Postal stations instead of letter carriers

[RicNic]

Why does the Villages use postal stations instead of letter carriers?

[retiredguy123]

The Villages has very little to do with it. The U.S. Post Office decides the method for delivering the mail. But, postal stations or neighborhood box stations are used in many areas around the country to reduce the cost of mail delivery. The small size of the house lots makes it more likely that they will erect a common area for picking up the mail, rather than delivering mail to individual houses.

[JohnN]

it's cheaper

[twoplanekid]

Interesting thread from 2008 about postal stations when the Villages was a bit smaller.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/post-office-petition-11735/?highlight=postal+stops

[Stu from NYC]

My understand is that the developer way back when, thought it was a way to get villagers to go out and about more

[Tvflguy]

Personally, have had both methods and absolutely prefer ours now - the postal station. Handy, more secure, effective exp since we’re out just about every day to stop by. And having the parcel locker for bigger things, great. It all works for us. Period.

Not a fan of the P.O, but if it saves a bit of $, good.

[MSchad]

Back home all new developments had free standing neighborhood mail stations at the end of each street. A single carrier can service more homes. A sign of the times.

[Djean1981]

Back home all new developments had free standing neighborhood mail stations at the end of each street. A single carrier can service more homes. A sign of the times.
Exactly, door to door delivery was phased out for newer development..

[djplong]

I have mixed feelings about it and, in general, when tallying the pluses and minuses of a place to live, it's a minus. While there's something to be said for the security, it also says you need that security (whether that's true or not). It smacks of "less service, more cost". It's one thing when it's an apartment building and you're walking past the array of boxes ANYWAY. But it's just another key to have to carry around - and I don't carry keys these days (yes, I realize that's not the norm).

I also realize that THAT ship has sailed and there's nothing I can do about it, regardless of where I might move to in retirement. That decision will have already been made.

[sloanst]

With the small footprint of our homes, could you imagine what the streets would look like with a mail box in front if every home.

[Jerry F2]

Postal Station instead of Letter carriers has been an ongoing change for the USPS for years.
Areas like The Villages, growing and growing, it would take endless new letter carriers and trucks. Almost all of the people delivering your mail (postal stations or parcels) are not federal employees. They are contractors paid to work one certain postal station. Also in many cases, someone else (or machine) will have letters sorted out for contractor to pick up and take out to the postal stations, along with parcels for that Village. This goes on many places in the country where there is a new community being built. Yes, it saves money, but it also is much more time saving. Facts are the USPS, until this newest Postmaster took over, NEVER, in 150 years EVER lost money or needed any Federal Funds to operate. The only Federal Agency who could say that. "If something is not broken, don't fix it." That does not apply to a government agency.

[Worldseries27]

with the small footprint of our homes, could you imagine what the streets would look like with a mail box in front if every home.
i imagine hundreds of mail boxes being knocked over annually by us, delivery men and sanitation personnel. Not to mention theft of mail and arguements over fido making his presence known, along with the bird feces to decorate both the box and the driveways .

[Sandy and Ed]

My understand is that the developer way back when, thought it was a way to get villagers to go out and about more
Don’t know if that was the reason, but if it really was, GREAT thinking. Gives some of us an opportunity to meet others. Can drop off and pick up mail at same location. Also co-located with pools very convenient.

[talonip]

I like the clean look of the neighborhood rather than having mail boxes in every yard. It’s like power lines. Most are underground.

[BogeyBoy]

Postal Station instead of Letter carriers has been an ongoing change for the USPS for years.
Areas like The Villages, growing and growing, it would take endless new letter carriers and trucks. Almost all of the people delivering your mail (postal stations or parcels) are not federal employees. They are contractors paid to work one certain postal station. Also in many cases, someone else (or machine) will have letters sorted out for contractor to pick up and take out to the postal stations, along with parcels for that Village. This goes on many places in the country where there is a new community being built. Yes, it saves money, but it also is much more time saving. Facts are the USPS, until this newest Postmaster took over, NEVER, in 150 years EVER lost money or needed any Federal Funds to operate. The only Federal Agency who could say that. "If something is not broken, don't fix it." That does not apply to a government agency.

Your “facts” are not facts.

