The new service standard for First Class Mail is now what it used to be for single-piece 3rd class mail. This is not what anyone expected when Congress passed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006.

David Williams, USPS VP of Network Operations, wants more time to Delivery Point Sequence letter and flat mail. The USPS goal is to cut carrier positions as well. His testimony to the Postal Regulatory Commission is attached.

Some customers will still need one and two-day delivery. They will have to pay a lot more. The Postal Service probably expects the slowdown of First-Class Mail to boost Priority Mail and Express Mail volumes. The USPS may claim this mail volume increase is “new work” and exempt from the cap on noncareer employees.