What is single point delivery?
“Single-point bulk delivery is a delivery method by which mail intended for multiple persons at a location is delivered in bulk to management or other officials at a single point for distribution to the individual addressees. The receiving individual or official is [also] responsible for re-directing mail to individuals who are no longer at an address.” – Francia Smith, Vice President and Consumer Advocate, USPS (Smith 2000).
“Whether located on or off campus and regardless of private ownership, such buildings are nevertheless dormitories and either the school or building owner is responsible for Final Delivery of the student mail. Post office personnel are not to distribute mail into apartment-type mailboxes”- Postal Operations Manual 631.5. Resources Page
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How does a property serviced by single point delivery effect the mode of delivery for resident mail?
The effect single point delivery has on a resident’s mail is primarily that the final delivery process or forwarding/change of address into your residents’ mailboxes will NOT occur.
US Mail will be delivered to your property without delivery to tenant mailboxes, without delivery of packages to tenants or parcel lockers, without insurance on insured items, without signature confirmation and finally without forwarding of any kind for ALL current and past residents (you will continue to receive mail for every person who has ever lived at your property (snowball effect)). Resources Page
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Why was my property chosen for single point delivery?
“For it is the status of the majority of the residents as students and not any particular characteristic of the building, that compels single point delivery” — Francia Smith, Vice President and Consumer Advocate, USPS (Smith 2000).
The USPS has reasoned that student resident communities fall under the Postal Operations Manual’s definition of “transient communities”.
“The reason for the policy is that unmarried college and university students are a highly transient group, and single point delivery is the most efficient method of delivery to a transient population. Single point delivery is similarly the only delivery option available to on-campus dormitories and other types of transient communities for similar reasons. ” – See Postal Operations Manual 631.463. Resources Page
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Can I appeal the decision?
Appeals relating to single-point delivery have to date been unsuccessful. Appeals by the National Apartment Association, National Multi-Housing Council, Florida Apartment Association, local apartment associations and local builders have all been denied. It appears that the US Postal Service is firm in their decision that single-point drop delivery of US Mail is the only appropriate mode of delivery to transient locations.
“However, contrary to your assertion, not everyone has a right to individual mail delivery” – VP and Consumer Advocate, USPS (Smith 2000).
“The extra expense of delivery to students comes not only from the collection and maintenance of forwarding addresses, but the increased time it takes for the carriers to process and compensate for the changes of addresses for students who could feasibly move once every semester; i.e. postal employees would be required to examine each piece of mail to determine whether there is a forwarding order on file” – VP and Consumer Advocate, USPS (Smith 2000). Resources Page
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Does USPSI carry insurance?
Yes, including General Liability (G/L) and a host of other necessary coverages.
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What does USPSI do to ensure against employee dishonesty and employee theft? How do I know my tenants mail is safe?
USPSI carries a bond against employee theft and/or dishonesty. Additionally, USPSI screens for background issues, criminal history and previous work experience.
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How long has USPSI been in business? Where?
USPSI is proud to announce that we’re now in our 13th year of servicing rental communities and our 11th year on-campus.
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Can I attempt to contact their clients to get feedback on their quality of service?
Yes. Letters of recommendation are available on this website on on our online digital media kit.
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Will the mail be delivered on Saturdays? Federal Holidays?
We maintain the same schedule as the US Postal Service. Providing service six days-per-week excluding Federal Holidays.
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What kind of interaction can I expect with the Mail Manager and the mail? Will I be able to contact the mail carrier if an issue arises?
All mail managers carry a cell phone with them at all times. The preferred method of resolving delivery concerns is to call our live-operator toll free number at (866) 378-8157 and talk to a customer service representative 24 hours per day, 6 days-per-week.For all other delivery concerns you may also contact customer service by clicking HERE.Otherwise, your mail manager will be at your property daily. USPSI manages consistent delivery timing to ensure that tenants know when mail is to/has been delivered.
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How does a USPSI manage communication to residents (i.e. package)?
Most of the communication between Mail Managers and your residents will be conducted via an array of notifications and reminder forms.
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Does the Mail Manager wear a USPS uniform, Or drive a USPS mail truck?
No, not exactly. At USPSI we feel that we should not measure up to your expectations of mail delivery, but instead surpass them. Mail Managers are encouraged to appear neat and orderly while wearing marked shirts (hats, lanyards and name tags are also available).
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Will USPSI assist with the mailbox supplies (i.e. keys, locks, etc.)?
Yes. We know that this isn’t your expertise; it’s ours. We have built excellent relationships with mailbox manufactures and suppliers. With one telephone call , we can assist your problem or purchase parts on your behalf.
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What types of billing methods are available?
The two main types are flat rate, and per person based on occupancy. USPSI will invoice you monthly to ensure accuracy in billing.
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Can I as the leasing management still utilize the mailboxes to communicate with the residents?
Yes. Your relationship with residents in your rental community is a cornerstone for our company.
Just have any printed material ready for your Mail Manager, folded and in numerical order and a Mail Manager will deliver it for you within 24 hours. This will save you time driving around your community or residence hall and placing notices door-to-door.
