Port Allen Has a New Shipping Center, and It's Veteran-Owned
PORT ALLEN — West Baton Rouge finally has its own one-stop shipping and business services center, and the couple behind it didn't have to look far to understand why it was needed.
Joy and Mike Ruckman opened Ship - N - Mail Center, LLC on Monday at 540 Court St. in Port Allen. Joy, a former paralegal with 15 years of experience and an Erwinville native, said the decision to open a business here came naturally after her parents' health declined and she wanted to be closer to home.
"We did some research and found that there really wasn't anything on this side that was available," said Mike Ruckman, an HVAC technician by trade who grew up in Baker. "We decided to invest in it — and invest in the community."
The business is locally and veteran-owned. Mike served four years in the U.S. Navy as an engineman, and the family's military tradition continues — the couple's son is also a Marine veteran. The grand opening drew a crowd and included a ribbon cutting hosted by the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. Sharon Oubre Williams, the Chamber's membership director, and incoming Executive Director Annie Claire Bass were on hand, along with Port Allen Mayor Terecita Pattan, City Council Member Garry Hubble, and West Baton Rouge Parish Public Information Officer Madison Cacioppo.
Joy said the community reception has been strong since they opened their doors.
"Very good reception," she said. "They're loving it."
The event also included refreshments and door prizes for attendees.
Ship - N - Mail Center offers USPS, FedEx, DHL and UPS shipping services, along with professional packing, copying, printing, document scanning, document shredding, business cards, photo printing, fax services, packaging supplies and virtual mailbox options. Amazon Returns and FedEx Easy Returns are also accepted.
The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed Sundays.
For more information, visit shipnmailcenter.com or call (225) 367-3321.
