USPS – July 09, 2014
In response to recent letters to the editor pointing to an inevitable demise of the U.S. Postal Service, the facts show these claims couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Postal Service supports a $1.3 trillion mailing industry that employs approximately eight million people. The organization continues to operate without the support of taxpayer funding. Generating $67.3 billion in revenue last fiscal year, the Postal Service remains a viable organization, delivering to nearly 153 million addresses in every state, city and town in this country. It isn’t going away. 
As a leader in innovation, the Postal Service continues to improve its products and services. Last year, USPS launched a revamped Priority Mail service, with free insurance, improved tracking, and day-specific delivery. It also launched Sunday package delivery, which continues to expand into more markets. These innovations are expected to generate billions of dollars in new revenue over the next several years.
As the result of the rapid rise of e-commerce, innovative marketing and its strong operating performance, the Postal Service has seen robust growth of its package business. This is a positive trend that is expected to continue for the next several years.
The standard (advertising) mail sector of USPS remains steady as the product continues to serve as a lynchpin for multi-channel marketing campaigns and an affordable and efficient way for small businesses to attract customers. Recent innovation by the Postal Service through its Every Door Direct Mail program, has made it easier to use mail, with improved targeting capabilities and better return on investment.
The Postal Service is also embracing advancements in digital communication and exploring new innovative opportunities for hybrid mail programs with the recent introduction of QR codes, augmented reality and personalized URLs.
While a drop in First-Class Mail volumes and an outdated business model have resulted in financial losses, the Postal Service’s core delivery function remains steadfast and relevant for today’s customer needs and demands.
If given more flexibility through the passage of comprehensive legislative reform, the Postal Service could put the negative financial headlines in the rearview mirror and focus 100 percent of its efforts on growing and improving our vital delivery service to the American public.