There is a popular stereotype about the Russian Post — messages that parcels take ages to arrive. Is that really true?
Those who claimed that joke years ago likely haven’t stepped into a post office in a long time. Today, regular delivery means most parcels reach buyers within a week in Russia. By comparison, a nationwide delivery can stretch to around 30 days in Europe and up to 45 days in the United States, based on the experiences shared by colleagues. This isn’t a subjective edit; it reflects common, lived outcomes from multiple branches.
Another option is the EMS courier service offered at post offices, which provides express delivery in one to two days with in-person handover. There is also a service called a “first class parcel” that speeds up processing, with delivery typically within two to three days.
In some cities, parcels may take a bit longer, up to 35 days in rare cases. With EMS, the maximum is around 34 days. The longer timelines usually trace back to vast distances between sender and recipient, such as from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok.
When the distance is shorter, delays are less common. The causes often lie with the sender or customs rather than the postal service itself. Still, there are occasions when operators bear responsibility. For instance, a parcel might be accepted today and only invoiced the next day, which can add at least a day to the delivery timeline. Still, measures are in place to minimize such delays.
And when a parcel or letter experiences a delay, points accumulate toward bonuses that are tied to performance. Miles serve as indicators of mail processing quality, measured as a percentage. The first mile accounts for incoming mail, while the second mile covers outgoing mail.
The question arises: do employees ever open parcels at the post office? How are items checked for prohibited contents?
In practice, openings for inspection usually occur at customs or large post offices, such as those at major train stations. Dogs, trained handlers, and x-ray machines are employed there. Regular post offices typically do not perform these checks on site.
Nevertheless, postal workers reserve the right to open parcels if anything looks suspicious or if there are inconsistencies. For example, if the box is labeled as containing socks but feels heavier than expected, an inspection may be conducted. If the declared contents match the shipment, the parcel is resealed and sent on. If not, it is returned to the sender, and any detected issue triggers an official audit. Accidental openings during transit also prompt action. If something forbidden is found, officials report it to law enforcement.
Can employees steal items from parcels? The answer is no. Cameras are present in all post offices, and theft investigations include video evidence. If theft is proven, compensation is required and dismissal follows.
There are often long queues at the post office, and the wait can be frustrating. The root cause is often worn-out equipment rather than the staff’s willingness to help. It is common to see lines form outside, while computer systems stall or freeze for long stretches, sometimes reminiscent of a flood-era slowdown. The staff try to manage, but the technology simply lags behind the demand.
Newer departments are equipped with modern computers, while older ones still rely on aging machines. A lack of funding means upgrades happen slowly, and each district houses several departments that cannot be updated instantly.
Post offices are busy hubs, sometimes described as chaotic places, where mail seems to be a separate art form. The routine can feel almost illogical to visitors who expect one clear process to deliver a parcel smoothly.
For instance, a new arrival encountered a task that seemed straightforward until it required locating a tiny package in a maze of boxes. A worker explained that parcels can appear in unexpected places, a moment that highlighted how the internal system sometimes defies simple explanations and relies on human memory and chance as much as on organized labeling.
Occasional customer disputes are not rare, though most interactions proceed without major incident. In one notable New Year’s Eve episode, a customer attempted to collect a parcel ordered through a social platform. The name on the order did not match the passport, which triggered the usual verification process. The staff explained the need to confirm identity and, if necessary, return the parcel when the match could not be established.
The encounter escalated briefly, with strong emotions and a loud reaction. The staff maintained composure, offering to resolve the matter by returning the parcel if it could not be delivered. A tense moment followed, but the situation settled without further harm once the proper procedures were clarified.
In another surprising turn, the same day involved a disruptive incident at the back of the warehouse as a customer forcefully contested a shipment. The scene included a confrontation over sacks of letters and parcels after a dispute over what had not been delivered. The tension subsided once staff intervened, and the facility took steps to improve security, including locking procedures to prevent unauthorized entry when necessary.
These anecdotes illustrate both the challenges and the resilience of the postal system. The network continues to adapt, striving to balance efficiency with security, while customers seek reliable, predictable service in a vast country with diverse geographic realities.