Changes at US Postal Service mean slower delivery, higher rates

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some people could experience slower mail delivery as the U.S. Postal Service implements new service standards for first-class mail.

Earlier this year, the Postal Service announced a 10-year strategic plan to try to save money. The changes will slow USPS’ target delivery time by about 30%.

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According to officials, 61% of first-class mail will not be affected by the changes although mail traveling longer distances will be delayed by one or two days.

First-class mail traveling within a local area will continue to be delivered in two days, according to the USPS.

The Postal Service told Action 9′s Jason Stoogenke “these new service standards will increase delivery reliability, consistency, and efficiency for our customers.”

The changes include a temporary price increase on commercial and retail domestic packages, which will cost 6-9% more through Dec. 26.

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Not everyone is happy with the changes. Twenty attorneys general, including North Carolina AG Josh Stein, filed a complaint against the Postal Service. The attorneys generals said the Postal Service should have gotten the Postal Regulatory Commission’s approval before implementing the 10-year plan. In the complaint, they urged the Commission to order the Postal Service to ask for a review.

“Seniors who depend on the mail for medication delivery, people who pay their bills through the post office, they can’t afford for their check now to be delivered in a timely fashion. It may result in them overdrawing their account,” Stein told Stoogenke. “Small businesses need the Postal Service to succeed and thrive.”

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