AMERICANS may need to wait even longer for their mail after the United States Postal Service announced significant changes.
The USPS has announced that there will be significant restructuring taking place, which might result in delays for packages that are typically delivered within a few days.
As part of the changes, modifications will be made to first-class mail services, adjustments to the routes mail and packages travel, and a shift from using three-digit regional additional zip codes to five-digit additional zip codes.
Most first-class mail recipients will retain its current standards, with 11% of first-class mail experiencing slightly delayed delivery times.
USPS claimed that these changes will save the company an estimated $36 billion in savings over the next decade.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy stated, “The Postal Service has been historically constrained by service standards and burdensome business regulations that have not adequately adapted to changes in mail volume and composition, leading to costly and inefficient operations.”
“For decades – and most specifically during the last three years – Congress has actively resisted operational solutions and meaningful change.
“By implementing the new standards and the operational initiatives to which they are aligned, we will be better able to achieve the goals of our modernization plans and create a high-performing, financially sustainable organization, which is necessary to achieve the statutory policies and objectives established for the Postal Service by law.”
The agency said it has already “lowered $1.8 billion in annual transportation costs by eliminating redundant networks and rationalizing the use of air and surface options.”
USPS also said its “reduced 45 million work hours, or $2.3 billion annually, by improving plant productivity, and eliminating unnecessary facilities.”
The new changes will be rolled out in two phases starting April 1.
According to the USPS, the restructuring may mean that some customers who usually get packages in two days will get the package in three days instead.
Any customers who are set to experience significant delays in mail will receive notifications from the USPS regarding their delivery schedules.
MAIL OUTRAGE
USPS’ latest changes follow significant backlash from the public regarding weekslong delays in receiving packages.
People’s packages were stuck in a distribution center in Jackson, Missouri, for weeks, even after some paid for expedited delivery.
“I don’t know when it’s going to be delivered. I paid an extra $35 to get it delivered in three days, non-refundable,” Missouri resident Robin Smith told WAPT.
Smith had paid for three-day shipping to send a Valentine’s Day package to her grandchildren on February 3, but no gifts had been delivered when Valentine’s Day came.
“My thing is, why keep taking packages if you’ve got a whole slew of packages that haven’t even gone out yet?”
USPS changes
The changes will go into effect on April 1
- 75% of First-Class Mail will retain its current service standards.
- 14% of First-Class Mail will see an improvement in delivery times.
- 11% of First-Class Mail will experience slightly longer delivery times.
- Zipcodes will be changed to use a five-digit regional add-on
- Drivers can leave the facilities earlier to deliver mail
In response to the complaint, the USPS said it was moving mail “as quickly as possible.”
“The U.S. Postal Service realizes our customers depend on the mail every day.
“The Jackson, MS processing center, like all mail processing facilities, is a 24-hour operation and constantly receives, processes, and moves mail as quickly as possible.
“The facility is adequately staffed and is working hard to ensure all items are processed and dispatched timely.”
