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[GK86]

Link.

The United States Postal Service won't be suspending Saturday deliveries later this year as planned if some members of Congress have their say about it. Instead, the USPS should actually be expanding its business widely into new markets, everything from providing internet service to shipping beer and wine to issuing hunting licenses and vehicle permits.

A group of 24 mostly Democratic Senators led by Tom Udall (D-NM) sent an open letter today to the Postmaster General arguing that it is not actually legal for the USPS to stop Saturday deliveries beginning in August, as the agency announced earlier this month as part of its plan to cut costs amid massive losses.

"We believe your proposal does not comply with the existing statutory requirement to continue six-day delivery and rural mail delivery services at no less than 1983 levels," the letter reads, later pointing out, "It appears as recently as last year, the Postal Service did not believe it had the authority to end six-day delivery without legislation by Congress."

Among various concerns, the Senators' letter cites a figure of 70,000 job losses -- 20,000 projected in rural communities -- if the USPS ends Saturday deliveries.

The Senators also take issue with the idea that ending Saturday mail delivery service will actually help curb the recent massive losses suffered by USPS ($15.9 billion in 2012), let alone help the agency achieve financial stability going forward. The letter cites surveys by the Postal Service and the Government Accountability Office showing that reducing deliveries would actually lead to less revenue, leading the Postal Service "further down the spiral."

The letter also recognizes what many consider to be the agency's central financial crisis, that the USPS cannot continue in its current state of paying $5.5 billion every year for 75-years-worth of employee health care benefits, the result of a 2006 law.

Instead, the Senators note they are working on "comprehensive legislation" that would eliminate this requirement and expand the authority of the USPS, allowing it to get into money-generating activities it's currently barred from pursuing, including beer and wine shipments. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) introduced bills to this effect on Wednesday, giving the USPS the option to get into any of the following businesses:

• check-cashing services
• technology and media service
• warehousing and logistics
• facility leasing
• public Internet access services
• driver licensing
• vehicle registration
• hunting and fishing licensing
• notary services
• voter registration

In a press release, Sanders' office said that the internet option in particular would be to give the USPS the power to "help customers take advantage of email and internet services," though its unclear exactly what services are being referred to here -- email clients, Wi-Fi hotspots, or full internet connectivity comparable to a cable company. A spokesperson from Sanders' office told The Verge in a phone call that a commission would be formed to determine exactly what the Postal Service could do in terms of internet services but was unable to provide more specific examples at this time.

 

[Escape Goat]

They should put a laughing jar in the White House. Everytime Uncle Joe laughs or grins or does something endearing they gotta put a quarter in the jar.

 

[Ether_Snake]

I think it's a good idea. At least here in Canada, I always prefer doing business with Canada Post than the other places. Only reason I'm fine with UPS is because they just happen to have an office nearby where I can pick things up, but anyone else SUCKS.

 

[Suite Pee]

Beer delivery? Awesome.

 

[Slayer-33]

Our postal service needs this

 

[GK86]

Beer delivery? Awesome.

This, and vehicle registration. Anything that offers an alternative to the DMV is a god send.

 

[whatsinaname]

Reduce the requirement for funding retirement health benefits for employees to even 25 years into the future instead of 75 years and watch the USPS save itself.

 

[Piecake]

So, what exactly does this internet service mean?

This wont allow them to be an internet provider like comcast, will it? I mean, im all in favor of public wifi, but having the postal service in charge of that doesnt sound like a good plan at all

 

[Gentleman Jack]

Turn them into payday advance shops with pinball and cigarette machines while you're at it, as long as you're desperate for any cash coming into a building in a prime location that can't turn any kind of profit. Where is that other 10.4 billion in losses coming from?

The only thing I use the USPS for nowadays is voting, and since that can't happen on Saturdays for some goddamn reason I can live without saturday delivery. I won't miss the junk mail even a little bit.

 

[mightynine]

So basically, Japan Post.

 

[GK86]

So, what exactly does this internet service mean?

This wont allow them to be an internet provider like comcast, will it? I mean, im all in favor of public wifi, but having the postal service in charge of that doesnt sound like a good plan at all

It isn't clear yet what they mean by internet service. If this allows them to offer internet service like comcast, that would be great. Break up those damn Duopolies.

 

[GK86]

Here is the open letter from Tom.

