On October 1, the Postal Service will implement new service standards for First-Class Mail and Periodicals which will increase delivery reliability, consistency, and efficiency for our customers and across our network.
USPS states that this will make better use of trucks and existing surface network to move the mail, relying less on costly air transportation, and by improving service reliability and increasing efficiency, they can keep costs at reasonable levels and help keep postage rates affordable for our customers.
What Are The New Service Standards?
Mail traveling the greatest distances will be the most impacted. Current FCM 3-day volume will be subject to a 3-, 4-, or 5-day standard depending on the distance between origin and destination.
With new service standards being implemented on October 1, USPS offers these tips for consumers:
- Plan ahead – For mail or correspondence that requires a deadline, the Postal Service encourages consumers to plan ahead and send their mail early. You likely wouldn’t wait to mail your mom a Mother’s Day card the day before or on Mother’s Day, so mail your letters and greeting cards with the Postal Service early so the Postal Service can ensure it reaches its final destination on-time.
- When sending mail long distance, mail early – If it would take you more than a day to drive your mail to its destination, make sure to give your long-distance mail some extra time to travel with the Postal Service.
- Keep mailing letters! The majority of First-Class Mail will be unaffected by the Postal Service’s new service standards. In fact, these new standards mean your letters and mail will be delivered more reliably and consistently than they have been in previous years.
For more information, visit the Delivering for America page for the First Class/Periodical Service Standard Fact Sheet at https://about.usps.com/what/strategic-plans/delivering-for-america/assets/USPS-Fact-Sheet_FCM-Service-Standard-Change.pdf.
