USPS To Cut Saturday Mail Delivery
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The cash-strapped United States Postal Service made a big announcement Wednesday.
The financially struggling Postal Service announced a cost-saving measure, that many knew was inevitable. By summer's end Saturday delivery of First Class mail will stop.
The tradition has been around for 150 years, but it will come to an end on Aug. 5.
"Mail delivery will be Monday through Friday. We will not deliver nor collect mail on Saturdays," Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said. "We are simply not in a financial position where we can maintain six-day delivery."
The USPS set a record loss of almost $16 billion last year, with a large $11 billion payment to retiree health benefits.
"By any measure, that is unsustainable and unacceptable," Donahoe said.
Many are aware of the financial state of the Postal Service since it's had a direct effect on so many.
Changes have included increases in stamps, reduced hours and closure of some branches.
In the end, losing Saturday delivery was just expected to come next.
"Even though I don't think it's a good idea, I understand their reasoning behind it. Something had to be done," Anita Perry said.
"It's not [going to] solve the whole issue. It really won't," Bob Andrews said.
The cuts will only apply to mail delivery, which means packages will still come to your door on Saturdays.
Also, if your local branch is open on Saturdays, it will remain open. You'll also still get mail to your Post Office Box on Saturday.
"Making this change to the delivery schedule is a big ticket item, and it is simply too big of a cost savings to ignore. In fact, I would strongly argue that it would be irresponsible for the postal service not to pursue this course," Donahoe said.
By eliminating Saturday delivery, it's expected to save the postal service $2 billion a year.
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