Collection Service often refers to prepaid mail deposited in a collection box. However, it is also considered collection service when customers hand their outgoing, prepaid mail to a carrier or other designated employee while that employee is performing normal delivery and collection duties. Letter carriers can pick up mail as they make their deliveries if the flag is up. However, carriers are not required to check mailboxes for outgoing mail that do not have flags up if they do not have deliveries for that address that day.
Outgoing mail may be handed to the letter carrier if:
- Correct postage has been applied to the item
- It falls within the size and weight restrictions of the class.
- Note: Mail items bearing only postage stamps as payment that are over 10 ounces in weight or over 1/2-inch in thickness must be given to an employee at a Post Office™ location. These items cannot be be picked up by a letter carrier or deposited in a collection box.
- The customer does not need a stamped or dated receipt for the item
The pickup amount may be limited by equipment and vehicle limitations. All mail picked up by letter carriers must comply with normal weight, size and mailing restrictions. If a customer has too much mail for the letter carrier to pick it all up, the customer may:
- Schedule a Pickup (not available in all markets)
- Drop it off at a local Post Office™ facility