The postal service has not made a profit since 2006. The current postal service was formed in 1971 but it’s roots go back to 1775. Until that 1971 reorganization they received many tax subsidies, then they were gradually phased out.

[waterflower]

Money

[joelfmi]

What if you are not able to drive remember this is a senior citizen 55+ community with no community travel.

[Speedie]

Why does the Villages use postal stations instead of letter carriers?

That is why stamps to deliver to TV are less expensive than places with home delivery

[Chi-Town]

My parents house had a mail slot in the wall. No mailboxes anywhere to be seen in the neighborhood. Wonder if that is common anywhere now.

[Laker14]

What if you are not able to drive remember this is a senior citizen 55+ community with no community travel.

If you can't get yourself to the postal station, then it would be silly to pay a premium to live in a place like TV, where not only the houses cost more for the benefit of living close to all of the amenities that provide access to an "active" senior lifestyle, but on top of that you have to pay nearly $200 per month in amenity fees to enjoy the facilities.

Most communities in this country don't provide public transportation, door-to-door, for shut-ins. When we get to the stage that we can't go pick up our own mail, it will be time to sell the home in TV, pocket the cash, and move to a different type of facility, depending upon our need for assistance at that time. Those facilities exist. TV is not one of them.

[Djean1981]

i imagine hundreds of mail boxes being knocked over annually by us, delivery men and sanitation personnel. Not to mention theft of mail and arguements over fido making his presence known, along with the bird feces to decorate both the box and the driveways .
Very true! And some days, there are so many contractor trucks on the streets, that the mail delivery vehicles wouldn't have much of a path.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

Why does the Villages use postal stations instead of letter carriers?
The postal stations are very convenient. If you take a day trip or go on vacation for a few days your mail is not piling up at you house. For long trips ask your carrier to hold your mail. I have met many nice people at the postal station. To the person who can't get to the mailbox ask a friend to get yours. We do that all the time in my neighborhood. Len

[HospitalCoder]

I have mixed feelings about it and, in general, when tallying the pluses and minuses of a place to live, it's a minus. While there's something to be said for the security, it also says you need that security (whether that's true or not). It smacks of "less service, more cost". It's one thing when it's an apartment building and you're walking past the array of boxes ANYWAY. But it's just another key to have to carry around - and I don't carry keys these days (yes, I realize that's not the norm).

I also realize that THAT ship has sailed and there's nothing I can do about it, regardless of where I might move to in retirement. That decision will have already been made.

I felt the same way when I first visited friends many years ago. I thought, seriously? No way am I going to walk or drive every day to get my mail. Obviously, I decided to overlook it because I’m in my 3rd year here. I see now in the grand scheme of things, the mailbox situation is actually not a big deal and even a plus.

1. I don’t pick up my mail everyday because I don’t need to. It’s mostly junk. I do all my bill paying electronically.
2. I subscribe to USPS Informed Delivery. Every morning I get an email with photos of my mail for the day so I know if there is something I want to pick up right away.
3. I enjoy hopping in the golf cart to pick up mail. I often run into neighbors or meet people with their dogs. It can be a social encounter if you wish.
4. As someone else pointed out, it’s easy and convenient to stop for mail when out and about.
4. I can go away for a few days and my mail stays there safe and sound.

[JSR22]

What if you are not able to drive remember this is a senior citizen 55+ community with no community travel.

You do not live here, and constantly post the same complaint. You add no value with your posts.

[Stu from NYC]

Don’t know if that was the reason, but if it really was, GREAT thinking. Gives some of us an opportunity to meet others. Can drop off and pick up mail at same location. Also co-located with pools very convenient.

That was what we were told by the Villages Sales rep and it sounded logical given how they designed the place

[Stu from NYC]

My parents house had a mail slot in the wall. No mailboxes anywhere to be seen in the neighborhood. Wonder if that is common anywhere now.

Our daughter lives in DC and very common to have a slot for mail in the front door.

[HospitalCoder]

What if you are not able to drive remember this is a senior citizen 55+ community with no community travel.

If you are someone you know needs help getting mail, Caring Neighbors may be able to help:
https://www.uwls.org/sumter-senior-resources/

People in my neighborhood often pick up mail for each other when someone is out of town or injured.

