Has there been a change in USPS rules about dropping off pre-paid packages at a post office?

[orman1]

I normally drop off my prepaid USPS packages at a contract branch.  Until recently, they had a large wheeled bin for dropping off pre-paid packagesplaced right outside the counter.  No need to wait in line just to drop packages.  Today there was no bin and I was informed that I need to wait in line to drop off a package.  They told me the rules changed and I must hand the packages to an employee.

Are you guys seeing this or is this just my local branch?  I searched and couldn't find any mention of this change here or elsewhere.

[kensgiftshop]

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@orman1wrote:

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The bin is in full view of the counter and it is not a high crime area, so it is a risk I am willing to take.   Of course the USPS might not like the risk of the packages being stolen when people think they have been placed into USPS control.   I guess I can understand it, if that is the reason.  Maybe some packages were stolen.  I would have thought that they could have told me that if that was the case. 

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The bin might be in view of the counter, but is there a clerk at the counter at all times.

I know at my post office, you could walk up to the counter and be there a couple minutes before the clerk comes over.

How many packages do you think a thief could grab out of that bin while the clerk is trying to get stamps for another customer?

They could of had some packages come up missing and decided to do away with the bin.

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

The difference is that this is a CONTRACT station -- they can set their own rules.  Most likely, they didn't it want it generally known they've experienced theft.

~~C~~

[pingpong517]

yes.... they don't want packages to be dropped off.... they really never did..it just got that way especially at contract places.... it all about security .. and ebven to check the postage....have had counter people make sure it was weighed correctly...and asked if anything in it that is hazardous....so think at mind they just don't want them left...and I can see the reason.... 

so yes i have seen it...

[couldabeenworse]

I'm sure every single post office and contract station has their own rules about where and when you can drop off packages. 

And I'm sure those rules get tightened (at least temporarily) when somebody complains that a parcel they dropped off went missing.

[sam9876]

" So I would just place my package(s) at the unstaffed position and smile and wave at one of the employees.  I tried that today and was told that I had to wait in line and hand the package to an employee."

Just say, "Sorry, I don't have time to stand in line.  These packages are pre-paid".

If they mouth off, ask to speak with the supervisor and see the new rule.