U.S. Mail hold... worthless?

[Risuli]

Have been gone the month of August and before leaving we placed a 1 month hold on our mail so as to not cause an issue with putting a vast amount of junk mail, etc. into the small mail box at our postal station.

Came back a week before the mail hold was up and checked out our mail box. It was crammed full of mail to the point I could barely wedge the mail out. Included with the explosion of mail was a print out stating our requested mail hold (which had yet to expire). So, I take it putting a hold on your mail here in the Villages is just pointless?

[retiredguy123]

Yes, it is pointless because Government employees or contractors are never held accountable for anything they do or don't do.

[dtennent]

While we have had pretty good luck with mail holds, finding the people sorting the mail when we get back is hit or miss. They don’t seem to keep regular hours.

[Bill14564]

What did you expect the hold mail to do?

How did you think your hold mail would work:
1. Keep the mail in Lady Lake then put it into your secured box on the day your hold ends?
2. Keep the mail in a box on the floor of the postal station then put it into your secured box on the day your hold ends?
3. Put your mail in a box on the floor if it doesn't fit into your secured box?

Had you not come back early you would not have known which of the three had been used. And what difference does it make? Your mail wasn't blowing around your yard, it was safely secured while you were away, and it was available when you returned. What is the problem?

The hold mail service *might* stop some junk mail (or might not, that's why the word "might"). What it accomplishes is letting the mail station people know why you haven't emptied your box. Rather than thinking you simply haven't picked it up, they know that you are away.

[dewilson58]

Have used the Hold service many, many times.

Works perfectly every time.

Couple of time, the box was packed.............but NO damage to any mail.
Most of the time, my mail is placed in a bin.

Remember, they have limited space and limited bins in their space.
They fill the box, until it overflows.

Sounds like most of your mail was junk mail........so nothing hurt.

[oldtimes]

Did you do it online, directly with the post office? We do this every time we go away and when we get back it is in a box for us.

[bopat]

We used to put a note in the mailbox, put it on hold online, and talk to the lady at the postal station and still got a mailbox crammed with mail. Now we just give the postal box key to a neighbor and they get it for us.

[Nell57]

I use mail hold/forward all the time. Usually no problems at all.

I think it would be a little daunting to be the person working in the little room, staring at 200 holes.
To make life easier for them, I also fold an index card in half so it stands up. I write on it, “please hold mail until…..”
It seems to work well for both of us.

[Risuli]

What did you expect the hold mail to do?

How did you think your hold mail would work:
1. Keep the mail in Lady Lake then put it into your secured box on the day your hold ends?
2. Keep the mail in a box on the floor of the postal station then put it into your secured box on the day your hold ends?
3. Put your mail in a box on the floor if it doesn't fit into your secured box?

Had you not come back early you would not have known which of the three had been used. And what difference does it make? Your mail wasn't blowing around your yard, it was safely secured while you were away, and it was available when you returned. What is the problem?

The hold mail service *might* stop some junk mail (or might not, that's why the word "might"). What it accomplishes is letting the mail station people know why you haven't emptied your box. Rather than thinking you simply haven't picked it up, they know that you are away.

Since the U.S. Postal Service offers this service, I didn't think I needed to determine how they go about implementing it. Simply figured they'd bin it until the date THEY offered to deliver it and place it one of the key lockers if it didn't easily fit in the mail box itself. Instead, to my surprise, it was hammer into the mail box a week BEFORE the provided delivery date and was nearly impossible to remove from the box without destroying portions of the mail. Since I am unfamiliar with the process HERE (have used it without issue in other locations) I posted this thread.

[Babubhat]

The online version of mail hold has worked for me. Don’t use the card

[j_vermilya]

Mail hold and forwarding, neither have worked for me

[CarlR33]

I have not used it here but up north many times booking online with success. Here, I am not sure I care to put it on hold since it’s in a secure box already and not a regular mailbox to blow out or for someone to look inside and say geez they are not at home. I have all my stuff online so the majority would be junk or stuff I was not expecting like cards, etc.

[dougjb]

The USPS is an amazing organization!

