New USPS Delivery Standards Could Slow Mail for Many Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Postal Service (USPS) will implement new delivery standards beginning April 1, which may slow mail delivery for some Americans. The changes are part of USPS’s ongoing “Delivering for America” 10-year plan, aimed at modernizing services and achieving $2.5 billion in annual savings.

Currently serving approximately 169 million customers, USPS has stated that most competitive shipping products will retain the same service standards. However, some packages may experience faster or slower delivery times. The existing service standard of 2-5 days for USPS Ground Advantage will remain unchanged.

“As with mail, most competitive shipping products will retain the same service standard. Some packages will have a faster standard, and some will have a slightly slower standard,” USPS said in a statement. Roughly 75% of First-Class Mail will maintain its current delivery standards, while 14% will see improved delivery times.

USPS noted that although some customers may encounter slower delivery for certain mail, no delivery times will exceed the current five-day standard for First-Class Mail. The new plan also introduces a delivery map feature that allows customers to check expected delivery times based on ZIP code pairs. This tool will help users adjust their expectations for mail receipt.

The updated map will use five-digit ZIP code pairs rather than the previous three-digit version, helping to communicate delivery timelines more effectively. Customers can access the map on the USPS website by entering their ZIP codes to see various mail delivery options.

For instance, a 10007 ZIP code in New York City currently shows two-day delivery to most of the Northeastern United States, parts of the Midwest, and selected regions in the South and West. Mail sent to further areas may require an additional day for delivery.

USPS insists that the changes will benefit rural customers, asserting that, “Even customers who may experience a service downgrade for mail they are sending will benefit from the increased efficiencies that will be gained, particularly for mail they are receiving, including checks and medicines.”

Former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has stated that USPS has long been hindered by outdated service regulations that do not accommodate changes in mail volume and composition. “By implementing the new standards and the operational initiatives to which they are aligned, we will be better able to achieve the goals of our modernization plans and create a high-performing, financially sustainable organization,” he said.

The first phase of these changes will begin on April 1, 2024, with additional changes expected to launch on July 1, 2025. Customers are encouraged to stay informed through the USPS website regarding the status of mail delivery services and any evolving updates.