The US Postal Service plans to expand its last-mile delivery services to other shippers to address a $9 billion annual loss, risking its key Amazon contract, which is vital for its revenue. This move could lead Amazon to reduce its use of USPS, further threatening the agency's financial stability, which is already strained by declining mail volume and the need to fulfill universal service obligations.
The US Postal Service is facing severe financial difficulties, losing over $100 billion since 2007, with potential privatization and service cuts on the horizon, despite the vital role postal workers play in communities and their historical significance.
All US post offices will be closed on Christmas and New Year's Day, with no mail delivery on these days. The week of December 15 is the busiest for mailing, with recommended shipping deadlines to ensure holiday delivery. USPS has made improvements to handle the holiday rush, including more vehicles and seasonal staff.
The US Postal Service will issue new Priority Mail stamps in 2026 featuring images of the universe captured by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, including the Crab Nebula and a galaxy pair, celebrating America's ongoing exploration of deep space. The stamps are part of a series that has been highlighting space imagery since 2023, with the new designs reflecting Webb's advanced imaging capabilities. The release is pending regulatory approval, and prices are expected to increase slightly.
Postal traffic to the U.S. dropped over 80% after the Trump administration ended the exemption on low-value parcels, causing operational disruptions and suspensions among international postal operators due to new customs duty collection rules.
A proposed Republican bill aims to force the USPS to sell its new electric mail trucks, potentially hindering the USPS's modernization efforts and environmental initiatives, while facing legal and political challenges.
President-elect Donald Trump is considering privatizing the US Postal Service, as reported by the Washington Post. Trump has discussed this potential overhaul with Howard Lutnick, his commerce secretary nominee, and other transition officials, citing the need to stop government subsidies for the loss-making organization.
The US Postal Service will honor the late Betty White with a postage stamp featuring her likeness, set for release in 2025. The stamp, designed by Greg Breeding with art by Dale Stephanos, showcases a digital portrait of White, celebrating her as an iconic television figure and animal advocate. This announcement is part of a broader 2025 stamp program that includes other notable figures and themes.
The U.S. Postal Service plans to raise the price of a Forever postage stamp to 73 cents in July, marking the sixth increase since January 2021. Despite the frequent hikes, a report by the USPS Office of the Inspector General found that U.S. stamp prices remain relatively low compared to other developed countries. The increase in stamp prices is attributed to factors such as declining mail volume, rising costs, and the agency's obligation to pay retirees' benefits. The U.S. market for domestic mail delivery is the largest globally, and while stamp prices have risen, they still compare favorably to those in other countries.
The US Postal Service has filed a notice to increase the price of First-Class "Forever" stamps to 73 cents from 68 cents, marking an almost 8% hike in mailing services products' cost, set to take effect in July. This comes as part of the agency's efforts to achieve financial stability outlined in its 10-year plan. The increase follows previous hikes, with stamp prices having soared 36% since 2019. The Postal Regulatory Commission will need to approve the change, and other adjustments include raising domestic and international postcard prices. The decline in First-Class mail due to online communication has impacted the Postal Service's business, with the agency expecting a $6.3 billion loss in 2024.
The US Postal Service has requested to increase the price of a first-class stamp from 68 cents to 73 cents, just three months after the last price hike. This proposal also includes a 3-cent jump for domestic postcards, a 10-cent jump for international letters, and unspecified hikes for certified mail and money order fees. If approved, the new prices would take effect on July 14, 2024, marking the second price increase in the year. The Postal Service seeks to become self-sufficient due to a $6.5 billion net loss reported for the 12 months ending Sept. 30, with stamp prices having jumped 36% over the last four years.
The U.S. Postal Service is planning a 7.8% rate increase, including raising the cost of a first-class stamp from 68 cents to 73 cents, in an effort to achieve financial stability and address what it calls a "defective pricing model." The proposed increase, if approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, would take effect on July 14 and also includes adjustments to special services such as money order fees and certified mail, while keeping post office box rental prices unchanged and reducing postal insurance fees by 10%.
A U.S. Postal Service Letter Carrier was maced and robbed of her mail keys in Summerlin, marking the third attack in the area since September last year. Residents fear for the safety of their personal information and are advised to check their mail daily to prevent theft. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a $150,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's conviction.
The new Regional Postal Distribution Center in Palmetto, Ga., intended to streamline operations, is causing major mail delays and frustration for customers due to trucks sitting idle for hours, a lack of personnel, and operational inefficiencies. The facility, which opened three weeks ago, has led to significant delays in mail delivery, leaving customers waiting for weeks and months for their mail. The Postal Workers Union president attributes the issues to the relocation of machines and mail operations, resulting in a void of personnel and supervisors unaccustomed to certain tasks, further slowing down operations.
