New faces. New times

Postal Service announces Spokane route changes

SPOKANE—Spokane, WA, residents will still get the same daily mail service, but for some, it may be at a different time or delivered by a different carrier.

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

“We’ll be serving the same territory, but with fewer carrier routes,” said Spokane Postmaster Karen Fairlee.  “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 Fairlee. “The end result will be a smoother operation and will help keep postage costs as low as possible.”