Life in the US

Mail Services

United States Postal Service (USPS)
When the Continental Congress named Benjamin Franklin the first Postmaster General in 1775, the United States was a weak confederation of colonies scattered along the eastern seaboard. The postal system that the Congress created, helped bind the new nation together, supported the growth of commerce and ensured a free flow of ideas and information.
In more than two centuries since, the United States Postal Service has grown and changed. Today, the USPS fuels the nations economy by delivering hundreds of millions of messages and performing billions of dollars in financial transactions each day.

Postal Facts
Based on 1999 statistics the USPS …
• Handles 46% of the world's card and letter mail volume.
• Collects mail from more than 312,000 street mail collection boxes.
• Delivers more than 200 billion pieces of mail a year.
• Delivers mail to 134 million delivery addresses, including 20 million post office boxes. About 1 million new addresses are added each year.
• Leases more than 27,000 facilities at a cost of $727 million a year, providing tax revenue to thousands of communities.
• Transports mail by airplane (15,000 commercial airline flights/daily) truck, railroad, boat and even by mule to/from the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Local Post Office
At the local post office you can buy stamps, send letters and postcards, send certified mail, buy shipping supplies and perform all mail related activities. Your mail will be delivered to you via your local post office. To find your local post office, visit: www.mapsonus.com/db/usps
It is very important to notify your local post office if you plan to relocate. They will be able to forward your mail to your new location. If you move
house, you will also need to notify employers, banks, credit card companies, the Department of Motor Vehicles, friends, relatives and anyone else that requires your address change information.

Shipping Options
The regular mail service in the U.S. is quite reliable. It’s actually an amazing system. Put a first class stamp on a standard letter envelope, address the envelope, drop it in a mailbox and “voila” more times that not, what you mailed arrives within a few days anywhere in the U.S.
Some Specialized services include –
• Certified mail provides proof of mailing and delivery of mail. The sender receives a mailing receipt at the time of mailing and a record of delivery is maintained by the Postal Service.
• Insurance - You can purchase insurance coverage up to $5,000. For articles insured for more than $50, a receipt of delivery is signed by the recipient and maintained by the Postal Service.
• Registered Mail is the most secure service option offered by the Postal Service. It provides added protection for valuable and important mail. Registered articles are placed under tight security from the point of mailing to the point of delivery.
• Return receipt - This provides a mailing receipt. A signed and dated return receipt will be sent to you upon acceptance of the delivery.
Visit the United States Postal Service website for more information on online services, mailing, various shipping options, postage and more! http://www.usps.com/

Courier Services
Although your local post office can handle all your postal needs, there are a variety of Private companies that offer these services as well. Below are two of the most widely used companies in the US.

United Parcel Service
UPS is a 94-year-old company. It is the largest express carrier and largest package carrier in the world. They offer a variety of shipping services, including local and/or international. UPS allows you to track a package while it is en route. Check out their website for further information at www.ups.com

Federal Express
FedEx Corporation provides integrated transportation, information, and logistics solutions. It is North America's second-largest provider of ground small-package delivery. They too, can handle all your shipping needs locally or internationally and allow you to track a package while en route.
Visit www.fedex.com for more information.