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NORTH JERSEY - Post office adds online component
(by Rebecca Scanlon - News Editor - December 03, 2008)
NORTH JERSEY - The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is taking the "snail" out of "snail mail" by eliminating the need to wait in line at local post offices this holiday season.
With the gift-giving season upon us, residents will be reaching out to friends and family across the country and the USPS is taking the hassle out of sending cards and gifts long distance.
Residents can utilize most of the post office's services without making a trip to the local establishment, several local postmasters said. From ordering stamps to arranging for packages to be picked up at the front door, the USPS offers its most frequently needed services online at usps.com.
William Grygus, postmaster in Ringwood, said that everything customers would need to know can be found on the agency's Web site, which the USPS touts is a "post office at your fingertips."
Local postmasters said that their customers lead busy lives, so they're getting the word out to let them know they need never wait on line at the post office again, this holiday season or any season, said Elizabeth Green, postmaster of Butler and Kinnelon.
From start to finish, customers can order free boxes and other mailing materials (including eco-friendly packaging), print labels and postage through Click-N-Ship, and arrange for packages to be picked up at their homes.
Tom Anzevino of the Haskell Post Office added that usps.com can take the unsure feelings out of giving gifts over long distances because it allows customers to track packages and confirm deliveries.
Almost anything you can do at a post office, you can do online 24/7 from a home or office computer, postmasters said.
While postage fees apply depending on what arrangements a customer makes, most services offered online come at no additional charges.
Also, for customers who don't have access to a computer and don't have time to make it to the post office during business hours, cashiers at many stores have stamps for sale. For example, in Ringwood, the Stop & Shop and CVS/pharmacy on Skyline Drive both sell stamps.
Stamps can also be purchased via mail, though there will be a small handling fee. A postage-paid order form is available from letter carriers or they can be ordered by calling 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724).
There are some services for which customers still need to visit the post office, like registered mail or collect on delivery (COD). Also, if holiday plans involve traveling overseas, the post office offers full passport services.
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