Intro: In the digital age, many believe that the post office is no longer relevant. But as this infographic shows, there are still many reasons why the post office will be around in 2022. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is often thought of as a technology dinosaur, but a new report from the Office of the Inspector General shows that it will still be relevant in 2022. From package delivery to voting by mail, the post office has a range of important functions that continue to make it an essential part of our society. Despite predictions that email and other digital communication methods would make the post office obsolete, the report found many reasons USPS will still be needed. Here are the top 8 reasons, based on the report’s findings.
1. The post office is a secure way of sending mail:
In an age of hacking and cybercrime, the post office is still a secure way to send important documents. The report found that USPS has “robust physical and digital security controls.” The report found that the post office is still the most secure way to send mail, with a fraud rate of less than 1%. It is due to the fact that USPS has several security measures in place, such as tamper-evident packaging and tracking numbers. When you have important documents and packages, you can trust that they will arrive safely at their destination when you send them through the post office.
2. The post office delivers to every address in the United States:
The post office has a network of over 600,000 delivery points, meaning they can deliver to any address in the United States. It is essential for businesses who need to send products to customers all over the country and for individuals who want to send packages to friends and family members in different parts of the country. It is essential for businesses that need to send products to customers across the country. The post office also delivers PO Boxes, which is convenient for people who don’t have a regular home address.
3. The post office offers competitive pricing:
The post office offers very competitive pricing for its services. It is especially true when you compare the cost of shipping with other private carriers. For example, UPS and FedEx typically charge more for shipping than the post office. The post office charges 49 cents for first-class stamps, while private carriers like FedEx and UPS charge around $1.20. For standard mail, the post office charges $0.55, while UPS and FedEx charge around $2.50.
4. The post office delivers mail to remote areas:
The post office delivers mail to remote areas that other carriers don’t reach. In 2017, the USPS launched a new Remote Customer Service Point program that provides postal services to remote rural areas. The program has been a success, with many customers praising the improved access to postal services. The USPS delivers mail to some of the country’s most remote areas, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and even the georgetown post office, one of the most popular tourist destinations. The post office is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the United States. It is an essential service for many rural residents who would otherwise travel long distances to get their mail.
5. The post office offers a variety of services:
The post office offers a variety of services beyond just shipping packages. For example, you can buy money orders at the post office, which can be used to pay bills or send money to people who don’t have a bank account. You can also buy stamps, envelopes, and mailing supplies at the post office. In addition to traditional mail delivery, the post office also offers various other services. These include money orders, passport services, and even investing in stamps (which can be used as collectibles or gifts). You can also open a postal savings account at the post office, which offers a safe and convenient way to save money.
6. The post office is environmentally friendly:
It has been working hard to reduce its environmental impact. Recently, it has implemented several initiatives to reduce energy consumption and waste. For example, the post office now uses recycled materials for envelopes and packaging. It has also introduced electric vehicles for mail delivery in some areas. In 2012, the USPS launched a sustainability plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020. The post office has already achieved a 22% reduction in emissions and is on track to reach its goal.
7. The post office supports small businesses:
The post office offers various services that small businesses rely on, such as shipping and mailing. In 2017, the USPS launched a program called ShippingEasy that makes it easy for small businesses to ship orders from multiple online retailers. The post office also offers discounts on shipping for small businesses. The post office provides a vital service for small businesses, which rely on it for shipping and delivery. Small businesses account for about 20% of the USPS’s total revenue. The post office offers a range of services that make it easy and affordable for small businesses to send and receive packages.
8. Services to seniors and other vulnerable populations:
The post office provides vital services to seniors and other vulnerable populations who may not have access to transportation or the internet. For many seniors, the post office is the only way to stay connected with loved ones and the outside world. The USPS also offers a free mailbox program for seniors and other vulnerable populations who may not have a safe place to receive mail. The USPS offers a variety of discounts for seniors and veterans. These discounts make it possible for many people on fixed incomes to continue receiving mail.
Conclusion: Despite the technological advances that have made some question the relevancy of the post office, it remains an essential part of American society. From package delivery to voting by mail, the post office provides a range of essential services that will continue to be needed in the future. As we move into the future, the post office will continue to evolve and adapt, ensuring that it remains a vital part of our community.