August 26, 2021 (RISC-WP-21-007) Over the past decade, the Postal Service has focused its technology development efforts on two areas: mail innovations and data analytics. Advancements in these areas will continue to lead transformation in the postal industry going forward. Other emerging technologies that have not yet had a major impact on the Postal Service,…
October 2, 2017 (RARC-WP-18-001) Logistics companies, including the U.S. Postal Service, are already researching autonomous vehicles in order to increase driver safety, reduce fuel costs, and improve worker productivity. The OIG identified seven distinct ways the Postal Service could use the technology for last-mile delivery and long-haul transportation. Despite some remaining hurdles to full implementation,…
Delivery companies are literally digging deeper to develop new systems for getting packages quickly to customers with one futuristic idea having roots in the past. Amazon received a patent for a system to deliver goods via a dedicated network of underground tunnels, according to recent news reports. The 33-page application lays out the specifications for…
If your job as a bank teller, retail clerk or travel agent disappeared, would you be more likely to move up or down the employment chain? The unfortunate answer is down, which helps explain why the loss of many middle-class jobs is having such a punishing effect on the U.S. economy and the fortunes of…
