Goodbye Long Lines

By Sgt. Sinthia RosarioAugust 1, 2013

Goodbye Long Lines
A postal clerk accepts a Priority Mail box from Lt Col. Derek G. Bean, commander of the 101st Special Troops Battalion, Task Force Lifeliner, for inspection during the kick-off of the Click-N-Ship program that was implemented at the post office at Ba... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The 101st Special Troops Battalion Soldiers put into operation a new, self service mail system titled "Click-N-Ship". The program replaces the current mail system, known as the Integrated Retail Terminal (IRT).

The Army adopted the "Click-N-Ship" program, to speed the mail process. This program saves money and valuable time creating a more efficient post office.

"Click-N-Ship" is a program that allows a customer to do the same stuff they do in a post office, at their desk," explained Maj. Mario Washington, human resource company commander. "Essentially what it does it expedites the process. So it's a customer based program that will alleviate a lot of lines and standing around."

Washington continued to describe the benefits of this new program.

"So we're going to expedite the process by making an express line if you will, much like when you go to the commissary or Kroger's and they have the self service line and you go check yourself out it's the same thing here," added Washington.

1st Lt. Marcel Bolboaca-Negru, human resources operations branch postal officer with 101st Special Troops Battalion, Task Force Lifeliner made clear, that the only thing that they can ship is Priority Flat Rate mail boxes/envelopes. He also added that the Soldier needs to create the account in order to get started. They need to access their account to fill out the digital shipping label information, print it and pay for it all from their computer at home or work. The customer then brings the unsealed packaged to the post office for inspection.

"They just ride on through and give the mail boxes to the Postal Clerk who will inspect the package, ensure the accuracy of postage label, seal, and accept the package for delivery," said Bolboaca-Negru. "So bottom line, it saves the Soldiers time and it saves money because it's much cheaper."

The first day of the pilot program seemed to already be successful for many.

"I tried it today, first day, it's pretty easy register, login and a couple clicks and you're out the door," said Capt. William Chalmers laboratory officer with Craig Joint Theater Hospital.

These are two of the most important commodities for Soldiers downrange, money and time. By doing these steps online prior to arriving at the post office the customer gets to keep a little more money in their pocket.

Although the new system is in place customers will still have a second option of sending mail using the Pitney Bowes system, stated Bolboaca-Negru. The Pitney Bowes is similar to the IRT system which allows the customers to pay with eagle cash card unlike the new "Click-N-Ship" which only accepts debit, credit, and PayPal payments.

Washington emphasized, "We want to make sure that every Soldier out here gets what they want, and that's their mail. It's important for us to ensure every Soldier has that opportunity to get something from home or something to home."

The postal specialists with the 101st Special Troops Battalion, Task Force Lifeliner, take pride in giving Soldiers the ability to communicate easily with family and friends back home.

"Of course when you're out in a deployment environment receiving any box even with the smallest things helps matters, it can change your day and it can bring a positive change in your life," said Bolboaca-Negru. "So as a Soldier, who is waiting for a box to be mailed for three or four weeks and finally receive that box, it means a lot."