When you consider how many billions of pieces of mail are handled each and every day, no other organization does as good a job as the Post Office!

We have all heard the stories about "the check is in the mail" right? Well, I can tell you that when the check is in the mail, it invariably gets through. Very very very few pieces of mail do not get to where they were addressed.

We all like to find fault with the Post Office. But, I for one, think it is one of the greatest institutions we have. Besides, where else can you put a flimsy piece of paper in the mail shoot for less than a buck and have it delivered thousands of miles away in just a few days.

Stop complaining and celebrating this institution which has been around longer than our country has existed!

[retiredguy123]

The USPS is an amazing organization!

When you consider how many billions of pieces of mail are handled each and every day, no other organization does as good a job as the Post Office!

We have all heard the stories about "the check is in the mail" right? Well, I can tell you that when the check is in the mail, it invariably gets through. Very very very few pieces of mail do not get to where they were addressed.

We all like to find fault with the Post Office. But, I for one, think it is one of the greatest institutions we have. Besides, where else can you put a flimsy piece of paper in the mail shoot for less than a buck and have it delivered thousands of miles away in just a few days.

Stop complaining and celebrating this institution which has been around longer than our country has existed!
I noticed that you said nothing about the cost and how many billions of dollars they lose every year that the taxpayers need to pay for. Read the IG reports and other audit reports, including the Postal service's own reports. Amazon does a much better job and they make a profit. I will not stop complaining until the U.S. Postal Service is abolished as it should be.

[Bill14564]

I noticed that you said nothing about the cost and how many billions of dollars they lose every year that the taxpayers need to pay for. Read the IG reports and other audit reports, including the Postal service's own reports. Amazon does a much better job and they make a profit. I will not stop complaining until the U.S. Postal Service is abolished as it should be.

Amazon charges a lot more (as do FedEx and UPS) and may not guarantee delivery to every home every day.

It's been too long since I read up on financing of the Post Office but if I remember correctly, delivery of mail is paying for itself (or close to it) but demands for pre-funding of retirement benefits put them in the red.

You want good service to every home in the country at a low price while email is cutting into your income PLUS put billions into a retirement plan - something has to give.

[retiredguy123]

Amazon charges a lot more (as do FedEx and UPS) and may not guarantee delivery to every home every day.

It's been too long since I read up on financing of the Post Office but if I remember correctly, delivery of mail is paying for itself (or close to it) but demands for pre-funding of retirement benefits put them in the red.

You want good service to every home in the country at a low price while email is cutting into your income PLUS put billions into a retirement plan - something has to give.
Funding of retirement benefits is an actual cost that needs to be paid for by the taxpayers. But, even the U.S. Postal Service admits that they lose billions every year and they need to improve their efficiency. Read their own reports. The Postal service loses billions by delivering junk mail at below their cost which no profit-making company would ever offer. How many junk mail deliveries have you ever received from UPS or FedEx? All junk mail comes from the U.S. Post Office. Why can't they at least allow customers to cancel their Postal account? It would be illegal for any private company to mandate that every person in the country must have an account with their company. Why can't the Government allow customers to opt out?

[billethkid]

22 years using mail hold 2-3 times per year.....never a problem.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

All I know is that am sick and tired of going to my mailbox once or twice an week and throwing everything away. I do zero business through the mail. Perhaps l should stop going there and let it pile up?

[bopat]

Here’s an idea - let usps give us email addresses. Get rid of mail, deliver packages.

[Bill14564]

All I know is that am sick and tired of going to my mailbox once or twice an week and throwing everything away. I do zero business through the mail. Perhaps l should stop going there and let it pile up?

Look into Informed Delivery and then yes, let it pile up.

[dougjb]

I noticed that you said nothing about the cost and how many billions of dollars they lose every year that the taxpayers need to pay for. Read the IG reports and other audit reports, including the Postal service's own reports. Amazon does a much better job and they make a profit. I will not stop complaining until the U.S. Postal Service is abolished as it should be.

I am sure you will be willing to cough up $139 each and every year to the post office as you do for Amazon! Then add in the extra amount you pay to buy an item on Amazon as an even greater incentive for the USPS.

