According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), more than 128 billion mail pieces were sent through the agency’s messaging system in 2021 alone, with the agency serving more than 163 million addresses in the United States But the USPS also has some authority over the services it provides and who has access to them – and it sometimes makes changes with far-reaching effects. In fact, the Postal Service recently confirmed that it has suspended one of its major services, effective immediately. Read on to find out what the agency is getting rid of now.
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The USPS has discontinued its international courier services in Russia on March 11 Linn Stamp News reported. According to the outlet, the agency said it had suspended some services “due to unavailability of transportation due to widespread cancellations and restrictions” in Russia. Services no longer provided include Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, First-Class Mail International, First-Class Package International Service, International Priority Airmail, International Surface Air Lift, M-bags and Global Express Guaranteed Service, the service postal mentioned.
On its website, Swiss Post asks customers “please refrainto attempt to send mail addressed to Russia in the USPS system. Employees cannot accept mailings destined for countries with suspended international mail service. The only exception is military and diplomatic mail delivery.
According to the USPS, mail already deposited will be marked as “Mail Service – Return to Sender” and will then be mailed back to you. But it could cost you dearly. “The Postal Service will, upon request, reimburse postage and mail costs returned due to suspension of service,” the USPS states on its website.
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The USPS may choose to lift its ban on shipments to Russia, but the agency has not yet given a timeline for its suspension. “The Postal Service is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to notify customers until the situation returns to normal,” the agency said in a statement. Linn Stamp News.
When service is restored, you may be able to return your item as is. “The sender can resend them with existing postage once service is restored. When resending under this option, customers should cross out ‘Mail Service Suspended – Return to Sender,’” the USPS explains on its website.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine doesn’t just affect mail and packages sent by the USPS. UPS recently issued a service alert which said it had temporarily suspended operations in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. And on March 14, FedEx announced that it was temporarily suspend all of its Russian and Belarusian services until further notice, as well as temporarily suspending its inbound and outbound services to Ukraine and closing its sites there.
“We are deeply troubled by what is happening in Ukraine, and our thoughts and solidarity are with those affected by this ongoing violence,” FedEx said in a statement. “Our top priority is the safety of our team members and their families, and we are providing direct financial assistance to them and affected communities.”
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