LIHUE — The U.S. Postal Service launched its new USPS Connect delivery services at 15 Post Offices across Hawaii today, including the USPS Lihue Carrier Annex at 3230 Kapule Highway.

USPS Connect is a set of four delivery solutions that leverage ongoing network improvements, new equipment, new pricing and enhanced operational precision to meet evolving business package delivery needs.

“USPS Connect provides businesses of all sizes what they have been asking for — an affordable way to meet consumer demand for fast delivery,” said Louis DeJoy, Postmaster General and CEO. “A pivotal point in our Delivering for America plan, it positions us to more fully leverage our network capacity to increase volume and revenue so we can continue to serve the American people with affordable, reliable mail and package delivery.”

“USPS Connect levels the playing field for small businesses,” said Honolulu Postmaster Kevin Nakaoka. “It gives small businesses access to big-business pricing discounts. This initiative couldn’t come at a better time, with prices for gas, food and just about everything else near record-high levels.”

“I’m very excited to try out USPS Connect,” said Paulele Alcon, owner of local retailer Hawaii’s Finest . “With USPS Connect Local, I’ll be able to provide my local customers with same-day or next-day shipping at low rates. Reducing our shopping costs will benefit our company as well as our customers.”

The 15 Post Offices in Hawaii at which USPS Connect delivery services are available are:

• Downtown Honolulu
• Ewa Beach
• Hawaii Kai
• Kailua
• Kailua Kona (Big Island)
• Kamuela (Big Island)
• Kapalama
• Lihue Carrier Annex (Kauai)
• Makiki
• Mililani
• Pahoa (Big Island)
• Wahiawa
• Waianae
• Waikiki
• Waipahu

The USPS Connect program offers several solutions to help businesses of all sizes meet growing consumer demand for affordable, fast local, regional, and national deliveries and returns. 

The four USPS Connect business solutions are:

• USPS Connect Local is a new way for local businesses to reach local customers affordably and quickly. USPS Connect Local offers affordable next-day service in all locations, with same-day delivery, Sunday delivery and pickup options in select locations. This offering also includes USPS Connect Local Mail, an affordable First-Class Mail option for documents up to 13 ounces. Businesses can enter USPS Connect Local packages and mail at the receiving dock of the designated postal facility or take advantage of free en-route pickup when their carrier delivers their mail. Free flat-rate bags, boxes and envelopes are available via Click-N-Ship.
• USPS Connect Regional provides next-day regional entry and delivery of Parcel Select packages and Parcel Select Lightweight packages. Businesses should consult with USPS representatives to identify the entry points and options that work best for them. Most packages will be delivered the next day within a specified region.
• USPS Connect National provides delivery solutions for businesses of all sizes. They can benefit from the Postal Service’s new mail processing equipment and reconfigured network to receive reliable delivery of packages through First-Class Package Service, Parcel Select Ground and Retail Ground.
• USPS Connect Returns is a service for businesses to offer their customers convenient returns, with free en-route pickup by their carrier or drop-off at a nearby Post Office location.

“We’ve listened carefully to our business customers to develop this program,” said Jakki Krage Strako, USPS chief commerce and business solutions officer. “We’re increasing next-day deliveries. We’re also giving smaller businesses big-business rates and all businesses more user-friendly ways to interact with us.”

Businesses interested in learning more may visit USPSconnect.com, call 855-MYUSPSCONNECT (855-698-7772), email mailto:uspsconnect@usps.gov or visit usps.com/business/business-shipping.htm.

Delivery times stated for USPS Connect offerings are expected, but not guaranteed, and require entry of packages at the designated facility nearest package destinations or authorized pickup. Businesses should speak with a USPS representative about requirements.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations.

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