US Postal Service Snapshot
The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles cards, letters, and packages sent both domestically and internationally. The USPS delivers 145 billion pieces of mail a year to some 153 million addresses in the U.S. and its territories. The independent government agency accepts no tax dollars and relies on postage to fund operations. Though USPS has a market dominant status on delivery of mail, it faces competition from other carriers for services such as package delivery. The USPS, much like a private sector company, is overseen by a Board of Governors. Nine of the eleven members are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The Board of Governors select the postmaster general, and together they name the deputy postmaster general; the two also serve on the board.
