USPS wants in on the fast-delivery wars. Can it compete?

USPS has been called many things, but “disruptor” is not one of them.

A new offering called USPS Connect pits the agency against other fast-delivery players, and could be a game changer for ecommerce upstarts.

So what is it?

USPS Connect gives businesses of all sizes fast delivery options using the Postal Service network, previously only available to high-volume shippers, per Modern Shipper.

Specifically, Connect includes 4 services:

• Local, offers same-day delivery in select locations, and next-day delivery in all locations
• Regional, offers next-day regional delivery across most locations
• National, offers a range of options from 1st-class to ground shipping
• Returns, allows businesses to offer customers free returns via en route pickup

The offering also gives all customers access to the USPS Click-N-Ship platform, where they can buy postage and print labels online.

USPS ran a trial of Connect in Texas in 2021 and has already started rolling it out nationwide.

Will it be successful?

On one hand, USPS already has a sophisticated delivery network, with drivers visiting customers’ homes on a daily basis.

On the other, fast delivery isn’t exactly an untapped market — key players include FedEx, UPS, and, oh yeah, a little startup called Amazon.

It’s been said that “slow and steady wins the race,” and in the context of fast delivery, USPS is likely hoping that’s the case.