U.S. Postal Service

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)

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)

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

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)