Understanding USPS General Delivery: A Lifeline for Travelers on the Move

For travelers who don’t have a permanent address, like truckers, RVers, or van lifers, receiving packages while on the road can be tricky. One solution offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) is General Delivery. But how does it work, and is it the right option for you? Let’s dive into the details of General Delivery and what you need to know to use it effectively while traveling.

What Is General Delivery?

General Delivery is a USPS service that allows you to receive mail at a post office even if you don’t have a permanent address in that area. It’s especially useful for people who are always on the move, as it offers a temporary solution for receiving packages and letters.

Here’s how it works:

1. Addressing Your Mail: Your package or letter needs to be addressed to:

• Your Name
• General Delivery
• City, State Zip Code (typically using the zip+4 format, ending in -9999)

Example:

John Smith
General Delivery
Duvall, WA 98109-9999

2. Picking Up Your Package: Once your mail arrives at the designated post office, you can go pick it up in person. You’ll need to show ID, and some locations may charge a small fee for holding the package.

Potential Issues with General Delivery

While General Delivery can be convenient, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and potential complications:

1. Address Formatting: Some services, like Amazon, may not accept the standard General Delivery address format. Amazon might reject an address with “General Delivery” in the first line, so you’ll need to enter it carefully to avoid issues.

2. Availability of Service: Not all post offices offer General Delivery, and in some cases, packages sent to one post office might be routed to a central location in a larger city. This can be a hassle, especially if you’re expecting to pick up your mail from a specific local post office.

3. Size Restrictions: USPS may have limitations on the size of the packages they’re willing to hold for General Delivery. Larger items, like furniture or bulky electronics, might be rejected or incur additional fees.

4. Courier Confusion: Since General Delivery is a USPS service, packages sent by UPS, FedEx, or other carriers won’t be accepted. This can cause problems if you’re ordering from services like Amazon, which may ship using different couriers.

5. Local Post Office Policies: Each post office has its own rules regarding General Delivery, including possible handling fees, pickup hours, or time limits on how long they’ll hold your package. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm the specifics at the post office you’re using.

Best Practices for Using General Delivery

To make the most of USPS General Delivery, follow these best practices:

• Check Availability: Not all post offices offer General Delivery, so be sure to check the USPS website or call the local office ahead of time to confirm.
• Use Zip+4: Make sure to use the correct format for your address, including the -9999 at the end of the zip code.
• Call Ahead: Contact the local post office directly to ensure they accept General Delivery and to ask about any special rules, fees, or restrictions.
• Be Mindful of Package Size: Stick to smaller packages that are less likely to cause issues with storage or acceptance.
• Bring ID: You’ll need a valid state or federal ID to pick up your package.
• Track Your Package: Just because USPS says your package has been delivered doesn’t mean it’s ready for pickup. It could still be processing at the post office, so check the status and call ahead if needed.

USPS General Delivery vs. Delivery Lockers: What’s the Difference?

While USPS General Delivery can be a helpful option for receiving packages while traveling, it has several limitations, such as size restrictions, varying availability, and issues with third-party couriers.

Delivery lockers, such as Amazon Lockers or similar services, offer a more seamless and convenient solution for travelers who need to pick up packages. Here’s why:

• No Address Format Issues: Unlike General Delivery, which may have specific address requirements, delivery lockers typically work with straightforward addresses that are easily accepted by Amazon and other online retailers.
• 24/7 Availability: Many delivery lockers are accessible 24/7, allowing you to pick up your packages at your convenience, rather than being restricted to post office hours.
• No Size Restrictions: Delivery lockers can often accommodate a wide range of package sizes, from small to large items, offering greater flexibility than USPS General Delivery.
• Broader Courier Compatibility: While Amazon Lockers are limited to Amazon deliveries, some delivery locker services accept packages from other couriers, like UPS or FedEx, providing more options depending on the locker service.

For travelers who frequently order from Amazon and other online retailers, delivery lockers offer a reliable, flexible way to receive packages while on the road. LockerMap helps make this process even easier by helping you find the nearest pickup locations, whether you’re looking for Amazon Lockers or alternative locker services.

Ready for a Better Delivery Option?

If General Delivery feels like too much of a hassle or doesn’t fit your needs, consider using LockerMap to easily find delivery lockers and other package pickup locations near your route. It’s a hassle-free way to ensure you can get your packages, no matter where the road takes you.

Click here to explore LockerMap and make your life on the road even more convenient!