By providing more than 38,000 locations nationwide, the Postal Service has made sure most Americans are near a facility where they can purchase stamps and mail packages or letters.

Now, nearly 5,000 additional postal outlets across the nation offer customers extended hours (evenings and weekends) at places where other shopping is conducted, such as drugstores, grocery stores, card shops, and shopping centers. The value is evident — revenue from these new operations already totals about $735 million annually.

These contract postal units (CPUs) — sometimes called “contract branches,” “contract stations,” or “community post offices” — supplement regular USPS-operated retail facilities. The units are also a flexible, cost-effective means of providing services in new or growing areas.

Customer access and convenience are key selection factors in the competitive bidding process for CPU sites, and CPU contractor personnel are trained by the Postal Service to provide postal products and services in a knowledgeable, professional manner. You can find the location of postal outlets by visiting www.usps.com or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

So no matter where you may be, you’re never far from a postal retail location and the mailing assistance you need.