Keep complaining ... it will shorten your life. Enjoy the wonderful things we have like a post office and you will be much happier! By the way, most people who complain about paying too much in taxes rarely pay much in taxes. I hope you are not one of them.

[Franee621]

You have to take the form to the post office yourself not leave it in the box

[Marmaduke]

All I know is that am sick and tired of going to my mailbox once or twice an week and throwing everything away. I do zero business through the mail. Perhaps l should stop going there and let it pile up?
Ditto. Everything gets thrown away. Junk mail, such a nuisance.

Everything has been on-line with us for many years. Nothing but junk mail, except Christmas Cards from our older relatives throughout December, still a nicety of yesteryear.

[jimkerr]

The USPS is an amazing organization!

When you consider how many billions of pieces of mail are handled each and every day, no other organization does as good a job as the Post Office!

We have all heard the stories about "the check is in the mail" right? Well, I can tell you that when the check is in the mail, it invariably gets through. Very very very few pieces of mail do not get to where they were addressed.

We all like to find fault with the Post Office. But, I for one, think it is one of the greatest institutions we have. Besides, where else can you put a flimsy piece of paper in the mail shoot for less than a buck and have it delivered thousands of miles away in just a few days.

Stop complaining and celebrating this institution which has been around longer than our country has existed!

They’re a great institution alright. Great at losing billons of dollars every year. They are on the worst run organizations we have.

There’s a lot to love in our country but our mail system isn’t one of those.

[USNA87]

Yes, it is pointless because Government employees or contractors are never held accountable for anything they do or don't do.

That is quite the stereotype you are throwing at all government employees and contractors. As a government employee myself, I work with some of the hardest working people on the planet. I am certainly held accountable for what I do and I definitely hold my employees accountable.

[jedalton]

Correct

[jedalton]

Correct again

[Priebehouse]

I have used hold mail and forwarded mail probably 15 times in the last 5 years (Snowflake). The key is to do it online AT LEAST 2 weeks before you leave. With the exception of three pieces, one time, it has worked perfectly. The ladies at the Glenbrook station are very efficient. Usually, by the time I leave, they have the backside of the box blocked off with paper to remind them that we aren't there. I go to the Lady Lake USPO to pick up whatever is there and it works fine.

:thumbup:

[Ea327]

What did you expect the hold mail to do?

How did you think your hold mail would work:
1. Keep the mail in Lady Lake then put it into your secured box on the day your hold ends?
2. Keep the mail in a box on the floor of the postal station then put it into your secured box on the day your hold ends?
3. Put your mail in a box on the floor if it doesn't fit into your secured box?

Had you not come back early you would not have known which of the three had been used. And what difference does it make? Your mail wasn't blowing around your yard, it was safely secured while you were away, and it was available when you returned. What is the problem?

The hold mail service *might* stop some junk mail (or might not, that's why the word "might"). What it accomplishes is letting the mail station people know why you haven't emptied your box. Rather than thinking you simply haven't picked it up, they know that you are away.

The problem is that they went out of their way to go through the process of getting a mail hold and the idiots who were supposed to follow it couldn’t even handle that.

[Meyerro]

Last year was my first extended stay anywhere during the winter. It was just one month away from Michigan winter. I set up the mail forwarding online. I got mail in TV one time. The rest was stuffed into my mail slot up north.

[Just jimmy]

Have been gone the month of August and before leaving we placed a 1 month hold on our mail so as to not cause an issue with putting a vast amount of junk mail, etc. into the small mail box at our postal station.

Came back a week before the mail hold was up and checked out our mail box. It was crammed full of mail to the point I could barely wedge the mail out. Included with the explosion of mail was a print out stating our requested mail hold (which had yet to expire). So, I take it putting a hold on your mail here in the Villages is just pointless?

I never do anything directly with the post office. All I do is give a note to the person who works at the mail facility in the villages and they hold my mail for me. It’s great. I’ve never had a problem.

[ThirdOfFive]

Mail holds before moving to Florida was never a problem. Haven't yet tried it down here.

But responsible handling of mail here doesn't seem to be on a par with service in other places.

