USPS Processing and Delivery Issues

Getting Started

This article clarifies what it means when your mailing is marked as complete by LetterStream, outlines our responsibilities, and explains USPS's role in the delivery process.

In This Article

What “Mailed” Means

If you received a “Mailing Complete” email or the job status shows “mailed” on our website, your letters were physically handed off to the USPS on the date listed. You can confirm this date by logging into your account and hovering over the timestamp beside each mailing.

LetterStream’s Responsibility

  • We guarantee precise and accurate handling of your documents while they are under our control.
  • We ensure your letters are mailed by the guaranteed mail-out date displayed during the checkout process — all letters will be mailed within 2-business days.
  • We offer accelerated processing options to prioritize your jobs in our production queue.

USPS Delivery Responsibility

LetterStream ensures your documents are processed with speed and accuracy, but USPS handles the final leg of delivery.

  • Once letters are handed off to the USPS, we are no longer able to control or guarantee delivery.
  • We cannot issue refunds or account credits for delays or non-delivery caused by USPS performance.

For questions regarding delivery, you can reach out to the USPS directly for more information.


Why Mail Gets Delayed — External and Uncontrollable Factors

What kind of events can delay USPS delivery?

There are many external factors that may delay or disrupt mail delivery, such as:

  • Severe weather (snowstorms, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, etc.)
  • Natural disasters or hazardous environmental events
  • Road closures, power outages, or accidents
  • High-volume mailing periods (e.g., holidays)
  • Labor shortages or processing backlogs at USPS facilities

These disruptions can impact USPS transportation routes and operations, causing delays  after LetterStream has successfully mailed your documents.

Example: Regional USPS Processing Delays

As an example, in December 2025, the USPS reported significant delays at its Kansas City, MO and Louisville, KY Processing Centers due to hazardous weather and road closures. These events caused:

  • Backlogs in trailer unloading
  • Longer wait times for drop-ship mailers
  • Temporary rerouting of mail to alternate facilities

USPS responded with staffing adjustments and alternate drop locations to minimize impact — but mail delays were unavoidable, and this sort of instance is fairly common.

How Customers Can Stay Informed

We recommend checking the USPS Service Alerts page for real-time updates on:

  • Weather-related disruptions
  • Facility closures
  • Transportation delays

Visit the USPS Service Alerts page which provides general updates, as well as specific updates for Personal mail, Business mail, and International mail.

Summary for LetterStream Customers

  • “Mailed” in your account means LetterStream fulfilled its obligation and provided your mail to USPS or FedEx for delivery
  • Always check USPS alerts for the most accurate delivery status

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