The U.S. Postal Service has taken many hits since it was first created in 1775. But sadly you probably would have received better service at that time than you do today.
Last year the U.S. Postal Service concluded that the Columbia processing and distribution center’s services do not support its goals.
Then dumped an estimated $4 Million to modernize the facility. But it would seem the problems still exist.
In late March of 2024 we mailed a certified letter to an address (costing approximately $9), only to have it arrive at the processing center in Columbia and vanish.
Naturally, we paid for tracking of the letter. When we contacted the postal services customer care we were given a service request number and told someone would call us.
That evening a Representative of the local post office where the letter was being sent called and informed us simply that they did not receive the letter, and closed the case.
A few weeks later we sent another letter with all the bells and whistles to the same valid address. Only to have the same occurrence of the letter vanishing at the Columbia Processing Center.
Once again we were given a service request number and once again a phone call. Only again to state it was not received and case closed.
On our 3rd attempt we simply paid for tracking and sent it 1st Class. Not to our surprise it was also lost at the Columbia Processing Center.
In the phone call this time the Representative informed us that it appeared to have been scanned in at the processing center multiple times and then scanned out to be sent to the local post office who again never received it.
Having spoken with several different Local Post Office Employees we were informed that the Columbia Processing Center loses hundreds of items rangimg from packages to legal documents and checks with no explanation.
Some have even suggested the place needs to be re-staffed with more competent individuals. Hinting that the issue is personnel related.
Thousands of people still rely on the U.S. Postal Service to deliver their letters and packages, but many have begun using FedEx and UPS at a higher cost ensuring delivery.