Postal Reorganization Act

United States [1970]

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 transformed the U.S. Post Office Department into the United States Postal Service (USPS), a government-owned corporation. This change aimed to improve management and efficiency and address increasing deficits.

Key changes included:
* Congress no longer sets postal tariffs or controls employee salaries.
* Political patronage was largely eliminated.
* The USPS became responsible for its own modernization and capital raising.
* It began to face competition from private delivery services.

The act officially took effect on July 1, 1971, replacing the Post Office Department, which was one of the few agencies mandated in the U.S. Constitution.12

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postal system
United States
Congress approved the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, signed into law August 12, 1970. The act transformed the Post Office Department into a government-owned corporation, called the United States Postal Service. Congress no longer retains power to fix postal tariffs (although changes may be vetoed) or to control…
Read More
Congress approved the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, signed into law August 12, 1970. The act transformed the Post Office Department into a government-owned corporation, called the United States Postal Service. Congress no longer retains power to fix postal tariffs (although changes may be vetoed) or to control…
Read More