Thoughts on the USPS (Score 1)

Obviously, not everyone has the same experience with the USPS. Mine has been very good.

I ship a fair number of packages. I have a FedEx account and have found that most of my packages are cheapest to send via FedEx Home. I also have a USPS account. I ship USPS when I'm shipping media mail or when the package is lightweight. FedEx rates are generally better for heavier packages (4 pounds up). That's especially true if the ship-to address is a business, if it's not in the boondocks, and if the package needs insurance. One insight into why FedEx might be cheaper is that per wikipedia: "FedEx Express contractually flies a large number of packages for United States Postal Service totaling one billion dollars worth of packages per year, making it one of FedEx's biggest customers".

USPS has modernized and continues to do so. I recently used the web to have my mail held while I was out of town; worked like a champ. Their other online services are quite good; I just wish I could print more classes of postage/mailing labels online w/o having to use another (expensive) service provider (e.g. stamps.com).

Rates are up, but they're still much less than rates elsewhere in the world, especially considering the geographic distances involved. Service seems to me to be better too.

The USPS is head and shoulders above what the old Post Office was years ago. I just hope they continue to improve and innovate.