USPS could slow service in rural communities to speed up service in larger areas

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – People living in rural areas could soon see their mail delivery slow down slightly.

The Postmaster General said they must save money to stay in business. One of the things they are looking to do is delay service to rural customers so they can speed up service to larger areas.

The plan involves letting some mail and packages sit in some post offices and distribution hubs for an extra day, which would allow the service to get to more populated areas faster.

“If a mailpiece enters the mailstream near a USPS Regional Processing & Distribution Center and is delivered to a rural area, it will get there as fast, if not faster, than current delivery. If mail enters the mailstream from a rural area, it may take 12-24 hours extra but is still within our service standards,” the U.S. Postal Service said in a statement to News 2.

Mike Horres, who lives in rural Berkeley County, is a retired postal worker. He says slower service is a big concern to him.

“Well, I find that a little bit disconcerting. I’ve always seen the post office as an equal entity, a equality employer, for not only those who are working in the service but also for the customers in which they serve,” he said.

USPS officials said that even with the change, a majority of mail from rural areas will still be delivered within three days or less.

“I just find it a bit disconcerting how they would want to cut down service to some of the more rural areas to increase business in more populated areas,” said Horres.

The Postmaster General said these changes would not go into effect at least until after election day.