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Deliveries delayed: pandemic and natural disaster taking a toll on service

Posted at 2:14 PM, Sep 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-19 16:14:32-04

Pandemic pressures combined with recent national disasters have contributed to mail and package delivery service setbacks recently, resulting in mail delays nationwide.

The United States Postal Service reported a decline in service around the end of July and early August, but has since improved.

USPS Strategic Communications Specialist for the WestPac area, Floyd Wagoner, said, “The Postal Service had a dip in delivery services, but our service performance is trending back upwards.”

Thanks to Postmaster Louis DeJoy’s commitment to “operational discipline” and efficient service, service performance has improved during the period from the end of August through Labor Day weekend (USPS release).

Unrelated to internal issues associated with USPS, FedEx also experienced delays as a result of airlines cancelling flights needed for FedEx deliveries.

In their latest news release, FedEx explained these delays and detailed their role in the delivery process (FedEx release): “FedEx and TNT are playing a crucial role in keeping commerce moving and delivering critical relief during the COVID-19 crisis.”

The international delivery service is now “facing increased demand despite the reduced capacity available in the global market due to the flight cancellations by passenger and cargo airlines”.

FedEx has adapted to these demands by making network changes and temporary adjustments to service – including suspension of the FedEx Express money-back guarantee and their signature delivery confirmation.

Both USPS and FedEx voiced their commitment to service during both the ongoing pandemic and recent natural disasters.

For FedEx information related to specific disaster-related days, click here. For USPS information related to specific disaster-related delays, click here.