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> The question is why USPS enjoys a state sanctioned monopoly on paper mail specifically. I'm curious -- can you link to more detail about this? I've never had
by runako 6y ago
> The question is why USPS enjoys a state sanctioned monopoly on paper mail specifically.
I'm curious -- can you link to more detail about this? I've never had trouble sending paper mail through UPS or FedEx. What does the monopoly cover, specifically?
- bhupy 6y agoSure: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Postal_Service#Universal_service_obligation_and_monopoly_status https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Postal_Service#U... By law, private corporations aren't allowed to deliver anything to your mailbox, only the USPS can.
- runako 6y agoThanks! On the one hand, it seems unfair. On the other hand, since they don't have any cost-competitive offerings, it seems like a non-issue. I'm a big fan of the USPS, but if it looked like FedEx could help push the letter rate down, I would be a fan of revoking that law. (If a private carrier committed to serving 100% of the USPS coverage area.)
- treis 6y agoThey don't have a cost competitive option because they're not allowed to offer one. They can only deliver "extremely urgent material" by law.