Top officials at the U.S. Postal Service are considering plans to slow down mail delivery for long-distance and rural areas to cut costs, but the changes would not take effect until after the upcoming election. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy stated that the agency can no longer afford to maintain the same level of service in all areas and some mail may be delivered a day later than usual.
The proposed changes aim to improve delivery times for customers within 50 miles of processing facilities, while mail traveling longer distances would be subject to extended delivery times. Pilot programs have already been implemented in certain rural areas with mixed results.
The USPS faced backlash over mail slowdowns during the 2020 election, prompting lawsuits and concerns about ballot access. Despite the challenges, the agency delivered nearly all ballots on time and received praise for its handling of the election.
Critics, including Rep. Gerry Connolly, have expressed concerns that the proposed changes could lead to degraded service and higher prices for consumers, potentially harming the Postal Service in the long run. The Postal Service has struggled financially in recent years, with projected losses for the upcoming years.
DeJoy defended the proposed changes, stating that they are necessary to compete with private delivery services like FedEx and UPS. However, lawmakers have criticized DeJoy’s 10-year plan, raising concerns about the negative impacts on mail service and customer satisfaction.
The Postal Service’s financial struggles are largely attributed to its universal service obligation to serve rural areas at a loss, while competitors take advantage of profitable routes. As the agency seeks to save costs and improve efficiency, stakeholders fear that slowing mail delivery could drive business away from the Postal Service.
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