Some post offices to start closing early

Starting Monday, some post offices in the Triangle area will adjust their hours in an effort to cut costs.

Posted 9:34 p.m. Jul 16, 2009 — Updated 10:42 p.m. Jul 16, 2009

DURHAM, N.C. — Tough economic times will mean shorter business hours at some post offices in the Triangle.

From July 20 until Sept. 6, Durham's downtown post office, as well as those in East Durham and West Durham, will close their doors to customers at 2 p.m. every day they are open.

Other post offices, such as those in Benson, Selma, Youngsville and Rougemont, will be closed on Saturdays, while branches in Clayton, Holly Springs, Smithfield and Stem have adjusted hours.

The move is another way the postal service is trying to cut costs.

U.S. Postal Service spokesman Carl Walton said Thursday that the agency expects to lose about $6 billion this fiscal year, not only because of the economy but also because of the decline in the use of first-class mail.

Branches were not given any certain amount to cut back but were asked to look at closing during slow times to cut back on utilities and overtime pay.

Employees won't lose hours, however, Walton said. They will take on new duties or be shifted to other branches.

It's too early to tell how much money the postal service will save, he added.

A listing of Triangle-area post offices and changes to retail hours, beginning July 20.