15U.S. Postal ServiceWashington, D.C.(202) 268-2500www.usps.comDelivering mail to almost 138 million homes, businesses, and post office boxes (with 1.7 million new addresses being added each year), the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) serves 7 million customers daily at one of 38,000 postal retail outlets. The agency notes an annual operating revenue of $65.8 billion, and employment statistics that top 750,000 personnel, including 235,985 veterans and 47,937 employees with disabilities. In 2002, the USPS invested more than $978 million in new or improved buildings and mail processing equipment. Additionally, the organization leases 26,594 facilities at a cost of $818.9 million a year, providing tax revenue to thousands of communities. Trends that are reshaping the delivery services marketplace include changing customer needs, eroding mail volumes, rising costs, fixed costs, merging of public and private operators into global networks, and increasing security concerns. [Editors’ Note: With rising security concerns clearly top-of-mind, the U.S. Postal Service’s efforts in screening, monitoring, evaluating, and, if necessary, decontaminating its facilities from anthrax and other hazardous materials has been timely, responsible, and clearly communicated. Of great impact is the organization’s intent to be a responsible corporate citizen and good neighbor in the communities in which it serves through awareness and thorough processes. At this time, the agency’s construction program has been scaled down to meet bottom-line objectives and ensure its long-term financial health.]
