Mail 2x a week?

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?

[CarlR33]

Why do you say twice a week? I wish I could opt out of the mail now. I really see no need for it. Someone did say the other day it was the last leg of delivery for some UPS, Amazon, etc but I bet they would pick up the slack.

[Bill14564]

You don't need it at all until you do. Most weeks I could get by without mail at all. Other weeks I'm waiting for that important document I need to sign and return.

[CarlR33]

You don't need it at all until you do. Most weeks I could get by without mail at all. Other weeks I'm waiting for that important document I need to sign and return.All those important documents they send me now are via email and are docusign.
Docusign | #1 in Electronic Signature and Intelligent Agreement Management (https://www.docusign.com/)

[Bogie Shooter]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?

Why not, looks like we are losing a lot of things…….

[Aces4]

Why not, looks like we are losing a lot of things…….

Thankfully.

We wouldn't miss the USPS. I can't remember the last thing we received through the USPS that couldn't easily be handled with a different method. Although, we might miss the USPS deliveries from Amazon wadded up in our mailbox.:sigh:

[tophcfa]

Dam, all the postal areas in the Villages can be converted into dog parks : )

[Rainger99]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?

So is Denmark replacing their mail service with something else?

[Bill14564]

All those important documents they send me now are via email and are docusign.
Docusign | #1 in Electronic Signature and Intelligent Agreement Management (https://www.docusign.com/)

Congratulations, you don't need the USPS. For the rest of us, we don't need it until we do.

[mtdjed]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?

Could we get by without mail delivery. Yes, after you provide the alternative for all citizens. It is easy for us who live in The Villages to say that Technolgy can provide all communication. But technology is not available to all. I am not a proponent of the US postal system but a quick google search indicates that there are around 500,000 persons involved and that they handle 47% of the "Worlds" mail. Mail and parcels from all countries. Free delivery to every US address. Many people dependent upon mail prescription delivery. Not everyone has on-line access or capability.

Could I get along without US Mail. Yes, for the most part. We would lose contact with some persons without technology or other options. And some would lose total contact.

For my part, I could foresee living with once-a-week delivery. But, with a limited mailbox size, that would screw up the mailbox since it couldn't hold a weeks worth of trash mail.

[Stu from NYC]

We live in interesting times

[MarshBendLover]

Odd story, thank you.

A quick search showed that Denmark has embraced digital mail more than any other country, so much so, that the mail service can no longer be supported. They are actually removing mailboxes and giving refunds on stamps.

I suppose the Danes found a way to make it work for them, but the downside was the loss of thousands of jobs. Of course it is a small country, so restarting the service wouldn't take that long.

Imagine the US trying to restart the postal service. I guy would have to find a uniform in an abandoned truck, meet Ford Lincoln Mercury who can convince some kids to help him deliver the mail around the country as a barter service, maybe meet a famous singer operating a dam. Almost sounds like a good movie.

[Ignatz]

I’ve long held the opinion that in many areas of the US the postal service could cut back to 2x deliveries per week to homes.

That would eliminate half the routes, half the manpower, and half the vehicles needed for the delivery side of things.

[La lamy]

I think OP has a great idea. It's definitely a mode of communication that isn't very efficient. Just like the penny, it costs more to produce than it's worth.

[retiredguy123]

Who would deliver the junk mail? When was the last time you received junk mail from UPS or FedEx? Most people need to go to their mailbox every day to pick up their junk mail and throw it in the trash. I only go to my mailbox about every 2 weeks.

The most ridiculous argument the Post Office makes to justify their existence is that their operating expenses should not include retirement and other benefits of the employees. But, many Federal employees receive more money during retirement than they receive while working.

[Sabella]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?
Not sure how many years it has been but the post office has been losing hundreds of thousands if not billions of dollars every year that taxpayers are paying for.

[bmcgowan13]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week?

Until 1950, mail delivery was twice a day!

I’ve always wondered why we didn’t switch to three times a week. Half the town getting mail on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and then the other half on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Not unlike rubbish pickup rotation.

From my couch-bound perspective, it seems like a straightforward idea, but I’m sure there are more complex factors I’m not addressing..

What do businesses need?

[Sully2023]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?

Personally, I don’t need the post office anymore. I could receive everything electronically and have documents signed electronically.

It would save so much money for the taxpayers.

Lots of jobs would be lost.

The card industry would be hit badly if the post office closed. The older generation still sends cards to family members and friends.

I recall they tried to stop mail delivery on Saturdays and you would have thought the world was ending.

[retiredguy123]

Not sure how many years it has been but the post office has been losing hundreds of thousands if not billions of dollars every year that taxpayers are paying for.
Billions

[Kelevision]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?

Not quite. They’re stopping delivery of letters only. They’re still delivering packages. They even said, send letters inside of packages if you want to send a letter. They said they’ve seen such a huge decline in letters it’s not worth it. I’m guessing they don’t get the junk mail we do.

[Dotneko]

I collect my mail about weekly these days. With informed delivery, I know if there is something important in the box or not.

[Kelevision]

Billions

Wrong…. the Postal Service is generally self-funded. This means that no tax dollars are used to keep the lights on at its many facilities across the country. The Postal Service, instead, relies on the revenue it generates from the sale of stamps, products, and services to fund its operations…. But we as a country hate Americans. Fire them all!!!!!

[seecapecod]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?

Not until the States change policies on the required delivery of some documents by mail. example: change of address on life insurance policies - one paper confirmation to the old address and another to the new address. It’s a fraud protection policy.

[retiredguy123]

Wrong…. the Postal Service is generally self-funded. This means that no tax dollars are used to keep the lights on at its many facilities across the country. The Postal Service, instead, relies on the revenue it generates from the sale of stamps, products, and services to fund its operations…. But we as a country hate Americans. Fire them all!!!!!
Wrong. According to AI:

"The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) lost $9.5 billion in the fiscal year that ended on September 30, 2024."

The Post Office uses fuzzy math which does not include money that is spent to pay retirement and other benefits to people who no longer work there. When they hire a fulltime employee, it is for life, even though they retire after working 25 years or so. Then they collect a pension, Social Security, health benefits, and other benefits for the rest of their life. But the Post Office doesn't want to include these costs in their budget. The only people who claim that the USPS is self-funded is the USPS itself.

A recent GAO audit of the USPS concluded that:

"Unsustainable Deficits:
USPS continues to incur deficits that are unsustainable, with net losses totaling over $62 billion over a decade."

This is from an independent audit, not self-serving propaganda.

[RoboVil]

I would definitely miss my mail. Don't think I could do without it. I would certainly miss all the celebratory cards, and believe it or not, I have official mail that requires using US Mail and cannot be handled by Docusign. Also, think of all the free meals we would lose from the retirement planning financial services!

[dtennent]

The USPS delivers mail throughout our country including very rural places in the middle of winter. It is easy for us who live in a community where everything is close by to imagine living without mail service but folks living in remote areas probably have a different point of view.