 

[Xeke]

How is the USPS supposed to succeed? They are basically run like a private company in that they take no tax dollars but still have to answer too Congress.

 

[PrivateWHudson]

It isn't clear yet what they mean by internet service. If this allows them to offer internet service like comcast, that would be great. Break up those damn Duopolies.

Much better that a government agency runs it. While there at it, they could stock their mail processing warehouses with goods and take on Amazon as well. Why not stock some food next to the beer too. What do we need private businesses for anyway.

 

[Xeke]

Much better that a government agency runs it. While there at it, they could stock their mail processing warehouses with goods and take on Amazon as well. Why not stock some food next to the beer too. What do we need private businesses for anyway.

The USPS is defined in the Constitution and yet the USPS doesn't take any tax dollars. The only reason they are in such a mess is government action. It's not a very good example of a government agency.

 

[GK86]

Much better that a government agency runs it. While there at it, they could stock their mail processing warehouses with goods and take on Amazon as well. Why not stock some food next to the beer too. What do we need private businesses for anyway.

Yes, because the private companies have done an amazing job at providing internet serivce the past 10 years. Google shat all over them in their first attempt. And nowhere have I said, or even the article, that they would be solely running the internet service. Get over yourself.

 

[VALIS]

Specialized beer and wine mail order is becoming a huge market, if it isn't already. But even if the USPS allows it, you still have state by state regulations.

 

[PrivateWHudson]

Yes, because the private companies have done an amazing job at providing internet serivce the past 10 years. Google shat all over them in their first attempt. And nowhere have I said, or even the article, that they would be solely running the internet service. Get over yourself.

Then why not just let Google do it? The USPS shouldn't be expanding period. Read between the lines, and it's just a Federal grab at things that are currently run at the state or private level. A full service agency that has to run everything past congress. Sure, it may not be the whole internet, but it's a step in that direction.

 

[Piecake]

Then why not just let Google do it? The USPS shouldn't be expanding period. Read between the lines, and it's just a Federal grab at things that are currently run at the state or private level. A full service agency that has to run everything past congress. Sure, it may not be the whole internet, but it's a step in that direction.

your post makes no sense. Why not let google do it? Are we supposed to force a company to provide internet service? They will do it if they deem it sufficiently profitable.

I really don't understand your sentence about a federal grab and it being a slippery slope. If the the government invests in free public wi-fi, it doesnt kick any providers out. It simply offers a service that they arent providing and one that is hugely supported by Microsoft, Apple, and the like. The cable companies will still have their place in providing fast, private internet connections, but having a free-public wi-fi would actually create competition in a horribly monopolized market and drive down ridiculous prices while improving service. Companies would have to provide damn good service and speed to actually make it worthwhile to consumers

If private companies can't compete in that market. Oh well. I definitely wont be upset since the economic benefit to other private and public sectors would be huge

 

[PrivateWHudson]

your post makes no sense. Why not let google do it? Are we supposed to force a company to provide internet service? They will do it if they deem it sufficiently profitable.

I really don't understand your sentence about a federal grab and it being a slippery slope. If the the government invests in free public wi-fi, it doesnt kick any providers out. It simply offers a service that they arent providing and one that is hugely supported by Microsoft, Apple, and the like. The cable companies will still have their place in providing fast, private internet connections, but having a free-public wi-fi would actually create competition in a horribly monopolized market and drive down ridiculous prices while improving service. Companies would have to provide damn good service and speed to actually make it worthwhile to consumers

If private companies can't compete in that market. Oh well. I definitely wont be upset since the economic benefit to other private and public sectors would be huge

So how does the USPS offer free-public wi-fi when they don't get government money? Of course MS and Apple would love free wi-fi for all, Ford would love free gas for all, Tesla, not so much. I'm all for better internet options such as breaking up ANY business that has even a localized monopoly, but keep it away from the USPS.

Irregardless, the Senator wants to save jobs that report to Congress, and thereby take away other jobs (DMV). Really, what does this even have to do with Saturday delivery, fucking kill it and then see what else they can do to make money. It's a waste and nobody wants it.

 

[Manmademan]

this is pointless, because the only reason the USPS is insolvent in the first place is because certain members of Congress want to bankrupt and privatize it.

the legislation is DOA.

 

[Piecake]

So how does the USPS offer free-public wi-fi when they don't get government money? Of course MS and Apple would love free wi-fi for all, Ford would love free gas for all, Tesla, not so much. I'm all for better internet options such as breaking up ANY business that has even a localized monopoly, but keep it away from the USPS.

