Post office boxes available at the local post office

If you like privacy and security and want the flexibility to pick up the mail at your convenience then a post office box is a great option for you.

"Many people have discovered the post office box service is a safe, affordable convenient way to receive their mail," said postal spokesperson Sean Hargadon. "Boxes allow customers to choose a location that's close to either home or work. You hold the key to convenience with a P.O. Box."

Mail typically arrives faster at a post office box than at a residential or business address. Customers can usually pick up their mail earlier in the day on Monday through Saturday at the local post office.

Post office box service is also affordable with fees starting for a six-month term along with different rates depending on the size of the post office box.

The local post office has a variety of box sizes to choose from - depending on the anticipated amount of mail you will be receiving. You don't have to visit the post office to rent a box; you can search online at www.usps.com by address or ZIP code for an available post office box. It shows available sizes and fees. And best of all, the yearly renewal is simple with the choices below:

• Online with a credit card or sign up for automatic renewal;

• At any self service kiosk;

• By sending a check or money order;

• In person at the post office;

The United States Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.