[MX rider]

I agree with some others here, we could get by with 2 days a week easily. Nothing we get in the mail is urgent enough to need 6 days a week.

[Angelhug52]

Dam, all the postal areas in the Villages can be converted into dog parks : )
Great idea! Make them official poop centers instead of post center
🐾🐾

[Bogie Shooter]

Who would deliver the junk mail? When was the last time you received junk mail from UPS or FedEx? Most people need to go to their mailbox every day to pick up their junk mail and throw it in the trash. I only go to my mailbox about every 2 weeks.

The most ridiculous argument the Post Office makes to justify their existence is that their operating expenses should not include retirement and other benefits of the employees. But, many Federal employees receive more money during retirement than they receive while working.

Every two weeks, how many of those little boxes do you have? Junk mail fills mine in three days…

[retiredguy123]

Every two weeks, how many of those little boxes do you have? Junk mail fills mine in three days…
I only have one, and it never gets completely full. But I really don't care if it does.

[Nancy@Pinellas]

Getting the mail is the highlight of my dog’s day!

[ehendersonjr]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?
A couple of years ago we took a two week vacation. I have USPS informed delivery, so while we were gone I got daily pictures of the mail that was awaiting. When we returned our local mail station said we had no mail waiting. When I showed my informed delivery emails. Was told they had no knowledge. Went to Lady Lake Post Office, our mail station management facility, but the onsite manager refused to meet with me. (Twice)
Sent a formal complaint to USPS on line and received a response within 24 hours saying they were investigating. The next day got a second email saying the issue had been resolved. Still no mail to this day.
Finally, there have been several instances each year when we sent money with a card to family members. Some never arrived.
I don’t use USPS anymore. FedEx does great for necessary outgoing mail and and anyone sending me incoming information must do it electronically. Get rid of the. USPS and let their employees figure out another way to steal what they need.

[NoMo50]

If mail "delivery" were cut back to twice a week, we could also cut back trash pickup to once a week. Seemingly 90% of what is placed in my mailbox is junk mail.

[rsmurano]

Have ups/fedex/amazon deliver the hard mail/magazines/secure overnight papers/boxes and get rid of the usps. Why can’t the usps make money or break even when every other delivery service makes billions a year in profits? It’s because the government is running the usps and the government has no business running anything, they are terrible at everything they do.

Every federal entity needs to be run like an outside business and if they can’t make a profit or aren’t good at running it, they need to let the private sector run it.

Technology can help eliminate a lot of federal jobs, jobs that are held by incompetent people. The joke with many federal entities, call 1 of them with a question and if you’re not satisfied with the answer, call back in 10 mins and you will get a different answer.

[Bay Kid]

A couple of years ago we took a two week vacation. I have USPS informed delivery, so while we were gone I got daily pictures of the mail that was awaiting. When we returned our local mail station said we had no mail waiting. When I showed my informed delivery emails. Was told they had no knowledge. Went to Lady Lake Post Office, our mail station management facility, but the onsite manager refused to meet with me. (Twice)
Sent a formal complaint to USPS on line and received a response within 24 hours saying they were investigating. The next day got a second email saying the issue had been resolved. Still no mail to this day.
Finally, there have been several instances each year when we sent money with a card to family members. Some never arrived.
I don’t use USPS anymore. FedEx does great for necessary outgoing mail and and anyone sending me incoming information must do it electronically. Get rid of the. USPS and let their employees figure out another way to steal what they need.

I never send cash in the mail anymore. Lost $50 I sent to my son several years ago.

[MrFlorida]

Until they can email my prescriptions I'll have to use the post office.

[daca55]

I wouldn’t miss it if it ended completely. I used to send cards to grandchildren with checks in them but after three of them never were delivered I stopped sending them. Complaining to the PO is like talking to a wall because they just don’t care. If you call customer service forget about it because you will wait hours before you get to talk with a human. Two days wouldn’t bother me but would rather be like Denmark and end it!!!

[retiredguy123]

Until they can email my prescriptions I'll have to use the post office.
Why can't you use a local pharmacy and have them deliver the prescriptions to your house?

[Indydealmaker]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?

If you consider the current lack of timely delivery, we only actually have biweekly service now. The USPS problems are very widespread and systemic. Only a total reset will work.

[JRcorvette]

We get way too much Junk Mail… raise the price on those senders. Mail 3x a week would be good. We don’t check the mail every day anyhow.

[donnamayo]

I lived four blocks from USPS on the first block that allowed parking. The postal workers would park their cars and go to work. Around 3 o'clock every day, the trucks would start coming and they would sit in their cars until around 4:45. If the USPS could cut back on this type of theft they would save a ton of money.

[Bill14564]

Why can't you use a local pharmacy and have them deliver the prescriptions to your house?

Are you envisioning a CVS truck pulling into your driveway?

[Bill14564]

If you consider the current lack of timely delivery, we only actually have biweekly service now. The USPS problems are very widespread and systemic. Only a total reset will work.

What lack of timely delivery? Any time I've paid attention I've found my mail has been delivered in less than a week and usually in about three days.

[retiredguy123]

Are you envisioning a CVS truck pulling into your driveway?
Walgreens delivers prescriptions for a fee. They use Door Dash or FedEx.

Amazon also has a prescription service. The idea that we need USPS for prescriptions is absurd.

[Bill14564]

Have ups/fedex/amazon deliver the hard mail/magazines/secure overnight papers/boxes and get rid of the usps. Why can’t the usps make money or break even when every other delivery service makes billions a year in profits? It’s because the government is running the usps and the government has no business running anything, they are terrible at everything they do.

...

Put your money where your mouth is and send that letter, birthday card, or gift card via UPS at $8 each. You might also be able to get your monthly magazines delivered by UPS at a small additional charge of $100/year.

Part of the debate over the profitability of the USPS is the control the Govt has over it. The claim is that Congress does not allow it to be run as a business and perhaps it would be more profitable if Congress got out of the way. On the other hand, perhaps you prefer putting a 60 cent stamp on a letter and dropping it in your mailbox or at the nearby postal station rather than driving to a UPS store and waiting in line to pay $8.

[tommyman]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?

A few years ago the Post Master General tried to eliminate mail delivery on Saturdays. He could not get this accomplished because the union simply refused. The post office looses billions of dollars, but this very simple cost cutting measure could not be executed because of old and outdated agreements. This seems like the first and easiest step in cutting cost for USPS.

[retiredguy123]

Put your money where your mouth is and send that letter, birthday card, or gift card via UPS at $8 each. You might also be able to get your monthly magazines delivered by UPS at a small additional charge of $100/year.

Part of the debate over the profitability of the USPS is the control the Govt has over it. The claim is that Congress does not allow it to be run as a business and perhaps it would be more profitable if Congress got out of the way. On the other hand, perhaps you prefer putting a 60 cent stamp on a letter and dropping it in your mailbox or at the nearby postal station rather than driving to a UPS store and waiting in line to pay $8.
I hope you are not claiming that it is more convenient to use USPS than UPS, and that the lines are shorter at USPS than at UPS. Yes, USPS is cheaper because they lost $9.5 billion last year.

