Top Five Companies We’d Be Better Off Without, #1: The U.S. Postal Service
Author: Nick
Category: Money
Topics: business
Who would’ve guessed that the #1 company we’d be better off without is a government-owned corporation? (Okay, you can put your hands down now.)
Worse than any monopoly in United States history–yes, worse than Microsoft, Standard Oil, or even Major League Baseball–is this behemoth delivery service which will forever elude antitrust laws because it has the blessings of the federal government.
And why shouldn’t it? After all, think of everything the Postal Service does for us:
- Delivers a letter anywhere in the country for under 40 cents. That figure will probably be out of date by the time I post this article, but USPS can do amazing things for dirt cheap.
- Brings communication from the outside world to your door almost everyday. Heck, most people don’t want to see you even once a week, and these guys stop by six times that!
- Puts up with your crappy handwriting. There are two people in the world who can read my handwriting: the first-grade teacher who taught it to me… and the United States Postal Service. It’s a miracle my hand-addressed envelopes make it to the right state, let alone street.
- Provides employment for the mentally ill. Ha ha ha, just kidding on this one. Still, USPS is the third-largest employer in the country.
I must be out of my mind to nominate our beloved Postal Service as the top company we’d be better off without.
But don’t worry, I have my reasons. And now… let them be known to the world!
- USPS has a total monopoly on non-urgent first-class mail. Wanna send a letter to your grandma in Some Town, Wisconsin, telling her how you aced your Differential Equations exam? It’s gotta go through the United States Postal Service. Absolutely nobody else is allowed to deliver standard first-class mail except those men (and women) in blue. Well, blue-gray.
- Only USPS can touch your mailbox. Ever wonder why UPS will leave a tiny package on the ground even in a torrential downpour rather than stick in it the safety of your mailbox? That’s because the law says your mailbox is off-limits to all but the Postal Service. The penalty for breaking that law? Death by firing squad. Ha ha ha, just kidding again. I love postal worker jokes.
- By law, potential competitors must charge at least $3 to send urgent letters. So even if FedEx wanted to charge you a buck to send your mail overnight, it couldn’t.
- The reasons for the USPS monopoly are anti-capitalistic. All of us Americans pay 39 cents to deliver a letter from one point in the U.S. to another. But why should we pay the same to mail a letter to the other side of town as we do to send one to Middle of Nowhere, Montana? If the majority of your mail is paying local bills or sending letters within your state, and unless you live in some out-of-the-way area where your nearest neighbor is three miles away, it probably costs a few pennies for USPS to send each letter. You pay more to cover the cases when someone in Mountaintop, Colorado, wants to send a letter to his cousin Cletus in No Paved Roads, Alabama. An end to the Postal Service monopoly could cut the median American family’s yearly mailing costs in half or better.
- USPS answers obsoletion with price increases instead of innovation. As e-mail quickly replaces first class mail as the standard form of written communication, and with other carriers doing a better job on urgent mail, USPS finds itself faced with eventual obsoletion. But rather than downsize its operations or look for ways to innovate and become competitive again, the Postal Service simply raises rates every so often to put a heavy tax on those letters you still need to send on occasion. If the business of sending mail were deregulated, competition would force companies to find new ways of doing business before passing on the extra costs to its customers. At this rate, you may only need to send one letter every year in 2030, but USPS will probably charge you $86 to do it!
Don’t forget to check out the other articles in the Top Companies We’d Be Better Off Without series:
Now it’s your turn! Comment here if you agree or disagree with any of these choices or their order. Alternately, you could send me a letter with your thoughts, but don’t be surprised if it “disappears” at your local monopoly–er, post office.
Loading ...
79 Responses
1.
Lazy Man and Money
January 8th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
I’m not convinced the flat rate thing is bad. If I had to pay variable pricing for locations and weight, I could never figure out what it would be and would have to go to the post office (or equivalent) to figure out how much postage is required. That’s going to cost me more in time, gas, and effort than a few 39 cent stamps. Of course if it gets to $86, we’ll have to raise the issue, but can you think of a better system than the flat rate one? Perhaps we should all have mail scales and online calculators (though those without Internet access would be penalized by not being able to calculate the rate).
2.
