Postal Service asks customers to clear snow from approaches to mailboxes

COEUR d’ALENE -- The heavy snows in the Coeur d’Alene area create a challenge for all letter carriers, but especially for those in vehicles who are trying to serve mailboxes close to the street or rural roadways.

“We really need help in clearing snow from approaches to mailboxes near the street and rural roadways, so our letter carriers can maneuver their vehicles in and out safely and more efficiently,” said Eric Stanley, Postmaster Coeur d’Alene. “On average, our letter carriers make more than 700 deliveries a day, so an extra 20 to 30 seconds or more at each stop can really add up.”

Coeur d’Alene area letter carriers will continue to do their best to deliver the mail, according to Stanley, but when mailboxes and approaches to mailboxes are buried in snow and ice it can make it difficult for letter carriers to make deliveries safely. Unsafe conditions such as unshoveled snow, icy sidewalks, or large amounts of snow blocking mailboxes can delay or even prevent mail delivery.

Postal customers who receive door mail delivery should ensure their sidewalks, steps, and access ways are kept safely clear of snow and ice. Customers receiving street-side mailbox, rural mailbox or centralized cluster neighborhood mailbox delivery should also pay special attention to having a safe and clear pathway to their mailbox.

If access is not safe, mailboxes are blocked and streets or roads are impassable, letter carriers must consider safety and accessibility first. They are instructed to refrain from delivering to locations they deem too hazardous.

“We greatly appreciate the support of our customers in this endeavor,” said Stanley “Your letter carrier will thank you.”