The Postal Service’s regulatory agency is in the final stretch of drafting an advisory opinion that, if favorable, would give USPS approval to slow first-class mail delivery standards.
USPS officials told the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) on Wednesday its proposed changes would affect nearly 40% of first-class mail volume, and would go into effect as early as the first quarter of next year.
By widening out first-class mail delivery to four- and five-day delivery in some cases, USPS is looking to cut costs and provide a more consistent level of service — a metric USPS management believes its customers value more than overall speed.
The commission’s opinion, however, isn’t binding, and USPS is free to implement the slower service standards, even if the PRC doesn’t issue a favorable opinion.