Amazon, the world's largest e-commerce platform, is reportedly weighing its options to sever ties with the US Postal Service (USPS), a move that would allow it to build its own shipping network and challenge the USPS's dominance in the market. According to The Washington Post, Amazon's annual expenditure on the public carrier has reached over $6 billion, accounting for approximately 8% of the USPS's total revenues โ a significant increase from around $4 billion in 2019.
The shift towards building its own shipping network is no surprise, given Amazon's extensive investments in logistics and delivery infrastructure. In recent years, the company has acquired Boeing planes, introduced electric delivery vans, and developed a drone delivery network to enhance its ability to rapidly deliver packages across the country. Last year alone, Amazon handled over 6.3 billion parcels, representing a 7% increase from the previous year.
In stark contrast, the USPS experienced a modest growth of just 3%, handling around 6.9 billion parcels. This disparity in volume underscores Amazon's significant head start in building its shipping network and raises questions about the long-term viability of the USPS. The service has been struggling with financial woes, losing billions of dollars annually, which only exacerbates the pressure to find new revenue streams.
Sources close to the negotiations between Amazon and the USPS indicate that talks have stalled, leaving the company on high alert to reevaluate its reliance on the public carrier. With private companies like Walmart and others investing heavily in fast and reliable delivery services, the USPS's ability to adapt to these changes has been called into question. As a result, there is growing concern that Amazon may choose to abandon ship with the USPS altogether, sparking concerns about the potential impact on this vital public service.
The shift towards building its own shipping network is no surprise, given Amazon's extensive investments in logistics and delivery infrastructure. In recent years, the company has acquired Boeing planes, introduced electric delivery vans, and developed a drone delivery network to enhance its ability to rapidly deliver packages across the country. Last year alone, Amazon handled over 6.3 billion parcels, representing a 7% increase from the previous year.
In stark contrast, the USPS experienced a modest growth of just 3%, handling around 6.9 billion parcels. This disparity in volume underscores Amazon's significant head start in building its shipping network and raises questions about the long-term viability of the USPS. The service has been struggling with financial woes, losing billions of dollars annually, which only exacerbates the pressure to find new revenue streams.
Sources close to the negotiations between Amazon and the USPS indicate that talks have stalled, leaving the company on high alert to reevaluate its reliance on the public carrier. With private companies like Walmart and others investing heavily in fast and reliable delivery services, the USPS's ability to adapt to these changes has been called into question. As a result, there is growing concern that Amazon may choose to abandon ship with the USPS altogether, sparking concerns about the potential impact on this vital public service.