Small post offices may scale back hours

The U.S. Postal Service next week begins implementation of a plan that may cut back hours at mostly small, rural post offices.

In May, the Postal Service released a list of the post offices that were proposed for the reduced hours.

At least five dozen post offices in northeastern North Carolina would have their retail window hours cut from eight to as few as two per weekday in the near future.

Swan Quarter, Barco, Harbinger, Knotts Island, Point Harbor, Powells Point, and Shawboro would see window hours reduced from eight to six on Monday through Friday.

Aydlett, Coinjock, Fairfield, Jarvisburg, Scranton, Manns Harbor, Maple could have their hours cut from eight to four.

The operating hours reduction portion “POStPlan” nationwide will affect 13,000 post offices, which could save the Postal Service $500 million a year.

Access to the retail lobby and to PO Boxes would remain unchanged, and the town’s ZIP Code and community identity would be retained, according to a USPS news release.

“We’ve listened to our customers in rural America and we’ve heard them loud and clear – they want to keep their Post Office open,” said Postmaster General and CEO Patrick R. Donahoe.

Residents in some communities will be receiving surveys from the Postal Service in the coming weeks, followed by community meetings this fall about the changes.