Service Alerts

Last update: Sept. 20, 2021, 6 p.m. ET

USPS Service Alerts have information for consumers, small businesses and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions caused by weather-related and other natural disasters, special events, or other changes impacting service.

Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to prepare for hurricanes and severe weather.

Implementation of First-Class Mail and Periodicals service standard changes – October 1, 2021

On October 1, the Postal Service will implement new service standards for First-Class Mail and Periodicals which will increase delivery reliability, consistency, and efficiency for our customers and across our network.

Most First-Class Mail and Periodicals will be unaffected by the new service standard changes. Standards for single-piece First-Class Mail traveling within a local area will continue to be two days. Mail traveling the greatest distances will be most affected, with a day or two of transit time added for some First-Class Mail and Periodicals.

We’ll make better use of our trucks and existing surface network to move the mail, relying less on costly air transportation.

By improving service reliability and increasing efficiency, we can keep costs at reasonable levels and help keep postage rates affordable for our customers.

For more information, visit the Delivering for America page for the First Class/Periodical Service Standard Fact Sheet at https://about.usps.com/what/strategic-plans/delivering-for-america/assets/USPS-Fact-Sheet_FCM-Service-Standard-Change.pdf

With new service standards being implemented on October 1, USPS offers these tips for consumers:

  1. Plan ahead – For mail or correspondence that requires a deadline, the Postal Service encourages consumers to plan ahead and send their mail early. You likely wouldn’t wait to mail your mom a Mother’s Day card the day before or on Mother’s Day, so mail your letters and greeting cards with the Postal Service early so the Postal Service can ensure it reaches its final destination on-time.
  1. When sending mail long distance, mail early – If it would take you more than a day to drive your mail to its destination, make sure to give your long-distance mail some extra time to travel with the Postal Service.
  1. Keep mailing letters! The majority of First-Class Mail will be unaffected by the Postal Service’s new service standards. In fact, these new standards mean your letters and mail will be delivered more reliably and consistently than they have been in previous years.

Service disruptions

Residential customers and small businesses can find out if mail is being delivered, or if their Post Offices are open. Business mailers get more detailed information about USPS mail processing facilities, and the operating status of delivery units, as well as any impacts on mail delivery overseas.

Residential customers

Business mailers

International

Contact us

Residential customers

Residential customers should check this Mail Service Disruptions website first for current, frequently-updated information about whether mail is being delivered to your neighborhood or if your local Post Office is open. Or you can call our customer service center at 1-800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777).

Business mailers

Contact the Business Service Network headquarters communications manager for additional information or to report a disruption. Email us at mailserviceupdate@usps.gov.

Need more support? Have questions? Contact your local Business Service Network or visit PostalPro.