change at the post office

The post office is a $75 billion behemouth that is working itself to $50 billion at breakneck pace. A few weeks ago, the Postmaster General floated a plan to discontinue Saturday deliveries as a way to get the post office in the black, at least temporarily.

Change is happening everywhere at breakneck pace. In the last 20 years or so, the internet, Federal Express, UPS, and more have taken a bite out of the post office's proverbial rear end. And, it doesn't look like it's going to stop.

Since the post office isn't subsidized with tax dollars, it needs to think more proactively to deal with its future problems. It seems, at least to me, the post office is the deliverer of last resort, with less time sensitive material than ever before.

If the Postmaster General was making a real effort, the plan would include delivering mail three days a week, instead of six. Half the letter carriers would be removed from the street. Desk service could still stay at current levels, and mail could be received at the post office for off days. There might have to be additional help at the windows, but that would be dwarfed by the savings on the street.

This is the type of thinking the post office needs as it moves into more difficult waters. Or, they could go the route of Blockbuster and just wait until the decision is made for them.