The Swine Line

E-mail, online bill paying, slowing economy, it’s no secret that the revenue stream — first-class mail — which keeps the U.S. Postal Service on its appointed rounds is drying up.  The number of pieces of first-class mail is steadily dropping, from 98 billion pieces in 2004 to 96 billion pieces in 2007.  Faced with a $1 billion operating deficit this year — the largest since 1995 — the Postal Service is feeling the pinch. 

Now, one of the most lucrative sources of postal income, junk mail, is also under siege.  Modeled after the popular “Do Not Call” telemarketing registries, lawmakers in 18 states have introduced “Do Not Mail” legislation designed to unclog mail boxes of unwanted advertisements and solicitations.  While intense lobbying by the Postal Service and direct marketing groups have thwarted these efforts so far, don’t expect this issue to go the way of the Sears catalog any time soon.  In the mean time, prepare yourself for another postal rate increase, a first-class stamp will cost 42 cents come May.