Postal Service Ends 2010 with $8.5 Billion Loss

The U.S. Postal Service recently reported its 2010 financial results, showing a net loss of $8.5 billion for the fiscal year that ended September 30th.

The recent recession, continuing economic pressures, and migration of mail to electronic media had a significant adverse impact on mail volumes and operating revenues. Despite rigorous initiatives that eliminated 75 million work hours and drove productivity to record highs in 2010, the losses mounted.

"Over the last two years, the Postal Service realized more than $9 billion in cost savings, primarily by eliminating about 105,000 full-time equivalent positions — more than any other organization, anywhere," said Chief Financial Officer Joe Corbett. "We will continue our relentless efforts to innovate and improve efficiency. However, the need for changes to legislation, regulations and labor contracts has never been more obvious."

First-Class Mail volume continues to decline, with year-over-year declines of 6.6 percent in 2010, 8.6 percent in 2009, and 4.8 percent in 2008. This trend is particularly disturbing as First-Class Mail, the most profitable product, generates more than half of total revenue. Volume for Standard Mail showed improvement during the year, reflecting some signs of economic recovery in late 2010, but, in total, was flat in 2010, compared to 2009.

Copies of the 2010 financial results are available on the Annual Reports page of the Postal Service Website. But Doc assures you, it's not a pretty picture.