NEW FACES. NEW TIMES

Postal Service announces area route changes

RENO – Nearly 80 percent of local residents may have their mail delivered at a different time or by a different carrier as sweeping route changes are implemented by the Postal Service.

In response to changing mail volumes and technology advances, the Postal Service will be making adjustments to many individual carrier routes in Reno and Sparks.

Approximately 211 delivery routes, encompassing nearly 86,000 Reno and Sparks deliveries, will see changes.

“We'll be serving the same territory, but with fewer carrier routes, allowing us to be more efficient,” said Reno Postmaster Renee Brown. “While we try to minimize customer inconvenience, it is inevitable that some addresses will be delivered at a different time than they’ve grown accustomed.”

The route adjustments are fueled by an unprecedented drop in mail volume – more than 9 billion fewer pieces will be delivered this year compared to last. Additionally, technological innovations have automated much of the letter and flat sorting that used to be done manually.

”We need to be responsible and efficient and these changes will streamline our operation,” said Brown. “The end result will be a smoother operation and will help keep postage costs as low as possible.”

The route adjustments were done cooperatively with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) through a national route review process.

“Carriers are committed to these changes to help the Postal Service,” said NALC State President Mickey Grizzle. “It’s our obligation for the health of our organization. We are looking out for both the public and the Postal Service.”

The changes will occur over the next few weeks. The schedule is as follows:

• Sparks, Jan. 15
• Reno Steamboat, Jan. 7
• Reno Peavine, Jan. 14
• All other Reno offices, Jan. 31