Sending a Letter to General Delivery: What You Need to Know

Often, when you need to send a letter or package to someone who does not have a specific address, you might encounter the term 'general delivery'. In this article, we will explore what general delivery means and how to send your correspondence or package to this service.

Understanding General Delivery

General delivery, also referred to as the post office or post office box, is a service provided by the postal system where letters and packages can be sent to a designated location with no specific name or address. This service is particularly useful when someone is staying in a temporary or unknown location and has no permanent address.

Can You Send a Letter or Package to General Delivery?

Yes, you can send a letter addressed to the post office or the postman with the recipient's name written as 'CARE OF GENERAL DELIVERY', but this applies only to the post office in that city which accepts this type of delivery.

Steps to Send a Letter to General Delivery

To ensure your letter is successfully delivered, follow these steps:

Use the Right Address: Write the recipient's name as 'CARE OF GENERAL DELIVERY' on the envelope or package. This lets the postal service know that the recipient's address is not needed for delivery. Specify the Post Office: Indicate the name of the post office in the addressing line below the 'CARE OF' line. For example, 'A. Johnson CARE OF GENERAL DELIVERY City Post Office'. Include the City and Postal Code: Make sure to provide the city and postal code for the post office. This information is crucial for the postal service to deliver the letter to the correct location.

For Packages Sent to General Delivery

When sending a package to a post office using the general delivery service, it is important to follow the same addressing guidelines:

Specify the Post Office: Write the recipient's name as 'CARE OF GENERAL DELIVERY' and include the name of the post office and city. Indicate the Service Type: Mention in the sender's address that the item is being sent via general delivery. This can be done in the sender's address or as a note on the package.

Limitations and Alternatives

While general delivery is a convenient service, it's important to note a few limitations:

Geographical Limitations: Not all post offices accept general delivery. This service is primarily available to post offices that are designated to receive such mail. Time Sensitivity: General delivery might not be the most timely option for urgent matters. For more expedited delivery, consider alternative methods such as online tracking or direct mail to a known address.

Conclusion

General delivery offers a flexible solution for mailing correspondence to addresses without a specific street name or number. By ensuring you follow the right addressing procedures, your letter or package will have a better chance of reaching its intended recipient. It's important to check the specific post offices that accept general delivery in your area to ensure the most effective use of this service.