Postal Bulletin: USPS is Ready for the Returns Season

The United States Postal Service continues to make improvements to its infrastructure to prepare for the annual holiday returns season. As the number of items ordered online and shipped to consumers grows, so will the demand for easy, convenient return methods to attract new and repeat business.

What’s New!

Packageless Returns: Self-Service

• Return labels printed at Self-Service Kiosks (SSKs),
• Rapid Dropoff Stations, and
• USPS Smart Lockers.

The Postal Service is ready for the returns season in the following ways:

• We cover everywhere. Over 31,000 post offices nationwide for customers to ship returns, and over 167 million addresses with free package pickup on the carrier’s route.
• It’s easier for businesses to insure returns with USPS. Insurance is available for all return products up to $5,000.
• Offering one universal shipping permit. To streamline shippers’ needs, we have one universal shipping permit that covers USPS Returns, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage.
• Priority Mail Express Returns that includes up to $100 insurance. This includes 1-3 days return service up to 70 pounds. When urgency matters: A premium yet affordable solution.
• Priority Mail Returns includes up to $100 insurance, free priority packaging, and “Package Free Returns.” This includes 2-3 days fast and affordable ways to ship returns service up to 70 pounds. When you need speed and value, an efficient combination is ideal for time-sensitive or high-value items.
• USPS Ground Advantage Returns includes up to $100 insurance. This includes 2-5 days return service up to 70 pounds. When cost is a priority, an affordable ground option, is ideal for high-volume shippers and HAZMAT items that can’t travel by air.
• Return Labels printed at Self-Service Kiosks (SSKs): 2,700 SSKs deployed nationwide to provide consumers with the ability to print labels when it’s convenient.
• Rapid Dropoff Stations. Self-service technology that helps expedite Label Broker and prepaid mail acceptance transactions.
• USPS Smart Lockers. A self-service system that lets customers drop off prepaid or packageless return labels by scanning a Label Broker QR Code and no waiting in line.

Read more: USPS Postal Bulletin – December 25, 2025