Some post offices to start closing early

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.

Benson - closed Saturday
Clayton - 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. M-F; 10 a.m. to noon Saturday
Holly Springs - Saturday 10 a.m. to noon
Selma - closed Saturday
Smithfield - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F
Youngsville - closed Saturday
Rougemont - closed Saturday
Stem - 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday

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Latest Comments

Bulldozer - I agree completely. And xjrobx -- I trust our men and women in uniform to protect our country IN SPITE OF our government.

lsr
July 17, 2009 1:56 p.m.

I agree thewayitis and completely disagree with you Bulldozer.

We trust the government to protect our nation, I think we can handle health insurance. That is unless you think the UK and France have a superior system of government to our flavor of democracy?

xjrobx
July 17, 2009 10:32 a.m.

Starting to see a trend here, Post Office-deficit, AmTrak-Deficit, Social Security/Medicare-Bankrupt. And who wants the government to run our health care? Come 0n? These folks could not run a lemonade stand!!

BULLDOZER
July 16, 2009 7:44 p.m.

I know of one instance where the Post Office payed one carrier to drive another carrier on his route for six months because he got a ticket for DUI and lost his license. This was reported to Greensboro office and nothing done about it. Was told they have some situations where another person can be made to drive for someone else.

rlsmith5
July 16, 2009 6:54 p.m.

why not cut back on employees as everyone is doing.most are over paid and under worked.there are 3 in my local post office i would like to see gone.no people skills.

slaythedragon
July 16, 2009 6:52 p.m.