After weeks of delay, mail back on schedule? USPS cites 'staffing issues'

The U.S. Postal Service is saying that mail is now back on schedule after delays in Oak Ridge.

Among those noticing delays was Oak Ridge resident Owen Hoffman who explained his difficulties.

"Initially, the mail delivery delay was over one week. I complained about the lack of community notification and the need for emergency hires. The local USPS manager called to say that they were short staffed and Amazon deliveries of packages were preventing mail deliveries. They USPS was not on social media, nor did they have authority to advertise their difficulties with local media and news services," he stated in comments to The Oak Ridger. He said the mail was back on schedule during the week of Friday, Aug. 5, the time he sent the message. The USPS comments came, he said, on July 17.

The Oak Ridger reached out to the U.S. Postal Service for comment through the Oak Ridge Post Office. A Postal Service employee directed questions to Sherwin Salla at USPS' corporate communications. While the response did not directly state a cause, it did mention "staffing issues."

"The Postal Service appreciates its customers and always strives to provide the best possible service to them. We apologize for any inconvenience that may have been experienced by customers living in the Oak Ridge community," Salla stated in an email.

"Local management is committed to making continuing improvements in delivery service and have stated all delivery is current. Staffing issues are being addressed through job fairs scheduled this month in multiple locations in Tennessee, including Knoxville on Aug.16 and 23. Anyone interested in employment, please visit our website at www.usps.com/careers. We are looking to bolster our workforce with additional delivery personnel.

"We appreciate our customers’ patience. Customers are reminded that, if they need assistance with mailing or shipping concerns, they have a variety of options for reaching us, including contacting a supervisor or manager at their local Post Office, calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or visiting our website at www.usps.com/help," Salla's response stated.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: After weeks of delay, mail back on schedule? 'Staffing issues' cited