Calling the US Postal Service was not as time-consuming as I thought, but it wasn't a quick process. I know that USPS is understaffed and had already experienced some issues firsthand inside the local USPS, which informed me that I would need to call this number to get more insight into dealing with a missing package. I had put off this task a bit because I knew it would be arduous and take some time. However, while it wasn't quick, the entire ordeal was not as painful as I thought it would be.
There are multiple reasons why people would probably end up on the phone with the US Postal Services, but most of them probably have to do with lost packages. That seems to be a problem, and with as much mail as they handle, you can certainly see why it would be. However, others might call because of the free COVID tests, to order mailing supplies, check delivery status or talk about moving and changing your mail.
When I first called, I was thanked for calling and told I could press 2 if I wanted to hear their privacy policy. I had no interest in that, so I kept listening. The automated voice went on to say, "The US Postal Service is happy to announce that all US residential households are able to submit a 5th order for Covid Tests with each order containing 4 tests." Then there was a break and silence followed by the words, "Service Alerts."
I couldn't figure out what that meant because it launched into a new options directory. It told me, "For free at-home COVID tests, press 1. If you are experiencing delivery issues, press 3. For severe weather or impact, press 4." Then it said I could stay on the line for more options. I stayed on the line, and the next set of questions stated, "To order supplies, say supplies, or press 1. To check order status, say status, or press 2. To check the delivery status of other mailed items, press 3. To check on something else, say continue, or press 4." It then added at any time I could say "main menu" to take me back to it.
I chose something else since I had to deal with a lost package and got yet another selection of options. This time, it told me, "To inquire about a package status or report a problem, say status. For help with stamps or other postal services, say stamps. For daily mail service, say mail. For pricing or price office locations and ZIP Codes, say tools." I opted to report a problem, and it told me to stay on the line while it checked the availability of agents.
At this point, I had spent about four minutes on the call, and it would take another 15 to talk to someone. They offered me some help, including filing a claim, but I'm not sure how much it helped with my issue. Seems like I just have another hoop to jump through.