[Mrmean58]

Have been gone the month of August and before leaving we placed a 1 month hold on our mail so as to not cause an issue with putting a vast amount of junk mail, etc. into the small mail box at our postal station.

Came back a week before the mail hold was up and checked out our mail box. It was crammed full of mail to the point I could barely wedge the mail out. Included with the explosion of mail was a print out stating our requested mail hold (which had yet to expire). So, I take it putting a hold on your mail here in the Villages is just pointless?

We've put holds on our mail dozens of time with outstanding results over the past 7 years. Our mail carrier? even dropped off the bin with more than 3 weeks of mail to our home. My wife dropped off a thank you note with a small gift card for the outstanding service.

[jjp2532]

Have been gone the month of August and before leaving we placed a 1 month hold on our mail so as to not cause an issue with putting a vast amount of junk mail, etc. into the small mail box at our postal station.

Came back a week before the mail hold was up and checked out our mail box. It was crammed full of mail to the point I could barely wedge the mail out. Included with the explosion of mail was a print out stating our requested mail hold (which had yet to expire). So, I take it putting a hold on your mail here in the Villages is just pointless?


We always set up Hold Mail online and never have a problem. We pick up the mail and it is in a bin.

[Bill14564]

The problem is that they went out of their way to go through the process of getting a mail hold and the idiots who were supposed to follow it couldn’t even handle that.

No, the problem is they had an expectation of what a mail hold entailed that did not match what they experienced.

When I ask for my mail to be held I expect it will be stored in a secured space and not delivered to the box at my house. That second part is easy since there is no box at my house to deliver it to. The first part is easy because the mail is in secured spaces until I unlock my bin at the postal station. When the mail hold ends and I come to pick it up I expect to find either the mail in my box (common) or a key to a package bin and my mail there. That is my expectation and that is what I experience. Come to think of it, I may not be able to tell if any special action was taken at all.

That is what the OP experienced (though he showed up early) but apparently that did not match what he expected. Perhaps the OP would have happier if he had found an empty postal box and been denied access to his mail until the hold ended.

[willimmac]

The postal union and their lavish pensions have destroyed the USPS. Its almost a dollar to mail a letter which takes about a week to get delivered. If its a package good chance it will get damaged.

[Retiredsteve]

Yes, it is pointless because Government employees or contractors are never held accountable for anything they do or don't do.
All the way up to the President

[retiredguy123]

That is quite the stereotype you are throwing at all government employees and contractors. As a government employee myself, I work with some of the hardest working people on the planet. I am certainly held accountable for what I do and I definitely hold my employees accountable.
I was a Federal Government employee for 35 years, 20 of that was as an Inspector General.

But, I do have one question. How do you define "accountable"? Also, if they are the hardest working people on the planet, you must be paying a lot of overtime because, by law, they can only work 40 hours per week at their regular pay rate.

[caljeff]

Have been gone the month of August and before leaving we placed a 1 month hold on our mail so as to not cause an issue with putting a vast amount of junk mail, etc. into the small mail box at our postal station.

Came back a week before the mail hold was up and checked out our mail box. It was crammed full of mail to the point I could barely wedge the mail out. Included with the explosion of mail was a print out stating our requested mail hold (which had yet to expire). So, I take it putting a hold on your mail here in the Villages is just pointless?
I have used it several times myself at the Pineridge Station. No issues.

[Rodneysblue]

Have been gone the month of August and before leaving we placed a 1 month hold on our mail so as to not cause an issue with putting a vast amount of junk mail, etc. into the small mail box at our postal station.

Came back a week before the mail hold was up and checked out our mail box. It was crammed full of mail to the point I could barely wedge the mail out. Included with the explosion of mail was a print out stating our requested mail hold (which had yet to expire). So, I take it putting a hold on your mail here in the Villages is just pointless?

We put our mail on hold several times a year for different lengths of time and I’ve never had a problem here in the villages.

[Driller703]

Have been gone the month of August and before leaving we placed a 1 month hold on our mail so as to not cause an issue with putting a vast amount of junk mail, etc. into the small mail box at our postal station.

