What Is the Postal Service Universal Service Obligation? 

Understanding what is the USPS’s USO and its functionality

To better understand the Postal Service and its role in creating the fabric of the United States, let’s take a closer look at the USPS Universal Service Obligation (USO).  The USPS has a legal mandate to provide mail services to all Americans. Specifically, the USPS must deliver mail to all addresses in the U.S., including remote and rural areas, at fair and reasonable rates. It ensures that everyone, from urban centers to sparsely populated areas, has access to mail.  

The Importance of the USO

In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, the USO stands as a critical pillar for ensuring that no one is left behind. It’s easy to take for granted the ability to send a letter or package anywhere in the country, but for many individuals in rural or underserved areas, the Postal Service is not just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. The USO helps to ensure that individuals, businesses, and government services can connect with each other across vast distances. By offering this nationwide network, the USPS plays a vital role in promoting social inclusion, economic participation, and the free flow of information in all corners of the country, supporting the needs of all citizens.

The USO is broadly outlined in multiple statutes, laws, and executive summaries, including the United States Constitution, the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, and the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. Covering geographic scope, range of products, access to services and facilities, delivery frequency, affordable and uniform pricing, service quality, and security of the mail, the Universal Service Obligation provides the backbone of the mission of the USPS:  

“The Postal Service’s mission is to provide the nation with reliable, affordable, universal mail service. The basic functions of the Postal Service were established in 39 U.S.C. § 101(a): “. . . to bind the Nation together through the personal, educational, literary, and business correspondence of the people. It [the Postal Service] shall provide prompt, reliable, and efficient services to patrons in all areas and shall render postal services to all communities.” 

source: https://about.usps.com/strategic-planning/cs09/CSPO_09_002.htm 

While other carriers can claim to voluntarily provide delivery on a universal basis, the Postal Service is the only carrier obligated to provide all the various aspects of universal service at affordable prices, securing the ability to receive and send mail for all Americans. 

Contact Tension

With so many changes from the USPS and the current administration, staying up to date can be a challenge. If you have questions about the USO or topics related to the postal service, please contact one of our experts at Tension.