Junk mail news, 1954 to today

Associated Press (via Anchorage Daily News) · USPS finances

Trump's Mail Voting Crackdown Tests Postal Service Leader Who Says He's 'Not Political' (opens Associated Press (via Anchorage Daily News) in a new tab)

AP profiles Postmaster General David Steiner after the Supreme Court blocked a USPS mail-ballot rule built on President Trump's executive order, noting USPS lost $9 billion last year and four nominees await confirmation to its board.

USPS Office of Inspector General · USPS finances

Processing of Election and Political Mail for the 2026 Primary Elections (opens USPS Office of Inspector General in a new tab)

The USPS inspector general found Election and Political Mail was processed on time 97.75% to 98.99% of the time from February through May 2026, but flagged gaps in ballot postmarking, late Political Mail reports and coordination with election officials.

“From February through May 2026, the Postal Service processed Election and Political Mail with on-time processing scores ranging from 97.75 to 98.99 percent.”

Government Executive · Legislation and policy

'Not Our Decision,' USPS Chief Says, as Agency Faces Mail-In Voting Lawsuits and a Looming Cash Crisis Once More (opens Government Executive in a new tab)

Steiner told Government Executive that USPS needs about $4 billion to $6 billion a year in appropriations to be profitable, and that without congressional direction by early 2027 it will start closing post offices, look at reducing service and do 'everything we can on pricing.'

“Take those shackles off of us, we'll be profitable in six months.”

Gemeente Vlissingen (in Dutch) · Legislation and policy

Dutch City of Vlissingen Consults Residents on Opt-In Rules for Ad Flyers (opens Gemeente Vlissingen (in Dutch) in a new tab)

Vlissingen in the Netherlands plans an opt-in system from early 2027: homes without a 'ja/ja' mailbox sticker would no longer receive unaddressed advertising folders. Public comment runs through October 12, 2026, with a council decision due by year's end.

National Newspaper Association · USPS finances

Postal Regulatory Commission Denies USPS January Rate Hike Request (opens National Newspaper Association in a new tab)

The PRC denied a USPS request to add estimated 'density' rate authority to a January 2027 mail price increase. USPS can still seek a smaller, inflation-based January increase instead of the roughly 4.5% it had considered.

USPS Newsroom · USPS finances

U.S. Postal Service Reports Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Results (opens USPS Newsroom in a new tab)

USPS lost $2.5 billion from April through June 2026. Marketing Mail revenue jumped $440 million (12.3%) as volume grew by 574 million pieces (4.3%), while First-Class Mail volume fell 3.5%.

“Marketing Mail revenue increased $440 million, or 12.3 percent, on a volume increase of 574 million pieces, or 4.3 percent, compared to the same quarter last year.”

USPS Newsroom · USPS finances

Remarks by Postmaster General David Steiner at the Aug. 7, 2026, USPS Board of Governors Meeting (opens USPS Newsroom in a new tab)

Steiner said price increases have lifted mail revenue despite falling volume in 14 of 16 quarters and that USPS has 'more price to take.' Without a legislative deal this year, he said, USPS could close thousands of unprofitable post offices after the New Year.

“All of the statistics and results show that we have yet to cross the point that we should be changing our pricing strategy, and that we have more price to take in the marketplace.”

Government Executive · Legislation and policy

USPS Nominations Test the Future of Bipartisan Boards (opens Government Executive in a new tab)

With five vacancies on the USPS Board of Governors, President Trump nominated four Republicans and no Democrats, prompting Sen. Gary Peters to seek a hold on the nominees. By law, no more than five governors may belong to one party.

NPR · USPS finances

Postal Service Says Its Cash Crisis Is Delayed Until at Least 2031, but Problems Loom (opens NPR in a new tab)

Pausing pension payments and a regulator's waiver worth about $15 billion through fiscal 2030 mean USPS no longer expects to run out of cash in 2027, Steiner told senators; agency projections now put a cash crisis between 2031 and 2034.

“What we are doing right now is we're basically borrowing money from our retirement plans to fund current operations,”

USPS PostalPro · EDDM

USPS Mail Growth Incentives: A 30% Postage Credit for Added Marketing Mail (opens USPS PostalPro in a new tab)

USPS is offering registered mailers a 30% postage credit on qualifying First-Class Mail and Marketing Mail volume above their 2025 baseline during calendar 2026. Eligible mail includes Saturation and High Density Marketing Mail letters and flats.

“To incentivize mailers to grow mail volume, the Postal Service is issuing postage credit to registered mail owners who grow qualifying First-Class Mail or Marketing Mail volumes versus a defined threshold.”

Government Executive · Legislation and policy

USPS Financial Crisis Won't Be Solved Until Congress Defines Its Service Mission, Regulator Testifies (opens Government Executive in a new tab)

PRC Vice Chairman Robert Taub told a House subcommittee that USPS's finances won't be fixed until Congress defines the service it wants and how to pay for it, and subcommittee chairman Pete Sessions doubted that raising USPS's $15 billion debt limit would help.

