USPS Announces Increase in First Class Mail Delivery Time

Griffin McGahey leads Birmingham, Alabama-based HC3 and data management solutions. Responsible for ensuring the prompt distribution of client mailpieces, Griffin McGahey maintains a close watch on US Postal Service rates and delivery times.

In late 2021, a major shift occurred, as the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced that expected delivery times had increased from the traditional one to three days, one to one-to-five days for First-Class Mail (FCM). This change was part of a broader Delivering for America initiative introduced by the incoming Postmaster General to return the organization to fiscal health and generate $160 billion in savings over 10 years.

The impact of this was not across-the-board, with more than 60 percent of FCM expected to adhere to existing service standards. In addition, just as before, the new expected delivery time was not guaranteed but instead described as “aspirational.”

One major reason for the change involves the high cost of jet fuel and airplane transportation. As the USPS does not own any of its aircraft, a premium must be paid for letters to be delivered via air. First-Class Mail is now exclusively handled through the USPS’ extensive truck fleet, while Priority Mail is still distributed by airplane through partners.

USPS Announces Increase in First Class Mail Delivery Time

Griffin McGahey leads Birmingham, Alabama-based HC3 and data management solutions. Responsible for ensuring the prompt distribution of client mailpieces, Griffin McGahey maintains a close watch on US Postal Service rates and delivery times.

In late 2021, a major shift occurred, as the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced that expected delivery times had increased from the traditional one to three days, one to one-to-five days for First-Class Mail (FCM). This change was part of a broader Delivering for America initiative introduced by the incoming Postmaster General to return the organization to fiscal health and generate $160 billion in savings over 10 years.

The impact of this was not across-the-board, with more than 60 percent of FCM expected to adhere to existing service standards. In addition, just as before, the new expected delivery time was not guaranteed but instead described as “aspirational.”

One major reason for the change involves the high cost of jet fuel and airplane transportation. As the USPS does not own any of its aircraft, a premium must be paid for letters to be delivered via air. First-Class Mail is now exclusively handled through the USPS’ extensive truck fleet, while Priority Mail is still distributed by airplane through partners.