United States Postal Service
United States Postal Service (USPS) is the United States government organization responsible for providing postal service in the United States. It is the result of the mandate for post offices by the United States Constitution. Originally a cabinet department, it was later converted to a government-owned corporation. Competition from private operations such as United Parcel Service and FedEx has caused USPS to adjust its business strategy and to modernize its products and services.Being the only mail carrier that delivers to all addresses in the United States, United States Postal Service is also a symbol of the United States in many rural areas. First-Class Mail, starting at 37 cents, is still the least expensive and most universal method to send a letter in the US.
For a number of years, the US Postal Service has been head sponsor of a professional cycling team, bearing its name. The team features Lance Armstrong, winner of the Tour de France from 1999 to 2003.
The United States Postal Inspection Service is the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the USA. It originated in 1772 when colonial Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin appointed a surveyor or special agent to regulate and audit the mails ÃÂÃÂ 4 years before the Declaration of Independence.
As Franklin was Postmaster under the Continental Congress and was WashingtonÃÂÃÂs first Postmaster, his system continued.
By 1830 the special agents had grown to become the Office of Instructions and Mail Depredations.
USPIS investigate mail related crimes. This is not just theft of sending illegal material, but includes attacks on letter carriers. Since 9/11 the USPIS has also investigated several cases of ricin, Anthrax and other toxic substances being sent through the mail.
Major products and services
First Class Mail
The normal mail service used by individuals and business sending a small amount of mail. One rate regardless of distance.
Standard Mail
Used mainly for businesses.
Bulk Mail
Used for businesses to send large quantities of mail.
Parcel Post
Used to send packages weighing up to 70 pounds
Priority Mail
Priority Mail is an expedited mail service with a few additional features.
Express Mail
Express Mail is the fastest mail service.
Global Priority and Global Express Mail
Expedited and express service to several countries.Airline Division
The United States Postal Service also operates an airline division, which it uses to carry mail as well as packages across the United States daily. The USPS airline division's fleet consists of Boeing 727 jets, many of which are leased from other cargo airlines.Postage Stamps
Copyright and Reproduction
All US postage stamps and other postage items that were released before 1978 are in the public domain. After this time they are copyright by the postal service under Title 17 of the United States Code. The Domestic Mail Manual (D013) allows the use of stamps and other philatelic items in editorial content, in audio-visual productions, for advertising purposes and for philatelic catalogs.PC Postage
In addation to using standard stanps, postage can now be printed from a Personal computer using a system called Information Based Indicia. Authorized providers of PC Postage are:
Sponsorships
Postal Inspection Service
See also
External links