Post Office Asks Customers to Clear the Way to the Mailbox or Risk Not Getting Their Mail

(KNSI) – The United States Postal Service motto declares neither snow nor rain will stop letter carriers from completing their appointed rounds. That doesn’t get you off the hook entirely, though.

The post office will put a stay on delivering to your home if there is not a clear approach to the mailbox. St. Cloud Postmaster Mark Peterson says there is a grace period, but this year has been a snowy one.

“Most of our carriers give the customers the benefit of the doubt and give them a day or two before they might hold their mail. We understand people have lives and they have jobs to get to and that they can’t always get out there immediately and clear it.”

Peterson says the current truck fleet does not handle snow well.

“Our trucks, unfortunately, don’t have four-wheel drive so anytime they get into a little snowbank they end up getting stuck or they’ll be there five to 10 minutes just trying to get loose.”

Peterson says homeowners need to clear the curb for three feet in either direction if their box is located near the road. If delivery happens on your porch, USPS wants snow to be removed near the box.

Peterson says if your carrier traditionally cuts across your lawn to approach your home, keeping that path clear would also be appreciated.