I needed to send a package today, so I headed over to the Post Office. I was about to go in to the counter to conduct my business, when I passed a curious looking machine – an “Automated Postal Center”. Nobody was using it, so I checked it out and used it to send my package. It has an ATM-like kiosk, which is connected to a scale. You can use it to look up ZIP codes, print postage labels, even sign up for things like delivery confirmation. Within a few minutes I had weighed my package, selected the destination, printed labels with Priority Mail postage and delivery confirmation, paid with a debit card, and deposited into the adjacent collection bin. The machine was remarkably easy to use, though if you’re accustomed to working with an ATM, there will be a few differences. So if you’re in the US, look for an “APC” at a Post Office near you. It’s pretty cool! Here are a few photos from the adventure:

ppp|
A full view of the APC|ppp

ppp|
A closer view of the APC screen and keypad|ppp