Last mile (transportation)

This topic is notable because the USPS possesses a unique and extensive delivery network that reaches every address in the United States, a capability unmatched by most private carriers. Its last mile operations are therefore critical for national commerce, particularly for e-commerce and rural communities that rely heavily on postal services for reliable and affordable delivery.

Recently, USPS last mile delivery has been in the news due to strategic shifts and public discussions. Reports indicate the Postal Service is planning to expand its last mile services, potentially opening this final delivery stage to more commercial shippers as part of a modernization strategy. Concurrently, news coverage has highlighted ongoing challenges, including customer frustrations with delivery protocols and local disputes over service levels in certain communities, reflecting the complex operational realities of this final delivery phase.