Loop Offices Lose 5 p.m. Mail Pickup

Loop office buildings that house mailboxes no longer have a 5 p.m. pickup time, thanks to a confluence of events including the economic downturn and tightened security now that President-elect Barack Obama's transition team is working in the area.

Stand-alone blue boxes dotting the Loop will continue with regular pickups, including the final 5 p.m. timeslot.

Economic woes have hit the postal service, with staff and route cutbacks as well as a rate hike in January. While post office hours and routes haven't been slashed here, unlike in other cities, Chicago cut collection times after meeting with the Secret Service.