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• The U.S. Postal Service, often referred to as USPS, is an independent governmental agency established in 1775. It oversees and carries out the shipment and delivery of mail, packages, and supplies in the United States.

  Prices for a First Class Mail postage stamp increased from 42¢ to 44¢ on May 11, 2009. All other postal services including Parcel Post and Standard Mail were also included in the price increase.Dallas Morning News: Postal rates go up today (May 11, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Also known as: USPS, the Postal Service, Post Office Department
  2. Formed: 1775
  3. Established by Article One of the United States Constitution
  4. Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
  5. Independent government agency
  6. Employees: 800,000
  7. Postmaster General: John E. Potter
  8. Annual revenue (2007): $74.9 billion
  9. Nation's third largest employer
  10. Prices increase every MayThe Murray County News: Prices for mailing services will continue to adjust each May (April 29, 2009)

• Offices Closing

  On March 20, 2009, the U.S. Postal Service announced that it would be closing six of the 80 district offices around the country. In addition, 15 percent of district-level workers would be laid off. In a further effort to streamline costs, the agency will also offer early retirement to approximately 150,000 workers across the country. The efforts are expected to help save an estimated $100 million annually.Bloomberg.com: U.S. Postal Service to Cut Jobs... (March 20, 2009)

• Key Dates

  1. July 26, 1775: Second Continental Congress names Benjamin Franklin the first Postmaster GeneralOfficial Site: History of the U.S. Postal Service
  2. 1792: Congress establishes the Post Office Department as part of the Presidential Cabinet
  3. August 12, 1970: President Nixon signs the Postal Reorganization Act
  4. July 1, 1971:
     • -Postal Reorganization Act takes effect
     • -The Post Office Department becomes an independent agency
     • -Name changes to the United States Postal Service

• Recession Woes

  During a Senate testimony on January 28, 2009, Postmaster General John E. Potter stated that an increasing deficit and plummeting mail volume could lead to the U.S. Postal Service cutting a day of mail delivery.CNNMoney.com: USPS may cut day of mail delivery (January 28, 2009)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Stamp Collecting | UPS Christmas Shipping | FedEx | United Parcel Service (UPS) | DHL | United States | Benjamin Franklin | DHL Layoffs | Mail Holidays | Christmas Letters | Christmas Shipping Tips | Forever Stamps

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