Came back a week before the mail hold was up and checked out our mail box. It was crammed full of mail to the point I could barely wedge the mail out. Included with the explosion of mail was a print out stating our requested mail hold (which had yet to expire). So, I take it putting a hold on your mail here in the Villages is just pointless?

Thanks for sharing.

[Topspinmo]

Yes, it is pointless because Government employees or contractors are never held accountable for anything they do or don't do.

Depends if they were GS or WG employee’s. I was WG employee for 21 years and I can tell you I was held accountable for production and performance. Got random drug tested 24 time in 21 years. I have never taken illegal drug, but was afraid of error mix up in testing which had happen. The last 5 years of my career if test results was positive you was gone. Only having to proof yourself there no illegal substance in your system. In those last 5 years every time I got random drug tested I immediately when to my doctor and had same test done in case of contractors error. I highly doubt GS employee’s rarely ever got drug tested?

[Topspinmo]

Have been gone the month of August and before leaving we placed a 1 month hold on our mail so as to not cause an issue with putting a vast amount of junk mail, etc. into the small mail box at our postal station.

Came back a week before the mail hold was up and checked out our mail box. It was crammed full of mail to the point I could barely wedge the mail out. Included with the explosion of mail was a print out stating our requested mail hold (which had yet to expire). So, I take it putting a hold on your mail here in the Villages is just pointless?

I had put mail on hold over years, worked good in my district. But admit I haven’t done in probably 4 years?

[RoboVil]

The main advantage of putting your mail on hold, whether or not they actually put mail in the box, is that they will not mark your mailbox as inactive and cancel all your mail after failing to pick it up after 28 days. Been there, and they canceled my mailbox and then had to jump through hoops to get my mail delivered again, and affirmed that yes I want my mail.

[nn0wheremann]

Have been gone the month of August and before leaving we placed a 1 month hold on our mail so as to not cause an issue with putting a vast amount of junk mail, etc. into the small mail box at our postal station.

Came back a week before the mail hold was up and checked out our mail box. It was crammed full of mail to the point I could barely wedge the mail out. Included with the explosion of mail was a print out stating our requested mail hold (which had yet to expire). So, I take it putting a hold on your mail here in the Villages is just pointless?
Our last ten day hold continued for two more days, until I went to the Lady Lake PO to inquire. I was advised the carrier was new and inexperienced. Mail was in a tub in a package box, and the key was in our mailbox that evening. People make mistakes. Hopefully this will not be a habit. We are away again now, and will find out when we return.

[nn0wheremann]

Yes, it is pointless because Government employees or contractors are never held accountable for anything they do or don't do.
Not true. In 35 years of public service I was held accountable for any error, real or imagined by the people we served, and I spent the last 20 years holding others accountable for error or malfeasance, then designing systems to eliminate the possibility of error. I had friends and acquaintances who worked in private industry who were amazed at how strict we were with our people. A foul up a John Deere or Caterpillar might get you fired. Foul up at my agency, and we might just put you in prison for five years or more.

[boblexsue]

I noticed that you said nothing about the cost and how many billions of dollars they lose every year that the taxpayers need to pay for. Read the IG reports and other audit reports, including the Postal service's own reports. Amazon does a much better job and they make a profit. I will not stop complaining until the U.S. Postal Service is abolished as it should be.
The Postal Service is self funded. Your tax dollars are not used.

[retiredguy123]

The Postal Service is self funded. Your tax dollars are not used.
From AI:

"The U.S. Postal Service reported a net loss of $9.5 billion in fiscal year 2024." This is from their own report.

For those pointing to the funding of retirement benefits, these are real costs to the taxpayers. It really doesn't matter how or when the costs are entered into their budget, they are real costs that must be paid. When an employee retires at age 55, he/she is likely to receive a pension, health benefits, and other benefits for 30 years or longer, while doing no work.

[Topspinmo]

From AI:

"The U.S. Postal Service reported a net loss of $9.5 billion in fiscal year 2024." This is from their own report.

For those pointing to the funding of retirement benefits, these are real costs to the taxpayers. It really doesn't matter how or when the costs are entered into their budget, they are real costs that must be paid. When an employee retires at age 55, he/she is likely to receive a pension, health benefits, and other benefits for 30 years or longer, while doing no work.

