Like The USPS Isn't Slow Enough In Some Cases.

I've never understood why the USPS is treated as a "private company that isn't", i.e., it doesn't receive any direct funding from the Federal government, yet at the same time is subject to Congressional oversight and whim. Logically, in my opinion it should EITHER be allowed to operate as a private company not subject to oversight, or as part of the government and directly funded as such. This "splitting the baby" approach isn't viable (see healthcare prefunding requirement).

I see people (not necessarily here) comparing USPS to FEdEx and UPS in terms of profitability, yet those companies are not subject to the same constraints as the USPS. They don't have the same burdens. It's an apples and oranges comparison IMO.

Add to all of the above the "last mile" delivery requirement where USPS incurs the most expensive component of FedEx and UPS delivery in many areas of the country. How is that fair? Agreements the U.S. government has made with Asian countries where inbound shipments are handled by USPS for pennies on the dollar (which has negative ramifications not only for the USPS but also U.S. businesses and sellers that simply cannot compete with Asian shippers due to their ultra-low shipping expenses).

The current composition of the USPS as an entity is just utterly illogical IMO.

That was my fault, I did take the discussion far afield into my opinion. I apologize, and do reiterate my thought that the moderators here run a great forum. Thanks Don.
Regards m
Posted before revenue collectors comment
Edited for clarity

I agree that the USPS and FedEx are apples and oranges.

The USPS lists the "TOP THIRTEEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE" and the #1 item on the list is "The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations." And #5 is "Competition and collaboration. The Postal Service both competes and collaborates with the private sector." While both 'true' it is also true that the USPS is given a monopoly on delivering mail to each household in the USA. The USPS also receives a significant competitive advantage in not having to pay excise (like the federal tax on fuel) and many other taxes that FedEx and for-profit companies do not get to avoid.
Don

The USPS also does not have to purchase vehicles or facilities out of it's revenue. HUGE items.

Capex is fully deductible so I'm not sure that vehicles/ facilities is a HUGE item.
I was having fun with you Rodgcam, so I want to apologize if I offended. Paid taxes are also deductible, unless you have a tax free card." Present at purchase."
Deductions are what allow farmers to lose money on a crop, but make money on the year.Revenuecollector you are spot on. Last mile is actually a moneymaker for USPS, unless they run on Sunday as I understand.
Cheers

Not in the least.




I know the farming business intimately and even with the subsidies you will be hard pressed to find non-corporate farmers that make much money at the end even with subsidies. Nothing new. Most that are left are land rich and cash poor.




Not really.

https://reason.org/commentary/last-...vate-sector/

Thanks Rodgcam
I was a farm adviser for 40 years or so and am also knowledgable of the farming and farm economy.
Now is a great time with corn over 5.00 and yields large. I was speaking with a former client earlier today, 197 bushels per acre. Small farmer. Eastern shore of Md.
With last mile they are going there anyway, intuitive that it's not costing additional.
Perhaps lm wrong. One thing, I spent two hours looking at FDX, think I might buy some. Thanks.
Regards m

Just saw it; CAPEX is capital expenditures. Regards m

Ever since I read that Don checks all the links, I am more at ease at opening links. Generally speaking, I never open any link including here.. I only have about 8 sites I visit, this being one of them. I did not open your link.
Sorry Rodgcam, just saw this. I was in a hurry to get a shower. Subsidies are what FSA allows, deductions are what IRS allows, two different animals. Both are lucrative.
Regards m

For those interested in farm income read the latest USDA report:

https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/far...me-forecast/

I am moving on back to stamps!