Times are hard for every business, and that includes the U.S. Postal Service. Like many other companies, USPS has had to make some tough decisions to keep offering its unparalleled services.

USPS Announces Post Office Closures Throughout US
In July 2009, the USPS announced it would need to close up to 677 post office locations throughout the United States.   On November 20, they the list has been scaled back to only 241 branches being considered for closure.  Customers from these closed branches will need to start visiting other locations in the region, which certainly will lead to longer lines and much busier post offices.

See a list of the 241 post office locations being considered for closure at:
http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/stationbranchop.pdf

Avoid Long Lines at the Post Office – Print Postage Online
If you’re looking to avoid long lines and save time from driving to the post office, Stamps.com online postage can help. Using Stamps.com’s software, you can easily print postage stamps or shipping labels for all USPS mail classes.  No time to visit a mailbox? Stamps.com offers you the ability to schedule a time when a USPS carrier can come to your home or office to pick up your package.

Using online postage also can save you money. Stamps.com customers get up to 10 percent off Priority Mail rates and 10 percent off on package insurance.   Stamps.com also offers Delivery Confirmation free for items sent through Priority Mail.

Although your local post office may get more hectic in the coming months, you can always avoid the lines by printing postage and shipping labels using Stamps.com.