United States Postal Service

United States Postal Service (USPS) is the United States government organization responsible for providing postal service in the United States. It is the result of the mandate for post offices by the United States Constitution. Originally a cabinet department, it was later converted to a government-owned corporation. Competition from private operations such as United Parcel Service and FedEx has caused USPS to adjust its business strategy and to modernize its products and services.

Being the only mail carrier that delivers to all addresses in the United States, United States Postal Service is also a symbol of the United States in many rural areas. First-Class Mail, starting at 37 cents, is still the least expensive and most universal method to send a letter in the US.

Table of contents

1 Major products and services 2 Copyright and reproduction of postage stamps 3 Sponsorships 4 See also 5 External links

Major products and services

Copyright and reproduction of postage stamps

All US postage stamps and other postage items that were released before 1978 are in the public domain. After this time they are copyright by the postal service under Title 17 of the United States Code. The Domestic Mail Manual (D013) allows the use of stamps and other philadelic items in editorial content, in audio-visual productions, for advertising purposes and for philatelic catalogs.

Sponsorships

For a number of years, the US Postal Service has been head sponsor of a professional cycling team, bearing its name. The team features Lance Armstrong, winner of the Tour de France from 1999 to 2003.

See also

• Timeline of postal history

External links

• USPS Official web site: [1]
• US Postal Service cycling team: [1]