Published: May 17, 2006 11:39 am      

Major trucking accident destroys mail

A truck load of mail was completely destroyed by fire early Sunday morning, May 7, when several vehicles collided on Interstate 95.

Postal officials say that mail addressed to ZIP Codes beginning 331, 332 or 340 and deposited after the last collection on Friday, May 5 or before the last collection on Saturday, May 6 in ZIP Codes beginning 313, 314, 315, 320, 321, 322, 326, or 344 may be affected.

Postal officials urge those who sent mail that meets these conditions to check with the addressee to see if their mail has or has not arrived.

Postal managers note that mail collected on other days or headed to other destinations was not affected.

“Invoices, payments, prescription medicines and other important, time-sensitive items were almost certainly destroyed in this fire,” said U.S. Postal Service District Manager, Harold L. Swinton. “We are making this announcement so that customers who may be affected can take steps to protect themselves, their good name, and their good credit.”

Swinton noted that, except for Registered Mail, the U.S. Postal Service has no piece-specific records of what is on any particular truck or plane. “Concerns about privacy as well as practical contraints prevent us from keeping such records,” he said.