Latest news with #DeliveringForAmerica
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
USPS Launches Changes To First-Class Mail, Other Services
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has begun implementing the next phase of its service standard refinements as part of ongoing efforts to improve mail delivery for customers nationwide. Why It Matters The service refinements represent a continued effort by the USPS to modernize operations amid ongoing financial challenges. The agency has faced financial difficulties in recent years and introduced its "Delivering For America" plan - a 10-year initiative designed to restore the Postal Service's financial sustainability and maintain reliable service to its 169 million delivery addresses across the country - in 2021. In the fiscal year ending September 2024, it reported a $9.5 billion loss, up from a $6.5 billion net loss in 2023. Service standards, which dictate expected delivery times, are central to the agency's "Delivering for America" transformation plan. What To Know This round of changes, beginning July 1, includes expanding service standard bands for First-Class Mail and USPS Ground Advantage, following earlier dispatch times from regional processing and distribution centers. The adjustment will increase the reach of 2, 3, and 4-day service standards for these mail categories, aiming to provide more predictable delivery for Americans. The USPS has also extended the geographic scope of "turnaround" volume—mail and package volume that both originates and destinates within a facility's service area. As a result, single-piece First-Class Mail and USPS Ground Advantage sent within these local areas will now receive updated two- or three-day service standards. These changes are estimated to save the USPS at least $36 billion over the next decade through operational efficiencies, including reductions in transportation, mail processing, and real estate costs, the agency said. Stock image/file photo: A USPS mailbox. Stock image/file photo: A USPS mailbox. GETTY New Stamp Releases Alongside the operational changes, USPS also announced several new stamp releases. The 2025 lineup includes the Holiday Cheer stamps—featuring festive flora and cardinals—that will be issued on September 13 in Washington, D.C., and an Elie Wiesel stamp honoring the renowned humanitarian, launching September 17 in New York City. A new series of Forever stamps celebrating "SpongeBob SquarePants" will debut August 1 in Times Square, New York. Collectors and customers can purchase these and other upcoming stamps at or participating post offices nationwide. What Happens Next Postal customers can review updated service standards using the interactive map at USPS Service Standards. The agency continues to monitor the rollout and will provide ongoing updates on its "Delivering for America" progress. Further information and downloadable standards are available via the USPS website and PostalPro platform. New stamp prices could also be on the way beginning this month. The USPS announced on April 9 that it has filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission to request a 7.4-percent increase in mailing prices, to take effect on July 13.
CNET
08-05-2025
- CNET
USPS Is Testing a Standalone App That Previews What Mail Is on the Way
What's coming in the mail for you will soon arrive even faster to your phone: the US Postal Service (USPS) is launching a dedicated iOS and Android app for its existing Informed Delivery service. Originally introduced in 2017, Informed Delivery lets you preview incoming mail through a daily email summary. Now, according to the USPS website, you can join the beta program and try early versions of the new standalone app by scanning a QR code. The app will offer optional push notifications when the daily digest is ready, featuring previews of letter-size mail and updates on package deliveries. You'll also be able to scan tracking numbers or shipping barcodes to check the status of inbound and outbound packages. The Postal Service announced the app in September 2024 but will start public testing now. The news comes as USPS aims to modernize its centuries-old service with digital tools. In 2021, it published its Delivering for America plan which outlined investments to its infrastructure and operations, including new IT systems, parcel sorting equipment, mobile devices for carriers and other tools to meet the changing needs of its customers.
Newsweek
28-04-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
USPS Reveals How It Will Celebrate 250th Anniversary, Including New Stamps
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has unveiled how it plans to celebrate its 250th anniversary. Why It Matters The USPS is older than the United States itself, having been founded in 1775. It became a financially self-sustaining government establishment in 1970 and, according to the Pew Research Center, is one of the most well-liked federal agencies, with a 72 percent approval rate. Now, the agency serves nearly 169 million addresses in the U.S., delivering more mail and packages than any other postal service in the world, according to the USPS website. What To Know In a press release issued on April 25, the USPS has confirmed the anniversary will be marked with a new logo, commemorative stamps, branded merchandise and other events and releases. A new logo, dubbed Eagle in Flight, will be used for 250th anniversary activities and on branded products. It depicts an eagle about to take to the skies, perched atop the phrase "USPS 250" in the traditional USPS colors of red, white and blue. Other planned celebrations include releasing commemorative stamps, assorted branded merchandise, a USPS-licensed coffee table book, and a special 250th anniversary edition of The United States Postal Service: An American History, which will be available both online and in print. Stock image/file photo: USPS Post Office Mail Trucks in August 2019. Stock image/file photo: USPS Post Office Mail Trucks in August 2019. GETTY There will also be a special episode of the Mail with Mr. ZIP YouTube series focusing on the 250th anniversary, and special advertising campaigns built around the "Delivering since 1775" theme. The 250th anniversary comes at a time when the future of the USPS seems uncertain. President Donald Trump has previously signaled that he could support privatizing the USPS. Commenting on possible privatization in December last year, Trump said "it's an idea that a lot of people have liked for a long time." Trump adviser Elon Musk has also said he would support bringing the postal service out of public control. While no official plans for the privatization of the USPS have been made public, postal worker unions have protested against the potential move. It is no secret the agency has been experiencing financial troubles in recent years, having implemented a 10-year "Delivering For America" to stabilize its finances in 2021. The USPS is self funded, and operates through the sale of postage and postal services. It reported a $9.5 billion loss in the fiscal year ending in September 2024, compared to a net loss of $6.5 billion in the fiscal year 2023. What People Are Saying Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino said in the press release: "The founders of our great nation saw the intrinsic need of postal services as the United States was born — even before the country itself was formed. Since that time, our universal mail system has strengthened the bonds of friendship, family and community. The Postal Service remains a great organization connecting our nation and helping power our economy. We are proud to help set the stage for the 250th anniversary of the United States next year, and we look forward to continuing to serve the American public for another 250 years." What Happens Next Further updates on activities and releases are to come, the USPS has confirmed.
