When most people think of local Post Office services, they think of buying stamps and sending letters, but the USPS does a lot more. Whether you’re mailing a package or renewing a passport, your local post office might offer more helpful services than you realize.
Here’s a quick guide to the many services the U.S. Postal Service provides:
This one’s obvious, but still worth mentioning. USPS can help you send almost anything.
First-Class Mail (for letters and small packages)
Priority Mail (faster shipping with tracking)
Priority Mail Express (overnight delivery)
Media Mail (for books and educational materials)
Retail Ground (budget-friendly for larger packages)
Need a secure (and private) place to receive mail? Another great local post office service is Post Office Boxes (PO Boxes) that you can rent by the month or year. These are great for small businesses or anyone who wants a separate mailing address.
Sending something overseas? USPS makes it easy with options like:
Global Express Guaranteed
Priority Mail International
First-Class Package International
Most post offices offer passport application and renewal services. You can also get your photo taken there. Make sure to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
You can find more information on the USPS Passport Services webpage.
Need to send money securely in the US? The USPS sells money orders up to $1,000, a safe alternative to cash. If you need to send money internationally, make sure the country participates in the United Postal Union (UPU) agreement.
For important items like legal documents or valuable packages, USPS offers:
Certified Mail (proof of mailing and delivery)
Registered Mail (added security and tracking)
Insurance (protects against loss or damage)
Moving? You can update your address at your local post office or online at USPS.com. They’ll forward your mail to your new home and notify businesses that you’ve moved.
Sign up for Informed Delivery to get daily emails showing images of what’s coming to your mailbox that day. It’s free and can help keep tabs on your mail. You can register online at USPS.com and set up an account.
EDDM, or Every Door Direct Mail, is a service offered by the USPS that lets businesses send marketing mail to every address in a specific neighborhood, ZIP code, or mail route without needing a mailing list. It’s an affordable and easy way to reach local customers with postcards, flyers, or menus.
However, you do have to take some additional steps to receive the lower postage rates, and it can get a little confusing. At Hatteras, we help manage the process for your clients so they receive the discount, and we do the extra work.
Your local post office is more than just a place to drop off mail; it offers many services. Did I forget any of the post office services you use? Need help planning a mailing or shipping project? Interested in EDDM? Contact us at www.4hatteras.com; we can help.