[Bill14564]

I hope you are not claiming that it is more convenient to use USPS than UPS, and that the lines are shorter at USPS than at UPS. Yes, USPS is cheaper because they lost $9.5 billion last year.

It is FAR more convenient to use USPS than UPS and while I once encountered a line at USPS I don't believe I have ever NOT encountered a line at UPS. So I guess, yes, that is what I am claiming.

The $9.5B is part of the debate. If the USPS was ALLOWED to run as a business and not burdened by Congressional mandates then it might not have the $9.5B loss.

[bruce213]

To the person that passed that gov employees can make more in retirement then while working, it's not like the new hire strong armed the gov into a great contract. Like most jobs the bosses control work and retirement conditions. That deal was out there for anyone interested. Don't be ****ed at the employees.

[tophcfa]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?

Not a good idea in the USA unless a law is passed forcing internet providers to run broadband or fiber optic to all rural areas (Like the Telecommunications Act of 1934 did with telephone landline service). The digital divide is already severely disadvantaging folks living in places with no high speed internet available. Most of those areas also don’t have good cellular service and their internet option is limited to slow, expensive, weather sensitive, and data capped satellite service.

[Bill14564]

Not a good idea in the USA unless a law is passed forcing internet providers to run broadband or fiber optic to all rural areas (Like the Telecommunications Act of 1934 did with telephone landline service). The digital divide is already severely disadvantaging folks living in places with no high speed internet available. Most of those areas also don’t have good cellular service and their internet option is limited to slow, expensive, weather sensitive, and data capped satellite service.

The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) encourages deployment to rural areas though doesn't require it. That program has been in the news lately.

[HORNET]

I get needed mail almost daily

[retiredguy123]

It is FAR more convenient to use USPS than UPS and while I once encountered a line at USPS I don't believe I have ever NOT encountered a line at UPS. So I guess, yes, that is what I am claiming.

The $9.5B is part of the debate. If the USPS was ALLOWED to run as a business and not burdened by Congressional mandates then it might not have the $9.5B loss.
USPS is not more convenient than UPS. There are plenty of UPS drop boxes and other locations where you can send a letter or package without waiting in line.

[Bill14564]

To the person that passed that gov employees can make more in retirement then while working, it's not like the new hire strong armed the gov into a great contract. Like most jobs the bosses control work and retirement conditions. That deal was out there for anyone interested. Don't be ****ed at the employees.

As a prior govt employee, I sure would like to know how to get more in retirement than I earned as an employee.
- Under CSRS a retiree would receive 80% of his salary (20% less than what he earned)
- Under FERS a retiree would receive 1% of his salary for each year he worked (typically 40% and less than what he earned unless he had 100 years in). However, FERS also includes Social Security which might amount to 20% for a combined total of 60%.

CSRS employees were just handed a gift where some can now collect Social Security payments but even that isn't likely to push them past 100% of what they earned as en employee.

[Bill14564]

USPS is not more convenient than UPS. There are plenty of UPS drop boxes and other locations where you can send a letter or package without waiting in line.

I know you don't want to accept it but...
- I used to have a USPS drop box at the end of my driveway
- I now have a community USPS drop box within 1/4 mile of my home and I pass many others as I drive through the Villages
- To use the USPS drop box I need to buy an envelope at my local grocery store
- To use the USPS drop box I need to apply a stamp that I can purchase at the grocery store

- I have seen a UPS drop box but I can't remember which city it was in
- I have no idea where to find a UPS drop box around the Villages
- To use a UPS drop box I would have to find an appropriate box, maybe I can find one at the grocery store.
- To use a UPS drop box I would have to pay for postage and print a label which is fine if I happen to have a working printer.
-

[CybrSage]

How would they digitally send me my prescriptions?

[CybrSage]

I
- I have no idea where to find a UPS drop box around the Villages
- To use a UPS drop box I would have to find an appropriate box, maybe I can find one at the grocery store.
- To use a UPS drop box I would have to pay for postage and print a label which is fine if I happen to have a working printer.
-

SafeShip in Magnolia Plaza handles USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Maybe DHL also, not sure.

[Markus]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?

With the amount of packages people get via Internet shopping they would not have enough time or space in the delivery truck to deliver them.

[Markus]

Until 1950, mail delivery was twice a day!

I’ve always wondered why we didn’t switch to three times a week. Half the town getting mail on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and then the other half on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Not unlike rubbish pickup rotation.

From my couch-bound perspective, it seems like a straightforward idea, but I’m sure there are more complex factors I’m not addressing..

What do businesses need?

with the amount of things people order online they would not have enough time or space on their trucks to deliver everything. Think of this. Our mail stations have only so many mail boxes for packages. If you change delivery of packages to 2 days a week vs 6 days a week the amount of packages will far exceed the mail boxes to put them in. What do you do with all of the packages people are to get when you cannot deliver them?

[Markus]

Dam, all the postal areas in the Villages can be converted into dog parks : )

How are you going to get items you order on the Internet then if you eliminate the mail stations?

[Markus]

Odd story, thank you.

A quick search showed that Denmark has embraced digital mail more than any other country, so much so, that the mail service can no longer be supported. They are actually removing mailboxes and giving refunds on stamps.

I suppose the Danes found a way to make it work for them, but the downside was the loss of thousands of jobs. Of course it is a small country, so restarting the service wouldn't take that long.

Imagine the US trying to restart the postal service. I guy would have to find a uniform in an abandoned truck, meet Ford Lincoln Mercury who can convince some kids to help him deliver the mail around the country as a barter service, maybe meet a famous singer operating a dam. Almost sounds like a good movie.

so how do they get packages for items they order on the Internet?

[Markus]

If mail "delivery" were cut back to twice a week, we could also cut back trash pickup to once a week. Seemingly 90% of what is placed in my mailbox is junk mail.


The junk mail is revenue for the USPS without it they would have way higher losses.

Trash pickup twice a week is to keep flies and bugs from getting out of control in trash in the very high temperature months.

[retiredguy123]

SafeShip in Magnolia Plaza handles USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Maybe DHL also, not sure.
There is also a SafeShip in the Colony Plaza and a UPS store in Pinellas Plaza. I have never seen a USPS drop box. Where are they? You can mail a letter at the postal station, but I don't think they will accept USPS packages.

[MrFlorida]

Why can't you use a local pharmacy and have them deliver the prescriptions to your house?

Because it's half the cost if you mail order long term prescriptions....

[retiredguy123]

Because it's half the cost if you mail order long term prescriptions....
Have you compared mail order to the Amazon prescription drug service?

[tophcfa]

The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) encourages deployment to rural areas though doesn't require it. That program has been in the news lately.

Unless the encouragement includes financial subsidies the program is worthless. No company is going to run cable in a low density population area unless the cost recovery meets their return on investment hurdle rate. The program needs to require it, not encourage it. The cost would be very small if it’s spread across all subscribers. The people living in the rural areas pay a lot of taxes that go to mass public transportation in urban areas that gives them absolutely no benefit.

