Full Measure After Hours: "No, It’s Not You—US Mail Delays Are Real"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Full Measure After Hours
• Host: Sharyl Attkisson
• Episode: After Hours: No, It’s Not You—US Mail Delays Are Real
• Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Full Measure After Hours, host Sharyl Attkisson delves into the growing concern surrounding delays in the U.S. postal service. Observing significant delays in mail delivery, Attkisson investigates the underlying causes contributing to this "snail mail" trend. She brings to light the financial struggles of the Postal Service, including a staggering $9.5 billion loss in the previous year, and explores potential solutions amidst proposals from political figures like former President Trump.

Interview with Mark Diminstein

Overview of the Postal Service's Current State

Timestamp [00:00 - 04:07]

Cheryl Akison opens the discussion by highlighting the real and widespread mail delays experienced by consumers. She mentions her exploration into the issue, revealing systemic problems within the Postal Service.

Mark Diminstein, President of the American Postal Workers Union, provides his insights:

"I think overall we could say that the postal service is still extremely important to the lives of the people of the country... But we're also going through a challenging time." ([03:08])

Diminstein acknowledges the critical role of the Postal Service amidst shifting communication methods, emphasizing the need for modernization while maintaining reliable service.

Causes of Mail Delays

Timestamp [04:07 - 07:09]

Diminstein identifies multiple factors contributing to mail delays:

• Challenging Transition: Adapting to increased package volume due to e-commerce growth.
• Short Staffing: Insufficient personnel leading to inadequate service.

"There’s probably multiple reasons. Some of it is this challenging transition. Some of it is short staffing." ([04:29])

He underscores the union’s stance that management must hire adequately to meet service standards.

Impact of Cost-Cutting Measures

Timestamp [05:51 - 07:09]

The conversation shifts to the potential “death spiral” where cost-cutting leads to reduced service, further exacerbating delays.

"When you cut cost and cut hours of work and cut workers, that there's an equation often that will then result that the service isn't as good as it should be." ([06:08])

Diminstein confirms this dynamic, attributing recent service issues to management’s attempts to restructure the Postal Service to accommodate package growth.

Union Recommendations and Management Responses

Timestamp [07:09 - 11:42]

Diminstein outlines specific recommendations from the union aimed at improving efficiency without sacrificing service quality:

1. Local Mail Handling:

   • Advocates for keeping local mail within the same area to prevent unnecessary delays.

   "If you’re mailing a letter or package from the city you’re in and it’s to that city or the surrounding area that mail should not go on a two or three hour truck ride somewhere to be consolidated and come back." ([07:19])

2. Opposition to Outsourcing:

   • The union opposes outsourcing postal work to private contractors, citing inefficiencies and potential corruption.

   "We believe that a lot of the work that’s outsourced... can do it cheaper and better inside." ([08:04])

Diminstein praises recent management changes that align with these recommendations, noting improvements in keeping local mail local to reduce delays.

Historical Context and Changes in Delivery Speed

Timestamp [12:18 - 13:59]

Reflecting on the Postal Service’s evolution, Diminstein compares past and present delivery speeds:

"In the 1980s... we had overnight delivery to cities like Charlotte an hour and a half or two hours away... In 2011, 2012... Postmaster General... did away with overnight delivery everywhere." ([12:30])

He emphasizes the negative impact of these policy changes on mail reliability, stressing the importance of timely delivery for critical communications and services.

Administrative Proposals and Union’s Stance on Privatization

Timestamp [14:27 - 18:49]

Addressing recent proposals by the Trump administration to privatize the Postal Service, Diminstein articulates the union's strong opposition:

"The post office by law has to go to every single address six days a week... privatization... is going to be broken up and sold off to private corporations who would then make their decisions of where to send, where to go, as to whether they can make a profit." ([14:42])

He warns that privatization could undermine universal service, particularly harming rural communities and increasing package rates by 30% to 140%, as highlighted by Wells Fargo's investor reports.

"It would be illegal, but that’s a whole nother fight. But it doesn’t belong to a few billionaires. It really belongs to the people of the country and we want to keep it that way." ([18:49])

Diminstein envisions a future where the Postal Service expands its services beyond mail delivery, potentially incorporating financial services and other community-oriented functions, ensuring its longevity and continued public benefit.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Timestamp [18:49 - 21:08]

Looking ahead, Diminstein remains optimistic about the Postal Service’s potential to adapt and thrive:

"I think there's a great future for the public Postal Service... Some of them have banking services... wonderful opportunity if we're willing to expand services, capture package growth and be there for the people of the country going forward." ([18:49])

He advocates for maintaining the Postal Service as a democratic institution serving all Americans, resisting privatization efforts to preserve its foundational mission.

Additional Resources and Closing Remarks

Cheryl Attkisson concludes the podcast by directing listeners to her upcoming Full Measure episode for exclusive photographs and documentation of mailing delays. She also promotes her other works and encourages listeners to support independent journalism.

Key Takeaways:

• The U.S. Postal Service is grappling with significant delays due to staffing shortages and inefficient restructuring.
• The American Postal Workers Union advocates for solutions that prioritize local mail handling and oppose privatization.
• Privatization poses risks to universal service, especially for rural areas, and could lead to substantial rate increases.
• There is hope for the Postal Service’s future through expanded services and maintaining its role as a public institution.

Notable Quotes:

• “When you cut cost and cut hours of work and cut workers, that there's an equation often that will then result that the service isn't as good as it should be.” — Mark Diminstein ([06:08])
• “The post office belongs to the people of the country... It does not belong to a few billionaires.” — Mark Diminstein ([18:49])
• “The Postal Service is truly a small d democratic right of the people to have that equal service.” — Mark Diminstein ([18:49])

For a deeper dive into the issues facing the U.S. Postal Service and to view insider photographs of mail delays, tune in to Sharyl Attkisson’s Full Measure on Sunday, May 11th, 2025.