USPS sets lower targets for on-time mail, drawing ire from lawmakers

Lawmakers are pushing back against the next phase of the Postal Service’s 10-year reform plan, amid concerns that its financial condition and ability to deliver mail on time are worsening.

USPS saw a $9.5 billion net loss in fiscal 2024 — far from its “break-even” goal — and is now lowering its targets for how much mail it expects to deliver on time.

USPS told its regulator last week it plans to deliver 87% of two-day first-class mail on time, and 80% of the three-to-five-day first-class mail on time in FY 2025 — down from last year’s goals of 93% and more than 90%, respectively.

The agency already relaxed its service standards three years ago, which slowed the delivery of nearly 40% of first-class mail.