The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is planning to slow down delivery times for some customers in an effort to reduce annual operational costs by billions of dollars. While some customers, particularly those living within 50 miles of the largest processing facilities, may see improved delivery times, others in more rural areas may experience delays. The USPS has announced plans to improve mail processing and transportation nationwide, which could result in longer delivery times for some ZIP code pairs. The exact number of zip codes that could be affected is unclear, but USPS has stated that most mail from rural areas is currently delivered in three days or less.
Under the proposed changes, mail would still be delivered within the current service standard of two to five days. However, delivery from some rural areas may take an additional 12 to 24 hours in some cases. Despite the potential delays, the majority of first-class mail would not be impacted by the changes, with 75 percent of mail continuing to be delivered within the standard timeframe. These changes are not expected to be implemented until after the November election and peak season, which runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. If approved, the changes could save the USPS an estimated $3 billion in operational costs.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has emphasized that the changes are necessary to save the Postal Service from financial challenges. DeJoy believes that some delays in delivery times are a necessary sacrifice to prevent further neglect of the USPS. He stated that compared to other countries, where delivery times are longer and more expensive, the USPS is focused on saving the service by implementing cost-saving measures. Any changes to the postal service’s standard operations must be approved by the USPS’s government board and reviewed by the Postal Regulatory Commission before being implemented.
Overall, the USPS is working to integrate its transportation, processing, and delivery network to streamline operations and reduce costs. The proposed changes aim to improve service reliability, decrease operational expenses, and support the growth of the USPS business. While some customers may experience delays in mail delivery, particularly those in rural areas, the USPS is hopeful that these changes will ultimately benefit the service as a whole. DeJoy and USPS officials are committed to implementing these changes in a strategic and efficient manner to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Postal Service.
