U.S. Post Office, Airport Boulevard

Whether they’re mailing packages, buying stamps or battling insomnia, dozens of people pass through Southern California’s only 24-hour U.S. post office in the middle of the night. Opened near Los Angeles International Airport in 1976, the post office is usually busiest around 2 a.m., says spokesman Larry Dozier. We caught up with customers at various hours to find out why.

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Ken Rosenfeld, Westchester

Occupation: Pharmacist

I am at the post office at 4 a.m. because: “I have sleep apnea. I get up every morning around 3 or 4 a.m. We’re going to Montreal and I need to put a hold on my mail.”

The strangest thing I ever mailed was: “A certified check for over $100,000. It cost me over $20 a day in loss of interest.”

I think postage for a letter should cost: “A round amount, where you could use exact change without pennies.”

Do you have e-mail? “My wife does, but I have the password.”

Ever been bitten by a dog? “Yes, when I was 18, up on Mulholland. A little, tiny dog.”

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James Finley, Westchester

Occupation: Record promoter

I am at the post office at 5 a.m. because: “I need a money order for my rent.”

The strangest thing I ever mailed was: “A letter from my friend to his girlfriend saying he didn’t want to go out with her ‘cause I wanted to go with her.”

I think postage for a letter should cost: “25 cents.”

Do you have e-mail? “Yes.”

Ever been bitten by a dog? “Yep, a poodle, on the chin.”

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Berthella Anne Lucas, Mar Vista

Occupation: Avis customer service representative and limousine driver

I am at the post office at 5 a.m. because: “I’m going to work and I needed some stamps.”

The strangest thing I ever mailed was: “A certified letter first class to Africa for my future daughter-in-law. It took a month.”

I think postage for a letter should cost: “25 cents.”

Do you have e-mail? “No.”

Ever been bitten by a dog? “No.”

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Roland Furtado, Los Angeles

Occupation: Owner of Roland International Freight Services

I am at the post office at 2 a.m. because: “I’m trying to catch up on my work, shipping documents and bills to the Ivory Coast.”

The strangest thing I ever mailed was: “I didn’t mail it. The post office can’t handle anything more than 40 pounds. I’ve shipped human remains by air freight. I’ve also shipped palm trees by ocean cargo to the Middle East.”

I think postage for a letter should cost: “25 cents.”

Do you have e-mail? “Yes.”

Ever been bitten by a dog? “Never.”