Did you know that in 2022, the United States Postal Service (USPS) delivered almost 130 billion pieces of mail? That's a huge number!
It shows how important the USPS is. They handle most of our mail and provide vital services like shipping (both local and international), passports, and money transfers.
Despite how crucial the USPS is, you might not know where to find a USPS location near you.
And what if you need a specific service, like a mailbox or passport photo?
Imagine going to a location for help with sending priority mail internationally, only to find a self-service kiosk. It's frustrating and a waste of time.
But don't worry! We're here to help you find the nearest USPS pickup/dropoff location. So you can easily get your mail and access other services without any hassle.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Discovering the top USPS locations nearby
USPS.com offers a useful tool to find your local post office.
It's simple to use and can help you locate the specific services you're looking for.
Here's how it works:
- Go to the USPS location finder and type in your location.
- You can also pick a radius to search within and choose any type of location you need (like post office, collection boxes, self-service kiosk, gopost, village post office, contract postal unit, and national retailer).
That's all it takes to find a US post office near you.
But hold on — remember to refine your results depending on the mailing services you need.
You wouldn't want to arrive at a USPS location only to discover they don't provide the service you're looking for!
Let's break down the different types of USPS locations and what they offer:
- Post office: This is your regular USPS spot, where you can get stamps, send packages, and handle all your postal needs. It covers basic mailing, prepaid labels, and Priority Mail Express services.
- Collection boxes: These are those blue boxes you see on street corners where you can drop off your outgoing mail.
- Self-service kiosk: It's a machine in places like grocery stores where you can buy stamps and send packages without needing to wait in line.
- gopost®: This is like a self-service locker for package delivery. You can drop off outgoing packages and pick up incoming ones any time, day or night.
- Village post office: USPS sets these up to bring postal services to smaller communities in rural areas.
- Contract postal unit: Usually found in grocery stores, these places let you buy stamps and ship packages.
- National retailer: Think places like Walmart or Staples, where you can buy stamps and send packages.
The USPS search tool also lets you filter by service offering. Let's check out what each option means.
Mailing services
- Carrier services: Post Office carriers deliver and pick up mail and packages for homes and businesses.
- General delivery: This service lets you pick up mail sent to a post office if you don't have a permanent address or need a temporary one.
- Global Express Guaranteed®: This is the fastest USPS international shipping option, delivering in one to three business days to over 190 countries, with FedEx Express handling the delivery. Learn more about tracking international packages.
- Label Broker®: With Label Broker, you can print shipping labels using an ID or QR code sent by an online shipper instead of needing a physical label.
- Priority Mail International®: This is a reliable and affordable way to ship to over 190 countries. Check out the full list of countries.
- PO Box™: Post office locations offer PO Boxes for a fee, available to both homes and businesses. Here are some benefits of having a PO Box.
- Self-service kiosk: These machines let you buy stamps and ship packages on your own.
Pickup services
- Pickup accountable mail: This includes Priority Mail Express, Collect on Delivery, Certified Mail, Registered Mail, Return Receipt, Signature Confirmation, and any mail insured for over $200. You can pick up this mail at certain locations after signing to prove delivery.
- Pickup hold mail: You can pick up all mail held for a specific address. Schedule the Hold Mail Service online for up to 30 days.
- Pickup notice left mail: If you miss a delivery, you'll get a pickup notice. Bring this notice and a photo ID to the hold location to get your item.
Here’s a full list of services.
You can also filter by the hours you need to visit, like weekday hours after 5 pm, Saturday hours, Sunday hours, and 24-hour facilities.
You can track your package online once it’s shipped.
Find out what to do if you don’t have your tracking number.
Now that you know how to find USPS locations near you, let’s talk about scheduling a USPS pickup and answer some FAQs!
Where can you schedule a USPS pickup?
You can schedule a pickup wherever USPS delivers mail, like at your home or business.
Just fill out your information online to set up a package pickup.
After you provide your pickup location details, USPS will verify if the address is eligible for pickups.
Then, you can check availability and schedule your pickup.
How to Schedule a USPS Pickup
Here's how to schedule a pickup:
- Complete the pickup location details, such as your name, address, phone number, and email, in the section labeled "Step 1: Where do you want us to pick up your package(s)?" Then, click "Check Availability."
