Grand Rapids MI — The Automated Postal Center (APC) is fast becoming a hit with postal customers in locations across the country with its convenience and accessibility. Within the Greater Michigan Postal District (serving zip codes 486-489, 490-491, and 493-497) APC’s have become more utilized with its efficiency and ability to handle most postal transactions.
The Automated Postal Center (APC) is located in mainly outer lobbies of Post Office and customers follow the prompts to get the service(s) they require.
“Much like the Automated Teller Machines which provide easy access to banking services, and the self service gas pumps and grocery check-outs that allow customer friendly usage, Automated Postal Centers (APC’s) provide convenient access to postal products and services,” says Terri Hagen, Manger Marketing, Greater Michigan District. “APC’s, offer about 80 percent of the products and services available at the retail windows and they don’t add transaction fees” Hagen added.
To use the machine, customers follow simple touch screen instructions available in English and Spanish. Payment for items purchased is made with a major credit or debit card.
The following services are offered at the Automated Postal Center (APC):
- Purchase self-adhesive stamps
- Purchase international postage for documents and correspondence only.
- Weigh, calculate and purchase postage in any amount for items weighing up to 70 lbs.
- Send items via Express Mail, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, and Parcel Post services.
- Look up ZIP Codes and obtain Postal Service mailing information.
- Obtain Express Mail, Certified Mail, and Return Receipts.
- Purchase Delivery Confirmation service.
- Make Post Office Box rental payments.
Most Automated Postal Centers (APC’s) are located in the main (outer) lobbies with a convenient parcel slot/collection box that accepts packages up to 120 inches high, 14 inches deep and up to 20 inches wide and available 24 hours at day, seven days-a-week. APC’s located within interior lobbies are available during retail hours.
So after hours, late at night, or even if the service line looks daunting, the Automated Postal Center (APC) is ready and waiting for you.
# # #
Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/welcome.htm.
A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no direct support from taxpayers. With 36,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, the Postal Service relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $68 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 28th in the 2009 Fortune 500.
