The Future of the Postal Service
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
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The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) experienced a net loss of $3.8 billion at the culmination of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009.
A considerable part of this loss was attributed to an unprecedented decline in mail volume (12.7 percent compared to the same period in FY 2008), a significant decline of 36 billion pieces over a three year period (2007 to 2009). The current economic recession and proliferation of online communications vehicles also played a significant role in this financial debacle.
While maintaining record high service performance and customer satisfaction levels, considerable cost-cutting efforts were implemented in response. These efforts included an unparalleled workforce reduction of 40,000 employees, a total operating expense decrease of $6 billion, and a reduction of 115 million work hours.
Although liquidity continues to be a critical issue, further aggressive cost measures are necessary to offset the projected estimated $7.8 billion deficit in FY 2010. Recent customer surveys have indicated that previous cost reduction efforts have not negatively impacted service. In fact, national on-time mail delivery scores reached record highs in FY 2009. As just one example, during Postal Quarter (PQ) 1 of FY 2010 and for the fifth straight quarter postal employees attained a score of 96 percent for the on-time delivery of single-piece overnight First-Class Mail.
The USPS remains an integral part of every American community as it provides and will continue to provide the greatest value of any comparable post in the world. And, as it proceeds forward, the Postal Service will innovate and change its products and services to meet its customers evolving needs and compete more effectively in the marketplace.
Steadfast confidence in the ability of this 235-year old institution to provide quality service and remain a viable entity is largely due to an unwavering belief in the ability of its employees to deliver. It goes without saying that the future of the Postal Service depends on the concerted efforts of each and every employee. In fact, these employees are absolutely pivotal to the success and viability of the USPS the more than 600,000 men and women who make the daily delivery of mail to virtually every home and business in the United States six days a week. These dedicated employees are indisputably its greatest asset and deserve tremendous credit for their successful efforts to provide excellent service under very challenging conditions. Maryanne Wright is employed by the Postal Service as the Capital Metro Area Writer/Editor. She was previously the Communications Coordinator for the Northern Virginia District. Her career spans 28 years and encompasses a variety of postal assignments in numerous locations including Long Island, NY, Merrifield, VA and Charlotte, NC.
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