With regard to the US postal service,what are the requirements and policies for delivery of mail and parcels?

Question

My concern is packages too large for mailbox delivery and left on steps ,left in plain veiw on steps and accessable by anyone .I have veiwed the USPS handbook but was unable to find clearly defined answer. Response from postal workers would be appreciated as well as refrences regarding policy.

Answer 1

Call your local office and talk to your Letter Carrier personally. I try to work with my customers and in reality protocol requires that a parcel not be left if there is a security risk. If you ask me I'd be happy to leave notice on your parcels rather than having to attempt delivery.

Answer 2

Carriers, who know their customers well, use their best judgement as to when to leave a parcel and when to notify the customer to call at the PO to pick up a parcel.

The strict rule is if the parcel says "carrier release" on it or the customer has a signed delivery order authorizing them to leave parcels on the porch etc. they can leave it if it is "safe and secure". Safe and secure means not in an area where it is likely to be stolen and protected from the weather.

Often carriers leave parcels on a porch, both for their convenience and for the convenience of the customer. The alternative is to leave a delivery notice which requires the customer to pick it up at the PO.

You best bet is to give a "standing delivery order" to your local postmaster which specifies where you would like parcels left, or to be notified only if you are not home. A simple letter will usually do.