No wonder the USPS is going broke

[kilo]

USPS is required to put $xxx amount into their retirement fund each quarter, a percentage of which is matched by the federal gov, (These funds are also available to the federal governement to help fill some holes in their quarterly budget, but thats a different issue). When there isnt enough profit to contribute that preset mandated amount, they call it an "operational loss". USPS has been running self-sufficient since the 70's....

[ValKehl]

Mike, from where (besides us taxpayers?) does the federal govt. obtain the "percentage of which is matched by the federal gov?" The USPS isn't "running self-sufficient" if it can't fully cover its retirement obligations to its employees (which it can't!). My response to your telling me "USPS has been running self-sufficient since the 70's" is that "I'm from Missouri," which is known as the "show me" state. From everything I have read, the USPS is not close to running self-sufficient, unless one is using something other that GAAP accounting, because if it were, there wouldn't be all the recent proposals to reduce residential service and close lots of small, inefficient post offices. But, I invite you to prove me wrong - kindly send your proof to ekehl333@aol.com.
Val

[Bobmc]

< The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. The act forces USPS to pre-fund a whole bunch of future liabilities like healthcare for the next 75 years. >

IMHO, In the history of the world, I don't believe any business has been ordered to pre-fund expenses 75 years out. No business could survive doing that; but USPS was directed to do that by Congress. Now, if you want to blame someone for USPS financial losses, one only needs to look at Congress as the reason. I believe it is factual to say that USPS would be breaking even or better if the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act was not implemented. Do you think Congress is really setting aside expenses USPS is mandated to fund 75 years in advance? USPS is a piggy bank for Congress, and not many people seem to get that.

[1963Topps Set]

I have been a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for over 22 years now. I welcome anyone to walk my route with me for one day, then see what they have to say. In all of the years I have been around, I have seen so MANY people come through those doors as carriers thinking they were going to have a cake walk. You would not believe how fast they drop out! Being a carrier is hot / cold / wet, etc.. I am not complaining, I love what I do, but walk in my shoes before YOU complain!

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by 1963Topps Set

I have been a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for over 22 years now. I welcome anyone to walk my route with me for one day, then see what they have to say. In all of the years I have been around, I have seen so MANY people come through those doors as carriers thinking they were going to have a cake walk. You would not believe how fast they drop out! Being a carrier is hot / cold / wet, etc.. I am not complaining, I love what I do, but walk in my shoes before YOU complain!

Tom I have the utmost respect for the carriers. I live in South Dakota and we have some horrible winters. My problem is with the way the sorting facilities are run because of the insane Union rules. Also in my area they are paid almost twice what other unskilled workers make in this area.

[nebboy]

Originally Posted by Bobmc

< The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. The act forces USPS to pre-fund a whole bunch of future liabilities like healthcare for the next 75 years. >

IMHO, In the history of the world, I don't believe any business has been ordered to pre-fund expenses 75 years out. No business could survive doing that; but USPS was directed to do that by Congress. Now, if you want to blame someone for USPS financial losses, one only needs to look at Congress as the reason. I believe it is factual to say that USPS would be breaking even or better if the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act was not implemented. Do you think Congress is really setting aside expenses USPS is mandated to fund 75 years in advance? USPS is a piggy bank for Congress, and not many people seem to get that.

Its nice to know someone has their facts straight before posting.

And YES I was TE for a few years until USPS changed the name of the job and cut the pay way back. It is a hard job!!!! Example every year or so I would lose most of my toe nails from walking up/down hills in rain or snow. Or had gang related shooting going on around my area/ route far to often. Walking over dirty dippers or piles of dog **** in from of the mail slot to make sure each person got their mail. I could go on and on but the fact is ah mistakes are made but the USPS does a incredible job for all the things they put up with.

(((( I loved the job))). My Name is John Hanssen

[Luke]

Mike,

I have a question for you:

I just moved away from a post office where the employees are friendly, and there is always at least two people at registers. I moved right next to a post office I have always tried to avoid. There are always huge lines, the staff are standoffish, and often make up their own rules about things, seemingly just to be difficult.

I often will drive a few extra minutes to go to my old post office, but sometimes I go to the close one because I think it will save time, and I always regret it.

Is there any way to voice my concerns with this post office in a way that will be heard? The supervisor of this branch is the main problem in my opinion and it would be no use trying to talk to or leave a message for him.

Thanks.

[Runscott]

Luke, what you describe is exactly what I've also found in the Seattle area. I avoided the lower Queen Anne post office for the reasons you describe. No issues whatsoever with any of the Tacoma post offices.

[celoknob]

USPS has consistently delivered for me, thousands of packages over many years with minimal glitches. The employees who work in my town are extremely friendly and helpful. I am thankful for USPS.

[AustinMike]

Originally Posted by kilo

USPS is required to put $xxx amount into their retirement fund each quarter, a percentage of which is matched by the federal gov, (These funds are also available to the federal government to help fill some holes in their quarterly budget, but thats a different issue). When there isnt enough profit to contribute that preset mandated amount, they call it an "operational loss". USPS has been running self-sufficient since the 70's....

I believe the USPS was mandated to fund $5.5 Billion a year starting in 2007 (with $5.8 Billion due in 2016) for future retirees. 2016 was originally supposed to be the last year, but one year they were allowed to put up only $1.4 billion and they did not meet the federal mandate a few other years so they are behind. And yes, this is above and beyond what they pay to meet their current obligations. In essence, it's funding the retirement program of people who haven't even been hired yet.