Frustration Mounts as USPS Customers Face Mail Delivery Delays Due to Heavy Snowfall
Residents in Southern New Hampshire are expressing their frustration after facing significant delays in mail delivery following a series of intense snowstorms. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has come under fire for blaming customers for the disruptions, as many found themselves driving to post offices to retrieve important documents, only to encounter further delays. The heavy snowfall, which left snowbanks taller than usual, made it difficult for postal workers to access mailboxes, prompting USPS to issue notices to customers emphasizing their responsibility to clear snow from around their mailboxes. This move has left many feeling unfairly burdened and inconvenienced.
"Neither Snow nor Rain" Remedies Fall Short in New Hampshire
The USDA’s unofficial motto, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night," has long symbolized the reliability of postal services. However, for residents in Salem and Windham, this promise has fallen short. After back-to-back snowstorms, the worst seen since 2015, USPS suspended home deliveries, citing inaccessible mailboxes. Residents like Paul Jondle and Nicholas Moschilli shared their experiences, with Jondle describing the situation as the "worst I had ever seen," and Moschilli expressing frustration at slower service when he visited the post office to collect his mail. The situation has highlighted the limitations of postal service during extreme weather conditions, leaving customers feeling let down.
USPS Notices Spark Controversy, Shifting Responsibility to Residents
The USPS sent out notices to affected customers, explaining that it is their responsibility to ensure mailboxes are accessible by clearing snow and removing obstacles such as trash cans and vehicles. The notices included illustrations to guide residents on proper mailbox maintenance. While USPS spokesperson Steve Doherty clarified that mail carriers are not required to climb over snowbanks or dig to reach mailboxes, many residents felt unfairly burdened by the additional responsibility. The agency emphasized that mail would be held at post offices until delivery could be safely made, but this solution has not eased the frustration of those eagerly awaiting important documents.
Southern New Hampshire Struggles to Bounce Back from Winter Storms
The aftermath of the storms has left many mailboxes in Southern New Hampshire buried under thick layers of snow and ice, even weeks after the weather subsided. Local public works officials described the snow piles as unprecedented, with Windham’s interim town administrator, Thomas McPherson, stating, "We haven’t seen snow piles like this in years." As temperatures are expected to rise into the 40s later in the week, officials are hopeful that the melting snow will improve delivery conditions. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to report any issues to their local public works departments, which have pledged to assist where possible.
Postal Service Urges Customers to Take Proactive Steps for Safe Deliveries
While the USPS has emphasized its commitment to making every reasonable effort to deliver mail safely, it has also called on customers to play a role in ensuring mail carriers can access their mailboxes without hazard. The agency has requested that residents clear snow and ice from sidewalks, stairs, porches, and any approach to mailboxes. Customers with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the USPS Customer Care Center at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Additionally, the USPS has provided tips for preventing mail theft, such as regularly checking mailboxes and tracking package deliveries, to help residents protect their mail during disruptions.
Community Response and the Path Forward
Despite the challenges posed by the severe winter weather, the community is coming together to address the issue. Salem Public Works Director Geoff Benson assured residents that his team is ready to assist with any problems related to mail delivery, saying, "If you have a problem, please feel free to report it, and we’ll send a foreman out, or whoever’s available, to go check on it and see if there’s something we can do to help." As temperatures rise and the snow begins to melt, there is hope that mail delivery services will return to normal soon. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to remain patient and proactive in maintaining safe access to their mailboxes, working together to overcome the disruption caused by the extreme weather conditions.