Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Editorial: Keep six-day mail delivery schedule
By Editorial Board
The Lariat, Baylor U.
February 04, 2009

Wind, rain or scorching heat can't keep mail from reaching mailboxes across the United States. Unfortunately, the United States Postal Service is no match for the stormy economy that has settled over the country.

Last week, the United States Postal Service voiced concerns over a large deficits that could potentially force mailing services to be limited to five days a week instead of the current six days a week. This would call for lawmakers to lift a requirement that states mail must be delivered six days out of the week.

The postal service reported a $2.8 billion loss last year and estimates suggest that, if current trends continue, a potential net loss of $6 billion is in the works. Mail volume suffered its largest single drop this past year with 202 billion items being shipped, more than 9 billion fewer than the year before.

A study performed by George Mason University revealed that by shifting to a five-day-a-week delivery, the postal service would save $1.9 billion annually. A Postal Service study found savings to be at an estimated $3.5 billion.

This move by the Postal Service would not only be a major annoyance to anyone who mails anything, but could only exacerbate the already grim situation.

Usage of "snail mail" has significantly dropped with the increased use of e-mail and faxing. By cutting service, the Postal Service is only going to further hurt their circulation volume. Senders are going to turn to other methods of delivery, whether that be heavier use of e-mails or simply taking business elsewhere. Shipping competitor Federal Express could see potential gains in customers if they continue to ship 6 days a week.

During these hard economic times, it's inevitable that businesses will experience financial difficulties and government agencies like the Postal Service are no exception. The difference is that the Postal Service is performing an important duty that millions of people rely on every day.

If this new plan is approved, there will be 52 fewer days of mail service per year, which doesn't sound like a lot, but time is of the essence when it comes to bills and late fees. By cutting out an entire day of service, this puts more strain on getting things mailed out in a timely fashion.

Yes, it is a good lesson in organization and one should be aware of due dates and deadlines, but unless the Postal Service plans on speeding up their delivery process, it's going to be a major inconvenience.

Postal rates have continued to increase in the past few years. The Postal Service is arguing that another rate increase intended to supplement the financial deficit could drastically affect mail volume. By now, Americans have become accustomed to continually raising rates and would probably take the couple-cent increase in exchange for mail six days a week.

Postal workers will also feel the effects of a shorter workweek. One less day of work translates to one less day of pay. In these strained economic times, no one will benefit from this possible change.

Despite all the technology, there are still those who rely on the Postal Service to deliver bills or letters. There are just some things that aren't suitable for e-mail. Formal or important documents usually entail a stamp and envelope.

When senders drop their items into a mailbox, they place faith in the postal service to ensure these documents will arrive on time. It's an important responsibility to the public that can't be taken lightly. By cutting out a day from service, its really doing a disservice to themselves and those they serve.

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