Mailing a Package After-Hours

[vtk]

Yesterday, Ed and I were out with friends on my day off.  Mom tasked me with mailing a package via USPS Priority Mail to relatives; it was already well after 5PM, I'd have to use an Automated Postal Center.  The task was left for "on the way home".

So, around 11PM, we get to the former Main Post Office on Twin Rivers Dr.  The APC there was displaying a screen that read "out of service at this time" or something.  A helpful printout posted on the wall nearby listed other PO locations with APCs.

Next we tried the Upper Arlington PO on Riverside Dr.  The APC appeared to be working; also, there was a roll of Priority Mail stickers sitting right on top, and I remembered that I'd have to use some in addition to the postage "stamp" the APC would print.  Unfortunately, of the five main tasks the APC can be used for, three were disabled with the message "I can't help you with that right now", including the one I needed, "Mail a letter or package".

At the Hilliard PO on Leap Rd, the APC was fully functional.  I printed the necessary postage, but couldn't find any Priority Mail stickers to place on the sides of the package. 

Back at the Upper Arlington PO, I placed Priority Mail stickers on five faces of the box, and dumped it in the package drop thingy.  I also grabbed ten more Priority Mail stickers for future use.

I'm asking Mom for reimbursement, not only for the postage, but for the time and fuel consumed by the wild goose chase.  She understands completely.

[Brandon]

And people wonder why the USPS is bleeding red ink.