United States Postal Service

The United States Postal Service (USPS), also known as the Post Office, U.S. Mail, or Postal Service, is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the United States, its insular areas, and its associated states. It is one of the few government agencies explicitly authorized by the Constitution of the United States. As of 2023, the USPS has 525,469 career employees and 114,623 non-career employees.
united-states-postal-service

Some of the key events about United States Postal Service

  • 1775
    The Continental Congress established the United States Post Office
  • 1847
    The first U.S. postage stamps were issued
  • 1863
    Free city delivery was introduced in large cities
  • 1863
    The USPS implemented a controversial policy of withholding mail from the Confederate states during the Civil War
  • 1896
    Rural Free Delivery service began, bringing mail directly to rural residents
  • 1897
    The USPS banned the mailing of lottery tickets, leading to legal challenges
  • 1913
    Parcel Post service was introduced, allowing packages to be mailed
  • 1918
    Airmail service was inaugurated
  • 1963
    The ZIP code system was implemented to improve mail sorting and delivery
  • 1970
    A massive postal strike disrupted mail service across the United States
  • 1971
    The United States Post Office Department was reorganized as the United States Postal Service
  • 1978
    The USPS faced criticism for slow adoption of new technology, lagging behind private competitors
  • 1983
    The USPS introduced Express Mail as a guaranteed overnight delivery service
  • 1995
    The USPS experienced significant financial losses due to competition from email and private carriers
  • 2001
    The USPS launched Click-N-Ship, allowing customers to print shipping labels from home
  • 2001
    Several postal workers died from anthrax attacks, exposing vulnerabilities in mail security
  • 2006
    The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act imposed strict prefunding requirements, straining USPS finances
  • 2011
    The USPS announced plans to close thousands of post offices and processing centers, sparking public outcry
  • 2020
    The USPS faced accusations of slowing mail delivery during the presidential election
  • 2021
    A 10-year plan was introduced, proposing to slow down some mail delivery to cut costs

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

United States Postal Service Latest news

Teen Arrested in Iowa for Chicago Mail Carrier's Murder

Teen Arrested in Iowa for Chicago Mail Carrier's Murder

A 15-year-old suspect has been apprehended in Iowa for the fatal shooting of a Chicago mail carrier. The teenager faces first-degree murder charges as authorities continue their investigation.

Society, Politics • October 1 2024 , 10:06 PM  •  104 views
Hurricane Helene Threatens North Carolina's Election Integrity

Hurricane Helene Threatens North Carolina's Election Integrity

Hurricane Helene's devastation in western North Carolina poses significant challenges to the upcoming fall election. Officials scramble to ensure voting access amidst infrastructure damage and displaced voters.

Society, Politics • October 1 2024 , 09:48 PM  •  158 views
From Ice to Orbit: The Extraordinary Lengths of Remote Voting

From Ice to Orbit: The Extraordinary Lengths of Remote Voting

Explore how Americans cast ballots from Antarctica and space, overcoming unique challenges to participate in democracy. From fax machines on ice to secure emails in orbit, voting knows no bounds.

Politics, Science • September 27 2024 , 10:02 AM  •  78 views
Federal Judges Weigh Mississippi Mail Ballot Law, Potential US Impact

Federal Judges Weigh Mississippi Mail Ballot Law, Potential US Impact

Federal judges heard arguments on Mississippi's mail ballot counting law, potentially affecting nationwide rules. The case highlights ongoing Republican challenges to mail voting across the US.

Society, Politics • September 24 2024 , 11:28 PM  •  611 views
USPS Halts Stamp Price Hike, Focuses on Cost-Cutting Measures

USPS Halts Stamp Price Hike, Focuses on Cost-Cutting Measures

The U. S. Postal Service announces no stamp price increase for January 2024, breaking a recent trend. Postmaster General cites effective strategies and declining inflation as reasons for the decision.

Business, Economics, Politics • September 20 2024 , 06:38 PM  •  672 views
Early Voting Kicks Off for 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

Early Voting Kicks Off for 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

Early in-person voting for the 2024 U. S. presidential election begins in three states, marking the start of the final phase of the campaign. Election officials prepare for high turnout and enhanced security measures.

