Self-Service Mail Technologies

Filed under Post Offices & Retail Network  

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

auto-postal-center2.jpg

The Automated Postal Center (APC) is a self-service kiosk typically placed in Post Office lobbies to provide customers with a convenient alternative to the full-service counter. APCs offer customers a wide range of postal products, services, and information.

Based on the user’s direction via touch screen and PIN pad, APCs can weigh and rate letters, flats, and parcels up to 70 pounds. APCs dispense variable rate postage in any denomination for Express, Priority, First Class, International (under 1 lb), and Parcel Post Mail. APCs also provide customers the option to purchase Delivery Confirmation, Signature Confirmation, Insurance, Certified, and Return Receipt services. APCs allow customers to print Express Mail forms and perform ZIP Code lookup. APCs accept debit, credit, and EBT cards for payment and generate a receipt.

Many APCs are available 24 hours, 7 days per week. There are 2,495 APCs in use today. In its Strategic Transformation Plan, the Postal Service set a goal to double the percent of retail transactions conducted at alternative channels, such as the APC. However, in many cases consumers avoid the APC, and continue to come to the retail counter for transactions.

Are you aware of the Automated Postal Centers that are placed in many Post Office lobbies?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Would you be more inclined to use the U.S. Postal Service to mail letters and packages if self-service mail machines were conveniently located where you shop?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Would you be willing to pay different prices for services purchased at the counter, at a self-service kiosk or on the internet?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

  • What would motivate you to use the APC kiosk or the internet to purchase Postal products?

  • What other service options could make it easier for you to mail a letter or package?

We invite you to join our discussion by clicking the “Comments” link below.

Post to Twitter

 

Permalink | Comments (57) | Oct 14, 2008

 

 

57 Responses to “Self-Service Mail Technologies”

Pages: [6] 5 4 3 2 1 » Show All

  1. 57
    Anonymous Says:
    May 18th, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    One error in this article, APC does not offer Signature Confirmation.

  2. 56
    James T. Currie Says:
    February 8th, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    I love to purchase stamps at the APC and use them when it is inconvenient to go to the PO. I have had packages returned to me, however, because the stamps I used were several days old. There needs to be a massive educational campaign to teach USPS employees that stamps veneded at the APC do not expire. They ate not like meters.

  3. 55
    jean3211 Says:
    August 26th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

    I would use the apc kiosk at the post office if I could weigh and mail ‘media mail’. If you sell books on line you often have to mail them within three days. since the kiosk is open after hours we could avoid standing on line and taking time off from work just to mail a few books.

    Also, concerning the size of packages that can fit inside the automated opening, I wish it were a little bigger, especially for Christmas gifts.

  4. 54
    Brad Says:
    July 18th, 2009 at 3:24 am

    Only 32 miles. I found out the closest one to me is 92 miles away. However that distance must be as the Crow flies because where they say it is is over 120 miles away by the shortest road.

  5. 53
    Anonymous Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 5:34 pm

    Based on the following FAQ from the Postal Service’s site, I don’t think so. You can access this by searching for APC on http://faq.usps.com.

    What is the Automated Postal Center?

    The Automated Postal Center (APC) is a self-service kiosk that enables you to:

    Weigh and send packages up to 70 pounds
    Note: For all transactions you must use a debit or credit card
    International Mail over 16oz. is not accepted
    Weigh and send packages with dimensions up to 15″ wide X 12″ deep X 6″ high
    Purchase postage after an item is weighed on the machine
    Postage dispensed is an Information Based Indicia and should be placed on the package the same as conventional stamps
    Send using the following Domestic Classes / Services:
    Express Mail® items
    First-Class Mail® items
    Priority Mail® items
    Parcel Post packages
    Certified Mail service
    Delivery Confirmation TM
    Insurance up to $500.00
    Return Receipts
    Purchase stamps
    Pay with debit or credit cards
    Find a ZIP Code value with a ZIP+4 Finder
    Lookup information on Postal services

  6. 52
    usedbookseller Says:
    May 27th, 2009 at 7:10 pm

    Anyone know if you can use these APC machines when you’re sending packages via the Media Mail rate?

  7. 51
    Juice Says:
    February 26th, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    The report is on the IG website http://www.uspsoig.gov/foia_files/DA-AR-09-004.pdf

Pages: [6] 5 4 3 2 1 » Show All

Leave a Reply