Can a usps mail carrier leave mail on ground

According to the United States Postal Service (USPS) guidelines, mail carriers are not supposed to leave mail on the ground. Here's what the USPS says:

• "Mail carriers are trained to deliver mail to the mailbox or to the door of the recipient, not to leave it on the ground." (Source: USPS Customer Service)
• "If a mailbox is not accessible, the carrier will attempt to deliver the mail to the nearest accessible location, such as a neighbor's mailbox or a community mailbox. If that is not possible, the mail will be returned to the post office for further handling." (Source: USPS Delivery Standards)

However, there may be situations where a mail carrier might leave mail on the ground, such as:

• Inclement weather: If it's raining, snowing, or extremely hot, a mail carrier might leave mail on the ground to avoid getting it wet or damaged.
• Obstruction: If a mailbox is blocked by a fence, gate, or other obstacle, a mail carrier might leave mail on the ground to avoid damaging the mailbox or the surrounding area.
• Emergency situations: In cases of natural disasters, power outages, or other emergencies, mail carriers might leave mail on the ground to ensure timely delivery.

If you're concerned about your mail being left on the ground, you can:

• Contact your local post office or USPS customer service to report the issue.
• Consider installing a secure mailbox or a locking mailbox to prevent mail theft.
• Check with your neighbors to see if they've experienced similar issues.

Remember, it's always best to follow USPS guidelines and protocols to ensure the safe and secure delivery of your mail.