U.S. Postal Service FAQs

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USPS official site

What You Are Writing About

Issue Information

Privacy Policy

Originally established by the Continental Congress in 1775 by the first Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is the largest employer of federal employees. It handles approximately 208 billion pieces of mail each year and maintains 38,000 postal installations throughout the country. The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 made the service an independent entity. The USPS provides many services for postal customers beyond mail delivery. The USPS website allows you to find a ZIP code, calculate postage, print a shipping label, locate a post office as well as other services.

• Can Senator Crapo help me with a delivery problem that I have with the USPS?
• How do I find a ZIP code?
• How can I report a problem or file a complaint regarding the U.S. Postal Service?
• What should I do if I think my First-Class mail is lost?
• Do I have to notify the post office in person of a new address?

Can Senator Crapo help me with a delivery problem that I have with the USPS?

Yes, the USPS is a federal agency that is responsible for mail delivery nationwide. With your permission, my staff can work directly with the Regional Postmaster to ensure that your concerns are resolved.

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How do I find a ZIP code?

The USPS maintains a service online that will help you locate a ZIP code for an address. Click here and enter all the information you have about the address. The search program will then find the ZIP code for you.

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How can I report a problem or file a complaint regarding the USPS?

The USPS allows you to submit a problem or complaint three ways:

• You can file the complaint online by clicking the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the page. It will ask you to submit your questions; however, it is the link that the USPS recommends for filing a complaint.
• You can call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) and speak to a customer representative regarding your concerns.
• You can speak directly to the Station Manager at your local post office.

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What should I do if I think my First-Class mail is lost?

First, sufficient time should have elapsed before anticipating that mail has been lost. The USPS recommends 14 days from the date of mailing. However, First-Class mail is not tracked by the Postal Service. If you sent a package or are expecting a package sent First-Class, you should fill out PS Form 1510, Mail Loss/Rifling Report. That form is available at your local post office. You can also contact your local Consumer Affairs Claims and Inquiry office.

Registered Mail and Express Mail items can be tracked. So it is advisable for you to use these services when sending or expecting a package that you consider valuable and/or important.

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Do I have to notify the post office in person of a new address?

It is not necessary for you to personally go to the post office regarding a new address. You can file a change of address form online. The form can also be used for a temporary relocation.

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The Privacy Act of 1974 requires that I have your written authorization before I can obtain any information about you from a federal agency. While a friend or family member can certainly contact my office on someone else's behalf, the privacy release form must be signed by the individual needing the assistance. On any correspondence sent to me, please include your phone number and contact information so that my staff can be as responsive as possible to your request. All information provided will remain confidential. You can read my office's Privacy Policy here.

Please keep in mind that due to the constitutional separation of the legislative and judicial branches of government, an elected official is not allowed to be involved in legal matters. You would need to seek advice from a legal counsel. Additionally, I can only assist with federal agencies. If your concern is with a state or local entity, you would need to contact the appropriate jurisdiction for those.

Again, I am more than happy to assist with issues you might have with the federal government and look forward to being your advocate whenever possible.

Privacy Release Form (Word)	Privacy Release Form (PDF)

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