These mail service updates are provided to the mailing industry so mailers are aware when service is suspended at Post Office facilities for any reason, including natural disasters, such as floods or fires. Updates are made in real time, and these pages are updated frequently. The USPS Business Customer Support and Services office maintains this information and posts it.

USPS Consumer & Industry Affairs has recently made changes to our updates based on recommendations by the Mailers Technical Advisory Committee. These changes are designed to provide information that is more timely and useful to mailers.

Please contact BSN HQ communications manager for additional information or to report a service change that impacts mail delivery.

See also: International Service Updates

Business customers needing support or having questions should contact their local Business Service Network and/or visit RIBBS on USPS.com

Current Update:

May 14, 2012 | HTML | Excel

International Mail Service

Australia

The Australian Post reports that as of Feb 3, all problems with the EDI system have been resolved.

Belgium

As reported by the Belgium Post, the International Post Corporation (IPC) was advised by GXS, that a technical issue on a server prevents access to the ESU system. GXS is working on the problem.

Belgium Post reports that the trade unions have announced a national strike for Jan. 30. The road transport federations may also take part in this strike. As a result of the impending strike, a number of industrial estates and strategic roads will be blocked. Road access to Belgium's OE's is not guaranteed, and outbound transport from Brussels EMC (BEBRUA) is likely to be disturbed. Mail delivery in Belgium will be heavily affected by this strike.

Brazil

Brazil Post informs that the partial strike at Brazilian Post that has been taking place since Sept15, has ended Operations will soon return to normal.

Britain

The Royal Post has reported a temporary change to the dispatches out of HWDC, Great Britain, during the UK Bank Holiday period.

• Monday, May 7 — No air dispatches (Normal Monday arrangements) for priority letter mail and parcels. - Road dispatches will be as bilaterally agreed with Administrations involved.
• Tuesday, May 8 — Priority letter mail and Parcel dispatches canceled.
• Wednesday, May 9 — Normal Priority letter mail and Parcel dispatches.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica Post has informed that the territory of Costa Rica is suffering the effects of extreme weather, which could delay the delivery of mail to various regions of the country. This situation could continue for at least two weeks, as the extreme weather and flooding has damaged the country's road network. The management of Correos de Costa Rica is making every effort to minimize any disruption to postal communications.

Costa Rica Post has informed that the Government of Costa Rica has postponed the public holiday scheduled for Oct12 (“Encuentro de Culturas”) until Oct17. As a result, letters, parcels and EMS will not be delivered on Oct17. Correos de Costa Rica apologizes to its customers for any inconvenience caused by this government decision.

Denmark

As reported by the Denmark Post, a strike among the Security Staff in Copenhagen Airport started Mar. 15 at 5:00 a.m., and ended at 8:30 a.m. During this time, Denmark could not tender any outbound mail to aircrafts. As a result, a substantial amount of export priority mail will be delayed, but is expected to be cleared by the end of the day.

El Salvador

The El Salvador Post reports that a strike by customs officials has been disrupting international mail services since Nov. 28.

France

As reported by France Post, starting May 2, outbound non-priority mail dispatches will no longer be sent from the Miltry-Mory OE (FRMIME). Starting that day, mail will be sent from Roissy, FRCDGA. Inbound non-priority mail will, however, continue to be processed at Miltry-Mory.

Germany

The Deutsche Post reports that a warning strike announced by the Groundhandler and Security Staff for Tuesday Mar. 27, has ended. Due to major impacts to the postal flights, delays over the next two days should be expected. Approximately 1/3 of the daily flights were canceled or delayed, and LH has canceled 400 inbound and outbound flights — continental and intercontinental. In addition, the main gate for road transport from and to OE Frankfurt (IPZ) was blocked from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., resulting in minor delays.

Deutsche Post will send mail to SE, NO, and FI, via DK. HU and SK will be sent directly, via ground service.

