Kimberlyn King-Hinds
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Postal Service has acknowledged and begun correcting routing errors that led to significant mail delivery delays to the CNMI, following an inquiry from U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds.
On June 5, 2025, King-Hinds wrote to the newly Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino to raise concerns about chronic delays in CNMI-bound mail, particularly items processed through the San Francisco distribution center. In her letter, she cited reports of residents waiting up to eight to 10 weeks for mail and packages, delays linked to lightweight parcels being shipped by sea instead of by air, contrary to USPS policy.
In its formal response, USPS confirmed that a recent internal review found that some mail, including Priority Mail and lightweight Ground Advantage packages under 16 ounces, had been improperly placed in sea transport containers, contributing to widespread delivery delays from the U.S. mainland.
“We’ve been hearing from residents and businesses across the CNMI about unacceptable delays in receiving essential goods and communications,” said King-Hinds. “We raised this directly with USPS leadership, and I’m glad to report that they’ve not only acknowledged the problem but are now taking corrective action.”
USPS stated that as of July 1, processing facilities have been instructed to validate and certify routing procedures to ensure that Priority Mail and lightweight Ground Advantage items are shipped via air to offshore destinations, including the CNMI.
In the letter, USPS also apologized for the disruption, stating: “We understand the extent to which our customers, especially those in CNMI and other territories, rely on us for efficient and effective service. It is always our goal to meet their expectations, and it is disappointing to us when we fail to do so.”
The agency provided delivery data and clarified that approximately 60% of CNMI-bound mail is currently transported by air. The remainder, previously subject to improper routing, is now receiving corrective oversight.
“This is about making sure the CNMI receives the same standard of service as every other part of the United States,” said King-Hinds. “I will continue monitoring USPS’s follow-through to ensure our residents are treated equitably and reliably, but this is certainly welcome news. I thank USPS for taking action and look forward to the increase in services residents of our islands will be receiving.”
