misunderstandings or verbal fights with USPS delivery persons can result in serious consequences. If you find yourself in a situation where a USPS mail carrier has informed you that your mail will no longer be delivered to your address, you need to address this issue promptly and effectively. This article provides guidance on how to resolve such issues and ensure that your mail is correctly handled.

Understanding USPS Mail Carrier Rights

Verbal or physical assault against a federal employee is a serious offense. In such cases, the mail carrier has the right to file a complaint, which can lead to your address being removed from the mail delivery route. Your mail will then be held at the nearest USPS facility for you to collect in person.

Therefore, it is crucial to avoid any confrontations with USPS delivery personnel. If you have concerns or issues with your mail delivery, make sure you take every necessary step to ensure that the mail is delivered correctly.

Tips to Correct USPS Delivery Issues

Properly Label Your Mailbox

To ensure that your mail is delivered accurately, it is essential to label your mailbox properly. This includes:

Marking the street number and last names of the individuals who should receive first-class mail or packages. If you use a cluster box unit (CBU) mailbox, ensure there is a current resident label facing the mail carrier. Update this label as necessary.

Submit the New Customer/Resident Card

It is vital to submit the new customer/resident card at the USPS location that services your address. This card instructs the mail carrier and USPS on the names that should receive mail or packages at your address. Examples of useful cards include the VACANT card and form 4232.

Proper Handling of Mail for Past Residents

If you are receiving mail for past residents, it is recommended to:

Remove all past resident mail from your mailbox and return it to the USPS. Write "NOT at this address" on each past resident mailer and place them inside your mailbox with the flag up. Do not cross out barcodes as this information is needed for the mail carrier to submit MLNA (Mail Label Not Applicable) via their handheld device. For CBU cluster mailboxes, ensure that you draw attention to return mailers by standing them up or tying a ribbon around a bundle of past resident mailers. Do not place past resident return mailers in the outgoing mail slot or USPS collection box, as they may be lost and delivered to your mailbox again. If you receive mail in a USPS PO Box, give past resident mail to the clerk and inform them that the individual does not own the PO Box. Request that the clerk submit MLNA for each past resident/PO box owner's name variations.

Register Your Address with USPS Informed Delivery

To stay informed about your mail, register your address with USPS Informed Delivery. This free service emails you daily about USPS mail or packages addressed to your address, including those from past residents. This can help you identify any discrepancies and address them promptly.

Report Missing Mail or Packages

If you suspect that your mail or packages are missing:

Wait two days before asking neighbors if they received any mail or packages by mistake. Report the missing mail via your Informed Delivery account. If you suspect fraud, immediately ask neighbors if they received the package by mistake. Visit the nearest USPS location and request GPS coordinates for the delivered package. If the coordinates do not match your address, ask USPS to retrieve the package and deliver it to the correct address.

Submit COA (Change of Address) Forms Regularly

Submit COA forms from all of your old addresses to your current address every 2-4 years or whenever you move. This will help reduce the amount of mail you receive at your old addresses, thus reducing past resident mail. Ensure that you submit COA forms in all name variations you received mail in at said addresses, including first/last, last/first, first initial/last, maiden, nicknames, misspellings, etc.

Note that if your old address is a business or apartment, select "business" on the COA form and list all name variations you received mail in at said address.

Conclusion

Dealing with USPS delivery issues can be frustrating, but following these steps can help ensure that your mail is delivered correctly and efficiently. By staying organized, using the correct forms, and following best practices, you can minimize issues and maintain a smooth mail delivery process.