Effective August 23, 2012, Handbook PO-209, Retail Operations Handbook, is revised to include provisions on Remotely Managed Post Offices™ (RMPOs) and Part-Time Post Offices (PTPOs). These revisions implement changes to the hours of service of retail units previously classified as EAS Level 16 or below Post Offices.
Handbook PO-209, Retail Operations Handbook
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5 Schedules
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5-3 Office Hours
[Revise 5-3 to read as follows:]
Lobby and retail services should be scheduled during hours most appropriate to the needs of the majority of customers in the local area. Postal Service units located in a business area normally would be open during hours maintained by that business community.
If the postmaster/manager determines that additional service hours are necessary to meet community needs, he/she must obtain approval from the next higher management level for increasing workhour usage if additional costs are involved.
Except as provided below, permanent changes in the hours of operation must be approved by the district and area offices. Once approved, the area retail office must notify Headquarters Retail Operations of the change in hours of operation at a minimum of 30 days in advance of the change. The notification is to be done via email, using the “Notification of Proposed Reduction in Office Hours” located at http://blue.usps.gov/wps/portal/officehours. Retail units offering Saturday delivery must continue to do so unless otherwise approved by Headquarters Retail Operations.
Total daily hours of service for Remotely Managed Post Office (RMPOs) and Part-Time Post Office (PTPOs) on weekdays are determined by Headquarters Retail Operations. The actual hours of service each weekday and weekend are determined by the district officials. Offices offering Saturday delivery must continue to do so unless otherwise approved by Headquarters Retail Operations.
A replacement for the mandatory “Hours of Operation” decal must be ordered from the Direct Vendor Signage Catalog and applied to all entrance doors per retail standardization guidelines. “Replacement Hours of Operation” decals must be ordered with sufficient time to receive the new decal from the vendor and display it the day before the hours are changed. Thirty days prior to the change in hours of operation, temporary signs must be posted on entrance doors to inform customers of the upcoming change in hours and the nearest Post Office that can provide service during the changed hours. Offices must check with their district retail office for further information about appropriate temporary signage.
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We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of Handbook PO-209 and into the online update available on the Postal Service PolicyNet website:
n Go to http://blue.usps.gov.
n Under “Essential Links” in the left-hand column, click PolicyNet.
n On the PolicyNet page, click HBKs.
(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet website is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)
— Retail Operations,
Delivery and Post Office Operations, 8-23-12
