Why It Matters That U.S. Mail Volume Is Dropping Precipitously (From RealClearMarkets)

The steady decline in mail volume over the past 15 years has recently kicked into high gear, potentially foreshadowing major financial problems for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and the demise of a communications medium that has literally knit the nation together.

Whether used to distribute government documents (e.g., driver’s licenses and court papers), for marketing and business development, or personal correspondence, a strong mail system means a strong America. It cannot, and will not, ever be entirely replaced by electronic communication.

The U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Regulatory Commission need to determine the impact that two years of large postal price increases, above the rate of inflation, have had on mail volume. Another significant price hike expected in July should be postponed.

Lexington Institute’s Paul Steidler discusses this in an Op-Ed in RealClearMarkets here.