USPS operates one of the nation’s most extensive retail networks, supplemented by a full range of customer-convenient alternate access channels, including third-party retail partners, self-service and online products and services. Visits to postal retail offices and revenue generated there continued to decline in FY2011, while the percentage of revenue generated from alternate channels continued to grow. The Postal Service introduced a number of improvements for both retail and alternate channels this year.
As customer demographics and use change for retail organizations, it is standard practice for them to close underperforming units, shift operations and develop new products and services. The Postal Service, however, does not have sufficient flexibility to do that.
Postal products and services include:
First-Class Mail: This includes personal and business correspondence, bills, statements and payments.
Standard Mail: Advertising, catalogs and related commercial offers.
Periodicals Mail: Magazines and newspapers, journals and other published material. Separate special categories include Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail and Library Rate. Many of these categories receive lower rates by Congressional mandate.
Package Services: Postal packages include both non-competitive and competitive categories, as designated by legislation and regulation. Package services include expedited categories, such as Express Mail and Priority Mail, and ground services, such as Parcel Post and Parcel Select.
International Services: The Postal Service offers a full range of international mail and shipping services for consumers and businesses.
Special Services: Most of these services are related to mailing items, and include Registered Mail, insurance, Delivery Confirmation, Certified Mail and other services.
Money Transfer Services: The Postal Service provides money orders and other services.
Delivery Services: This includes Post Office Box service, premium forwarding and related services.
Retail Services: The Postal Service provides a range of mail-related products at retail, including boxes and supplies for mailing, greeting cards and gift cards.