Greece

As reported by the Hellenic Post, delays with mail collection and delivery, due to severe weather conditions since Jan. 30, is now back to normal in most parts of Greece; while the north part of Greece continues to experience problems.

Guatemala

As reported by Guatemala Post, Union member countries have had heavy rain storms since Oct. 13, leading to landslides, swelling of the main rivers, and the destruction of bridges. The storms have caused major damage to key roads and a number of Correo de Guatemala offices in these areas. Access is not impossible but it is very difficult, and significant delays in mail deliveries are to be expected. As a result, mail collection and delivery is suffering disruption in the following areas:

• Alta Verapaz
• Baja Verapaz
• Chimaltenango
• Chiquimula
• El Progreso
• Escuintla
• Huehuetenango
• Jalapa
• Jutiapa
• Quetzaltenango
• Quiché
• Retalhuleu
• San Marcos
• Santa Rosa
• Solola
• Suchitepequez
• Totonicapán

Honduras

Honduras Post has informed that the Government has declared a state of national emergency, as a result of the heavy rains that have been falling in the country since Oct. 10. The rain is expected to continue over the next few days, and postal services may be affected.

Hungary

The Hungarian Post has reported that following the press release of Malev on Feb. 3 at 6:00, The Hungarian airline Malev has stopped all operations. No aircrafts have taken off since that time. Hungarian Post further reports, that they have closed mail dispatches for all kind of postal items to other countries, but delays are to be expected. The Hungarian Post request that IPC member countries reorganize air transportation to the destination Budapest, by using other airlines or other means of transportation.

Iceland

Iceland Post reports that due to strong wind, with gusts over 30 meters a second, it was impossible to unload arriving aircraft at Keflavik Airport on the afternoon of Feb. 7. The only flight unloaded on time, was FI 307 from Stockholm. All other flights were not able to be unloaded until 7:00pm. Mail arriving on these flights were not processed until Feb. 8.

India

India Post has reported that on Oct. 18 at 6:10 PM, an earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck the state of Sikkim and other parts of northeastern India. This was followed by two more quakes of lower intensity during the night of Oct. 18 and Oct. 19, as well as incessant rain and landslides in the hilly areas of Sikkim and Darjeeling Dist (West Bengal). Postal services in these areas have been disrupted as a result, as has the transmission of EDI messages. India Post will notify of changes in the situation

Ireland

The Dublin Post has reported a shortage of blue International Letter Post Bags. They are kindly requesting that all countries return these bags to Dublin OE without delay.

Italy

The Italian Post reports that severe weather conditions continue, and heavy snowfalls have worsened; especially in the Northern part of the country. Delays in the forwarding and delivery of letter and parcel mail continues. On Feb. 10 and Feb. 11, airports were open and flights were scheduled, but with delays. This is expected to continue through-out the heavy snowfalls.

Due to icy highways, and being covered in snow, delays are also expected for truck departures and arrivals from/to Milan OE.

Japan

Japan Post has informed member countries of the following updated information regarding the impact on postal services of the Pacific Ocean earthquake off the Tohoku region coast and the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident:

• Japan Post is continuing its efforts to deliver postal items, not only to addresses in the affected areas, but also to evacuation centres where affected addressees are staying temporarily The number of areas in which there are difficulties delivering postal items has decreased.
• Japan Post has provided a link to the sites of government agencies — including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — which are providing updated information regarding radiation levels in Japan, including information released by international organizations (ICAO, IATA, IMO and IAEA).

Additional information is available at http://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2011/0331_01_en.html. For an up-to-date list of the areas still facing delivery problems, use the listed url and go to the page entitled “Delivery delay of international postal items caused by the Pacific Ocean earthquake off the Tohoku region coast”.

Kenya

As reported by the Kenyan Post, Kenyan postal workers began an industrial action on Dec. 16. This action will result in delays of inbound and outbound mail delivery.