Irregardless, the Senator wants to save jobs that report to Congress, and thereby take away other jobs (DMV). Really, what does this even have to do with Saturday delivery, fucking kill it and then see what else they can do to make money. It's a waste and nobody wants it.

That's why i didnt want the USPS in charge of it. A govt agency that is funded by tax dollars should be in charge of it. The FCC actually proposed the idea

http://www.npr.org/2013/02/05/171138323/fcc-proposes-public-wifi-network

 

[GK86]

Then why not just let Google do it? The USPS shouldn't be expanding period. Read between the lines, and it's just a Federal grab at things that are currently run at the state or private level. A full service agency that has to run everything past congress. Sure, it may not be the whole internet, but it's a step in that direction.

The tin foil hat is on too tight.

Irregardless, the Senator wants to save jobs that report to Congress, and thereby take away other jobs (DMV). Really, what does this even have to do with Saturday delivery, fucking kill it and then see what else they can do to make money. It's a waste and nobody wants it.

How are they taking away jobs from the DMV? How is it waste? And who are these people that don't want it? Are you reading the nonsense you are posting?

 

[Cyan]

this is pointless, because the only reason the USPS is insolvent in the first place is because certain members of Congress want to bankrupt and privatize it.

Yep. Ditch the stupid benefit pay-forward and its fine.

Or just support it with tax-payer money like it should be anyway. *shrug* Though most of these services sound totally reasonable to add.

 

[The Technomancer]

How is it ever a "government power grab" if it isn't accompanied by legislation saying the government is the only one that can offer service X?

 

[balladofwindfishes]

How is it ever a "government power grab" if it isn't accompanied by legislation saying the government is the only one that can offer service X?

they're too afraid to admit that the government run service would be cheaper and the same, if not better quality and that intimidates them.

the only reason a government entity could gain a monopoly over a service, without a mandate outlawing private companies from doing so, is to make the service cheaper or better. So... this is bad because?

 

[Wuthering_Heights]

driver licensing

Please yes.

There is only one DMV location in my city, and it regularly has wait times that exceed 4 hours.

 

[Piecake]

they're too afraid to admit that the government run service would be cheaper and the same, if not better quality and that intimidates them.

the only reason a government entity could gain a monopoly over a service, without a mandate outlawing private companies from doing so, is to make the service cheaper or better. So... this is bad because?

because we would lose real jobs and only gain fictitious jobs

 

[PrivateWHudson]

How is it ever a "government power grab" if it isn't accompanied by legislation saying the government is the only one that can offer service X?

The same way Obamacare is. When the government competes with private business we all lose. Either offer a government service that everyone agrees upon and is taxed accordingly, or gtfo.

 

[StalkerUKCG]

check-cashing services
technology and media service
warehousing and logistics
facility leasing
public Internet access services
driver licensing
vehicle registration
hunting and fishing licensing
notary services
voter registration


Those all sound like fantastic uses. The UK postal service should adapt in much the same way.

 

[CharlieDigital]

How to Save the USPS

Turn it into the Google AdWords of physical mail.

Well, kinda.

You see, the USPS has a huge database of information from which they can build a profile about the folks that receive mail in much the same way that Google has a huge profile of it's users based on browsing history, past search, past clickthroughs, etc.

The USPS knows what magazines you subscribe to, what brochures you get, what companies you have credit lines with (i.e. your Home Depot credit card), what airlines you travel on (i.e. your frequent flier mile statements), etc. It has a huge database of information about you based on your physical mail.

They can bundle and anonymize this information in bulk to allow customers to create targeted mailings. For example, if you currently already subscribe to ESPN Magazine, USPS could sell you as a target in a pool of "All ESPN Magazine Subscribers in New Jersey" to Sports Illustrated so that they can target advertising more directly. Or if you get statements from Nissan, maybe Toyota is interested in buying that pool of information and using it to send targeted ads. It doesn't have to be a direct competitor, it can also be a complementary search. For example, if you get mail from your local public radio station, maybe you'd be a great target for some ads for a local museum or theater.

Sports Illustrated (the "buyer") will never know your actual name and address; just that the USPS will deliver an article of mail (i.e. a sample issue) to a pool of existing customers that match a search criteria and the USPS will be a proxy (your actual info is never handed over to buyers).

