USPS Adjusts ‘Service Standards’ in Attempt to Save $36 Billion

April 7, 2025 – The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is implementing new service standards for first-class mail, periodicals, marketing mail, and package services as part of a broader plan to improve reliability and reduce long-term costs. The changes, which took effect this month, are designed to streamline operations while maintaining the agency’s commitment to timely delivery.

Under the new standards, 75% of first-class mail will continue to be delivered within the same timeframe as before. Meanwhile, 14% of mail will benefit from an upgraded, faster service standard. However, 11% will experience slightly slower delivery times. Despite these adjustments, all first-class mail will still fall within the existing 1-to-5 day delivery window, ensuring that most customers won’t notice a significant disruption.

According to USPS, the new standards are expected to save the agency an estimated $36 billion over the next 10 years. This financial relief comes at a critical time for the Postal Service, which has faced years of budget shortfalls, rising operational costs, and growing competition from private delivery services. The changes are part of a broader effort to modernize USPS and improve operational efficiency.

USPS leadership says the updates will allow the agency to offer “more reliable service” to Americans, even as it continues to face pressure from critics. In recent years, the Postal Service has been a focal point of political debate, with former President Donald Trump and others calling for privatization. However, USPS remains a vital public institution, especially for rural communities and individuals who depend on affordable mail and package delivery. The agency hopes that this new strategy will help stabilize its operations and better serve the public in the long term.