Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds

With the Polar Vortex this month the USPS suspended service to 10 states because of the cold. You may think this may be counter to their motto, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds ” but in fact this is not the USPS’ official motto but rather was engraved on the James A. Farley Post Office building in New York and has been associated with the USPS ever since. The phrase actually comes from an ancient Greek work of Herodotus describing the Persian system of mounted postal carriers c. 500 B.C. 

Nevertheless the USPS prides itself on delivering mail to every home and business in the United States regardless of the weather. That being said there are disruptions to the USPS service, but most do not take very long and alternatives to delivery are often available.

Some situations we see that effect mail delivery are natural disasters like fires, floods, hurricanes, etc. During these situations the USPS will provide alerts as to what post offices are closed and how this will effect deliveries. Many times mail will be held and at another post office for pick up or delivery will be delayed. Each situation is different and the USPS will make a plan depending on the length of the natural disaster, access to homes, and access to USPS facilities.

Action Mail receives alerts during any situation where mail may be delayed due to weather or natural disasters and can contact local post offices to see how mail is being handled in these situations. If you have a mailing going to an area where you think there may be a delay, contact us and we can better determine the situation in the area and how it is effecting mail delivery.