April 2009: A Tough Month for the USPS

Operating revenue, mailing volume down 11.9 and 14.8 percent from last year, respectively.

By Chandra Johnson-Greene
Friday, May 29, 2009

The downward trend in revenue for the U.S. Postal Service continues.

Operating revenue for the USPS decreased by $764 million—or 11.9 percent—in April 2009 compared the same period last year, according to preliminary financial information released today. The actual revenue for April 2009 was approximately $5.7 million—the USPS originally forecasted $6.5 million in revenue.

Year-to-to date operating revenue is also down 8.8 percent to $41.7 million. The USPS originally forecasted $45 million.

Mail volume is also down by 14.8 percent, or 2.6 million pieces, compared to April 2008—14. 6 million pieces in total were mailed in April ’09. The USPS originally forecasted 16.4 million pieces. Shipping services volume was responsible for the most loss with a decline of 17.4 percent from the same period last year.

Year-to-date mail volume is down by 12.3 percent, or just over 15 million pieces—107.9 million pieces were actually mailed during that period. The USPS originally forecasted that 116.3 million pieces would be mailed.

Periodical mailing services were down 17.8 percent in volume and 17.4 percent in revenue, while first class mailing services were down 12.3 percent and 10.6 percent in volume and revenue, respectively, in April 2009.