[Bill14564]

There is also a SafeShip in the Colony Plaza and a UPS store in Pinellas Plaza. I have never seen a USPS drop box. Where are they? You can mail a letter at the postal station, but I don't think they will accept USPS packages.

You have never seen a blue USPS mailbox sitting at a street corner? To be honest, I haven't seen one lately, but I've used them quite a bit. The USPS box at the end of my driveway accepted (and received) packages. Packages may not be accepted at the postal stations but this would be a limitation of the postal station and not the USPS in general. Plus, I wouldn't use the USPS for packages anyway.

Since there seems to be some confusion, let me try to use more words.

This thread is about reducing mail to 2x per week or even doing away with the USPS entirely. I suggested that dropping a letter in the slot at a postal station was easier than driving to a UPS store and waiting in line to have the letter shipped. You challenged me over my claim that USPS was more convenient and offered that I could use a UPS drop box rather than waiting in line.

This thread is about mail, not packages. Mailing a letter requires putting it in an envelope and attaching a stamp, both of which can be purchased at the grocery store, then dropping it in a USPS box whether that be a home mailbox, USPS mailbox, or postal station slot. Sending a letter through UPS requires putting it in an approved box (perhaps UPS-purchased envelope?), purchasing a shipping label, then printing and attaching that label (requires a printer) and finally, locating a UPS drop box (or waiting in line).

Apparently, there are UPS drop boxes at several of the nearby shopping centers. It would not be difficult at all to drive to one of those centers and put my boxed/enveloped and labeled letter into the UPS system. Perhaps the next time I head to the shopping center I will count the number of postal stations I pass on my way.

Walking/driving 1/4 mile to my postal station seems far more convenient than driving three miles to a shopping center. Spending $0.60 to mail a letter makes a lot more sense to me than spending $8. I haven't looked into delivery times yet, does UPS deliver in 1-5 business days?

[Velvet]

I don’t think I would notice. I only check mail once a week unless I get a notice of delivery.

[retiredguy123]

You have never seen a blue USPS mailbox sitting at a street corner? To be honest, I haven't seen one lately, but I've used them quite a bit. The USPS box at the end of my driveway accepted (and received) packages. Packages may not be accepted at the postal stations but this would be a limitation of the postal station and not the USPS in general. Plus, I wouldn't use the USPS for packages anyway.

Since there seems to be some confusion, let me try to use more words.

This thread is about reducing mail to 2x per week or even doing away with the USPS entirely. I suggested that dropping a letter in the slot at a postal station was easier than driving to a UPS store and waiting in line to have the letter shipped. You challenged me over my claim that USPS was more convenient and offered that I could use a UPS drop box rather than waiting in line.

This thread is about mail, not packages. Mailing a letter requires putting it in an envelope and attaching a stamp, both of which can be purchased at the grocery store, then dropping it in a USPS box whether that be a home mailbox, USPS mailbox, or postal station slot. Sending a letter through UPS requires putting it in an approved box (perhaps UPS-purchased envelope?), purchasing a shipping label, then printing and attaching that label (requires a printer) and finally, locating a UPS drop box (or waiting in line).

Apparently, there are UPS drop boxes at several of the nearby shopping centers. It would not be difficult at all to drive to one of those centers and put my boxed/enveloped and labeled letter into the UPS system. Perhaps the next time I head to the shopping center I will count the number of postal stations I pass on my way.

Walking/driving 1/4 mile to my postal station seems far more convenient than driving three miles to a shopping center. Spending $0.60 to mail a letter makes a lot more sense to me than spending $8. I haven't looked into delivery times yet, does UPS deliver in 1-5 business days?
I am very familiar with the blue mailboxes on the street. But, I have not seen one in years. I thought they did away with them.

[Aces4]

Maybe the answer would be to allow people to opt out of the postal system and those that want it can pay for it, just like telephone service.

I would love to end junk mail and move online or to other systems for performing the services we need.

[retiredguy123]

Maybe the answer would be to allow people to opt out of the postal system and those that want it can pay for it, just like telephone service.

I would love to end junk mail and move online or to other systems for performing the services we need.
I agree. I would love to cancel my USPS account. Then, if someone sends something to me, it would returned to the sender with a message that the recipient does not have an account. Forcing everyone in the country to have an account where any company can fill up your mailbox with trash is absurd. And then, you need to empty the box just in case the IRS or another legal entity decides to send you a letter, which serves as a legal notice.

[GoldenBoy]

Wrong. According to AI:

"The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) lost $9.5 billion in the fiscal year that ended on September 30, 2024."

The Post Office uses fuzzy math which does not include money that is spent to pay retirement and other benefits to people who no longer work there. When they hire a fulltime employee, it is for life, even though they retire after working 25 years or so. Then they collect a pension, Social Security, health benefits, and other benefits for the rest of their life. But the Post Office doesn't want to include these costs in their budget. The only people who claim that the USPS is self-funded is the USPS itself.

A recent GAO audit of the USPS concluded that:

"Unsustainable Deficits:
USPS continues to incur deficits that are unsustainable, with net losses totaling over $62 billion over a decade."

This is from an independent audit, not self-serving propaganda.

IMO the post office could fix, most if not all of their issues, by eliminating the business/bulk postal rate. This would accomplishnthe following:
1. Eliminate most if not all of the junk mail we receive.
2. Eliminated junk mail would reduce the bulk mail that gets handled the same way as 1st class mail but provides a fraction of the revenue of 1st class mail.
3. Reduce trash, we would have less waste paper flooding landfills.
4. Reduce weight in mail trucks providing better fuel economy, either electric or fossil fuel.
5. There would be no additional expenditure by USPS to make this change.
6. There would be zero impact on home delivery or business delivery of 1st class mail.
7. More efficient processing at sorting centers. Save wear/tear on sorting machines.
8. Possibly impact the sharing/buying/selling of address lists. Safer for citizens.
9. Possible staff reductions due to fewer items that need to be handled. Fewer staff = less medical ins, few pensions, fewer expensive supervisors, managers, etc. overall personnel savings.
Then we could think about reducing the number of days mail is delivered, e.g. Delivery only on M-W-F.

[retiredguy123]

IMO the post office could fix, most if not all of their issues, by eliminating the business/bulk postal rate. This would accomplishnthe following:
1. Eliminate most if not all of the junk mail we receive.
2. Eliminated junk mail would reduce the bulk mail that gets handled the same way as 1st class mail but provides a fraction of the revenue of 1st class mail.
3. Reduce trash, we would have less waste paper flooding landfills.
4. Reduce weight in mail trucks providing better fuel economy, either electric or fossil fuel.
5. There would be no additional expenditure by USPS to make this change.
6. There would be zero impact on home delivery or business delivery of 1st class mail.
7. More efficient processing at sorting centers. Save wear/tear on sorting machines.
8. Possibly impact the sharing/buying/selling of address lists. Safer for citizens.
9. Possible staff reductions due to fewer items that need to be handled. Fewer staff = less medical ins, few pensions, fewer expensive supervisors, managers, etc. overall personnel savings.
Then we could think about reducing the number of days mail is delivered, e.g. Delivery only on M-W-F.
I agree, but apparently, there are lobbyists who want to keep the junk mail rate low so the advertising companies can rip off the taxpayers by forcing them to fund junk mail delivery. Some people will actually argue that we need low cost junk mail to keep the USPS in business. What a bunch of hogwash.

