Monday, August 10, 2026
USPS reports third-quarter financial results
Total operating revenue was $19.9 billion
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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Heroes
Her customer was in the yard and needed help
This carrier associate came to the aid of a woman with a broken shoulder
Rural Carrier Associate Amber Goforth was delivering mail in Jeffersonville, KY, recently when she heard a cry for help at a customer’s home.
The Postal Service employee found a woman who had fallen in the yard.
The customer’s husband was inside the house, unaware of the situation, and couldn’t hear her calls for help.
Goforth alerted the woman’s husband, and together they got the woman off the ground.
The husband called 911, and the arriving paramedics took the customer to a nearby hospital. She was treated for a broken shoulder and a bruise before returning home to recover.
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Aug. 2-8
Seasonal tips and a romance scam made news
It’s hot just about everywhere right now, so Link shared some USPS heat safety tips as well as advice on the risk of wildfires and how to prepare for them.
We also told readers about the new Diagonal U.S. Flag Stamped Envelope, a romance scam that ensnared a postal worker and offered reminders about the prohibition on gambling in the workplace and the proper disposal of used waste lamps and lightbulbs.
There was also the heartwarming story of Letter Carrier Adrienne Burns, who helped a customer get replacements for military medals that were stolen; and a look at the letters of Abigail and John Adams, whose correspondence opened a window to Colonial America.
The “People” column spotlighted Nevada-Utah District Manager Don Kravos and David James, a customer relations manager, who joined fellow employees and Nevada Postal Customer Council board members for a 5K race benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas.
And finally, “Heroes” told the story of Amber Goforth, a Jeffersonville, KY, rural carrier associate who was delivering her route when she heard a cry for help from a customer’s yard.
Her customer had fallen, and her husband in their home couldn’t hear her calls for help.
Goforth alerted the husband, called 911 and the woman was taken to a hospital, where she was treated for a broken shoulder. She is recovering at home.
Email us your feedback. Your comments could be included in our “Mail” column.
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USPS reports third-quarter financial results
Total operating revenue was $19.9 billion
-
Heroes
Her customer was in the yard and needed help
This carrier associate came to the aid of a woman with a broken shoulder
-
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Aug. 2-8
Seasonal tips and a romance scam made news