What Would Happen If We Had No U.S. Post Office?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has been rated the favorite federal agency in every year that the Gallup Poll has conducted such a survey. Now, in the age of the coronavirus, the USPS could be bankrupt and cease to exist by late September, 2020.  

What would life be like without the USPS, which is actually older than the Constitution itself? In 1775, the Second Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General.

Twenty percent of Americans would no longer receive their prescription medications. The USPS delivered 1.2 billion prescriptions by mail delivery in 2019. The Department of Veteran Affairs mails almost 100 % of prescriptions to veterans. 

Millions of Americans vote by mail. People who must stay at home will not be able to vote in the crucial 2020 presidential election or participate in the 2020 Census. What will become of democracy if a great percentage of citizens cannot cast ballots by USPS mail delivery?

How do I pay my taxes or receive critical documents such as W2 forms that can only be mailed to home addresses? The Internal Revenue System (IRS) uses the USPS exclusively. They never phone or email tax payers.

Where is my birthday card or my electric bill? The USPS is the world’s largest postal system. It delivers almost 50 % of all the world’s mail. The Post Office delivers nearly 150 billion pieces of mail annually. Mail delivery is the lifeline that keeps Americans connected. 

Where is my package? The USPS is legally obligated to serve all Americans, regardless of geography. Even if the only way to get there is by mule train! Mules carry mail, food and supplies down an 8-mile trail to the Havasupai Indians at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Rural Americans are especially dependent upon mail delivery of letters, magazines, newspapers, and packages. 

This is but a snapshot of life in the USA without mail service from the USPS.