Map Shows Where USPS Wants to Change Mail Delivery Times

Americans could see their mail delivery hours change significantly as the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) looks to update times to improve mail efficiency.
The USPS aims to improve its reliability and productivity, and the changes would apply to those living 50 miles outside of a USPS regional processing and distribution center.
“The proposed operational changes will modernize our ground transportation network to reflect changing customer needs, reduce costs to become financially self-sufficient, and provide more predictable and reliable service while maintaining our commitment to delivering First-Class Mail and USPS Ground Advantage to every household in the United States within 5 days,” said a USPS fact sheet on the proposed changes.
Those living in these regions would have their mail collected only at certain times to streamline drivers’ deliveries and boost the USPS’s overall efficiency.
The hourly changes in mail delivery would allow the USPS to save between $2.8 billion and $3.3 billion yearly, according to estimates.
Newsweek reached out by email to USPS for comment.
“As we integrate our transportation, processing, and delivery network to logically sequence the flow of mail and packages by deploying improved operating practices in our redesigned facilities network, we expect to improve service reliability, reduce cost and grow our business,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in a statement.
From 2007 through 2020, the USPS incurred more than $87 billion in losses under what it called a “broken business model,” according to the fact sheet.
The plans have not been approved and could occur in the next calendar year. Any changes must be approved by the USPS’s government board and reviewed by the Postal Regulatory Commission.
While some residents could see their mail delivery hours change, this should not affect the speed of service, according to the USPS.
“Overall, more mail will move quicker than before, and the vast majority of mail will keep the same service standard,” the USPS said on its fact sheet about the changes.
Currently, the service standard is two to five days for delivery.
Miriam Udy, a salesperson for Quadient, which provides mailing equipment and technology, said that the USPS periodically upgrades its technology and security to improve delivery times and that the overall update to hours is geared to speed up delivery times.
“The overall impact to individuals who send mailings will be positive,” Udy told Newsweek. “People should continue to see increased rates to pay for the upgrades. However, improvements in tracking, delivery and security are a major plus for individuals who care about the deliverability of their mailings.”
But Kelly Martinez, the founder and co-president of ePost Global, said the USPS’s claim that the changes will bring more reliable service could mask the fact that some people may see longer delivery times, depending on their location.
“These changes are intended to enhance service reliability and efficiency potentially, but the mailer will know that up front,” Martinez told Newsweek. “This will cause some unhappy consumers who may be used to faster delivery times and will take time to get used to the changes.”