5 Major USPS Alterations in 2024: Elevated Stamp Costs & More
TL/DR –
The article highlights important points regarding online change of address (COA) submissions and updates by the US Postal Services (USPS). Information regarding online COA includes the necessity of an email address, a one-time passcode sent via text message, a $1.10 identity verification fee, and a matching billing address. The article also mentions USPS’s financial losses, declining mail volumes, the introduction of new stamps, and efforts to improve service and delivery speed.
Online Change of Address (COA) Submissions
- For COA submission online, an email address is mandatory.
- You’ll receive a one-time passcode or verification link via text message.
- Your credit card will be charged $1.10 for identity verification.
- The credit card billing address must match either the old or new address on the COA request. Gift and prepaid cards are not accepted.
Failure of online verification will require a visit to the post office.
Four new stamp releases for 2024
The USPS plans to release new stamps in 2024 to celebrate influential coaches, iconic games, and American pastimes. These new stamps include:
- Dungeons & Dragons: To mark the 50th anniversary of this popular game, USPS will release a set of 20 stamps featuring different game elements.
- John Wooden: A stamp featuring a portrait of John Wooden, one of America’s most respected basketball coaches.
- Carnival Nights: Celebrating American summer carnivals, a new set of stamps illustrates the vibrancy of these events.
- Ansel Adams: Famous for his landscape photography, USPS is honoring Ansel Adams with a series of 16 stamps featuring some of his most renowned images.
Anticipated USPS financial losses and mail volume decline
The USPS reported a net loss of $6.5 billion in fiscal 2023, higher than its $4.5 billion projection. This deficit is attributed to reduced mail volumes, residual effects from previous pricing strategies, and inflation. For 2024, a net loss of $6.3 billion is expected. Furthermore, it’s predicted that total mail and package volume will decrease by 7.7% compared to the previous year.
Despite the anticipated decline in first-class mail, USPS expects an uptick in package delivery, which will be facilitated by its recently launched USPS Ground Advantage service.
Improved USPS Services and Faster Delivery
Through its Delivering for America plan, USPS aims to enhance service and speed up delivery by consolidating its delivery centers into larger and more central locations. Six facilities are already operational and over 100 new locations are being evaluated this year. This plan will improve same-day/next-day shipping, on-time performance, and streamline return services. No post offices will be affected or services disrupted due to this restructuring.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News