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
Do anyone have any experience with delivery confirmation results. Not just the stuff they put out in link either.
I used delivery confirmation on the package I talked about about and there was a scan for acceptance because it was the APC and the next scan was 4 days later. Granted it was parcel post, but I would have thought that it would be scanned in along the way.
I also have not had any luck any other time I have used it. it seems that for the system to work we have to scan it in.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I would use APC if it was located in a convenient place. This would help me to avoid using leave from work to get to the post office before closing.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The last 2 time I visited my local Giant Food Store there was a line up at the DVD Rental self-service machine while at the same time a customer was using the Coinstar self-service machine nearby. It seems that self-service is much more popular than in the past. Where would you like to see APCs located?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Dear BMEU Clerk: From the customer’s standpoint, the only required scans on Delivery Confirmation are for delivery efforts, not for processing along the way. However, many units also scan these items prior to “the last mile.” These internal scans are accessible to ACE Users via the Blue page. The new Intelligent Mail barcodes will make it possible to locate items throughout the system. In a related vein — related to APC’s, anyway — according to today’s Link, there is a FULL-SERVICE POST OFFICE in the Pittsburgh International Airport!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Grannybunny,
It is now 11/4. I talked to my daughter in law, she said he got one package a week later, (as expected, the scanned one.) The second one has not arrived and only has an acceptance scan.
I still maintain that scans are useless if the employees along the way don’t do them.
2 points. Why would I try and sell a service, to the public, that I can’t back up with personal experience and why would I want to waste my money again?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Discounts and other incentives like “Free” Delivery Confirmation with purchase would motivate me to use an APC kiosk. In addition, make services to mail packages internationally on the APC kiosk.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I used the APC for the first time yesterday at the Aspen Hill Post Office. What a breeze! I mailed two large envelopes needing weight and postage. There was a line of about 10 people at the counter and one person at the APC when I arrived. My time from the car to the APC and back was 6 minutes. Using that machine is soooo easy it will forever change the way I mail!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Answer man:
I am glad you tried the APC. It is really easy! If others would give it a try they would also be repeat users because it is so convenient especially when the lines are long or the Post Office is closed. In addition, the Postal Service would have the confidence to place the kiosk in retail spaces for sure!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I see the APC in the postal lobby all the time but I do not seem to have the time to figure out what it can do for me. My bet is that I am not alone. The Postal Service has done a terrible job of marketing the machine. If the Post Service is serious about the APC machine then it would educate the public via commercials or with personnel in the lobbies. Finally, the APC should be placed where the market is.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Snap:
One huge problem I have with my local APC: It is not available when the Post Office is closed, which is after 5 PM on weekdays! After 5, the APC seems to taunt late arrivers from behind the locked glass doors. The self-service machine could serve their needs if only it were not behind locked doors.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Answer Man:
I wonder if not having access to the APC during after hours could be why some of the Post Offices are not getting the use expected.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I work graveyard and the APC at my local post office is in the lobby. (24 hour access). I use it regularly and it works great since I am rarely on a daytime schedule.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I’ll have to find an APC and try it out.
Sounds intresting.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
You can find an APC Kiosk by inquiring on USPS.com. I think once you use it you will always use it!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Thanks, found out on USPS.com closest APC is 32 miles away.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
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.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Can these be placed in the PO Box area where there is 24/7 access?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Post Offices locate the APC in the PO Box area where they can. The APC is certainly a welcome addition where it is available during hours the Post Office counter is closed.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The Postal Service have APC’s at many locations in the PO Box areas in the lobby with 24 hour acess. Can you think of other locations you think the APC could be placed?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
gift shops at high traffic tourist sites.
(see post below)
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Any fairly safe 24 hour store.
The obvious eg. Walmart, grocery stores, drug stores, convenience stores(ECON,WAWA).
Maybe even big truck stops. Seems like there would be a need there for packaging supplies and an APC.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I like the idea of having APCs at malls and airports and other high traffic locations. However, if people are using them to mail packages you almost have to have a human there full time because whatever system you put in place will fill up quickly (unlike with letters and flats).
In my day to day life I would probably make regular use of one at the grocery store (mailing bills while buying groceries – no extra stops!).
Another cool place would be near the gift shops in national parks, museums, amusement parks and other touristy places. You could buy the postcard, write it out right then, and mail it. No having to get to it later. In this case you would need a high volume site like a National Park, the National Mall, Disneyworld or the Smithsonian. The units are relatively unobtrusive so you might even be able to get one in or near living history sites like Williamsburg, Virginia.
Just some suggestions that might be good places to try it out. But really anyplace with high foot traffic where someone might like to mail a momento would work.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
(YOUR QUESTION – What would motivate me to use the internet to purchase postal products?)
I have a couple
1st – everyone knows you can’t tape over USPS postage -your letter/package comes back.: I don’t keep stickers in my house. I don’t know if I can print out my postal postage purchase on regular paper and then tape it securely to my package/letter. Exposed postage = torn off postage.
2nd – I know about the 13oz rule.: I do not own a scale. How am I supposed to know if I have to go to the window or not?
3rd – I still have to take parcels to a mailbox as I won’t leave it out for carrier pick up. And no — working graveyard — I will not schedule for the carrier to come some time today to pick it up. Easier to drop it off.
(Don’t worry USPS you are not the only business not user-friendly to those of us working nontradional schedules)
To end on a positive note I am not worried about identity theft from using your service. The USPS has a lot of security measures in place to protect their customers. This is not something that would keep me from using your services.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I think the APCs are a great idea. Reminds me of the transition to self checkout registers at the grocery stores. However, it may help the transition to have a real person near to APCs to assist customers as they use the new technology. The grocery stores have realized that having a real person to assist the self checkout systems is critical to making the automated system accepted by customers.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I would like to see the USPS jump on board the electronic age… WE CAN do this by thinking outside the “stamp” so to speak, by offering our customer base e-certified options, e-fax services through our secure servers that time date stamps everything (electronic postmark)that could (if done right) could ultimately eliminate the need for faxes… Atty’s, financial institutions, CPA’s etc… sending all those documents that they fax now, through our e-USPS secure servers… all for a fee that the USPS collects, without ever having actually touched a piece of paper… e-services such as internet cafe’s at USPS installations with a coffee machine, snacks etc…
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
the APC is a great complement to the USPS services. it is not intended to replace the window service. i think we will see more and more of them strategically placed throughout America going forward. I luuuuuuuuv using the one near my home when i get in the EBAY mode. it’s sooooooooooo convenient. have a great day!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The APC in my post office lobby doesn’t dispense variable rate postage “in any denomination” — only in denominations of $1.00 or more (besides offering a sheet of 42-cent stamps). In this way it is not a satisfactory substitute for the vending machines it replaced, but with a little re-programming it could be.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I’ve used the APC for various purposes. What I don’t like is when you are forced to buy a book of stamps to complete your transaction. It could be a really great thing if it were used like an ATM.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The report is on the IG website http://www.uspsoig.gov/foia_files/DA-AR-09-004.pdf
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Anyone know if you can use these APC machines when you’re sending packages via the Media Mail rate?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
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
Like or Dislike:
0 
0