First, this little essay is not directed to the many, many fine letter carriers that carry out their duties in a competent and professional manner. But, as with any large organization, the USPS has its share of misfits. This is not the fault of the USPS. They, like all organizations, must hire from the human race.

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I suppose it happens to everyone from time to time, but sometimes it can get really bad.

I'm talking about getting your neighbor's mail in your mailbox, and vice-versa. Sure, as long as humans are involved in the system, mistakes will happen. However, it seems that in my neighborhood, these mistakes are happening all too frequently.

Do I really want my neighbor, the same neighbor whose barking dog I call in on, to get my bank or credit card statement? Do you think they'll just hand it over to me? I seriously doubt it.

Here's a way to keep your errant letter carrier "on the ball".

Locate and prepare mailing labels for all the houses within a few blocks of your house. That means a block or so left and right of you and behind and in front of you. It will take some time, but it's not that hard. Don't forget to include a label for the local supervisor of the errant letter carrier.

Then, prepare a paragraph of text for the postcard you will be making. It could go something like this:

Dear Neighbors,

Have you been experiencing an unusually high incidence of your neighbor's mail being delivered to you, or your mail going to your neighbor's address? Have you found mail in your yard or on the street that appears to have been dropped by the letter carrier? Have you put mail on your mailbox to be picked up by your letter carrier and that mail never reached its destination? If you noticed these, or any other problems related to your letter carrier, please notify that letter carrier's supervisor.

A Concerned Neighbor

Now, get some card stock from your local office supply store and, using your favorite word processor, design a simple postcard, 4-up, to fit on an 8 x 11 sheet. Print the sheets and cut the cards out. Print out your address labels and apply them, along with the proper postage.

Now, mail the cards, but make sure you have calculated your letter carrier's days off. You want to be sure that he or she is on duty the day they are ready to be distributed. You want the errant letter carrier to have to be the one to deliver these notices on his or her route. Again, don't forget to address one to the letter carrier's local supervisor.

This little act will cause the most errant letter carrier to be more mindful of his or her duties.

73,

WF5TX