Stingy Student
January 8th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
I agree with Lazy Man, the flat rate thing is a good thing because it still allows people in the middle of nowhere to send letters anywhere for a mere $0.39. Imagine if this were a free market, no one would service those people living out there just like insurance companies don’t offer new policies to people with HIV, cancer, or who work as stunt doubles. Try making a delivery to someone in a country where the postal system isn’t so great, and you’ll get what I’m saying. Otherwise, I agree with your points, but I still think the benefits outweigh the negatives.
3.
Post Office Software Dev
January 8th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
I work for a company that makes software for USPS customers (think TurboTax but for mail). USPS is a huge operation, charged with running as a business while providing public services and considerations other businesses would scoff at. Discounts for nonprofits? Reduced rates for periodicals and newspapers? Required by law to allow shipment of scorpions? Must open a new post office for every postcode? Free mail for the blind and congresspeople?
I hope the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (and their planned network reorganization for this year or next) gives USPS the ability to improve service and reduce prices.
I’m also excited about Forever Stamps, a new first-class stamp that will work across rate increases. I don’t look forward to finding 3-cent stamps for the next rate increase.
4.
commercial real estate
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:55 am
President Reagan proposed closing the post office … still a good idea.
5.
artemis ceiling fan
May 30th, 2010 at 1:58 am
FedEx is much better!
6.
Gabby
June 20th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
The flat rate is fine but their “tracking” is too slow.
vintage crystal chandelier
7.
USA Classifieds
July 2nd, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Thanks for sharing. Nice information.
Regards
8.
money rates
July 7th, 2010 at 5:33 am
your sales and advertising capabilities is an important for growing your business. Terry Elliott lays out the elements of sales and marketing you need to analyze to set up an effective sales strategy. Thanks.
9.
robomower
July 9th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
thank for this article it great
10.
Top Growing Businesses
July 16th, 2010 at 2:12 am
I like your article. Thanks for sharing.
11.
webcam modeling
July 21st, 2010 at 4:14 am
Interesting read! Thanks for sharing this with us.
12.
FAFSA
July 26th, 2010 at 6:36 am
Thanks for the fantastic ideas, It was precisely what I was intereste in
13.
office supplies
August 3rd, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Thanks for the article. Very interesting
14.
Genny Lalanne
August 7th, 2010 at 6:21 am
Feed abon-niert
15.
Mobility Showers
August 19th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
I definitely agree about Verizon. They have the worst customer service.
16.
bronze chandelier
August 31st, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Here’s a short story. Mailed in my Verizon bill via the Post Office–who promptly ripped my bill so that Verizon couldn’t cash it.
Verizon…instead of calling me so that I could send a new one….automatically puts me on their deadbeat list and I begin receiving computer calls at all times of the day and night for a bill I was under the impression I’d paid.
After much hassle and trying to track down my check I received my check and a letter back…a month later….ahhhh.
Seems to be normal with these guys.
17.
Summerslam
September 15th, 2010 at 6:50 am
This is excellent that explains everything.
18.
muscle building routines for men
October 19th, 2010 at 4:37 am
United States Portal Service provide their services at very low cost and every corner of the nation with effectively as well as efficiently, where other private portal services provider take $3 which is much more expansive than the United States Portal Service, from the comparison it show that they do their work at cheap rate.
19.
Robert
November 1st, 2010 at 3:50 am
Advertising capabilities is must for running any business. A am agree with your view and planing. Thanks for fantastic ideas and thoughts. Diamond Rings
20.
Jordan
November 9th, 2010 at 12:42 am
Well, I do not completely agree with what you have stated in the post even though I also believe that changes must be brought for all these firms. McDonald’s was a revolutionary business when it was started so is Wal-Mart. They have brought a fresh idea on franchise business which is still very valuable.
21.
sohbetci
November 16th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
thanks for admin.nice sharing.good
22.
ige
November 28th, 2010 at 1:09 am
good campany
23.
ブライトリング 偽物
December 4th, 2010 at 4:50 am
good campany
24.
افلام
December 6th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
You have served me this information thanks to a very great effort
25.
دردشة
December 8th, 2010 at 11:38 am
The subject of a mile and a very special and out of your creations in writing
26.
Mike Bundrant
January 31st, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Yo thanks.
