RE: Service Standards for Market Dominant Mail Products
The amendment to 39 CFR part 121 proposes to “increase the service standards for certain categories of First-Class Mail.” This is a proposal to degrade service in the interests of “cost-effectiveness.” This will drive more US Postal Service business to USPS’s competitors such as UPS, Federal Express, etc.
Compared to the service I have received from USPS, the service I have received from other carriers has been horrible. Federal Express, in particular, uses deceptive practices to claim “on time delivery” with such regularity as to make their “expected delivery date” completely meaningless. It is so bad that, wherever possible, I avoid purchasing from companies which use any service other than USPS for shipping. As a specific example, I’ve found that products sold on Target’s website by a “Target Plus partner” seem to be more likely to be shipped via Federal Express. As a result, I try to find the product elsewhere or forgo the product altogether if I can rather than endure the shipping delays and deceptive practices of Federal Express. This amendment will make it harder for me to do that as I anticipate fewer companies will rely on USPS.
I used to live overseas and have often traveled (and mailed things from) overseas. Every time I do so, I am impressed all over again by the quality and service provided by the USPS! This amendment will start a downward spiral for USPS. Delaying First-Class mail will result in a likely loss of business which will reduce economies of scale leading to worse cost-effectiveness in the long run leading to potentially further amendments like this one.
The role of the USPS is not to make a profit. The role of the USPS is to ensure that all US residents have the same access to mail service regardless of where they live or who they are. Before the founding of this country, the aristocracy had mail privileges not available to commoners (government officials such as members of Congress still have those privileges such as franking). The USPS democratized mail service. When proposing amendments to the Code of Federal Regulations which govern the mail, it is important to keep this in mind. The USPS is about equal and democratic access. Changing First-Class Mail deliver will erode the strength of the USPS which will further erode full, equal, and democratic access to mail service. I am strongly opposed to this rule change.
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