The US Postal Service (USPS) has launched a pilot of USPS Connect Local, which sets out to provide local-to-local same-day or next-day package delivery at affordable rates. The pilot will run in selected areas of Texas, and is part of a broader USPS Connect program that it says will help businesses of all sizes meet growing consumer demand for affordable, fast local and regional deliveries and returns.
USPS says it want to offer big-volume benefits to smaller business customers. Once business customers are enrolled in the program, they can bring their prepaid labeled packages directly to the back dock of select postal facilities close to the packages’ final destinations. In return, they will get delivery rates during the pilot that are usually only available to large-volume mailers. USPS says it will add additional USPS locations in the coming weeks as it refines its operational capabilities.
“USPS Connect Local will give businesses of all sizes direct access to our unmatched delivery network so packages can get on postal vehicles sooner and reach consumers more quickly. It’s unprecedented, and we’re excited to bring this offering to our customers — first in Texas, and then across the country once we demonstrate our readiness,” said Jakki Krage Strako, USPS chief commerce and business solutions officer.
USPS Connect is just one part of the organization’s 10-year Delivering for America plan and is expected to contribute to the plan’s goal of US$24bn in net revenue growth by offering direct access to the Postal Service’s delivery network.
The post says it will also help meet customers e-commerce expectations, citing a recent report which showed that 87% of consumers say the shipping experience directly affects their decision to shop with a merchant again. Another recent report found half of consumers (51%) have purchased more from local retailers over the past six months, and experts expect this trend to continue.
“We are excited that the USPS Connect Local pilot is coming first to Dallas. It is another opportunity for us to help small businesses in our local community grow and succeed,” concluded Dallas Postmaster Yulonda Francis-Love.