Postal Service Adds Alternate Access Options; Edison Center, MIA Finance Units Close June 3

With nearly 100,000 places to buy stamps, ship a package, or renew a passport, the U.S. Postal Service is expanding customer access to its products and services. It’s not about brick-and-mortar Post Offices anymore, as postal products move online and into retail outlets, grocery stores, office supply chains, and pharmacies.

Friday, June 3, is the last day of operation for two Miami Post Offices --- Edison Center Finance Unit, 760 NW 62 Street, and Miami International Airport Finance Unit, 4th floor of the airport terminal. However, customers still may conduct their postal business at alternate access locations listed at http://www.uspseverywhere.com/.

For example, customers who conduct business at the Edison Center Finance Unit now may purchase stamps at CVS, Publix, Walgreens, and Winn Dixie stores --- all within 3.5 miles of the closing Post Office. Customers who need money orders may choose from 10 locations within a one-mile radius. Many alternate access locations are open later than Post Offices --- some as late as 9 pm and others 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Little River Station, 140 NE 84th Street, and the Buena Vista Station, 66 NE 39 Street, respectively located 2.4 and 2.5 miles from the Edison Center Finance Unit, are the two closest full retail Post Offices. Customers who visited the Miami International Airport Finance Unit also have options at http://www.uspseverywhere.com/ or may visit Post Offices within 5 miles of the closing Post Office: Miami GMF Postal Store, 2200 NW 72 Avenue, Miami (5 miles); Milam Dairy Branch, 5600 NW 72 Avenue, Miami (5 miles); Blue Lagoon Branch, 6200 NW 7 Street, Miami (4.5 miles); and Miami Springs Finance Unit, 107 Westward Drive, Miami (4 miles).

As a self-supporting government enterprise, the Postal Service receives no tax dollars, but relies solely on the sale of postage, products, and services to pay for operating expenses. Due to the drastic decline in mail volume, coupled with the unique burden of prefunding retiree health benefits, the Postal Service is in a financial crisis and must take action to reduce the size of its retail and delivery network. This financial pressure has created a situation the Postal Service hasn’t faced before --- the need to adjust its entire infrastructure at every level.

The decision to close these two Post Offices was based on a lengthy feasibility study that included operational reviews and community input. Such studies have been conducted at Post Offices in many locations across the country. The South Florida Postal District also has consolidated some of its carrier annexes, adjusted carrier routes, and restructured administrative and processing functions.

The Edison Center and Miami International Airport Finance Units are retail operations; their closure will not impact local mail delivery. Customers with computer access may request letter carriers pick up packages --- at no charge --- from their homes and offices.

At one time virtually every postal transaction required a visit to the local Post Office retail counter. Today nearly 35 percent of transactions are conducted using alternate access channels. Customers may purchase stamps or discounted shipping labels, request free package pickup, or research PO Box availability at usps.com. Stamps also may be purchased at 1-800-STAMP24 or by order form from a letter carrier.