What Is USPS Connect, and How Will It Help E-Commerce Sellers?

Though the U.S. Postal Service is an American institution and, thankfully, just received more government assurance of its survival, it's not above competition with private shipping companies like FedEx and UPS.

Because of that, the USPS still has to adapt to the times and create new programs that appeal to shippers, namely small businesses that focus on e-commerce. Thus, USPS Connect was born—a new delivery service that traces its roots back to the gig economy.

After trialing the new service in Texas, the USPS is rolling it out nationwide in phases, reaching the whole country by the end of this year, according to FreightWaves.

The U.S. Postal Service wants to grab a larger share of the parcel business, and it is rolling out programs designed to do just that.https://t.co/A2nmNpehv1

— Modern Shipper (@ModernShipper) March 10, 2022

As part of USPS Connect, the Postal Service will offer eligible businesses next-day regional service, same-day and next-day local delivery, Sunday delivery, and pickup options in various locations. Businesses can take their USPS Connect packages to designated postal facilities or use an en-route pickup service where the carrier picks up the parcel while delivering mail.

The service provides enhanced tracking features and allows customers to print labels, pay for postage and get tracking numbers via an online platform. To facilitate returns, USPS Connect will provide free package pickup, allowing customers to return parcels at drop-off locations or the same en-route pickup option.

There's no minimum parcel number for Local service, which the USPS says helps Connect access smaller shippers who might have thought of only using USPS for larger volume orders. The service will also include Flat Rate boxes, poly bags, envelopes and other packaging materials.

U.S. Postal Service expands next-day delivery options for businesses with roll-out of USPS Connect. Learn more at https://t.co/xEec8CK5go pic.twitter.com/QwWZVaPnGK

— U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) February 22, 2022

The goal is to appeal to small businesses.

“A lot of small and micro businesses don’t think of us but, hey, we are at their door every day,” Jakki Krage Strako, chief commerce and business solutions officer and executive vice president of the USPS said, according to FreightWaves. “They know their carrier who is bringing them their mail. We are in every community. Our employees live in their communities.”

The service is now available in select ZIP codes. Learn more here.