SLOW HOLIDAY SERVICE CONTINUES
USPS service performance continues to decline as the holidays approach. In the past week, only 66% of First-Class letters were delivered on time. 10.49% were more than five days late. Just under half of First-Class flats were on time, with more than 17% over five days late.
93% of Marketing Mail letters were on time, the worst performance we’ve seen in nearly a year. Marketing Mail flats were on time 80% of the time, again a worst for the year. While the numbers may seem better on Marketing Mail, remember that the service standards are much more generous for Marketing Mail, and the mail is typically dropped close to the destination facility.
There was word of delays in unloading at some facilities, particularly in Ohio and Illinois. Service was particularly slow in these areas.
All of this is predictable in the holiday season, and this week’s numbers are a bit better than the same week last year, so there is hope for continued recovery. If history is any indicator, you can expect service to improve in the coming weeks.