[MrFlorida]

Because letter carriers would walk across you lawn, and then you would complain about that !

[Laker14]

I consider the method of mail delivery in TV to be another example of a well designed community. The postal stations are well located, and plentiful enough that there is seldom a difficult crowd to negotiate around, and close to the neighborhood pool, as well as a few other minor amenities. Between the DW and me, one of us is nearly everyday driving right past it. Very easy to pop in and get the mail.
The only minor inconvenience is that DW is very short and our box is on the top row, but that is balanced out by the very tall man we often meet there who has his box on the bottom row. I looked into switching with him, but the Postal Service doesn't have a way to do that. Well, I'm sure they do, but they don't want to be bothered with it.

[Bogie Shooter]

What if you are not able to drive remember this is a senior citizen 55+ community with no community travel.

For comparison, how is mail delivered where you live?

[Kenswing]

That is why stamps to deliver to TV are less expensive than places with home delivery

Uhhhh what?

[Regorp]

The Villages has very little to do with it. The U.S. Post Office decides the method for delivering the mail. But, postal stations or neighborhood box stations are used in many areas around the country to reduce the cost of mail delivery. The small size of the house lots makes it more likely that they will erect a common area for picking up the mail, rather than delivering mail to individual houses.
Been here in DeLuna for a month and like the postal station for mail. Can pick up mail daily same time unlike up north sometimes not delivered until dark. Good idea.

[patlerro]

While I like the stations, would like to see an additional post office in the newer areas. Currently the Post Office cannot hold any mail for those leaving the area for a week or so; anything placed in the larger boxes will be returned to sender after two days. Lady Lake says they cannot handle routine hold mail items.Why does the Villages use postal stations instead of letter carriers?

[Whitley]

My parents house had a mail slot in the wall. No mailboxes anywhere to be seen in the neighborhood. Wonder if that is common anywhere now.

A mail slot in the wall? One day someone is going to be doing renovation and find hundreds of old letters behind the drywall.

I had a condo in Miami, where there were fancy art deco style maildrops on each floor, but I can not see it working in a house. I am curious as to how this worked.

[LG999]

My parents house had a mail slot in the wall. No mailboxes anywhere to be seen in the neighborhood. Wonder if that is common anywhere now.
What do people in TV do if they are unable to physically go to the mail station perhaps bcs of a medical issue, inability to drive, etc? How do house bound Villagers get their mail?

Growing up on Long Island NY all homes in the area had a slot in the front door for mail.
When I moved into an apartment bldg we had a bank of locked mailboxes in a wall in the lobby near the elevator -- similar to what we have in TV except right inside the bldg. For the past 15 years I have been living in a 2-family townhouse with a mail slot in the door. Mail slots are convenient, safe/secure and are excellent if you can't get out for some reason. They do require hand delivery so work best in higher density areas.

I have never had to leave my abode to receive mail. This was a huge help during hard rain, heavy snow, the flu, broken leg/foot, etc. Now that we are older with potential physical issues in our future, we will have to somehow get to the mail station and I am wondering how.

[GATORBILL66]

why does the villages use postal stations instead of letter carriers? i don't want a mailbox in my yard!

[vonbork]

We could have ones that look like flamingos, alligators, golf bags, golf carts, canes, and Ooo, Ooo, Ooo! How about a pair of lovebugs! Stores would open to sell, booths at the squares!

[Nana2Teddy]

I consider the method of mail delivery in TV to be another example of a well designed community. The postal stations are well located, and plentiful enough that there is seldom a difficult crowd to negotiate around, and close to the neighborhood pool, as well as a few other minor amenities. Between the DW and me, one of us is nearly everyday driving right past it. Very easy to pop in and get the mail.
The only minor inconvenience is that DW is very short and our box is on the top row, but that is balanced out by the very tall man we often meet there who has his box on the bottom row. I looked into switching with him, but the Postal Service doesn't have a way to do that. Well, I'm sure they do, but they don't want to be bothered with it.
I heard recently that the mailboxes are assigned by address and that can’t be changed. They’re actually designing the new stations differently now with the bottom row of mailboxes higher above the ground than the older ones. Not sure about the top row height though. I’ve heard some people bring step stools to stand on if they have a high mailbox.