Libya

Effective immediately, all U.S. Postal Service locations cannot accept any mail addressed to recipients in Libya. This suspension affects Global Express Guaranteed® (GXG®), Express Mail International®, Priority Mail International®, First-Class Mail International®, International Priority Airmail™ (IPA®), International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®), and M-Bag items. Mail addressed to Libya that has already been accepted by the Postal Service — other than items already at an International Service Center — will be returned. Upon request, the Postal Service will refund postage and fees on items returned due to the temporary suspension of service. Items already at an International Service Center may be returned or held for dispatch in accordance with USPS policy once service is restored

Luxembourge

The Luxembourge Post reports that due to server maintenance, no EDI messages will be sent from Feb. 11, through the evening of Feb. 12. In regards to operations, during this time all ordinary mail will be handled on inbound as usual; yet the RESDES messages will not be sent until Feb. 13, containing the actual time of arrival of transport. All bar coded items, such as parcels, prime and registered mail entering the OE on Jan. 11, will be kept on hold until Jan. 13, and as a consequence, will experience a 1 day delay.

Malta

MaltaPost p.l.c. has advised that the forwarding of letters and parcels from Malta to Libya has been suspended MaltaPost p.l.c. will not provide open or closed transit services on behalf of third countries until further notice. Any such items will be returned to the country of origin, including mail already en route to Malta or currently in possession of carriers within Malta.

Netherlands

The Netherlands Post reports a major power outage at the International Mail Unit of Amsterdam. As a result, not all mail has been forwarded, some mail pieces have been sent with an incomplete set of paperwork, and EDI was temporarily interrupted. Please use the normal procedure to send BV’s.

Norway

The Norwegian Post informs that due to bad weather conditions, the Oslo Airport was temporarily closed on Dec. 12, until 10:00 am. During this time, no aircraft were allowed to take off or land. The airport is currently open for limited traffic. Flight delays and cancellations can still be expected, in addition to major delays to incoming and outgoing mail.

The Norwegian Post reports that due to IT issues, the Norwegian Post had not been able to send PREDES messages from NOOSLA since Dec. 9. As of Dec. 12, the IT issues have been resolved, and all missing PREDES messages have been generated and sent.

Philippines

The Philippine Post reports, that as a result of tropical depression Sendong (international codename: Washi) between Dec. 15 and Dec. 18, 31 municipalities and 8 cities in the 13 provinces of the Philippines suffered damage. As reported by the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council, some roads and bridges in the impacted areas are open only intermittently, or are impassable or barely passable for vehicles. The transport of all classes of inbound international mail may be rerouted or temporarily discontinued until the main network of roads in the impacted areas reopen. These conditions will result in delivery delays in impacted areas, until situations return to normal.

The following municipalities and cities were affected:

Poland

Poland Post has advised that due to the planned technical break of their ISP in Warsaw, their (EDI, AMQM/QSM) systems will be unavailable from 10:00 p.m. Nov. 28, through 7:00 a.m. Nov. 29. All EDI messages will be sent upon restoration of communications.

Portugal

The Correios Post has reports a strike of the Air Traffic Controllers is underway. The strike is taking place 7–9 a.m., April 12–13, 19–20, and 26. Due to delays and/or cancellation of flights, the regular flow of outbound mail from Portugal may be affected. Mail to Portugal will not be delayed.

Romania

As reported by the Romanian Post, as a result of heavy snowstorms and blizzard conditions, international flights arriving and departing from H. Coanda International Airport in Bucharest, are currently being delayed or canceled. In addition, inbound and outbound postal items have been suffering a disruption in service since the evening of Jan. 25. Romanian Post will advise as the situation develops.

Rwanda

The relocation of its central services and mail processing center from the Kacyiru district to central Kigali that began May 23 is still underway, causing delays in the processing of mail and parcel delivery. Track and trace operations are not being performed at the normal rate. The EMS call center has temporarily suspended operations. Also, prompt replies to Rugby System messages is not possible. The relocation also has disrupted telephone and fax connections. Communications by mobile telephone and email still is possible.

Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten Post has reported that the industrial action preventing mail delivery on the island since Oct6, has ended. As of Oct. 18, all operations have returned to normal and mail processing has resumed.

Spain

As reported by Correos Post, the main trade unions have called for a general strike in Spain; on Thurs. March 29. As a result, postal processes may be severely affected throughout the country.

Syria

Syrian Post reports that due to the current exception circumstances in its country, there will be delays in the delivery of parcels and letter-post items. The Syrian Post thanks all for their understanding.

Thailand

The Thailand Post reports that their mail centers will be closed from Apr. 13 thru Apr. 16, for the Thailand Traditional New Year Holidays. Consequently, all mail operations will be suspended during this time. Thailand has requested that all parties halt the dispatch of mail destined to Thailand; during the period of Apr. 13 thru Apr. 16.

Thailand Post reports that all mail operations and deliveries have returned to normal.

Turkey

Turkish Post reports that the serious earthquake on 23 October 2011 has disrupted mail operations, and delays in deliveries of letter, parcel and EMS items to Van and Erciþ are expected. The Turkish Post will keep designated operators informed of the situation via EmIS.

Turkish Post has advised that the forwarding of letters and parcels by airmail or S.A.L. from Turkey to Libya has been suspended. Any such items received will be returned to the country of origin. Turkish Post will not provide any open or closed transit services on behalf of third countries until further notice.

United States of America

During the 2012 NATO Summit in Chicago, the United States Postal Service is making operational changes in the Downtown Chicago area to meet security requirements. The event will take place at McCormick Place. However, other events, protests/rallies, and designated secure transportation routes for delegates, will affect movement around several postal facilities; including Cardiss Collins P&DC, and several retail locations.

Impacts could occur from May 14 through May 22, with peak impacts from Mary 18 through May 22.

Customers can expect the following:

• Drop Shipments — Drop shipments will continue at the Chicago Cardiss Collins P&DC (433 W Harrison Street, 60607) during the event. Drop shipments transportation may experience delays due to excessive traffic or closed routes due to heightened security. No redirections will be made in FAST at this time. Customers with recurring appointments should review their schedules and make needed adjustments.
• Possible Service Delays — There may be modest service impacts for mail destined for 606 – 608. Contingency plans should help reduce these impacts. Mailers should make plans to meet desired in-home window expectations.
• Retail Operations at Multiple Unites — Customers may experience delays and detours while trying to access these facilities. Due to delays in transporting mail within the Downtown Area, PO Office Box mail availability could be delayed until later in the morning.
• Delivery and Collections — Some customers may experience delays as carrier’s normal delivery routes may be modified to work around events/protests. Customers also may find a number of collection boxes will be removed or sealed in the Downtown area for security reasons.

USPS is working diligently to ensure these disruptions have minimal impacts on customers. If you have any questions, contact your USPS representative.

Uruguay

As reported by Uruguay Post, please inform the designated operators of other Union member countries that Uruguay has been experiencing difficulties in transmitting EDI messages since Sunday, 4th of December.

The designated postal operator of Uruguay will keep designated operators informed of the situation and thanks them for their understanding and cooperation.).

Yemen

The U.S. Postal Service has temporarily suspended acceptance of inbound international mail originating in Yemen, and continues to monitor the situation as part of its mission to protect the Postal Service, its employees and its customers. The Postal Service is prepared to make further adjustments to its international mail transportation network based on the recommendations of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and other federal law enforcement agencies.

Zimbabwe

As reported by Zimbabwe Post, the Zimbabwe Posts has reported that due to difficulties encountered in migrating to version 5.11, Zimbabwe Posts has reverted to IPS version 4.24. Normal services have been restored on the 4.24 platform. Zimbabwe Posts will advise when version 5.11 has been successfully implemented.