[bioman419]

Or small apartments!

[Ponygirl]

Thank you. No way a federal employee makes more in retirement than while working

There is a computation looking at the last three years and time served which could never equal more than earned while working

And the new social security law that was passed allows previous federal employees to collect ss on wages earned prior to time working for feds

[Ponygirl]

Interesting to think abt all mail through internet

But internet can be non existent in rural areas and unaffordable to some in rural and urban areas

With mail - I find it helpful to be able to send a document certified return receipt to make sure the document was received by whom and by date

Thank goodness. Have had that documentation when IRS says it didn’t receive a document that I sent for my business

[Pat2015]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?
One of my thoughts in cutting expenses was to go to Mon., Weds., Friday deliveries. Another idea to cut costs is to shutdown all of the small rented PO buildings if a main PO is within a 30 minute or so drive time. Not sure though as to how the carriers could handle the accumulated mail if it’s only three times a week. The idea of privatizing the mail service is also worth exploring.

[retiredguy123]

Thank you. No way a federal employee makes more in retirement than while working

There is a computation looking at the last three years and time served which could never equal more than earned while working

And the new social security law that was passed allows previous federal employees to collect ss on wages earned prior to time working for feds
Not true. On an annual basis, not yet. But, on a cumulative basis, I have made more money in retirement than I made as a Federal employee. I was a Federal employee for 35 years and made about $1.8 million. But, as a retiree for about 20 years, my total pension income is approaching $2 million so far. Now, I am collecting a spouse SS benefit, which means that I will greatly exceed my Federal employee income. I don't need this money, but that is the law, and one reason we have a national debt of $36 trillion.

[Bill14564]

Not true. On an annual basis, not yet. But, on a cumulative basis, I have made more money in retirement than I made as a Federal employee. I was a Federal employee for 35 years and made about $1.8 million. But, as a retiree for about 20 years, my total pension income is approaching $2 million so far. Now, I am collecting a spouse SS benefit, which means that I will greatly exceed my Federal employee income. I don't need this money, but that is the law, and one reason we have a national debt of $36 trillion.

Interesting that you can receive less on an annual basis but more on a cumulative basis. Less money adds up faster as a retiree? Interesting math.

Or, are you saying that 20 years at your high three beats all those years when you were making less? If so, then yes, I already make more on an annual basis now than I did back in '86 when I started.

[retiredguy123]

Interesting that you can receive less on an annual basis but more on a cumulative basis. Less money adds up faster as a retiree? Interesting math.

Or, are you saying that 20 years at your high three beats all those years when you were making less? If so, then yes, I already make more on an annual basis now than I did back in '86 when I started.
When I started as a Federal employee, I made $12,000 per year. My total cumulative income during 35 years of employment was $1.8 million. I know that because, just before I retired, I deposited $180,000 into the voluntary retirement fund, which allows you to deposit 10 percent of your total Federal career income. I have been retired for about 20 years and I have collected about $2 million in pension income, which exceeds my total Federal career income. My current pension annual income is slightly less than my highest Federal salary while working. But in a few years, the annual COLA increases will cause my annual pension income to exceed my highest Federal working salary. So, on an annual basis and on a cumulative basis, it is very possible for a Federal employee to make more money after retirement than before retirement. That is the math, and it is correct.

One thing I forgot to mention is that, when you retire with a 2-year sick leave balance, that time is added to your years of service, which increases your initial pension above the normal calculation for time actually worked.

[Bill14564]

When I started as a Federal employee, I made $12,000 per year. My total cumulative income during 35 years of employment was $1.8 million. I know that because, just before I retired, I deposited $180,000 into the voluntary retirement fund, which allows you to deposit 10 percent of your total Federal career income. I have been retired for about 20 years and I have collected about $2 million in pension income, which exceeds my total Federal career income. My current pension annual income is slightly less than my highest Federal salary while working. But in a few years, the annual COLA increases will cause my annual pension income to exceed my highest Federal working salary. So, on an annual basis and on a cumulative basis, it is very possible for a Federal employee to make more money after retirement than before retirement. That is the math, and it is correct.

Okay, *that* math may be correct.

Perhaps someone will explain increases, inflation, COLAs, and why your retirement income today, while approaching your salary 20 years ago, is still likely to be about 70% of what someone in your previous position is making today.

[Carlsondm]

Daily mail is essential for businesses and some grandparents.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So, Denmark is around the size of two Massachusettses. It has 6 million people in it, give or take a few thousand.

The United States has 340 million people.

It's probably a monumentally stupid idea to consider what a tiny little KINGDOM is doing, and think "hey it'll work here too, let's go!"

Denmark also grows lots of tulips. Should we convert all our cornfields to tulip farms? No? Why not? If your friend Johnny jumped off a bridge, shouldn't you too? I mean - didn't we have these kinds of logic puzzles back when we were six?

[Tall4mom]

Cards, notes, copies of documents, gifts…even deliveries would be missed. When billing is on line who can get to them when you can’t?

[Stu from NYC]

Daily mail is essential for businesses and some grandparents.

For business not as necessary as in the past. Many times checks are not mailed they are sent by ACH. Orders normally come by email.

[CybrSage]

There is also a SafeShip in the Colony Plaza and a UPS store in Pinellas Plaza. I have never seen a USPS drop box. Where are they? You can mail a letter at the postal station, but I don't think they will accept USPS packages.

SafeShip accepts USPS as well, so drop the packages off with them.

[CybrSage]

In areas with staffing shortages, the USPS is already doing every other day delivery.

[Janie123]

You don't need it at all until you do. Most weeks I could get by without mail at all. Other weeks I'm waiting for that important document I need to sign and return.
I agree… but more and more, docs are coming with docusign. I just changed my homeowners and the docs to sign to get new and cancel old were all docusign.

Already, we lose 52 sundays, probably 12 mondays, various middle of the week holidays from the annual calendar… then there’s the couple of weather related incidents… like hurricanes or snows up north when the roads are closed.I can see giving the Post Office long weekends and deliver mail Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday.

Checks in the mail are still tough… when we have to mail a check (which I rarely do anymore) I hope and pray it gets there and gets there on time. More and more, I just pay with plastic… personally, almost all my friends and I pay each other with Zelle or Venmo. My wife buys food for the church food pantry and we get a check in the mail almost weekly. It would be great if they could send it to us digitally with maybe a follow up email. It would save the church just for us $25 per year on stamps.

