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Express ZIP Line being tested at local post office

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By Jill Kelley, Staff Writer Updated 1:30 AM Sunday, June 19, 2011

The U.S. Postal Service is testing a new service initiative, the ZIP Line, to help expedite customer transactions.

“It is sort of like your express line at the grocery store,” said David Walton, spokesman for the USPS.

“It is efficient, and causes the line not to back up. We are testing it to see if it makes a difference.”

The ZIP Line is a retail window designated for customers sending two or fewer packages or purchasing two or fewer stamp items. Walton said the idea is being tested in Wisconsin, but hasn’t been implemented nationwide.

It has been employed at the Washington Twp. office, 7525 Paragon Road, due to the efforts of Dayton Postmaster Karen Garber.

Garber learned about the ZIP Line from a former colleague in Wisconsin.

“Because of the closing of the Centerville office and our merging, I thought it would be a great place to give it a shot,” she said.

The Centerville Post Office, at 99 Maple St., closed May 27. Walton said the closing was part of a nationwide initiative to address declining mail volume at post offices.

“Because of our financial situation, we had moved carriers out of that (Centerville) location sometime back,” Walton said. “Conducting consolidations helps our bottom line. People just don’t realize the impact the Internet has had on us, in addition to the recession.”

Garber said the ZIP Line, which was introduced in Washington Twp. on May 31, also has been well received.

“We are trying to educate people,” she said noting the office is working out the kinks. “People were kind of confused at first, but they love the concept.”

Garber said she plans to implement the ZIP Line in the main Dayton post office this month as well.

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