- You might be asked if there's a dog at the pickup location. Click yes or no to answer — this will open up "Step 2: Where will you leave your package(s)?"
- Choose the package location from a drop-down list under Step 2. Choices range from placing the package in or at the mailbox, on the porch, at the front door, and other locations. You can also add any extra instructions in the field below.
- "Step 3: When should we schedule your pickup?" will now open. Choose a time. Pick between a free pickup during regular mail delivery or a specific time with the Pickup On Demand premium paid service. You'll need to create or sign into a USPS.com account to schedule a specific time.
- Choose a day from the pickup calendar.
- "Step 4: How many packages are we picking up?" will drop down. Fill out info about your packages, like what type of USPS package they'll be picking up.
- Tick the box to confirm that you've reviewed and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Finally, click "Schedule a Pickup" to complete the process. You should get a confirmation number and email soon.
After your package is collected, you can monitor its progress online.
If the courier misses the pickup or you need to change the pickup time, there are several steps you can take to reschedule effectively. Here’s a quick guide:
Rescheduling a Missed Pickup
- Check Pickup Status: Ensure the pickup was truly missed by checking your shipment status online or through your shipping app.
- Contact the Courier: Reach out to the courier service directly to notify them of the missed pickup. Common couriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS often have dedicated customer service lines for such issues.
Changing the Pickup Time
- Log Into Your Dashboard: Most shipping platforms allow you to manage your shipments from a user dashboard. Navigate to the section where your shipments are listed.
- Select the Shipment: Choose the specific shipment for which you need to change the pickup time. This usually involves clicking on the shipment ID or reference number.
- Access Pickup Options: Look for an option like "Actions" or "More Options" and select "Reschedule Pickup" from the dropdown menu.
Alternative Methods
- Use Courier Websites: You can also go directly to the courier's website. For example, USPS, FedEx, and UPS have online tools for scheduling and rescheduling pickups.
- Mobile Apps: If you prefer mobile access, couriers often provide apps that allow you to manage your pickups on the go.
Tips for a Smooth Rescheduling Process
- Keep Shipment Details Handy: Have all relevant shipment information ready, including tracking numbers and pickup addresses.
- Plan Ahead: If possible, request a time slot that offers a wider window to avoid conflicts with the courier’s schedule.
Following these steps will help ensure you can successfully reschedule your pickup and keep your shipping process running smoothly.
How Early or Far in Advance Can You Schedule a USPS Pickup?
You can schedule a USPS pickup as soon as the next day or up to three months in advance.
Will USPS Pick Up a Package Left in Your Mailbox?
Even if you schedule a pickup with USPS, it doesn’t mean they’ll automatically take your package from your mailbox.
You need to make sure your package meets the requirements.
Where and how you mail your package depends on its size and your location. You can use the tools above to request a free package pickup, schedule a time with Pickup on Demand, drop small packages in the blue box, or visit a post office.
According to USPS, if your package is less than half an inch thick and weighs under 10 ounces, you can use postage stamps and leave it in your mailbox. You can also schedule a pickup, drop it in a blue box (USPS drop box), or use a post office mail chute.
If your package is thicker than half an inch or weighs more than 10 ounces and you're using postage stamps, you’ll need to go to a post office counter to mail it.
You can also use a self-service kiosk.
If you try leaving a large package in your mailbox, your carrier will leave it there. If you drop it in a USPS collection box or post office chute, it will be returned to you.
Which USPS services are not eligible for pickup?
First Class services may not be eligible for pick up in some instances, and if you wish to schedule a pickup, you must do it through the USPS pickup page. It's crucial to verify the eligibility of your package and service type before scheduling a pickup to ensure a smooth mailing experience."
Does USPS Pick Up from Every US Address?
No, USPS only picks up from specific addresses in serviceable areas. If your address is ineligible for a pickup, you will be informed. USPS does not pick up from P.O. Boxes, so please ensure you enter a physical sender address.
By understanding these guidelines, you can ensure your package is mailed correctly and avoid any delays.
USPS Makes Shipping Easy!
USPS makes shipping easy for everyone. You can use their website tools to find a pickup location near you, schedule a pickup time, and more!
We hope this article helped you learn how to use USPS.com to find a local post office and filter for the services or hours you need.
We also covered FAQs on how USPS pickups work and provided a step-by-step guide on scheduling your pickup, making it easy to handle your USPS packages!
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