This could generate huge revenue streams by allowing companies to mine for patterns, compete directly for customers, and create more targeted advertising for customers.

 

[Piecake]

The same way Obamacare is. When the government competes with private business we all lose. Either offer a government service that everyone agrees upon and is taxed accordingly, or gtfo.

Care to back that up? If a private company gets pushed out of the market by a government run provider, who cares? It simply means that the government run provider provided a much better service. If you say, well, they will suck eventually and doom us all! Well, if that happens, a private company can step in and compete with them since there is no govt monopoly in this case

And you seriously do not understand Obamacare. The government isnt taking over health care. Its simply mandating that you have health care through private insurance, and if you can't afford it, you will either go on medicare or receive subsidies to afford private health insurance

Where exactly is the government competing with private companies in this scenario?

 

[LuchaShaq]

How to Save the USPS

Turn it into the Google AdWords of physical mail.

Well, kinda.

You see, the USPS has a huge database of information from which they can build a profile about the folks that receive mail in much the same way that Google has a huge profile of it's users based on browsing history, past search, past clickthroughs, etc.

The USPS knows what magazines you subscribe to, what brochures you get, what companies you have credit lines with (i.e. your Home Depot credit card), what airlines you travel on (i.e. your frequent flier mile statements).

They can bundle and anonymize this information in bulk to allow customers to create targeted mailings. For example, if you currently already subscribe to ESPN Magazine, USPS could sell you as a target in a pool of "All ESPN Magazine Subscribers in New Jersey" to Sports Illustrated so that they can target advertising more directly.

Sports Illustrated will never know your actual name and address; just that the USPS will deliver an article of mail (i.e. a sample issue) to a pool of existing customers and the USPS will be a proxy (your actual info is never handed over to buyers).

This could generate huge revenue streams by allowing companies to mine for patterns, compete directly for customers, and create more targeted advertising for customers.

Not to mention charging X amount per year to opt out.

GROSS

 

[B-Dex]

they're too afraid to admit that the government run service would be cheaper and the same, if not better quality and that intimidates them.

the only reason a government entity could gain a monopoly over a service, without a mandate outlawing private companies from doing so, is to make the service cheaper or better. So... this is bad because?

Canada Post seems to be doing OK and we never had deliveries on saturdays up here. Also the govt. runs liquor stores up here. But there are also private ones. Govt ones are cheaper though! Money from alcohol sales goes towards other public things like education and healthcare etc...

 

[SteveWinwood]

The same way Obamacare is. When the government competes with private business we all lose. Either offer a government service that everyone agrees upon and is taxed accordingly, or gtfo.

You have zero clue what you're talking about.

 

[The Technomancer]

The same way Obamacare is. When the government competes with private business we all lose. Either offer a government service that everyone agrees upon and is taxed accordingly, or gtfo.

How? If the government offers a worse service, people can still use the private options. If the government offers a better service people get a better service. Where's the problem?

 

[GK86]

The same way Obamacare is. When the government competes with private business we all lose. Either offer a government service that everyone agrees upon and is taxed accordingly, or gtfo.

I think you are just trolling at this point.

 

[PrivateWHudson]

The tin foil hat is on too tight.



How are they taking away jobs from the DMV?

driver licensing
vehicle registration
hunting and fishing licensing
notary services
voter registration

If these get shifted to the USPS, the state DMV folks wouldn't have jobs. Just a shift from state to federal.

How is it waste? And who are these people that don't want it? Are you reading the nonsense you are posting?

Really, what does this even have to do with Saturday delivery, fucking kill it and then see what else they can do to make money. It's a waste and nobody wants it.

Do you NEED to get bills and junk mail on Saturday?

 

[PrivateWHudson]

How to Save the USPS

Turn it into the Google AdWords of physical mail.

Well, kinda.

You see, the USPS has a huge database of information from which they can build a profile about the folks that receive mail in much the same way that Google has a huge profile of it's users based on browsing history, past search, past clickthroughs, etc.

The USPS knows what magazines you subscribe to, what brochures you get, what companies you have credit lines with (i.e. your Home Depot credit card), what airlines you travel on (i.e. your frequent flier mile statements), etc. It has a huge database of information about you based on your physical mail.

