Full Measure After Hours: "No, It’s Not You—US Mail Delays Are Real" (From the Archives)

Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host: Sharyl Attkisson
Episode Type: Special from the Archives

Introduction

In this special archival episode of Full Measure After Hours, host Cheryl Akison dives deep into the persistent issue of United States Postal Service (USPS) mail delays. Observing firsthand the increasing sluggishness in mail delivery—from timely 1-3 day arrivals to weeks or even months of delay—Cheryl sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the factors contributing to this decline in service quality.

“The Postal Service is at a pivotal crossroads, you might say stuck in a dead letter pile of delays.” ([00:28])

Cheryl highlights the USPS's longstanding financial struggles, noting the staggering $9.5 billion loss reported in the previous year. She introduces the episode’s central figure, Mark Diminstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, who provides insider perspectives on the challenges and proposed solutions facing the Postal Service.

Interview with Mark Diminstein

1. Current State of the Postal Service

Mark Diminstein begins by affirming the indispensable role of the USPS in American life, despite the significant hurdles it faces.

“Postal workers are dedicated to the mission of getting the mail moving, whether it's letters or packages, whatever, to everybody's home on time.” ([03:47])

He acknowledges the transition challenges due to the digital revolution diminishing letter mail while package delivery sees growth. However, this shift has not been seamless, leading to delays and service inconsistencies.

2. Factors Contributing to Mail Delays

When addressing the root causes of mail delays, Mark points to multiple intertwined issues:

“Some of it is this challenging transition. Some of it is short staffing.” ([05:09])

He emphasizes the critical need for adequate staffing to maintain service standards, highlighting the USPS's commitment to serving all 169 million daily addresses despite financial constraints.

3. Financial Pressures and Operational Changes

Mark discusses the impact of cost-cutting measures on service quality, suggesting a potential vicious cycle where reducing expenditures leads to poorer service, which in turn can exacerbate financial woes.

“When you cut cost and cut hours of work and cut workers, there’s an equation often that will then result that the service isn't as good as it should be.” ([06:47])

He details recent operational changes aimed at increasing efficiency, such as consolidating mail sorting locations. However, these measures have sometimes backfired by increasing delivery times for local mail.

4. Union Recommendations and Management Response

The American Postal Workers Union has advocated for keeping local mail sorting within the community to prevent unnecessary delays. Mark notes that management has responded positively to some of these recommendations over the past few months.

“Management has listened to us and the people and they've made some changes in the last few months where local mail...” ([07:58])

He provides specific examples, such as preventing mail from being sent excessively long distances when local sorting remains feasible, thereby improving delivery times.

5. Concerns Over Privatization

A significant portion of the interview addresses the Trump administration’s proposals to privatize the USPS, a move that Mark vehemently opposes.

“The post office belongs to the people of the country. We're not about that.” ([15:25])

He warns that privatization could lead to the dismantling of universal service obligations, resulting in higher prices and reduced service, especially in rural areas. Mark cites opposition from major financial institutions like Wells Fargo, which acknowledge that privatization would necessitate substantial rate hikes—potentially between 30% to 140% for package rates.

6. Future Outlook for the USPS

Looking ahead, Mark remains optimistic about the USPS's potential to innovate and expand its services beyond traditional mail, drawing parallels with postal systems in other countries that offer financial services and more.

“There could be all sorts of things the post office does with licensing, with government access to information.” ([19:33])

He envisions a USPS that continues to adapt to the evolving needs of American society, maintaining its role as a democratic institution essential for commerce, communication, and community support.

Conclusion

Cheryl Akison wraps up the episode by directing listeners to additional resources and her investigative report aired on Full Measure on May 11th. She underscores the importance of supporting independent journalism in uncovering and addressing such critical issues.

“Thank you for making it so that our viewership... has gone way up this year.” ([21:51])

Cheryl encourages audience engagement through subscriptions, reviews, and exploring her other works, including her bestselling book on healthcare corruption.

Key Takeaways

• Persistent Delays: USPS mail delays are real and widespread, affecting both letters and packages.
• Operational Challenges: The transition from letter mail to package delivery has not been managed smoothly, contributing to inefficiencies.
• Union Advocacy: The American Postal Workers Union is actively working to improve service by advocating for local mail sorting and opposing privatization.
• Privatization Risks: Privatizing the USPS could lead to higher costs and reduced service, particularly harming rural communities.
• Future Potential: Despite current challenges, there is optimism for the USPS to innovate and expand services, ensuring its role remains vital in American society.

For more in-depth coverage and insider documentation, viewers are encouraged to watch Cheryl Akison’s report on Full Measure broadcasted on May 11th. Visit CherylAtkison.com for additional resources, including exclusive photographs and further investigative pieces.

Notable Quotes:

• “The Postal Service is at a pivotal crossroads, you might say stuck in a dead letter pile of delays.” ([00:28])
• “Postal workers are dedicated to the mission of getting the mail moving... to everybody's home on time.” ([03:47])
• “When you cut cost and cut hours of work and cut workers, there’s an equation often that will then result that the service isn't as good as it should be.” ([06:47])
• “The post office belongs to the people of the country. We're not about that.” ([15:25])
• “There could be all sorts of things the post office does with licensing, with government access to information.” ([19:33])

This detailed summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights presented in the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the USPS's current challenges and the Union's perspective on potential solutions.