27.
Torna
February 11th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Hello admin, thank for sharing
28.
Sohbet
February 12th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Thanks for admin.nice sharing.very nice..
29.
Scaffold boards
February 24th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Eso es Muy Útil article Para mi. Estudiante de soja y realmente Estoy Interesado En Este tema.Gracias. You don’t know how much I love it too. What a big fun when you can celebrate it with friends.
30.
Georg
March 11th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
Hey! Tnx for this topic!!! It’s going to my bookmarks!
And I have a blog about Firefox plugins. Welcome!
31.
دردشة عراقية
March 26th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
good campany
32.
Long sleeved dresses
March 28th, 2011 at 6:53 am
This makes Picnik, you are the best .. Now go take account of McDonald’s in 2010! Is Beiber that new idol people talk about recently? He’s amazingly young, no wonder a lot of women screaming whenever he sings.
33.
Lovebirds for sale
March 28th, 2011 at 8:17 am
Congratulations Picnik! I’m a big fan and am glad “to see you guys are doing well! Cool! That just makes sense for many’s minds, lol. We should be more optimistic in life.
34.
Timothy Mckinzie
April 7th, 2011 at 11:22 am
I’ve been here in the past yet this is probably the best blog posts yet. keep it up!
35.
xx
April 27th, 2011 at 2:06 am
http://www.coachpursestores.com/
36.
social marketing
May 5th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
well these are some cheap prices,delivering a letter in less than 40 cents as its said in here looks little doubtful because its so cheap.here is australia we spend minimum of 75 cents
37.
zara
May 14th, 2011 at 3:04 am
http://www.burberrybags-store.com/
38.
online rebates
June 7th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
We’d be better off without USPS is a totally lame statement. Do you want to ship abroad with UPS with their highway robbery like brokerage fees?
39.
pneumonia contagious
July 5th, 2011 at 3:13 am
President Reagan proposed closing the post office … still a good idea.
40.
دردشة عراقنا
July 9th, 2011 at 5:18 am
dfef
41.
burberry outlet
July 28th, 2011 at 3:36 am
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
42.
burberry outlet
July 28th, 2011 at 3:37 am
It is a very informative and useful post thanks it is good material to read this post increases my knowledge
43.
شات صوتي
August 2nd, 2011 at 7:06 pm
qe http://www.q8motor.com/
44.
Camie Praino
August 12th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Yeah bookmaking this wasn’t a risky conclusion great post!
45.
الرياض
September 3rd, 2011 at 8:50 am
United States Portal Service provide their services at very low cost and every corner of the nation with effectively as well as efficiently, where other private portal services provider take $3 which is much more expansive than the United States Portal Service, from the comparison it show that they do their work at cheap rate.
46.
صفا
September 10th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
lnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn’
47.
شات مصر
September 15th, 2011 at 7:19 am
mcryh mcryh
48.
san antonio dentists
October 2nd, 2011 at 8:07 am
Nice post.. Really enjoyed a lot reading it.. I would like to read more of your interesting posts. Please keep it up.
49.
Property Marbella
October 4th, 2011 at 4:35 am
But don’t worry, I have my reasons. And now… let them be known to the world! Property Marbella
50.
ماليزيا
October 25th, 2011 at 9:51 am
thank you for sharing,this information is useful to me.good quality
51.
Monster Earphones Sale
October 29th, 2011 at 1:28 am
In the babies component too, the breed is complicated and very much enchanting.
52.
balmain clothing
October 29th, 2011 at 1:40 am
Take a gaze at the lengthy fetch heroic discern citizen hammering it well across 400 yards.
53.
Belstaff sale
October 29th, 2011 at 1:45 am
The current citizen of this energies lies inside your body. It is your body swinging the golf team
54.
Ricardo
October 29th, 2011 at 1:56 am
I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed now, thanks. penny stock brokers
55.
Jason
November 10th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Business cards are printed on some form of card stock, the visual impact, method of printing, price along with other particulars varying based on cultural or organizational norms and personal preferences.
56.
cenduxp
November 29th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Take a gaze at the lengthy fetch heroic discern citizen hammering it well across 400 yards.
57.