If remember correctly under furs can’t get retirement pay until 59? IMO CRS employees are gone.

When I was in AF SAC use to have saying “do more with less and do it better” a standard never heard of today. When I was civil service employee NEVER seen budget reduced and alway spent any money left at end feasco year. Why? I guessing can’t request larger budget it you didn’t spend allotted money? I had seen where upper management passed out bonuses with money left over, but I had nothing to with management budgets just had to produce regardless.

[retiredguy123]

If remember correctly under furs can’t get retirement pay until 59? IMO CRS employees are gone.

When I was in AF SAC use to have saying “do more with less and do it better” a standard never heard of today. When I was civil service employee NEVER seen budget reduced and alway spent any money left at end feasco year. Why? I guessing can’t request larger budget it you didn’t spend allotted money? I had seen where upper management passed out bonuses with money left over, but I had nothing to with management budgets just had to produce regardless.
I think the FERS pension starts when you retire, which can be as early as 55 with 30 years of service. But, I think that, if you decide to take a withdrawal from your TSP account before your are 59.5 years old, there may be a penalty.

Another huge benefit for Federal retirees is that you can keep your employee health insurance plan and reject Medicare Parts B and D. I am a Federal retiree and I save thousands every year by not paying the Medicare IRMA premiums.

[Retoline]

It has always worked for me but I do it on the website instead of filling out the form and turning it in.

[Pommom91]

What they should do is discard all the junk mail, and the ads. And only hold the real mail that comes in envelopes. But they are too lazy to do that. Or maybe they’re not allowed to who knows.

[HellToupee]

I think the FERS pension starts when you retire, which can be as early as 55 with 30 years of service. But, I think that, if you decide to take a withdrawal from your TSP account before your are 59.5 years old, there may be a penalty.

Another huge benefit for Federal retirees is that you can keep your employee health insurance plan and reject Medicare Parts B and D. I am a Federal retiree and I save thousands every year by not paying the Medicare IRMA premiums.
For non-LEO now it’s 56 with 30 years and you can take TSP withdrawals under 59.5 without penalty . You also get a special supplement until you are 62 which is about 75% of what you will receive in SS at 62. I’m happy

[kschwi]

Has anyone had their mail forwarding stop working. I had gone online to forward my mail from the Villages to our place up north and it worked for a month but I haven't received any mail in more than 2 weeks. I am in one of the new Villages in Lake County so I thought I could call the Okahumpka post office but the number listed is not in service. The 800 number sends you into voicemail hell and will not allow you to speak to anyone. Has anyone had this issue and how did you resolve it?

[Risuli]

Thanks to all for the responses. Just to be clear I only posted my question (U.S. Mail hold... worthless?) to see what others experiences were here in the Villages. Didn't anticipate the discussions on whether or not the postal service should be eliminated or its funding.

I only requested (via the Services online website) the mail hold so as to avoid causing issues at the postal substation for the postal employees trying to place a months worth of mail into a small mailbox. Have used mail hold "up North" and mail was binned until delivered or picked up. I anticipated the same here, thinking it would be binned and then placed in one of the keyed lockers if it did not fit in the mailbox. Was surprised that my effort to avoid the situation for the postal employees was a total failure and was curious what others had experienced. Apparently it varies by individual substation or postal employee(s).

As for the Postal Service itself, they have a thankless job. Congress requires them to deliver and sets the price for such services knowing full well that whats charged doesn't cover the actual costs. As for the postal employees I feel they are entitled to livable wages and benefits. As for individual employees and their work ethic, its my opinion that its no different than private industry. People are people no matter where they work. Some are good, some are bad. Private industry just isn't as transparent about their shortcomings.

Finally, as to whether or not current society needs a mail service, that's a political question that I believe varies depending upon circumstances and your location. The U.S. is a BIG place where people live in all sorts of locations urban, rural and remote. The Postal Service is required to provide service to all and some deliveries can't be sent by email alone. Whether not the service is worth the cost/tax dollars is up to Congress.