USPS: No substantial backlog of CNMI mail in Guam

The U.S Postal Service said there is no “substantial” backlog of Saipan-bound mail in Guam, while United Airlines said they are on schedule with their deliveries.

Responding to Saipan Tribune inquiries after a concerned resident aired his distress to the media last weekend, USPS corporate communications specialist Duke Gonzales said they are timely in their delivery of mail.

“There’s no substantial backlog of CNMI mail in Guam. We continue to process and deliver mail in CNMI in a timely manner,” Gonzales said, when asked for comment if there are thousands of lbs of mail sitting in Guam.

Last Sunday, Saipan resident Philip Dauterman told the media that he called the Chalan Kanoa office of USPS and was told that “United Airlines has 14,000 lbs of Saipan-bound mail delayed at the Guam airport and unable to send to Saipan in a timely manner.”

He was concerned about several packages that as per the online tracking were scanned in Guam last month but “seemingly disappeared.”

USPS said they are coordinating with customers regarding specific concerns.

“We are working directly with the customer to resolve their concern,” Gonzales said.

However, no reason was given regarding the cause of the holdup of certain mail or packages.

“The Postal Service manages large volumes of mail destined to and from Guam and Saipan. Our goal is to deliver the best possible service to all of our customers, including those in that area,” he added.

For their part, United Airlines also responded to Saipan Tribune saying that they are on time in their transportation of mail.

“United Airlines works diligently to transport and deliver mail in a timely manner between Guam and Saipan. Once mail is received by the United cargo team, each piece of mail is quickly scanned and the shipment is prepared for delivery to Saipan. All mail is sent via aircraft within 24 hours of receipt,” United Corporate Communications said.

It added that they have not experienced any recent delays and that the report made was “erroneous and irresponsible.”

“United Airlines has not experienced any recent delays in the transport or delivery of mail between Guam and Saipan. United continues to operate the mail service as regularly scheduled. Any reporting contrary to this fact is erroneous and irresponsible,” United said.

It was not made clear by both entities how many lbs of mail can be brought in to Saipan from Guam per flight or per day.