The United States Postal Service (USPS) has officially confirmed that all 33,780 post offices across the country will shut down for 24 hours on October 13. This decision, as reported by The US Sun, is part of the USPS’s observance of Columbus Day, which is a federal holiday.
In some states, this day is also recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. During this one-day closure, there will be no mail deliveries, retail services, or package processing. The USPS has clarified that the shutdown is part of its regular holiday schedule and is not connected to any potential government shutdown.
What Does the USPS Shutdown Mean for You?
When the USPS announces a closure, it’s easy to wonder what it means for daily mail services. The answer is simple: no mail delivery will take place on October 13. This includes both regular mail and packages, which will not be processed or delivered.
Additionally, retail services, such as buying stamps or shipping packages in person, will be unavailable. However, the good news is that USPS operations will resume the following day, so any packages or mail scheduled for delivery will be processed as usual starting on October 14.
This closure is part of the USPS’s regular holiday calendar and has been planned in advance. For those who rely heavily on postal services, it’s wise to adjust plans and either send out mail ahead of time or be prepared to wait until the post office reopens. The USPS has clarified that this shutdown has nothing to do with a potential government shutdown, which has caused confusion for some.
As an independent entity, the USPS is funded primarily through the sale of its services and not tax dollars, so its operations are not directly affected by the federal government’s funding status.
Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Dual Recognition
The timing of the USPS closure coincides with Columbus Day, a federal holiday observed on the second Monday of October. Columbus Day has been celebrated since 1937 and is traditionally a day to recognize the voyages of explorer Christopher Columbus.
However, in recent years, the holiday has sparked debate and, in many places, has been redefined to honor Native American communities as well.
In several states, including California, Maine, New Mexico, and Vermont, Columbus Day is now also referred to as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This shift in naming aims to acknowledge the historical and ongoing struggles of Native American communities, who have long faced the consequences of European colonization.
The dual recognition of this day highlights a broader conversation about historical memory and the importance of balancing the legacies of exploration and colonization with the narratives of Indigenous peoples who lived on the continent long before Columbus set sail. This year’s USPS closure will be observed in accordance with the federal holiday, but many communities will recognize it in both ways, offering a moment of reflection and dialogue.
How Other Businesses Are Affected
While the USPS will be shutting down all of its branches, many other businesses across the nation will also take part in the closure, particularly in sectors like banking. Chase Bank, for example, has confirmed that all of its 4,700 branches will be closed on Columbus Day. TD Bank is the exception, as it will remain open for the day.
This widespread closure of banks and government services is typical for federal holidays, and it also highlights how deeply ingrained Columbus Day is in the American calendar, despite the recent shift toward Indigenous Peoples’ Day in some regions.
For those who need to conduct business on October 13, it will be crucial to plan ahead. While most businesses and schools remain open during Columbus Day, financial institutions and post offices will be closed for the day, which may cause disruptions to plans. However, for customers needing to send mail or collect packages, the USPS will resume services the next day.
