Legal Definitions - United States Postal Service

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government. Its core mission is to provide reliable mail and package delivery services across the nation, manage post offices, and protect the integrity and security of the mail system through law enforcement efforts.

• Imagine a small business owner in Seattle who regularly ships handmade crafts to customers across the country. They rely on the USPS to pick up packages from their local post office or business and deliver them efficiently to recipients in various states, from Florida to Alaska. This scenario illustrates the USPS's fundamental role in operating post offices and delivering mail and packages, connecting businesses with consumers nationwide.

• Consider a situation where an elderly individual receives a suspicious letter promising a large sum of money in exchange for personal banking details. If this turns out to be a mail fraud scheme, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the law enforcement arm of the USPS, would investigate the crime. This demonstrates the USPS's responsibility for enforcing laws affecting the integrity and security of the mail, protecting citizens from scams and criminal activity that utilize the postal system.

• Picture a family living in a remote rural area of Montana, far from major towns. For them, the local post office is not just where they send letters, but also where they receive essential medications, important documents, and even their only access to certain government services. This highlights the USPS's commitment to operating post offices and providing universal mail service, ensuring that all Americans, regardless of their location, have access to vital postal services.