Society, Politics • September 20 2024 , 07:04 AM  •  342 views
USPS Chief Addresses Mail Ballot Concerns Ahead of 2024 Election

USPS Chief Addresses Mail Ballot Concerns Ahead of 2024 Election

U. S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy responds to criticism over mail ballot handling, outlining plans for the upcoming presidential election. Election officials express ongoing concerns about USPS readiness.

Society, Politics • September 19 2024 , 11:37 PM  •  809 views
FBI Probes Suspicious Mail Sent to Election Offices in Eight States

FBI Probes Suspicious Mail Sent to Election Offices in Eight States

Federal authorities are investigating suspicious mail sent to election officials in multiple states, some containing unknown substances. The incidents have led to evacuations but no reported harm, disrupting operations ahead of November's election.

Society, Politics • September 17 2024 , 08:37 PM  •  599 views
Election Officials in Five States Receive Suspicious Packages, Causing Disruptions

Election Officials in Five States Receive Suspicious Packages, Causing Disruptions

Election offices in multiple states faced disruptions due to suspicious packages containing powder. While no hazardous materials were found, the incident highlights ongoing security concerns in the lead-up to crucial elections.

Society, Politics • September 16 2024 , 10:32 PM  •  288 views
USPS Chief Addresses Election Mail Concerns Ahead of 2024 Vote

USPS Chief Addresses Election Mail Concerns Ahead of 2024 Vote

U. S. Postmaster General DeJoy responds to election officials' worries about mail-in ballot delivery. He assures readiness for the upcoming election while acknowledging past issues and outlining improvements.

Society, Politics • September 16 2024 , 06:57 PM  •  182 views
USPS Chief Pledges Timely Ballot Delivery for 2024 Election

USPS Chief Pledges Timely Ballot Delivery for 2024 Election

U. S. Postmaster General commits to efficient handling of 2024 election ballots amid concerns from election officials. USPS plans to implement measures to ensure timely ballot delivery.

Society, Politics • September 16 2024 , 03:07 PM  •  673 views
Election Officials Voice Concerns Over USPS's 2024 Ballot Handling Capacity

Election Officials Voice Concerns Over USPS's 2024 Ballot Handling Capacity

State and local election officials express worries about the U. S. Postal Service's ability to manage millions of ballots for the 2024 presidential election, citing operational issues and lack of improvement.

Society, Politics • September 11 2024 , 07:58 PM  •  473 views
US Theme Parks Embrace Early Halloween to Boost Attendance

US Theme Parks Embrace Early Halloween to Boost Attendance

Major US theme parks are starting Halloween celebrations earlier than ever, capitalizing on the holiday's popularity to counter attendance slumps. New attractions and extended seasons aim to draw more visitors.

Business, Culture • August 29 2024 , 04:09 PM  •  430 views
USPS Considers Rural Mail Slowdown to Cut Costs, Sparks Debate

USPS Considers Rural Mail Slowdown to Cut Costs, Sparks Debate

U. S. Postal Service officials mull slower rural mail delivery to reduce expenses. Changes won't affect November elections, but critics worry about service degradation and rising prices.

Business, Politics • August 22 2024 , 08:04 PM  •  756 views
Two Indicted in Matthew Perry's Ketamine-Related Death

Two Indicted in Matthew Perry's Ketamine-Related Death

A grand jury has indicted two individuals for distributing ketamine linked to Matthew Perry's death. The investigation involves multiple agencies and reveals details about the actor's final days.

Society, Culture • August 15 2024 , 05:07 PM  •  244 views
UPS Lowers 2024 Margin Target as E-commerce Giants Flood Network

UPS Lowers 2024 Margin Target as E-commerce Giants Flood Network

UPS cuts 2024 margin forecast due to surge in low-profit e-commerce shipments. Company misses Q2 profit estimates, shares drop 13%. Focus shifts to cost-cutting and higher-margin services.

Business, Economics • July 23 2024 , 11:25 PM  •  1281 views