Having a post office nearby is one of life’s little conveniences many of us take for granted. It’s a place to go when you have packages to ship, stamps to buy, and passports to apply for. But many USPS locations have received notice that they’ll be closing down, according to Newsweek. Here’s what we know so far.
Why Is USPS Closing Locations?
Though there has been no official announcement yet from the government about the closures, this presumably is a cost saving measure. It also only seems to affect contract postal units, or CPUs, and not post office locations run by USPS.
In reports from local news outlets around the country, small business owners report that they have received notice that their contract with USPS to operate a CPU will be canceled. Many were not given a reason as to why it was cancelled.
In one report from Fox 10, a representative from the USPS issued a statement indicating that closing the CPU would help “fulfill our commitment to serve our communities with efficient and reliable access to retail services.”
What’s a Contract Postal Unit?
A CPU is a small postal station operated inside another small business, often places like hardware and general stores. The small business, and not USPS employees, operate the unit and provide postal supplies and some services.
According to the CPU contract, both the small business and the USPS can end the contract with 120 days notice, which is apparently what the government is choosing to do in these cases. In local news reports, the small businesses running these CPUs and the communities they’re located in are not happy about the government shutting down these community services.
When Are the CPUs Closing?
There is no official date released by the USPS when the CPUs will close. According to local reports, many of the CPU contracts will expire on September 20, 2025. If you currently use a CPU for your postal needs, it’s best to call the location and make sure they’re still open and find out if they received a notice to close.
Where Are the CPUs Closing?
Based on reports from local news outlets, there are CPU locations in seven states, according to Newsweek. Here are links to local news for more information, specific locations, and reactions from local communities.
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