Here in SoCal in our 50 y/o neighborhood we have a mailbox on the wall next to our front door, and some neighbors have a mail slot installed in their front door.

[Geodyssey]

A mail slot in the wall? One day someone is going to be doing renovation and find hundreds of old letters behind the drywall.

I had a condo in Miami, where there were fancy art deco style maildrops on each floor, but I can not see it working in a house. I am curious as to how this worked.


It's a small slot in the wall that goes from the outside to the inside of the house (or business).

The mailman puts the letter in the slot (outside) and it drops thru to the inside.

It was invented at least 45 years ago.

[blueash]

What do people in TV do if they are unable to physically go to the mail station perhaps bcs of a medical issue, inability to drive, etc? How do house bound Villagers get their mail?

.. Now that we are older with potential physical issues in our future, we will have to somehow get to the mail station and I am wondering how.

What they do is that they research the problem and find using Google that the USPS has anticipated such a problem and has a free easy solution for you.

USPS.com FAQs (https://faq.usps.com/s/article/If-I-have-Hardship-or-Medical-Problems-how-do-I-request-Door-Delivery)

Customer Information


"Hardship" or "Medical Problems" is defined as an illness or handicap which would present a physical challenge for an individual to retrieve mail.

To request door delivery, you need to write a letter requesting this change and attach a statement from a Doctor. The doctor's statement should indicate you are unable to collect your mail from a curb or centralized mailbox. Both your letter and the doctor's statement must be sent to the Post Office™ that delivers your mail for approval or denial. Final determination on whether or not door delivery will be granted will be made by the Post Office.

Request letters should be addressed to:

POSTMASTER
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
<YOUR CITY, STATE AND ZIP CODE>

[LG999]

Thank you, Blueash
Good to know

[Rodneysblue]

With the small footprint of our homes, could you imagine what the streets would look like with a mail box in front if every home.

My thoughts exactly!

[Laker14]

The idea of a neighborhood letter carrier is a quaint reminder of another era. I eventually ran the dental practice started by my grandfather in 1925 in what was then a charming little Upstate NY town. My dad told me that when he was a kid, the office mail was delivered TWICE every day.
And who can forget the mailman in the comic strip "Blondie". He was practically family, and knew everyone's business.

He and the 3 cent postage stamp are as long-gone as a daytime World Series baseball game.

[Papa_lecki]

We could have ones that look like flamingos, alligators, golf bags, golf carts, canes, and Ooo, Ooo, Ooo! How about a pair of lovebugs! Stores would open to sell, booths at the squares!

The ARC and the ladies with clip board would have a field day with all the non conforming mailboxes.
Would lead to good posts here. And for those who say “require all mailboxes to be black”, how many do you think will try to put up the pink flamingo?

[DaleDivine]

Because letter carriers would walk across you lawn, and then you would complain about that !

:censored::agree::agree::mad:

[Lea N]

My parents house had a mail slot in the wall. No mailboxes anywhere to be seen in the neighborhood. Wonder if that is common anywhere now.

We lived in an older home once that had this slot. I loved the novelty of it. At that time we had a mail box for the PO to put the mail in. The slot was just leftover from days gone by.

[coffeebean]

Back home all new developments had free standing neighborhood mail stations at the end of each street. A single carrier can service more homes. A sign of the times.

We called them "gang mailboxes" in South Florida. Prior to moving to Florida, we had the unsecured mailbox on our property so I've had both types of mail delivery. I do prefer this method of delivery as it is more secure. Too many reports of people stealing mail from unsecured mail boxes, especially social security checks. I know now most of the important stuff is done electronically but I still prefer to have my mail under lock and key.

[coffeebean]

That is why stamps to deliver to TV are less expensive than places with home delivery

That is a joke, right?

[coffeebean]

Our daughter lives in DC and very common to have a slot for mail in the front door.

It must be more time consuming for the mail carrier to put all the mail through those small slots. No bundles will fit.

[coffeebean]

A mail slot in the wall? One day someone is going to be doing renovation and find hundreds of old letters behind the drywall.

