WIESBADEN, Germany (Oct. 7, 2014) -- Army postal officials are asking patrons to be a little more proactive in their mail pickup habits in anticipation of the holiday rush.
"It's coming up on the Christmas holidays, and community members need to get in the habit of checking their mail regularly to free up space on the shelves," said Earl Small, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden postmaster. "At the end of the day, a lot of the shelves are still full because people aren't picking up their letters, magazines, catalogs and packages.
"We're not a storage facility," Small continued. "By not picking up your mail you're taking away space on the shelves from other customers."
Postal patrons should also come equipped to transport any items they may have ordered.
"They need to be prepared when they come over to carry the mail they received," said David Cain, custodian of postal effects. That means filling out address labels and Customs forms before getting in line to mail parcels.
While many use the email notification system to be alerted when packages arrive, Small reminded customers that waiting for the notification for a parcel before checking one's box means other mail will accumulate.
"If you're waiting for notification, there's other mail piling up," he said.
Other tips for helping the mail flow smoother:
• Always remember to bring your military ID/CAC card when picking up packages (not some other form of identification).
• Keep the Postal Service Center informed about any changes of status such as a Permanent-Change-of-Station move, marriage, new children, etc.
• Patrons going on temporary duty should provide disposition of their mail either in person or by email from a .mil account. Send email to usarmy.wiesbaden.imcom-europe.mbx.community-mail-room@mail.mil.
Mailing deadlines
The following dates are the recommended dates for mail to the United States to arrive in time for the holidays (Dec. 25):
• SAM parcels Nov. 26
• PAL parcels Dec. 3
• Priority parcels, First Class Letters and Cards Dec. 10
• Express mail Dec. 17.
Extended hours
The Wiesbaden Postal Service Center will have extended hours of operation Nov. 24 to Jan. 3. During that time, the Army Post Office will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. The package pickup window will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. Both the APO and package pickup window will also be open on Saturdays (Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The facility will be closed on Nov. 27, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Appointments
Patrons can make appointments to mail five or more packages, Cain recommended, adding that "if people wait until the last minute, they're going to stand in line." Appointments can be made by calling civ (0611) 143-548-1503, at least one day before the desired appointment date.
Volunteers
Postal officials said they welcome volunteers during the holiday rush season, and especially in the time leading up to the holidays where individuals can learn how the system works and gain valuable job experience for potential future jobs at the postal facility.
Stop by the Postal Service Center or call Earl Small at civ (0611) 143-548-1500 for more information.
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