USPS Delays Closings until May Thanks to Senators' Requests

The U.S. Postal Service will delay the closing or consolidation of additional Post Office or mail processing facilities until May 15, 2012. The USPS said on Tuesday that it made the decision in response to a request made by multiple U.S. Senators.

The U.S. Postal Service is studying 3,700 of its nearly 32,000 retail offices for possible closure as it faces an ongoing financial crisis, and is planning to close about half (250) of its processing facilities. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said it was considering the retail closures because customer's habits "have made it clear that they no longer require a physical post office to conduct most of their postal business."

Tuesday's announcement came a week after the Postal Service announced it would move ahead with plans to lower its service standards for First-Class mail. The move, which it said would generate annual savings of $2.1 billion, would mean in effect the end of overnight delivery for First-Class mail.

In its announcement yesterday, the Postal Service said it would continue all necessary steps required for the review of the facilities during the interim period, including public input meetings.

"The Postal Service hopes this period will help facilitate the enactment of comprehensive postal legislation. Given the Postal Service's financial situation and the loss of mail volume, the Postal Service must continue to take all steps necessary to reduce costs and increase revenue."

And in fact, yet another bill was introduced on Tuesday designed to alleviate the USPS financial crisis - with this one also designed to prevent the layoff of thousands of USPS employees nationwide (link to announcement).

A list of postal locations being considered for closure is available on the USPS website.

Related Coverage

Senators Unveil Bill to Reform US Postal Service (November 03, 2011) - Link to article

USPS Plans to Slow First-Class Mail - the End of Overnight Delivery (December 06, 2011) - Link to article

USPS Posts $5.1 Billion Net Loss in Fiscal 2011 (November 16, 2011) - Link to article

Obama Backs Move to 5-Day USPS Delivery in Deficit Plan (September 21, 2011) - Link to article