‘We can’t wait an extra two days:’ UPS reducing deliveries in rural communities

BRAXTON COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — If your mail is taking longer to be delivered, you may be in a zip code where UPS is reducing service.

The UPS Rural Deferral Program is a new initiative which the company says will reduce daily deliveries but improve overall efficiency.

Nettles Equipment is a farm equipment company in the Braxton County town of Duck. Manager Sarah Rexroad told 13 News her customers, primarily farmers, depend on daily deliveries.

It’s for that reason that Rexroad said her business made the switch to FedEx.

“We supply farmers. You have to make hay when the sun shines. It not only impacts us but our customers tremendously. When they’re broke down in the field, they can’t wait an extra two days to get a part. They have to get it then,” Rexroad said.

A UPS spokesperson told 13 News that less than one percent of UPS daily deliveries will be impacted, but could not provide zip codes in the region which are directly impacted.

UPS insists that the majority of customers will not see delays in service, and that delivery guarantees will remain the same.

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