Feb. 13, 2020

Postal Service Asks to Please Clear Snow and Ice

Keep Letter Carriers safe as they deliver mail

CHICAGO IL — With snow having arrived in the region and cooler temperatures, one seasonal tool is expected to make its return at homes and businesses – the shovel.

To help letter carriers deliver the mail, the Postal Service is asking customers to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, stairs and mailboxes. 

“Snow and ice make delivery dangerous and slow,” said Chicago Postmaster Wanda Prater.  “We appreciate customers maintaining a clear path to the mail box – including steps, porches, walkways and street approach.  This will help letter carriers maintain consistent delivery service and help them get those cards and packages delivered.” 

Customers receiving door delivery should make sure their sidewalks, steps and porches are clear.  Customers receiving curbside delivery should remove snow piles left by snow plows to keep access to their mailboxes clear for letter carriers.

Delivery service may be delayed or curtailed whenever streets or walkways present hazardous conditions for letter carriers or when snow is plowed against mailboxes. “The Postal Service curtails delivery only after careful consideration, and only as a last resort,” said Postal Spokesman Tim Norman.  “Any curtailed mail is attempted the next delivery day.”

Blue collection boxes also need to be kept clear for our customers to deposit their mail and for the Postal Service to collect the mail for delivery.  Residents and businesses with collection boxes near their property are asked to keep them clear of snow and ice.

The Postal Service 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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