USPS Changes Postmark Policy, Causing Concern for Timely Mail Delivery.
In a move aimed at reducing costs and restoring profitability, the US Postal Service has announced that some mail may no longer receive a same-day postmark. The change is part of the agency's 10-year plan to streamline its transportation operations and adapt to declining mail volumes.
As a result, mailed letters may not arrive at processing facilities on the same day they are sent out, potentially delaying their delivery. This shift has sparked concerns among individuals who rely on timely mail delivery for bill payments, taxes, or voting ballots, which must be postmarked by specific dates to avoid penalties.
To mitigate this issue, the USPS advises customers to request a manual postmark at a branch counter or purchase certified or registered mail services, which provide receipts with tracking information. However, the agency has clarified that postmarks were previously used primarily for internal operations, such as canceling postage, rather than providing a public service to verify mail posting dates.
The cost-cutting measures are part of an effort to restore the postal agency's financial stability, having narrowed its loss from $9.5 billion in 2024 to $9 billion last year. Despite this progress, USPS continues to face challenges due to declining mail volumes and high operational costs.
In a move aimed at reducing costs and restoring profitability, the US Postal Service has announced that some mail may no longer receive a same-day postmark. The change is part of the agency's 10-year plan to streamline its transportation operations and adapt to declining mail volumes.
As a result, mailed letters may not arrive at processing facilities on the same day they are sent out, potentially delaying their delivery. This shift has sparked concerns among individuals who rely on timely mail delivery for bill payments, taxes, or voting ballots, which must be postmarked by specific dates to avoid penalties.
To mitigate this issue, the USPS advises customers to request a manual postmark at a branch counter or purchase certified or registered mail services, which provide receipts with tracking information. However, the agency has clarified that postmarks were previously used primarily for internal operations, such as canceling postage, rather than providing a public service to verify mail posting dates.
The cost-cutting measures are part of an effort to restore the postal agency's financial stability, having narrowed its loss from $9.5 billion in 2024 to $9 billion last year. Despite this progress, USPS continues to face challenges due to declining mail volumes and high operational costs.