They can bundle and anonymize this information in bulk to allow customers to create targeted mailings. For example, if you currently already subscribe to ESPN Magazine, USPS could sell you as a target in a pool of "All ESPN Magazine Subscribers in New Jersey" to Sports Illustrated so that they can target advertising more directly. Or if you get statements from Nissan, maybe Toyota is interested in buying that pool of information and using it to send targeted ads. It doesn't have to be a direct competitor, it can also be a complementary search. For example, if you get mail from your local public radio station, maybe you'd be a great target for some ads for a local museum or theater.

Sports Illustrated (the "buyer") will never know your actual name and address; just that the USPS will deliver an article of mail (i.e. a sample issue) to a pool of existing customers that match a search criteria and the USPS will be a proxy (your actual info is never handed over to buyers).

This could generate huge revenue streams by allowing companies to mine for patterns, compete directly for customers, and create more targeted advertising for customers.

Now this is brilliant.

 

[GK86]

If these get shifted to the USPS, the state DMV folks wouldn't have jobs. Just a shift from state to federal.

Yes, I'm aware of the list, since it was posted in the OP. Your point being? The DMV is going to lose jobs, because another gov't agency is offering the same services?

Do you NEED to get bills and junk mail on Saturday?

Yes, because we all know that is the only thing that gets delivered on Saturdays, right? Not netflix, not packages, not letters, etc. Nope, just bills, and junk.

Now this is brilliant.

Wait, you don't want the big, bad government to touch your precious services, but you are ok with them selling people's data? You are a nut without a screw.

 

[Jest Chillin]

If these get shifted to the USPS, the state DMV folks wouldn't have jobs. Just a shift from state to federal.

It wouldn't be a shift, it would be an addition. Which would be good for everyone. DMV's struggle to supply the demand for their services in heavily populated areas. Which is why everyone hates the DMV.

 

[PrivateWHudson]

It wouldn't be a shift, it would be an addition. Which would be good for everyone. DMV's struggle to supply the demand for their services in heavily populated areas. Which is why everyone hates the DMV.

It's not a problem of supply and demand, it's all of the slow grumpy government employees dragging their feet. If it was supply and demand, they would hire more DMV employees.

 

[ElRenoRaven]

You know what. I'm ok with this. The postal service should be allowed to do what they need to do to be self sustaining.

 

[Cyan]

It's not a problem of supply and demand, it's all of the slow grumpy government employees dragging their feet. If it was supply and demand, they would hire more DMV employees.

Well then, I guess they'll have to start hiring better people once the competition from the USPS kicks off.

 

[Jest Chillin]

It's not a problem of supply and demand, it's all of the slow grumpy government employees dragging their feet. If it was supply and demand, they would hire more DMV employees.

I don't want to sound like a jerk here but from this comment it seems you haven't experienced the DMV in a major city with poor public transit. Like Los Angeles. It's not just grumpy employees. It's literally the demand is too much for the amount of locations. And the sheer variety of things you need to go to the DMV to, to get done makes it that much worse.

 

[PrivateWHudson]

Well then, I guess they'll have to start hiring better people once the competition from the USPS kicks off.

Nah, they'll just lay them off and let the USPS do it. Hence the shift in jobs. That said, the USPS will end up loosing money eventually and be back in the same spot they are now.

Edit: Jest Chillin, you are correct. Why don't they add more locations if it's such a profitable business?

 

[Agnostic]

Reduce the requirement for funding retirement health benefits for employees to even 25 years into the future instead of 75 years and watch the USPS save itself.

QFT

 

[NoRéN]

This, and vehicle registration. Anything that offers an alternative to the DMV is a god send.

If it's anything like their passport processing I cant imagine it will be all that great. Pretty useless here in socal if you have AAA.

But being able to ship beer will be good.

 

[Jest Chillin]

Nah, they'll just lay them off and let the USPS do it. Hence the shift in jobs. That said, the USPS will end up loosing money eventually and be back in the same spot they are now.

Edit: Jest Chillin, you are correct. Why don't they add more locations if it's such a profitable business?

I have no knowledge of how those decisions are made but I would speculate that it's due to the cost of property and lack of quality locations. Being so highly populated typically makes real estate incredibly expensive and difficult to acquire in established areas. They have no problem opening new locations in developing areas but in major cities there really isn't a ton of available locations that would be suitable for the business.

 

[DiscoJer]

What they should do is authorize them to sell pizzas. That way they can deliver the mail while out delivering the pizza.