Changes To Mail Delivery Hours: What Americans Need To Know About USPS Updates

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. In a recent statement, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy emphasized the importance of integrating the transportation, processing, and delivery networks to improve service reliability and reduce costs.

The USPS has incurred more than $87 billion in losses from 2007 to 2020 due to what it calls a "broken business model." These changes are aimed at addressing these financial challenges while enhancing overall service quality. As the USPS seeks to implement these updates, there will be a focus on ensuring that the majority of mail continues to meet the same service standards, with delivery times remaining between two to five days.

The plans have not been approved yet and could occur in the next calendar year, pending approval by the USPS's government board and review 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 most mail will keep the same service standard.

Miriam Udy, a salesperson for Quadient, has noted that the USPS periodically upgrades its technology and security to improve delivery times. She believes that the overall impact on individuals sending mail will be positive. However, Kelly Martinez, the founder and co-president of ePost Global, warns that some people may experience longer delivery times depending on their location, arguing that the changes could lead to dissatisfaction among consumers accustomed to faster delivery services.