American Samoa residents are facing unexpected delays when shipping parcels via USPS Priority Mail. Despite paying for expedited service, many are finding that their packages are no longer receiving priority treatment.
Instead of being sent to Hawaii to await shipment to American Samoa via a weekly cargo flight, as has been customary for many years, some but not all Priority Mail packages are being routed to San Francisco for delivery via ocean freight, adding weeks to delivery times.
This issue has created significant headaches for residents and businesses that rely on timely shipments. Local businessman Billy Young says uncertainty over the timeliness of mail is hurting his business.
“There’s no rhyme or reason as to which Priority Mail packages are sent properly and which will end up on a boat. I’m having to double up my orders for stock knowing that the next order may be delayed by up to 3 months. This means I have money sunk into stock that is sitting on a cargo ship for weeks.”
For American Samoans, where all mail arrives by air or sea, Priority Mail has long been the preferred choice for those needing faster delivery without the expense of USPS’s top-tier Express Mail shipping option. But now, some residents are questioning whether Priority Mail truly guarantees a faster service.
“We’re paying Priority Mail rates for much slower service,” added Young.
Young isn’t alone in experiencing shipping delays. KHJ News has received email, telephone and social media reports describing the unreliable mail service wosening over the last year. One store owner shared that a Priority Mail shipment of urgently needed inventory took nearly three months to arrive due to rerouting problems.
Residents and business owners are calling on USPS for clarification and solutions. The question behind every complaint? Is this a temporary logistical challenge or a shift in mail processing policies for American Samoa?
Questions sent to Post Master Tao Suani have not been answered.