[Janie123]

Not true. On an annual basis, not yet. But, on a cumulative basis, I have made more money in retirement than I made as a Federal employee. I was a Federal employee for 35 years and made about $1.8 million. But, as a retiree for about 20 years, my total pension income is approaching $2 million so far. Now, I am collecting a spouse SS benefit, which means that I will greatly exceed my Federal employee income. I don't need this money, but that is the law, and one reason we have a national debt of $36 trillion.
I heard there is a way to donate money back to the federal government…

[darkim]

Whose going to deliver all my Junk Mail everyday?

[Carlsondm]

Who would deliver the junk mail? When was the last time you received junk mail from UPS or FedEx? Most people need to go to their mailbox every day to pick up their junk mail and throw it in the trash. I only go to my mailbox about every 2 weeks.

The most ridiculous argument the Post Office makes to justify their existence is that their operating expenses should not include retirement and other benefits of the employees. But, many Federal employees receive more money during retirement than they receive while working.
There is a reason for that. Most government employees often earn less than the private sector. They negotiate for more benefits and pay fewer taxes because of lower income. It’s a trade-off. In our office only the clerical made incomes equivalent to the private sector.

[Aacosner]

I’ve always wondered why we didn’t switch to three times a week. Half the town getting mail on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and then the other half on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Fully agree. I've thought this for a long time. It could be enacted easily, and then get rid of half the delivery vehicles, and terminate half the mail carriers. The annual savings would go on forever.

[Birdrm]

Twice a week mail would be just fine with me as I only get my mail every 4-5 days anyway as 90% of it is just junk mail anyway!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

USPS is not more convenient than UPS. There are plenty of UPS drop boxes and other locations where you can send a letter or package without waiting in line.

There used to be lots of blue USPS boxes all over the country. They get removed now and then. DeJoy removed a whole lot of them, and he removed sorting machines.

For less than a dollar, you can send a document that needs to be notarized anywhere in the US. Or, you can spend over $10 for the same document by UPS or FedEx. Don't bother with DHL, it'll take three weeks to get there.

[tophcfa]

So, Denmark is around the size of two Massachusettses. It has 6 million people in it, give or take a few thousand. The United States has 340 million people.


Correct, Denmark is urbanized and everyone has access to wired high speed internet. It’s much easier for them to transition to a digital delivery system without leaving rural citizens disadvantaged who would be left behind without wired internet access.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

American citizen soldiers, embassy workers, federal agents and employees overseas wanting to vote during elections, anyone who can't make it to the polls - they need to be able to vote by mail. If their mail is only received twice a week, it's possible the window would be missed and their vote wouldn't qualify.

Something that WOULD have arrived on time, might end up arriving late. There's already no sunday delivery, and several mondays, and thanksgiving, and various other holidays where there's no mail delivery.

They've also lightened up on their "all weather" rules, and will hold delivery during major storms.

So - somewhere between 1/7 and 2/7 of the year, there's already no delivery at all and the post offices are closed.

I think that's enough.
The Post Office is a non-prof service, NOT a private business. Its existence, machinery, the buildings, the staff, are paid for by our tax dollars. Our postage stamps and fees pay to keep it all running. It's not supposed to turn a profit. There's no "profit" or "loss" with the Postal Service.

[TeresaE]

Could we get by with only getting mail twice a week? Denmark is closing their mail service entirely at the end of this year. Other than the carriers losing their jobs what else would we lose?
Let’s just start with ending Saturday delivery and see what happens.

[Aces4]

American citizen soldiers, embassy workers, federal agents and employees overseas wanting to vote during elections, anyone who can't make it to the polls - they need to be able to vote by mail. If their mail is only received twice a week, it's possible the window would be missed and their vote wouldn't qualify.

Something that WOULD have arrived on time, might end up arriving late. There's already no sunday delivery, and several mondays, and thanksgiving, and various other holidays where there's no mail delivery.

They've also lightened up on their "all weather" rules, and will hold delivery during major storms.

So - somewhere between 1/7 and 2/7 of the year, there's already no delivery at all and the post offices are closed.

I think that's enough.
The Post Office is a non-prof service, NOT a private business. Its existence, machinery, the buildings, the staff, are paid for by our tax dollars. Our postage stamps and fees pay to keep it all running. It's not supposed to turn a profit. There's no "profit" or "loss" with the Postal Service.

The USPS is obsolete. Any of the situations you described can be managed by ingenuity and there hasn't been a reason to examine a workable alternative yet. It is time to do so.

[Stu from NYC]

American citizen soldiers, embassy workers, federal agents and employees overseas wanting to vote during elections, anyone who can't make it to the polls - they need to be able to vote by mail. If their mail is only received twice a week, it's possible the window would be missed and their vote wouldn't qualify.

Something that WOULD have arrived on time, might end up arriving late. There's already no sunday delivery, and several mondays, and thanksgiving, and various other holidays where there's no mail delivery.

They've also lightened up on their "all weather" rules, and will hold delivery during major storms.

So - somewhere between 1/7 and 2/7 of the year, there's already no delivery at all and the post offices are closed.

I think that's enough.
The Post Office is a non-prof service, NOT a private business. Its existence, machinery, the buildings, the staff, are paid for by our tax dollars. Our postage stamps and fees pay to keep it all running. It's not supposed to turn a profit. There's no "profit" or "loss" with the Postal Service.

Breaking even would be nice

[Driller703]

Good Lord!!!

[JMintzer]

Odd story, thank you.

A quick search showed that Denmark has embraced digital mail more than any other country, so much so, that the mail service can no longer be supported. They are actually removing mailboxes and giving refunds on stamps.

I suppose the Danes found a way to make it work for them, but the downside was the loss of thousands of jobs. Of course it is a small country, so restarting the service wouldn't take that long.

Imagine the US trying to restart the postal service. I guy would have to find a uniform in an abandoned truck, meet Ford Lincoln Mercury who can convince some kids to help him deliver the mail around the country as a barter service, maybe meet a famous singer operating a dam. Almost sounds like a good movie.

He used to be... :mademyday:

[JMintzer]

Wrong…. the Postal Service is generally self-funded. This means that no tax dollars are used to keep the lights on at its many facilities across the country. The Postal Service, instead, relies on the revenue it generates from the sale of stamps, products, and services to fund its operations…. But we as a country hate Americans. Fire them all!!!!!

Wrong...

Per the "Google Machine", the USPS loses $Billions every year...

Actual results show a net loss of $950 million from operations in FY 2022 and a $6.5 billion net loss in FY 2023. While actual revenue was higher than DFA plan projections, actual expenses exceeded expense projections and actual revenue in both years.

There was a $9.5 Billion loss in FY 2024 and a projected loss of $6.9 Billion in FY 2025...

does the usps lose money - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?q=does+the+usps+lose+money&oq=does+the+usps+lose+money&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORiABDIHCAEQABiABDIICA IQABgWGB4yCAgDEAAYFhgeMggIBBAAGBYYHjIICAUQABgWGB4y CAgGEAAYFhgeMggIBxAAGBYYHjIICAgQABgWGB4yCAgJEAAYFh ge0gEINzUxMmowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)

[Aces4]

Odd story, thank you.

