The United States Postal Service has installed self-service kiosks called the Automated Postal Center (APC) in the halls of many post offices. Using a self-service APC is a convenient alternative to waiting in line for help at a full-service counter. APCs offer postal products, services and even provide postal code information.
There are more than 2,800 APCs in America. Most are located in a part of a post office building that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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How it works
Our self-service machines mean you can just post and leave. And you can use them to pay bills or even recharge your cell phone. They are designed to be easy to use.
Just follow the step-by-step instructions on the screen. And if you need help, we’ll be happy to help. Watch out for our Christmas helpers, who are there to make things easier when we are busy.
Self-Service Mail Technologies
The Automated Postal Center (APC) is a self-service kiosk typically located in the lobbies of post offices to provide customers with a convenient alternative to the full-service counter. CPAs offer their customers a wide range of products, services and postal information.
Based on user guidance via the touchscreen and PIN pad, APCs can weigh and rate letters, apartments and packages up to 70 pounds. CPAs distribute variable rate postage in any denomination to Express, Priority, First Class, International (less than 1 lb) and Parcel Post Mail. CPAs also offer customers the option of purchasing delivery confirmation, signature confirmation, insurance, certificate and return receipt services. CPAs allow customers to print express mail forms and perform postcode searches. CPAs accept debit, credit, and EBT cards for payment and generate a receipt.
Many APCs are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are 2,495 APCs in service today. In its strategic transformation plan, Correios has set itself the goal of doubling the percentage of retail transactions carried out through alternative channels, such as APC. However, in many cases, consumers avoid APC and continue to go to the counter to complete transactions.
Services and Features
Convenience & Ease of Use
APC kiosks are very convenient, easy to use and save time. Just use the touchscreen and follow the instructions. For those who have never used it before, here is a video showing how to use it.
Choose a Delivery Service
Select a USPS delivery method from the USPS options of express priority mail, priority mail, first class mail, international mail (less than a pound), postal parcel service and inland retail services.
Payments Accepted
APC kiosks accept credit, debit and EBT cards for payment and provide a printed receipt for each transaction that includes a tracking number for each item shipped.
ZIP Code Lookup
Find a postal code by entering an address and a city.
Weigh a Letter or Package
Weigh a letter, large envelope or package (up to 70 pounds).
Print Postage
Print the correct post based on the weight and type of shipping service.
Buy Stamps
The stamps are available in denominations and number of convenient stamps.
Renew a Post Office Box Rental
If you have set up a mailbox, you can use an APC to process your rental renewal.
Get Priority Mail Express Forms
Print express mail forms.
Optional Services
Choose one of the optional extra services that include Delivery Confirmation ™ (with or without requiring a subscription), insurance, registered letter and acknowledgment of receipt requested.
Pros and Cons of USPS’s self-service kiosk
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comme indiqué, les bornes APC sont généralement (toujours?) Ouvertes 24h / 24 et 7j / 7. Toutes les machines que j’ai utilisées se trouvaient à des emplacements 24-7-365, comme les entrées de boîte aux lettres. J’ai également remarqué que la ligne pour le kiosque APC est toujours plus courte que la ligne pour un opérateur – cela peut gagner du temps les jours de pointe. | You cannot ship packages that require special handling, such as fragile packages, with the self-service kiosk. |
| Cras sed | You also cannot send package of a certain size / weight which I believe is over 12 inches. This is a physical limitation due to the size of the machines I tested. Elsewhere I have seen “If your local post office has an APC, you should be able to use it after hours to send packages up to 15” wide X 12 “deep X 6” high with weight. maximum of 70 pounds. “ |
| Lorem ipsum | Finally, as mentioned earlier, you must pay with a debit / credit card. |
