United States Postal Service

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the federal government responsible for providing postal services across the United States. Established in 1775, USPS has evolved into a vital component of the nation's infrastructure. It delivers mail and packages to nearly 169 million addresses.

Services Offered by USPS

USPS offers a comprehensive range of mailing and shipping services to meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses.

• Mailing Services: Various mailing options include First-Class Mail for everyday correspondence, Priority Mail for expedited delivery, and Priority Mail Express for overnight shipping.
• Package Shipping: Services like USPS Ground Advantage and Global Express Guaranteed cater to both domestic and international shipping needs, ideal for businesses and e-commerce.
• Retail Services: Customers can purchase stamps, mailing supplies, and shipping labels at USPS retail locations.
• Financial Services: USPS offers money orders as a secure way to send funds domestically and internationally.
• Additional Services: Services such as Informed Delivery allow customers to preview their mail and manage deliveries online.

Locations and Operations

As of July 2025, USPS operates 33,780 retail offices across the United States, including contract locations. This extensive network serves communities nationwide, from urban centers to rural areas.

Key facilities include locations in:

• Chelsea, MA
• Medford, MA
• St. George, UT

Recent Developments

In recent years, USPS has undertaken modernization efforts to improve efficiency and service quality. These initiatives, however, have faced challenges including operational issues at new processing facilities and financial constraints.

An audit revealed significant problems at a new processing center in Richmond, Virginia, which affected mail delivery times. USPS is also working to address financial challenges to avoid the need for a government bailout.

Summary

The United States Postal Service continues to play a crucial role in connecting individuals and businesses across the nation. It offers a wide array of services to meet the evolving needs of its customers and maintain its position as a key component of the nation's infrastructure.