A quick search showed that Denmark has embraced digital mail more than any other country, so much so, that the mail service can no longer be supported. They are actually removing mailboxes and giving refunds on stamps.

I suppose the Danes found a way to make it work for them, but the downside was the loss of thousands of jobs. Of course it is a small country, so restarting the service wouldn't take that long.

Imagine the US trying to restart the postal service. I guy would have to find a uniform in an abandoned truck, meet Ford Lincoln Mercury who can convince some kids to help him deliver the mail around the country as a barter service, maybe meet a famous singer operating a dam. Almost sounds like a good movie.

Why would we want to reincarnate the USPS if it's retired from service? We didn't bring back horses and buggies, kerosene lamps or the ice box. It's called progress and I think a subscription service for the few that want postal delivery would be ideal. Then make the whole thing a private enterprise. Win-win. :$:

[JMintzer]

What lack of timely delivery? Any time I've paid attention I've found my mail has been delivered in less than a week and usually in about three days.

My office manager mailed me a check (from DC) on Friday 2/28. It didn't arrive to TV until Thursday 3/06...

I've sold guitars and shipped them cross country in half that time...

[Bill14564]

My office manager mailed me a check (from DC) on Friday 2/28. It didn't arrive to TV until Thursday 3/06...

I've sold guitars and shipped them cross country in half that time...

Five business days. What's the problem?

And yes, overnight delivery is a thing - a thing that costs far more than a $0.58 stamp.

[JMintzer]

Put your money where your mouth is and send that letter, birthday card, or gift card via UPS at $8 each. You might also be able to get your monthly magazines delivered by UPS at a small additional charge of $100/year.

Part of the debate over the profitability of the USPS is the control the Govt has over it. The claim is that Congress does not allow it to be run as a business and perhaps it would be more profitable if Congress got out of the way. On the other hand, perhaps you prefer putting a 60 cent stamp on a letter and dropping it in your mailbox or at the nearby postal station rather than driving to a UPS store and waiting in line to pay $8.

The UPS store is much more expensive than regular UPS. They are private franchises who make money by adding a fee to the regular UPS price.

Get a UPS account (it's free). Print (and pay for) your own labels and you can drop them off at the UPS Store, or Mail Boxes Etc. They have to take them.

You'll save a ton of money...

[JMintzer]

I know you don't want to accept it but...
- I used to have a USPS drop box at the end of my driveway
- I now have a community USPS drop box within 1/4 mile of my home and I pass many others as I drive through the Villages
- To use the USPS drop box I need to buy an envelope at my local grocery store
- To use the USPS drop box I need to apply a stamp that I can purchase at the grocery store

- I have seen a UPS drop box but I can't remember which city it was in
- I have no idea where to find a UPS drop box around the Villages
- To use a UPS drop box I would have to find an appropriate box, maybe I can find one at the grocery store.
- To use a UPS drop box I would have to pay for postage and print a label which is fine if I happen to have a working printer.
-

Any of the UPS Stores will take your own UPS printed letters/packages...

As for the working printer... I can't help you...

[JMintzer]

SafeShip in Magnolia Plaza handles USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Maybe DHL also, not sure.

Colony has a Mail store (not sure of the name) that will mail UPS, FexEd and USPS as well (for an additional fee, of course...)

If you can manage to open you own UPS account (it's simple and I like it better than FedEx), you can print your own label (at a cheaper price than the store will charge) and just drop it off at any of the Mail re-seller stores...

[Bill14564]

The UPS store is much more expensive than regular UPS. They are private franchises who make money by adding a fee to the regular UPS price.

Get a UPS account (it's free). Print (and pay for) your own labels and you can drop them off at the UPS Store, or Mail Boxes Etc. They have to take them.

You'll save a ton of money...

Any of the UPS Stores will take your own UPS printed letters/packages...

As for the working printer... I can't help you...

$8 for UPS shipping was the price I found online (three sites) not what I saw in a UPS store. (I would assume the UPS store is the same price, no?).

The question wasn't whether it is possible to send a letter through UPS, it is possible. The question was whether UPS was more convenient than USPS, it is not.

[Aces4]

$8 for UPS shipping was the price I found online (three sites) not what I saw in a UPS store. (I would assume the UPS store is the same price, no?).

The question wasn't whether it is possible to send a letter through UPS, it is possible. The question was whether UPS was more convenient than USPS, it is not.


A relative's ex sent Christmas cards with gift cards to each of their children and grandchildren who live at different addresses this year. Not one of them received the $100. cards and lesser cards for the grandchildren. Isn't the USPS wonderful? He now knows better but totally trusted the system, duh.

[Bill14564]

A relative's ex sent Christmas cards with gift cards to each of their children and grandchildren who live at different addresses this year. Not one of them received the $100. cards and lesser cards for the grandchildren. Isn't the USPS wonderful? He now knows better but totally trusted the system, duh.

Yep, that problem.

Sorry for the person (and the children) but it has always been a bad idea to send cash through the mail.

[JMintzer]

Five business days. What's the problem?

And yes, overnight delivery is a thing - a thing that costs far more than a $0.58 stamp.

Sometimes, there are time constraints...

[JMintzer]

$8 for UPS shipping was the price I found online (three sites) not what I saw in a UPS store. (I would assume the UPS store is the same price, no?).

The question wasn't whether it is possible to send a letter through UPS, it is possible. The question was whether UPS was more convenient than USPS, it is not.

The UPS Store is ALWAYS more expensive than regular UPS.

I've already explained why...

[Aces4]

Yep, that problem.

Sorry for the person (and the children) but it has always been a bad idea to send cash through the mail.

It was never much of a problem until the last 20-25 years. Very telling about American integrity and character now, sadly.

[thelegges]

$8 for UPS shipping was the price I found online (three sites) not what I saw in a UPS store. (I would assume the UPS store is the same price, no?).

The question wasn't whether it is possible to send a letter through UPS, it is possible. The question was whether UPS was more convenient than USPS, it is not.

A box sent from Wildwood post office $4.45, was $9.25 at the UPS ship store. UPS locations are convenient, but fees to ship are close to double.

We drive to FedEx, in Leesburg, ship out envelope or box, stop at Donut King with the savings. Have lunch in town. Then a cold brew at WaWa’s. A day of sugar, good food, and inexpensive good coffee. Plus a guarantee package will arrive with contents intact, and in a few days

[ElLegal]

You don't need it at all until you do. Most weeks I could get by without mail at all. Other weeks I'm waiting for that important document I need to sign and return.

I was thinking the same thing, but when I bought my house, I did everything on a computer, including signing the documents.

[ElLegal]

Why not, looks like we are losing a lot of things…….

Well, the post office definitely looses money. Now imagine if UPS, FedEx and Amazon operated the same way. The time has come to eliminate it.

[Bill14564]

Well, the post office definitely looses money. Now imagine if UPS, FedEx and Amazon operated the same way. The time has come to eliminate it.