Live Girls on Mobile
December 6th, 2011 at 2:51 am
I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed now, thanks
58.
Tom the Cover Letter Guy
December 10th, 2011 at 11:26 am
Cover letters can be the most important part of your job application. Resumes are important but often there are a lot of similarities between qualified candidates.
A cover letter for cv lets you show your personality and communication skills in a way your resume alone cannot. Learn to write great cover letters and you will get more interviews.
59.
interior design
December 22nd, 2011 at 2:19 am
This is very nice and cool post.I was waiting for this type article and I have gained some useful information from this site. Thanks for sharing this information. Keep blogging.
60.
دردشة عراق الرومانسية
December 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 am
thank you a lot’s bro
61.
christian louboutin
January 12th, 2012 at 4:11 am
Your blog is perfect, and I like this article. I find the information I need. I think I can find more useful information here.
62.
replica jewelry
January 26th, 2012 at 12:51 am
it is a marvelous post. thanks for the information.htsdh
63.
شات
January 28th, 2012 at 8:31 am
good man this topic very good
64.
music production
February 10th, 2012 at 2:09 am
Thanks for illustrating the commands. Without illustration it’s really tough to understand.
65.
دردشة العراق
February 12th, 2012 at 6:27 am
good man this topic very good
66.
دردشة العراق
February 16th, 2012 at 12:46 am
thanx this topic very very good
i will spend my time in this site
67.
patio umbrella lights
March 12th, 2012 at 10:40 pm
I hate walmart
68.
wealth management
March 17th, 2012 at 2:15 am
Thank you for sharing excellent information. Your website is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject
69.
windows 7
March 19th, 2012 at 12:57 am
Your website is fantastic! Thank you for sharing this with us, very appreciated I will return for more of this blog. i really like it.
70.
Yerevan
April 4th, 2012 at 8:52 am
Excellent is the only word i can give u for this wonderful blog, keep it up. I will come back again to read some more interesting things on this topic.
71.
silver evening dress
April 10th, 2012 at 9:05 pm
I thought it would be a boring old post, but actually compensated by time. I’ll send a link to this page on my blog. I’m sure my visitors are very useful
72.
شات الحب
April 17th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Þakka þér fyrir þessa fallegu færslu Jeddah hamingju
73.
اخبار الاهلى
May 29th, 2012 at 9:25 pm
The party is on, you are very got at making fun o serious problems
74.
click here
June 27th, 2012 at 6:46 am
Since I live in a state where the minimum wage is indexed to inflation, I expect that my income will keep up just about exactly with inflation.
75.
دردشة عراقية
September 13th, 2012 at 8:13 am
نسيت لكم عن الماعز والإوز والمهر، والكثير من الطرق لدينا في الحديقة الخاصة بك “من العناية”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Trackbacks & Pingbacks
[...] Anyway, I was very very tempted to just slap a thirty-nine cent stamp on the letter and mail it off but I thought better of it. While I’m pretty sure that there was a 99% chance the letter would make it there without any problems (I have faith in the USPS, even if Nick doesn’t), do I really want to deal with the hassle in that 1% case? [...]
Pingback by » When Frugality Is A Fault: Certified v. Regular Mail on Blueprint for Financial Prosperity — January 25, 2007 @ 4:27 pm
[...] PFAdvice (and his commentors) give a good rundown of why the Forever Stamp isn’t a good buy. Maybe that’s why the Post Office is the the #1 company we could do without [...]
Pingback by Carnival of Personal Finance #93 at Tired but Happy at Clever Dude — March 26, 2007 @ 11:02 am
[...] Little known fact: the United States Postal Service uses sharks and alligators to sort your mail, something Money, Matter, and More Musings found out the hard way. Just another reason why the postal service is the #1 company we’d be better off without. [...]
Pingback by Stuff Worth Reading, Because This Website Is Being Repossessed | Punny Money — September 13, 2007 @ 1:38 pm
[...] poll at this rate) is inspired by recent talks by the U.S. Postal Service—voted the #1 company we’d be better off without in 2007 by important scientists—that it might switch to five-times-a-week delivery to cut [...]
Pingback by Punny Poll #35: Can You Survive on Five-Day-A-Week Mail? | Punny Money — July 30, 2009 @ 11:11 pm