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Postmaster Wants to Drop Delivery 1 Day a Week

Deficits, declining volume could lead to drastic cut

By the Associated Press

Posted Jan 28, 2009 2:34 PM CST
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(AP) – Massive deficits could force the postal service to cut out 1 day of mail delivery per week, the postmaster general told Congress today. John Potter asked lawmakers to lift the requirement that the agency deliver mail 6 days a week. "It is possible that the cost of 6-day delivery may simply prove to be unaffordable," Potter said.

Faced with dwindling mail volume and rising costs, the post office was $2.8 billion in the red last year and faces a $6 billion loss this year. Total mail volume was 202 billion items last year, more than 9 billion less than the year before, the largest single volume drop in history. And despite annual rate increases, Potter said, 2009 could be the first year since 1946 that the actual amount of money collected declines.

Total mail volume was 202 billion items last year, more than 9 billion less than the year before, the largest single volume drop in history.
Total mail volume was 202 billion items last year, more than 9 billion less than the year before, the largest single volume drop in history.   (US Postal Service)
Postmaster General John Potter, here in a 2005 photo, says his service is facing huge deficits and lower volume.
Postmaster General John Potter, here in a 2005 photo, says his service is facing huge deficits and lower volume.   (AP Photo)
The US Postal Service could be delivering just five days a week if Congress heeds the postmaster general's request.
The US Postal Service could be delivering just five days a week if Congress heeds the postmaster general's request.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Shannonals
Jan 30, 2009 1:02 AM CST
People you know the JUNK will never be dropped from the mail, advertisement at it's finest, (sarcasm), but seriously the USPO receives funds, and because it is not as efficient in this day and age as it was decades ago
Guest
Jan 29, 2009 6:48 AM CST
Drop 3 days. Deliver Mon-Wed-Fri and stop delivering the JUNK.
Newser001
Jan 29, 2009 6:32 AM CST
Do it. Drop Saturdays.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

 
mail • USPS • budget deficit • financial crisis • John Potter • postmaster general

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