Big Changes Now Underway With Louisiana Mail Delivery

KNGT-FM - Big changes are hitting Louisiana mailboxes—and you might be surprised by what’s coming next. The U.S. Postal Service just kicked off a major overhaul that could speed up some deliveries but delay others. Will your mail arrive faster… or fall behind? Here’s what every Louisiana resident needs to know.

Personally, I don’t mail things very often—maybe a birthday card here and there or the occasional package around the holidays. Most of what I do is online these days, so I don’t always think about the mail. But when I do need it, I want it to work right and get there on time.

Big changes have started at the United States Postal Service (USPS), and they could affect how fast you get your mail in Louisiana. These changes began on Tuesday as part of a new cost-saving plan that will roll out in two phases. The USPS hopes the plan will save $36 billion over the next 10 years.

Even though some people are worried about slower service, the USPS says most people won’t notice any delays. Some mail could be delivered even faster than before.

USPS leaders say these changes are about improving things in the long run. They’re focused on improving mail delivery times, making their systems more efficient, and saving money so the Postal Service can stay strong and reliable for years to come.

What’s Changing for Louisiana Mail?

While the USPS didn’t list which areas would be affected, it did say some regions will now get a 2- to 3-day turnaround service. That means mail sent and received within certain local areas could arrive faster than before.

But not everyone will see faster delivery. Here’s what USPS says:

• 75% of people will not notice any changes
• 14% will see faster delivery times
• 11% may have slightly slower delivery times

Delivery times for First-Class Mail will still follow the same 1-5 day range. Other services like Marketing Mail, Periodicals, and Packages may now have a shorter delivery range.

For example, a package sent from a Louisiana city to a nearby town could arrive in just 2 days. Long-distance mail may still take up to 5 days.

The changes apply to several types of mail and shipping, including:

• First-Class Mail
• Periodicals (like magazines)
• Marketing Mail
• Package Services (like Media Mail and Library Mail)
• USPS Ground Advantage
• Priority Mail
• Priority Mail Express

You can check how long it takes to send mail from your zip code using the USPS online map at usps.com.

The second round of changes will begin on July 1, 2025. USPS says more details will be shared closer to that date.

Even though some lawmakers are worried about these updates, especially those who rely on mail for checks and medicine, the Postal Service says the goal is to modernize, save money, and improve delivery across the country, including in Louisiana.