United States Postal Service 

The United States Postal Service (USPS), also referred to as the US Post Office, or simply the Post Office, is a federal institution that is independent of the government in that they are self-supporting, have a Board of Governors and rely on executive management rather than congressional legislation to function. The USPS delivers more mail to addresses in a larger geographical area than any other post, accounting for 40% of the world’s mail delivery. In 2014, the USPS….

• Processed 155,400,000,000 pieces of mail,
• Changed 34,400,000 addresses,
• And delivered to over 153,900,000 locations nationwide.

To learn more about the different types of USPS mail
select the desired class of mail below

Interesting Factoids about the US Post Office

• First class mail alone accounts for over $28 billion of a more than $1 trillion mailing industry that employs more than 8 million people. Needless to say, the USPS has earned it’s place in the “Big Three”. 
• Mail is still delivered by mule in Supai, Arizona inside the Grand Canyon affectionately called “Mule Mail” (see the article here)
  
• In Lake Geneva, Wisconson 75 homes have mail delivered to them via Mailboat… and it has become such a unique feature of the community that not only does the boat give tours during routes; it is one of the most sought after summer time jobs for young people. Below is a video of the try-outs held for employment. ever going to see this so meh

The most common issues I deal with or questions I have regarding the Post Office:

• Just because it’s a single sheet of paper, rather than an envelope does NOT make it a post card (read more on my article about postcards.)
• Stamps are 50¢ but I do not sell any in Mail Services.
• A good rule of thumb for figuring out if your letter needs one or two stamps… if you can easily fit the envelope in between the tines of a fork (without damaging the envelope. Well, or the fork, I suppose) and it stays, then you’re probably safe. I’m always able to weigh things just to make sure too.
  

The post office excels at large amounts of mail being sent accurately and efficiently for a fair price. So, if you have a birthday card, and on-time payment, a package to send that has little to no value… the USPS is going to give you the most bang for your buck in my opinion.

Want to learn more about the US Post Office? You know you do! Check out this semi-entertaining (and surprisingly researched) Buzzfeed link 20 Facts That Will Shatter Your Perception of the US Post Office. Super wild.