I had a condo in Miami, where there were fancy art deco style maildrops on each floor, but I can not see it working in a house. I am curious as to how this worked.

Aren't mail slots usually in the front door?

[coffeebean]

What do people in TV do if they are unable to physically go to the mail station perhaps bcs of a medical issue, inability to drive, etc? How do house bound Villagers get their mail?

Growing up on Long Island NY all homes in the area had a slot in the front door for mail.
When I moved into an apartment bldg we had a bank of locked mailboxes in a wall in the lobby near the elevator -- similar to what we have in TV except right inside the bldg. For the past 15 years I have been living in a 2-family townhouse with a mail slot in the door. Mail slots are convenient, safe/secure and are excellent if you can't get out for some reason. They do require hand delivery so work best in higher density areas.

I have never had to leave my abode to receive mail. This was a huge help during hard rain, heavy snow, the flu, broken leg/foot, etc. Now that we are older with potential physical issues in our future, we will have to somehow get to the mail station and I am wondering how.

In that situation, it is best not to live in The Villages. This community lends itself to active lifestyle. If I were not self sufficient, I would never rely on anyone to get my mail on a permanent basis. I would move.

[coffeebean]

What they do is that they research the problem and find using Google that the USPS has anticipated such a problem and has a free easy solution for you.

USPS.com FAQs (https://faq.usps.com/s/article/If-I-have-Hardship-or-Medical-Problems-how-do-I-request-Door-Delivery)

I was not aware of this service. Thank you for posting.

[Speedie]

Our daughter lives in DC and very common to have a slot for mail in the front door.

DC roads are paved with gold!!!

OURS

[Speedie]

That is a joke, right?

No. Less service saves them money. They pass those savings on to customers

[mbene]

The idea of a neighborhood letter carrier is a quaint reminder of another era. I eventually ran the dental practice started by my grandfather in 1925 in what was then a charming little Upstate NY town. My dad told me that when he was a kid, the office mail was delivered TWICE every day.
And who can forget the mailman in the comic strip "Blondie". He was practically family, and knew everyone's business.

He and the 3 cent postage stamp are as long-gone as a daytime World Series baseball game.

I remember in the 60s in Detroit our mail was delivered twice a day during the Christmas holiday season because of all the cards that used to go out then. May have happened even earlier, but I don't go back that far.

[Laker14]

I remember in the 60s in Detroit our mail was delivered twice a day during the Christmas holiday season because of all the cards that used to go out then. May have happened even earlier, but I don't go back that far.

Pre WWII, when my dad was a kid, they would hire him and other kids to handle the second delivery, as a part time job. Now that I think of it, I'm not sure if the double delivery was year round or just a holiday occurrence as you describe.

[MrFlorida]

Mail slot ? No thanks, no telling what some creeps would shove in there when your away....

[DonnaNi4os]

Why does the Villages use postal stations instead of letter carriers?

I’m not sure of the actual reason, but can you imagine walking around in this extreme heat all day? Seems like a no brainer to me.

[Stu from NYC]

Aren't mail slots usually in the front door?

Our daughters slot is in the front door.

[Stu from NYC]

Mail slot ? No thanks, no telling what some creeps would shove in there when your away....

Does not seem to be a problem in DC. Than again when we had mailbox while livin in Va was generally not a problem either

[fdpaq0580]

Our daughters slot is in the front door.

In LA our mail slot was next to the front door and emptied into a box in the guest closet.

[BlueStarAirlines]

Facts are the USPS, until this newest Postmaster took over, NEVER, in 150 years EVER lost money or needed any Federal Funds to operate. The only Federal Agency who could say that. "If something is not broken, don't fix it." That does not apply to a government agency.

The US Postal Service has lost money every year since 2007...

U.S. Postal Service reports $4.9 billion 2021 net loss | Reuters (https://tinyurl.com/US-Postal-Service-Loss)

[Dusty_Star]

What they do is that they research the problem and find using Google that the USPS has anticipated such a problem and has a free easy solution for you.

USPS.com FAQs (https://faq.usps.com/s/article/If-I-have-Hardship-or-Medical-Problems-how-do-I-request-Door-Delivery)

Best & most informative answer in the thread, thank you Blueash.