In a bid to stem $160 billion in projected losses by 2030, the U.S. Postal Service is rolling out cost-cutting measures, but for millions in rural America, those savings could come at the expense of reliable mail service, longer delivery times, and a growing sense of abandonment.
Rural Americans rely on prompt and reliable postal service for a whole host of reasons, including critical medication, time-sensitive documents, bills, letters from loved ones and more. Missouri Farm Bureau believes these services should serve rural and urban areas equally to the fullest extent possible. Post Offices serve as the central hub for a flurry of activity in rural communities. Diminishing services in rural areas doesn’t accomplish this goal, but that is the misguided direction the USPS seems determined to go.
The second phase of the Delivering for America – Regional Transportation Optimization plan (RTO) went into effect on July 1, 2025. Phase two negatively impacted anyone who lives in zip codes more than 50 miles from a USPS regional hub, which are most post offices in rural areas of our country. It will add at least one day to when your mail is potentially picked up and delivery. A recent survey conducted by Missouri Farm Bureau, found that an overwhelming 87% of USPS customers have no idea what the Regional Transportation Optimization plan is and 83% have said they have saw a disruption in their services since Phase 1 was implemented this spring.
The USPS Delivering for America Plan states, “Our basic mission is to provide prompt, reliable, and efficient mail and package shipping services to all Americans – regardless of where they live – and at affordable rates.” Despite that claim, the plan promises a wider disconnect for rural areas. Again, rural Americans rely on timely and reliable postal service. With high-speed internet still being a problem in rural areas, farmers depend on the mail to receive bills and send payments for farm inputs, supplies and equipment. We can often experience hefty late fees if bills or payments are not received on time.
The percentage of mail first-class mail delivered within two days fell from 88.25% in 2023 to 76.5% in 2025 so far. I would assume the percentage has dropped substantially for rural mail routes.
