USPS quarterly parcel volumes fall 12% as e-commerce plan implemented
The U.S. Postal Service reported a 12% decline in parcel volume for the quarter, marking a notable drop in one of the key categories that supports its shipping and delivery network.
The decrease comes as USPS continues implementing its e-commerce plan. While USPS did not provide additional detail here on specific drivers behind the decline, the timing ties the volume change to an ongoing shift in how the agency is positioning its package business.
For truck drivers and small carriers that handle mail and parcel freight—either directly through postal transportation contracts or indirectly through networks that feed into USPS—parcel trends matter because they influence linehaul opportunities, lane consistency, and overall freight density in postal-related networks.
More broadly, parcel volume is closely connected to e-commerce demand and competition among delivery providers. A quarterly drop at USPS is a reminder that the parcel market can move quickly as shipping strategies and consumer buying patterns change.