FOREST ACRES, S.C. — Frustrated residents in Richland County and Forest Acres are sharing their issues with mail services in the area.
Many took to social media, saying they are either experiencing longer wait times for deliveries, receiving packages late at night, or not getting them at all.
“About four to five days after it says it's delivered I'll receive it or half the time I don’t even receive it and then one time the package was open after it was delayed," said Vicki Salas.
Salas, who lives on base on Fort Jackson, said she ordered items off Amazon and still has not received anything she bought two weeks ago. "It’s getting to the point where I don’t even like ordering packages anymore, and the post office said I should just file a claim with Amazon," she said.
While some went directly to the post office in Forest Acres for answers, others expressed their frustration online, claiming deliveries are delayed due to short staffing at U.S. Postal Service.
Others like Linda Oliver said her packages do come, but at unexpected times.
"It's very few days that I didn't get my mail which is very unusual and the mail often comes late but to be honest with you its not a major problem in my life and I don’t mind that much."
News19 reached out to USPS for answers. They did not directly address the specific concerns about delivery times in the area. However, they did speak to what residents should expect in the coming weeks in this this statement:
'Throughout the year and especially during the busy holiday season, the Postal Service strives to provide excellent service. We have decades of experience with the increased volume the holidays bring. At the Forest Acres Post Office, the staff is working to quickly deliver items as soon as they are received. Volume numbers are not available; however, we are taking steps to ensure we properly handle the increased holiday volume. This includes bringing in available resources, such as staffing, to assist with the workload. Regarding the time frame for delivery after items arrive at the office, customers who utilize our Informed Delivery app should note that mail and packages shown will be arriving as soon as possible. Regarding the priority for package delivery and mailed letters during the holiday season, all mail and packages are delivered as they are received. We are continually monitoring our operations to ensure the timely processing and delivery of mail and packages."
USPS adds anyone seeking more information on concerns are encouraged to use the mail package tracking app or call at 1-800-ASK-USPS.