
Major Changes Coming to Mail Delivery in Louisiana
If you’re used to having packages shipped to you, some big changes may affect you moving forward. We've got everything Louisiana residents need to know...
The history of mail goes back thousands of years. Early systems, like those in ancient Egypt and Persia, relied on couriers who traveled long distances to deliver messages. The invention of the postal system as we know it began with organized routes in the Roman Empire. Over time, countries developed their systems, with the United States creating the USPS in 1775. Advances like the telegraph, trains, and airplanes helped make mail delivery faster and more efficient.
If you’re used to having packages shipped to your post office (P.O.) box, some big changes may affect Louisiana residents moving forward. As of January 1, 2025, UPS has ended its contract with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). This change means UPS SurePost packages, which were previously delivered by USPS for the final leg of delivery, will now only be delivered by UPS drivers.
In the past, when you ordered something shipped via UPS SurePost, the USPS would take over the last part of the delivery process, ensuring packages made it to P.O. boxes or military addresses. Now, UPS drivers will handle the entire delivery, but there’s a catch: UPS drivers cannot deliver to P.O. boxes, military posts, or Navy fleets. Only USPS can access those addresses.
The change comes after the expiration of a delivery contract between UPS and USPS. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents UPS workers, says this shift has increased the number of packages UPS drivers handle. “Millions of packages moved away from SurePost and the United States Postal Service and returned to UPS package cars this month,” the Teamsters shared in a Facebook post. This change has provided UPS workers with more delivery opportunities and overtime, but it has also created complications for customers who rely on P.O. box deliveries.
If you’re in Louisiana and have a P.O. box or need delivery to a military address, you’ll need to adjust your shipping plans. Here are some options:
- Use a UPS Store: If you don’t have a valid street address, you can have packages shipped to your nearest UPS Store.
- Provide a Residential Address: For customers with a home or business address, ensure this is included when placing an order.
- Return to Sender: If a package is mistakenly addressed to a P.O. box through UPS, it will be returned to the sender.
These changes may seem small to some Louisiana Residents, but they could cause headaches for customers who weren’t expecting them. Make sure to double-check your shipping details when ordering, especially if you’re accustomed to using a P.O. box. For military members and others affected by these changes, communicating with shippers and using alternate delivery addresses will be crucial moving forward.
By staying informed, you can avoid missed deliveries and ensure your packages arrive safely!
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Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart
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