What the USPS’s Lobby Overhaul Means for Montana Mail Customers

The USPS has announced significant changes that will be implemented in post offices nationwide, including those in Montana.  

Currently, the postal service has implemented its shipping price increases for the holiday season. The price increases are for shipping packages, not for stamp prices, and they will remain in effect until January 18, 2026.

READ MORE: Montana Shippers Face USPS Holiday Price Increases 

The USPS is modernizing its retail lobbies to improve customer experience. According to their news release, their goal is to make “post office visits faster, easier, and more intuitive." 

Lobby Modernization Features

Upgraded lobbies will feature:  

Enhanced self-service kiosks, they have been shown to cut down lobby wait times by 40%. 

Smart lockers where customers can pick up packages at any time of day or night.  

Digital information displays that will guide customers through available services, reducing confusion.  

Streamlined layouts to improve traffic flow and reduce wait times.  

Government services will be offered, such as passports, fingerprinting, and identity proofing in one location.

READ MORE: Mail Carrier Safety in Montana: USPS Shares Dog Attack Stats and Tips 

Impact on Wait Times & Customer Experience

According to Tracy Raymond, the Postal Service’s retail operations director, “People expect speed, clarity, and technology-driven convenience, and that’s what our new lobbies deliver — while still offering the trusted, in-person attention that defines the Postal Service.” 

The upgrades are part of the Postal Service’s long-range Delivering for America plan and have been completed in some bigger cities across the country. The initial phase of modernization will conclude by the end of this October, with more locations set for changes in 2026.