As many members may already know, there have been ongoing delays in the mail sent through the U.S. Postal Service. Those delays have been more significant and more prolonged than usual.

Through communications with the USPS, and consulting with industry sources, high volumes of mail and COVID-related labor shortages continue to result in backlogs at mail processing centers.

Please be advised we expect continued delays, which will have an impact on member services. For your convenience, we've provided updates below on what to expect based upon customer feedback. 

Media Mail

We’ve heard reports of Media mail taking several weeks to arrive so customers might want to choose the Priority option if they are in a hurry to receive their package. Publications are shipped either Media Mail for $6.00 (7-10 days) or Priority Mail for $16.00 (3-5 days). 

The American Philatelist

The issues of The American Philatelist will likely be delayed to many APS members. Typically the journal arrives in the first week of the month. Current issues may be delayed by as much as an additional week across the United States, so please allow more time before requesting a replacement issue. Members can access The American Philatelist online. 

StampStore

Orders are shipped the next business day, but there have been reported delays 5-25 days after shipping. Please allow up to 15 days after ordering before contacting StampStore staff for tracking information. 

Expertizing

Many items require more than one expert opinion to complete certification. Delayed shipments to and from experts have resulted in significant delays. We are presently operating up to 90 days for completion of the certificate and return to customers. We are working to keep the submissions moving. If you have concerns, please contact the Expertizing Department.

Donor Acknowledgements

Cash and in-kind donations are processed and acknowledged within five days of receipt—reported delays of up to 15 days from mailing. Please allow up to 15 days from receipt for your letter to arrive.

Library

Those purchasing items from the APRL’s duplicate inventory and members borrowing books from the library will experience delays in receiving items. Normal shipping times are up to four business days, but delays have been seven or more days. Given this current status of mail delivery the library is waiving any overdue fees given that the borrower has mailed the borrowed items back to the library within the borrowing period.