The Postal Service has announced its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2026 (April 1-June 30). Here are some highlights:
• Revenue. Total operating revenue was $19.9 billion for the quarter, a 6.1 percent increase compared with the same quarter the previous fiscal year. The increase was due to continued growth in USPS Ground Advantage, price increases in the First-Class Mail and Marketing Mail categories, and the transportation-related, time-limited price increase implemented in April.
• Volume. Total volume was 25.4 billion pieces, up 0.4 percent compared with the same quarter one year ago. First-Class Mail volume declined 3.5 percent, while Marketing Mail volume increased 4.3 percent. Shipping and packages volume declined 3.4 percent.
• Expenses. Total operating expenses were $22.5 billion for the quarter, an increase of 2.0 percent compared with the same quarter one year ago. The increase was primarily due to higher retirement and other benefits and rising fuel costs, leading to higher transportation and other operating expenses.
• Net loss. Under generally accepted accounting principles, net loss for the quarter totaled $2.5 billion, compared with a net loss of $3.1 billion for the same quarter last year. The $562 million decrease is attributed to an operating revenue increase of $1.1 billion along with a decrease in workers’ compensation benefits of $416 million.
“Our results this quarter reflect some progress relative to those areas of the business where we can exercise control, namely with revenue generation, cost control and service improvement,” Postmaster General David Steiner said.
“Nevertheless, the Postal Service is today continuing to face a severe liquidity crisis, and our financial losses this quarter reflect systemic challenges inherent in our congressionally established business model and regulatory framework. We are taking responsible steps to conserve cash to extend our operating window, but we require thoughtful legislative and other actions to establish a financially sustainable Postal Service capable of serving the American public far into the future.”
The Postal Service’s Aug. 7 news release has more information.
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