In The News

U.S. Postal Service could limit overnight deliveries

The U.S. Postal Service could soon be doing away with overnight service and replacing it with a two- to five-day delivery schedule.

The announcement on Monday, Dec. 5, comes as the Postal Service works to cut costs and remain operational. Cost-cutting measures include trimming the number of mail processing plants from more than 450 to fewer than 200.

No word yet on how the announcement will affect truckers who haul mail.

Back in September, the Postal Service asked for public comment on the possible elimination of overnight service. At midday on Monday, it was still unclear when the new operating schedule would take effect.

In addition to cutting costs, the Postal Service also plans to raise postage rates.

According to an October announcement, a Forever Stamp will increase by a penny to 45 cents and the postcard rate will increase to 32 cents from 29 cents. U.S. letters to Canada and Mexico will increase to 85 cents from 80 cents and other international rates will increase to $1.05 from 98 cents. The rate increases will take effect Jan. 22, 2012.

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