Latest News
USPS pilots same-day delivery
The U.S. Postal Service has endured a tough few years, but the agency is piloting another same-day delivery program to keep up with shifting consumer demands. USPS is conducting a test run of Metro Post in New York City, Bloomberg Businessweek reported.
USPS lost billions in revenue in 2013 and experienced a sharp decline in first-class mail. As consumers continue to rely on the Internet to purchase products and services, same-day delivery is a growing concern for many companies. People want packages as soon as possible, and Metro Post represents USPS' attempt to adapt to changing market conditions to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world.
The Post Office still plays a vital role in parcel operations. In November, the agency announced a partnership with Amazon to deliver Sunday packages to consumers in New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and other cities. This program has helped USPS increase parcel volume.
Metro Post in New York is the agency's second attempt at same-day delivery after a previous program failed to take off in San Francisco. However, Businessweek noted that carriers are already delivering more packages in New York, and the pilot involved more planning.
USPS staying relevant through difficulties
The agency may have been buoyed during the holiday season by deciding to deliver packages on Sundays in December, according to Forbes. UPS and FedEx both came under fire when numerous packages failed to arrive on time. Companies and logistics providers had to contend with service disruptions from severe winter weather conditions, but USPS experienced gains during this time. The agency was also well prepared for the rush of returns after the holidays with its flat-rate shipments.
In addition, the agency intends to update its tracking capabilities by the end of spring 2014, which may positively impact businesses that utilize direct mail. USPS is placing higher priority on innovation to meet modern demands. Mail is still an essential service, but customer expectations are redefining capabilities.
USPS' efforts to keep up with the changing times highlight the continued importance of mail. Companies that rely on direct mail to keep in touch with customers may want to take note of these trends. Direct mail software can help organizations manage many aspects of these marketing campaigns, including verifying accuracy and presorting mail pieces. This ensures direct mail reaches its intended destination as quickly as possible without creating more work for employees.
