Jamaica, NY International Distribution Center, often called the USPS Jamaica NY International Distribution Center (or Jamaica I.D.C.), is a mail processing facility for the United States Postal Service (USPS). It’s one of the primary international mail processing facilities in the U.S., responsible for handling and sorting mail and packages that are coming into and going out of the United States, especially those going through the John F. Kennedy International Airport, which is one of the busiest international mail gateways in the country.
The Jamaica, NY International Distribution Center is located near JFK Airport in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York. The facility processes millions of international mail pieces each month, which may lead to occasional delays, especially during peak mailing times or due to customs procedures.
If you have a package being processed there, you might see this location pop up on your tracking information if you’re sending or receiving international mail through the USPS.
Address And Location Of USPS Jamaica NY International Distribution Center
The US Post Office-Jamaica Main stands as a notable historic structure at 164th Street and 89th Avenue intersection in Jamaica, Queens, New York. This building caters to the postal needs of the 11432 ZIP Code area.
8840 164th St, Queens, NY 11432
Contact numbers
- 1-800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777)
- Phone 718-990-1090
- Fax 718-217-1135
- TTY 877-889-2457
Working Hours
- Monday 9 AM–5:30 PM
- Tuesday 9 AM–5:30 PM
- Wednesday 9 AM–5:30 PM
- Thursday 9 AM–5:30 PM
- Friday 9 AM–5:30 PM
- Saturday 9 AM–3 PM
- Sunday Closed
Services Provided By Jamaica NY International Distribution Center
The Jamaica NY International Distribution Center (IDC) is one of the major international mail processing centers operated by the United States Postal Service (USPS). Its primary services include the following.
Sorting
The IDC sorts international mail and packages based on their final destinations. This includes both incoming and outgoing international mail.
Customs Clearance
Being an international hub, the IDC facilitates customs clearance for mail entering the United States. This process ensures that the contents comply with U.S. laws and regulations.
Transfer
The facility connects with the nearby John F. Kennedy International Airport. This allows for the swift transfer of mail and packages to and from flights.
Distribution
Once sorted and cleared, items are distributed either domestically within the U.S. or to other international destinations.
Tracking And Reporting
Through the USPS tracking system, senders and recipients can track the progress of their packages, including when they are processed at the Jamaica NY IDC.
How Long Do Packages Wait At The Jamaica NY International Distribution Center?
Packages at the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center typically take a few hours to a few days to process. The duration can vary based on customs inspections, documentation issues, and mail volume, especially during peak seasons. Delays might occur, but the center aims to move mail as efficiently as possible.
Can Packages Be Held At The Jamaica NY International Distribution Center?
Yes, packages can be held at the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center. While the center’s primary objective is to process and move mail promptly, certain circumstances may necessitate the temporary retention of packages at this facility.
Customs Inspection
As an international mail hub, the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center facilitates customs inspections for mail entering the United States. Every international package is subject to customs scrutiny. If a package is flagged for further review, it will be held at the facility until the inspection is completed.
Regulatory And Compliance Issues
If there’s a suspicion that the contents of a package do not comply with U.S. laws and regulations (such as containing prohibited or restricted items), the package can be stopped and held for further verification.
Incomplete Or Incorrect Documentation
Packages that lack the necessary paperwork, proper labeling, or have unclear descriptions can be stopped at the IDC. Senders might need to provide additional information or clarification before the package can proceed.
Duties And Tariffs
Some items are subject to import duties or tariffs. If these duties aren’t prepaid or there’s any confusion, the package might be held until the situation is clarified or the required payments are made.
High Volume Or Operational Delays
Sometimes, the sheer volume of mail can cause operational delays, especially during peak seasons like the holidays. While this doesn’t necessarily mean packages are “stopped,” they might be held longer than usual because of processing backlogs.
Security Concerns
On rare occasions, if there’s a security concern tied to a package (for example, if it’s suspected of containing hazardous materials), it might be stopped and held for further investigation.
Damaged Packages
If a package is damaged in transit to the point where its labeling or addressing is no longer clear, it might be held until the IDC can determine its proper destination or until the sender or recipient can be contacted.
What To Do Next If Your Package Status Stuck At The Jamaica NY International Distribution Center?
If your package status appears stuck at the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center, waiting a few more days is recommended, as delays can be temporary.
If no update occurs after several days, contact USPS customer service or the sender to inquire about the package, and potentially initiate an investigation.
How To Contact The Jamaica NY International Distribution Center?
To contact the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center, it’s best to contact USPS customer service through their official hotline or website. They can provide specific information or assist in forwarding inquiries directly to the center.
The Jamaica NY International Distribution Center welcomes in-person visitors distinct from many other USPS distribution facilities. The center’s retail section staff can assist patrons between 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM from Monday to Friday, and from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays.
For those interested in the lobby hours, it’s accessible from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM during weekdays and 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays. Note that both areas remain closed on Sundays.
Tracking Updates Related To Jamaica NY International Distribution Center
“Arrived At International Distribution Center”
This update signifies that your package has reached the Jamaica, NY IDC. At this stage, it’s queued for either sorting procedures or a customs review, depending on its origin and contents.
“Processed Through International Distribution Center”
When you see this status, it indicates that your package has undergone the necessary sorting at the Jamaica, NY, IDC. It’s now ready for transit, either being sent to another postal facility or scheduled for a departing flight.
“Held In Customs”
This is a critical update that means your package is under a thorough examination by customs officials. This deeper inspection could result in some delays as authorities ensure the package’s contents comply with U.S. regulations.
“Departed From International Distribution Center”
This update confirms that your package has exited the Jamaica, NY, IDC premises. It’s en route, advancing toward its end destination or the next step in its journey.
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