Addressing USPS Mail Policies: How to Hold Them Accountable

When faced with a situation where the United States Postal Service (USPS) is not delivering non-paper mail, it is crucial to understand the policies that guide their actions. While it is understandable to feel frustrated, it is equally important to approach the issue methodically and with a clear strategy.

Understanding USPS Policies

USPS, like most government-controlled organizations, operates under strict rules and regulations. It is possible that the decision to refuse non-paper mail delivery is based on valid policy reasons. For instance, they may have operational protocols to ensure the efficient and secure handling of mail.

If you believe that the USPS is intentionally making life difficult, it is worth raising your concerns through the appropriate channels. Start by contacting the nearest Post Office and requesting to speak with a supervisor. From there, proceed step-by-step until you achieve satisfaction or come to the conclusion that changes are not feasible.

Contacting the USPS Corporate Office

In addition to speaking with local personnel, you can also contact the USPS corporate office for further assistance. Note that resolving issues at this level can be challenging due to the complexity of the organization. Here are the contact details:

Address: 475 LEnfant Plaza SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20260 Phone Number: 202 268-2000 Fax Number: 202 268-3488 Email: Not provided Website: Not provided

Dealing with Malicious Compliance Issues

It is not uncommon to encounter malicious compliance issues when raising complaints about USPS policies. In our neighborhood, such issues arose after we began to complain. Mail was placed on hold, and mailboxes were marked as vacant or relocated due to the perceived neglect of the residents.

Our solution involved enlisting the support of like-minded neighbors to reduce our unwanted mail. By asking the mail carrier to request MailList Notification of Absence (MLNA) for past residents, we were able to address the issue of unwanted mail. Remember, mail sorting machines in the USPS often sort by the first four letters of the first and last name, so it is essential to provide the correct name variations.

Reducing Unsolicited Mail

Here are some steps to take to reduce unwanted mail:

MLNA for Past Residents: Ask the mail carrier to request MLNA for each past resident name. If the individual has an active COA (Change of Address), first-class mailers are forwarded. Otherwise, they are RTS (Rejected as Transactional). USPS MLNA Process: Most mail carriers will MLNA first-class mailers because of the yellow USPS sticker. Instruct them not to return non-first-class mailers and to add the MLNA to the NCOA database. NCOA Database: The NCOA database is used by companies to keep their mailing lists current. This is how "junk" mail follows you. Forwarding addresses are provided to companies when a new address is entered. First-Class Mail Endorsements: Examples include "Electronic," "Address," "Return," "Change," or "Forwarding" followed by "Service Requested." Non-first-class mail includes marketing/junk, charity, political, etc. USPS Informed Delivery: Register your address with USPS Informed Delivery for daily email updates on incoming mail and use this service to request removal of unwanted mail. Opt-Out Prescreen: If receiving preapproved credit card offers, sign up with Opt-Out Prescreen and provide only the middle name and date of birth. Voter Registration: For political mailers, contact your local election board and update your voter registration to ensure it stays current.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage and reduce unwanted mail, making your daily mail process more manageable and less stressful.

Note: Always remember to be persistent and patient when dealing with USPS policies and ensure you have a record of your communications for accountability.