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---- U.S. Postal Service facing insolvency due to new technologies

vincevincevince - 4:28 am on Jul 31, 2009 (gmt 0)


It is not a surprise; and to be honest I think it should be encouraged and not resisted. Remember that rural mail deliveries in the US are already subsidised. They are actually already unprofitable. The sensible solution is to learn from history.

  • Door-to-door deliveries should be abolished entirely.
  • Physical mail and parcels should be held at the nearest post office for collection.
  • Emails are sent to inform you of a new letter or parcel requiring collection; if you have no computer, you as the recipient can pay extra per month to get an SMS or phone call alert
  • Terminals at that post office should allow cheap printing of electronic mail for those without computers.
  • Electronic mail should become a legally valid medium for all communication; the USPS can move into authentication, scanning and certifying services - in particular certified receipt
  • Major problem with electronic documents (contracts etc.) is having them signed and returned; USPS can do this by providing an electronic signature system, witnessed by a USPS officer

    Overall, abolishing door-to-door deliveries and building up the power of electronic email should give the USPS key new revenue streams and a role which will continue to be relevant in the future. After all, the shortcomings of standard email are very well known - there is a lot that USPS can do to improve on that and charge for.

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