The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced on December 5, 2011, its plans to help reduce debt and save $20 billion in operating costs by 2015. These cost cutting measures are being adopted in an effort to continue providing services.   The USPS will begin reviewing all offices and plans to close as many as 252 out of 461 mail processing facilities, beginning in April.  As a result, up to 28,000 jobs nationwide will be cut.  First-Class Mail delivery will take approximately 2-3 days for standard delivery within the contiguous U.S.  Next day delivery for stamped letters will be eliminated and periodicals will be delivered between two and nine days.  In addition, the cost of first-class mail will increase by one cent on January 22, to 45 cents.

The USPS is working with congress regarding future changes and is asking for more authority in decision making processes.  They propose reducing mail delivery to five days a week, increasing stamp prices and reducing health care and other labor costs to reach their goals.  They also encourage a reduction in House and Senate review measures currently required in an effort to speed up post office and processing center closures.

As valued clients, we are informing you of these changes as this could cause a delay in receiving your checks for those electing service by the USPS.  This includes payroll mailed to business locations as well as employee paychecks mailed to home addresses.  To avoid any potential disruption in payroll, we suggest considering direct deposit.  There is no fee to enroll, no trips to the bank to cash checks and no delay in deposits when traveling or on vacation.  To learn more, contact StaffScapes at 303-466-7864 or info@StaffScapes.com.