What is the “it” you want to replace, a four-letter agency or the services it provides? Will UPS start picking up letters daily from every household in the country or will you now require everyone to drive to their nearest UPS drop box? Will mail-in ballots now be delivered by FedEx or will we do away with those entirely and disenfranchise thousands if not millions of voters? And, are you prepared to pay $8+ for each Christmas card you send?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The USPS isn't "losing" money. It's SPENDING money. It is not a business, it isn't designed to turn a profit. It is an EXPENSE. Just like the military is an expense. Do you think we should see some profit from the CIA? The Army? How about the IRS? Would you be okay if the IRS charged a fee for the privilege of filing your taxes, so that it can be a profitable organization? How about the FTC, the FAA - maybe the FAA should tack on an extra $100 fee per use for people flying aircraft, so that it can turn a profit.

Do you see how insane and ridiculous that sounds? That's how the rhetoric and hyperbole and strawman arguments about the USPS "losing" money sounds to me.

[Aces4]

What is the “it” you want to replace, a four-letter agency or the services it provides? Will UPS start picking up letters daily from every household in the country or will you now require everyone to drive to their nearest UPS drop box? Will mail-in ballots now be delivered by FedEx or will we do away with those entirely and disenfranchise thousands if not millions of voters? And, are you prepared to pay $8+ for each Christmas card you send?

This feels very old fashioned and out of step with our current lives. Who sends letters every day and how many people would love to stop sending obligatory Christmas cards and send greetings by email, text or a phone call. Next argument to keep the obsolete...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

This feels very old fashioned and out of step with our current lives. Who sends letters every day and how many people would love to stop sending obligatory Christmas cards and send greetings by email, text or a phone call. Next argument to keep the obsolete...

Millions of people still use pens on paper to write things and send them through the mail. My mom died just over a year ago and she never used the internet, didn't have an e-mail account, and LOVED getting cards and letters from friends and family, and sent them as well.

Just because you don't like writing, doesn't mean writing is bad, or that no one likes it.

[Aces4]

The USPS isn't "losing" money. It's SPENDING money. It is not a business, it isn't designed to turn a profit. It is an EXPENSE. Just like the military is an expense. Do you think we should see some profit from the CIA? The Army? How about the IRS? Would you be okay if the IRS charged a fee for the privilege of filing your taxes, so that it can be a profitable organization? How about the FTC, the FAA - maybe the FAA should tack on an extra $100 fee per use for people flying aircraft, so that it can turn a profit.

Do you see how insane and ridiculous that sounds? That's how the rhetoric and hyperbole and strawman arguments about the USPS "losing" money sounds to me.

What an argument... it is supposed to be a self-funded arm of government, THE WAY IT WAS AT ONE TIME until 2006. We all pay extra airline fees, fees for the privilege of driving a car, fees for fishing licenses, toll fees and so forth. If one doesn't want or need it, they can bow out and work through private services if the need rises. And yes, we do pay a fee for tax computation and not everyone needs to do that. So should we charge everyone for that service or just those who want to use it?

[Stu from NYC]

The USPS isn't "losing" money. It's SPENDING money. It is not a business, it isn't designed to turn a profit. It is an EXPENSE. Just like the military is an expense. Do you think we should see some profit from the CIA? The Army? How about the IRS? Would you be okay if the IRS charged a fee for the privilege of filing your taxes, so that it can be a profitable organization? How about the FTC, the FAA - maybe the FAA should tack on an extra $100 fee per use for people flying aircraft, so that it can turn a profit.

Do you see how insane and ridiculous that sounds? That's how the rhetoric and hyperbole and strawman arguments about the USPS "losing" money sounds to me.

Your forgetting that we pay to send mail so the usps has revenue. To me that makes it a business. Why should the post office not run efficiently.

[Bill14564]

Millions of people still use pens on paper to write things and send them through the mail. My mom died just over a year ago and she never used the internet, didn't have an e-mail account, and LOVED getting cards and letters from friends and family, and sent them as well.

Just because you don't like writing, doesn't mean writing is bad, or that no one likes it.

But that's the way it works here, right?. I have an opinion so everyone must share that opinion or else they are wrong and deserve to be criticized.

[Aces4]

Millions of people still use pens on paper to write things and send them through the mail. My mom died just over a year ago and she never used the internet, didn't have an e-mail account, and LOVED getting cards and letters from friends and family, and sent them as well.

Just because you don't like writing, doesn't mean writing is bad, or that no one likes it.

First of all, I'm sorry for the loss of your mother.

My mother was in her 90's when she sent me her first message on a computer. I saved it to this day with a cellphone picture. No one is saying that anyone's mother still can't send a letter, just use a different technique. But we don't need a USPS for people to move their messages around any longer and even people at our ages are very adept using computers. It's like saying we still need dial up phones because that's what Mom and Dad enjoyed. The times they are a changin.. and our nation is broke.

[Aces4]

But that's the way it works here, right?. I feel an opinion so everyone must share that opinion or else they are wrong and deserve to be criticized.

It's difficult for many to grasp a new paradigm but it's necessary at this point. There is no Santa Claus.:thumbup:

[Aces4]

Millions of people still use pens on paper to write things and send them through the mail. My mom died just over a year ago and she never used the internet, didn't have an e-mail account, and LOVED getting cards and letters from friends and family, and sent them as well.

Just because you don't like writing, doesn't mean writing is bad, or that no one likes it.

I never said I don't like writing (typing) and probably write (type) more than most people my age, large extended family and friends from over the years. I also love to read. But I believe it's time to move with the current generation and stop clinging to the extremely expensive, old ways.

[Bill14564]

It's difficult for many to grasp a new paradigm but it's necessary at this point. There is no Santa Claus.:thumbup:

And what is that new paradigm, just do without? See post #118

[Aces4]

And what is that new paradigm, just do without? See post #118

I would refer you to post #120.

[Bill14564]

I would refer you to post #120.

Right back at ya with #124.

But this isn’t getting us anywhere. You don’t like the curremt system but offer no viable alternative, only an assertion that no one feels differently than you do. I don’t see a viable alternative to the current system but recognize that it provides some necessary services and that some see a value in it.

[Aces4]

Right back at ya with #124.

But this isn’t getting us anywhere. You don’t like the curremt system but offer no viable alternative, only an assertion that no one feels differently than you do. I don’t see a viable alternative to the current system but recognize that it provides some necessary services and that some see a value in it.

I did offer viable alternatives. Providing reasonable discussion as to why one chooses other options is just that, a discussion. It doesn't require that I must accept your position as the final one or you must accept mine. I believe all necessary services you feel the USPS provides now can by replaced by more cost effective, modern methods. We can agree to disagree.

[thelegges]

Our Mail contractor seems to have more packages than bins of mail everyday

[Bill14564]

Our Mail contractor seems to have more packages than bins of mail everyday

Do they have more packages than total bins or more packages than empty bins? Ours frequently requests that we come and empty the bins.