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.
Loading ... 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.
67 Comments
Leave a Reply
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.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
16 
0
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.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
9 
0
One error in this article, APC does not offer Signature Confirmation.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
7 
1
I wish the post office I frequent would provide these. This would help a lot during rush hour and for simple things like purchasing stamps, etc.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
I use these machines frequently and only go to the desk if I have questions. I also use online a lot. However, today I had an experience that makes me wary to use these machines. I had a small package returned for .37 postage. I was waiting in line to ask about it but it’s so irritating waiting for slow people making up their minds about which stamps to buy that I just went to the machine to buy a stamp and be done with it. Since my daughter had mailed it for me, I thought I’d double check the postage. Second time same amount $1.68. I was annoyed and wanted to say something but now the line was longer. So I just bought a stamp and mailed it. It took an extra couple of days to do this – what if I was in a hurry? Can I trust the calibration on these machines again? Not sure.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
I am for automation to avoid long lines that is a plus. It will work because it worked for the secretary of the state branches. I start using the USPS more often because I found that it is cheaper than most shipping companies and my items arrive not broken that is a plus.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I came here looking for details about the APC-dimensions, weight of package, etc. If people are going to use these the information about what can be dropped here needs to be readily available AT HOME so I don’t get to the APC and find out I can’t use it. I know the size and weight of my package is okay but does the APC allow me to drop Click-N-Ship packages (15 ozs.) in it?
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
6 
0
Marie, the weight limit for all PO drop boxes is 13 ounces if it is being shipped with uncanceled stamps. If it’s a preprinted label, such as one from Click-N-Ship, there is no limit.
As far as the dimensions go, I’m not sure, but a Large Flat Rate Box (12x12x5) will fit in the chute no problem.
Like or Dislike:
3 
0
How hard would it be to figure out the maximum dimensions for the APC and post them somewhere on USPS.com? No wonder the post office is losing money.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
6 
0
In spain we need something like this, when we go to mail office we have to wait a lot time. We need work, no wait !!!!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Email Confirmation would be AWESOME. If these machines allowed you to send an email receipt (optionally), it would be extremely useful. I recently paid extra for delivery confirmation. Unfortunately, the tracking number here comes in the form of a receipt instead of on the bright green tag you get at the counter. The receipt was mistakenly thrown away and now there is no way for me to find out if my package was delivered. If there was an option at the end stating “Would you prefer a printed or emailed receipt?” then allowing you to enter your email address if you selected email, it could EASILY prevent similar occurrences. Just a thought if someone with the APC program at the USPS is reading this.
Like or Dislike:
2 
0
I use the free delivery confirmation tags..that you are speaking of. I used this kiosk for the first time last week. I already had my confirmation tag on it…whe the customer service lady showed me how to use the kiosk. I am assuming that someone takes the paackages from the chute and scans them in..because all we did was put in the zip, select first class and delivery confirmation. I did not have the confirmation number on my reciept..but had saved my end of the green tag..and that number was able to be be tracked just fine.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Raleigh, NC The financial woes of the USPS are atributed by many to the ascendancy of alternate carriers for the LUCRATIVE PACKAGE BUSINESS. Delivering letters is a money losing proposition. I can send a package 24/7 at Fed.X-Kinkos and days, nights, and weekends by UPS and DHL thru office supply places and UPS stores. Always accessible.
The Postal Service has always been less accessible and with the reduced hours and closings (three in my immediate area) things are getting worse. At the Avent Ferry Road PO (now closed) there was a self service kiosk in the lobby that I used all the while – no lines and available when I most needed the access (nights and weekends).
When the Avent Ferry PO was closed the personnel relocated to a nearby distribution center and retail counters were added for the first time. But no Kiosk.
I was told it was sent down east or something to some small town and no one knew where the nearest self service kiosk (if there is one) might be located in Raleigh or Cary.
USPS figures for the year 2010 indicate that the 2500 self service kiosks (put in place in 2004) generated $577,000,000 in income and were used by 225,000 customers EACH DAY. (85% of all postal transactions can be performed at a kiosk) No retirement benefits, no overtime pay, no paid vacation, no sick leave, no union contract and accessible 24/7 along with generally high customer satisfaction with performance.
The average pay of $50,000+/year plus benefits means a cost of $65,000(DPE) for a postal worker each year – the one time up front cost for a kiosk.
Looks like a no brainer – please put my kiosk back at the replacement location opened. I guarantee that you will get my business back (plus $235K a year) THANKS
http://about.usps.com/future-postal-service/postalfacts-2011.pdf
Government Accounting Office Report
http://www.gao.gov/assets/590/586335.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-morris/USPS-budget_b_1545430.html
Like or Dislike:
0 
0