The Postal Service is now accepting bids for access to its last-mile delivery network.
A new online platform allows customers to submit proposals for access to any of more than 18,000 delivery destination units and local processing centers.
While the Postal Service has been selling delivery service direct from its delivery destination units, or DDUs, for years, this option has generally been for a limited number of large customers. The new bidding platform opens up this network to customers, large and small.
“We recognize trends in the shipping marketplace — as well as changing market conditions, supply chain disruptions and the effects of a post-pandemic world — have driven our customers to prioritize convenience. To best accommodate the evolving needs of American commerce, and consumers, we are evolving our business strategies to better reflect the value in our last-mile delivery network,” said Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner.
Customers will have the ability to suggest a combination of volume, pricing and tender times at each available DDU location for USPS delivery either the same day or the next day.
The Postal Service expects to formalize accepted bids for its Parcel Select product through a negotiated service agreement. The organization anticipates it will notify winning bidders in the second calendar quarter, and service under those agreements would begin in the third calendar quarter of 2026.
The organization’s Jan. 20 news release has more information.
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