Federal News Network · Legislation and policy

USPS Axing Its Regulator Is on the Table, as It Looks for Ways to Avoid Running Out of Cash (opens Federal News Network in a new tab)

A January internal USPS options paper, which the agency now calls old, weighed abolishing its regulator and estimated a 90-cent Forever stamp could raise up to $5 billion a year and five-day delivery could save up to $3.5 billion.

Federal News Network · USPS finances

USPS Restricts Nonessential Spending to Delay Running Out of Cash (opens Federal News Network in a new tab)

In a memo citing 'a temporary cash-flow shortage,' Postmaster General David Steiner imposed immediate limits on nonessential spending, including hiring, travel and training, while USPS refined legislative proposals for Congress.

Postal Regulatory Commission · USPS finances

PRC Releases Report Analyzing USPS Financial Condition: The Postal Service Has Not Had a Profitable Year in the Last Decade (opens Postal Regulatory Commission in a new tab)

The PRC's annual financial analysis found USPS lost about $9 billion in fiscal 2025, ended it with $83.3 billion in liabilities against $41.7 billion in assets, stayed at its $15 billion borrowing limit, and raised Market Dominant prices about 15.2% from July 2024 through fiscal 2025.

USPS Postal Facts · EDDM

USPS: Nearly 3 Billion EDDM Pieces Sent in Fiscal 2025 (opens USPS Postal Facts in a new tab)

USPS Postal Facts reports that nearly 3 billion Every Door Direct Mail pieces were sent in fiscal 2025, generating about $617 million in revenue. EDDM, launched in 2011, lets businesses send Marketing Mail to a chosen neighborhood, city or ZIP Code.

“Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) began in 2011 and is designed to help business mailers direct their Marketing Mail pieces to customers in a select neighborhood, city or ZIP Code.”

USPS Newsroom · USPS finances

U.S. Postal Service Reports Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Results (opens USPS Newsroom in a new tab)

USPS lost $2.0 billion from January through March 2026. Marketing Mail revenue rose $210 million (5.7%) even though volume fell 0.9%, and the agency again urged regulators to eliminate the price cap on its mail prices.

“It is a simple fact that we are in a cash crisis, and we are now taking serious and appropriate steps to conserve funds to operate.”

Federal News Network · Legislation and policy

USPS Floats More Financial Aid From Congress as Way to Avoid Running Out of Cash Next Year (opens Federal News Network in a new tab)

Postmaster General David Steiner told the USPS Board that Congress could either let the agency cut delivery days, close unprofitable post offices and raise rates, or fund its six-day mandate through appropriations, which he said would not be a 'bailout.'

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center · Fraud and scams

2025 IC3 Annual Report (opens FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center in a new tab)

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center logged 201,266 complaints from people 60 and older in 2025, up 37% from 2024, with reported losses of $7.748 billion, up 59%. These are scams reported to IC3, mostly online and by phone, not mail fraud.

“In 2025, losses reported to IC3 continued to climb, surpassing the $20 billion mark.”

The New York Times · USPS finances

The Postal Service Is in Trouble. Here's How It Could Affect Your Mail. (opens The New York Times in a new tab)

The New York Times explains how the Postal Service's cash crisis could affect customers, noting that the agency's business model has changed little since 1970 and that officials are proposing to cut service and raise prices.

TIME · USPS finances

What to Know About the U.S. Postal Service's 'Severe Financial Crisis' (opens TIME in a new tab)

TIME explains the Postal Service's decision to pause employer pension contributions to save about $2.5 billion this fiscal year and its request to raise the Forever stamp from 78 to 82 cents, after warnings it could run out of cash by 2027.

AL.com · USPS finances

Stamp Prices Set to Increase Again (opens AL.com in a new tab)

AL.com reports the Postal Service plans another stamp price increase, raising a Forever stamp from 78 cents to 82 cents in July 2026, pending regulatory approval.

Reuters · USPS finances

Cash-Strapped US Postal Service Suspends Contributions to Pension Plan (opens Reuters in a new tab)

USPS suspended employer pension contributions effective April 10, pausing roughly $200 million every two weeks to free $2.5 billion in cash this fiscal year, as the agency tries to avoid insolvency.

“USPS estimated it will save $2.5 billion with the action through September 30 and said there would not be any immediate detrimental impact on current or future retirees if the payments are temporarily withheld.”

Federal News Network · USPS finances

USPS Suspends Contributions to Pension Plan to Delay Running Out of Cash (opens Federal News Network in a new tab)

Federal News Network reports USPS paused its employer FERS pension contributions, about $200 million every other week, to free roughly $2.5 billion this fiscal year, weeks after Postmaster General David Steiner told Congress the agency could run out of cash within a year.

Postal Regulatory Commission · USPS finances

PRC Grants USPS Multi-Year Waiver to Address Financial Shortfalls (opens Postal Regulatory Commission in a new tab)

The Postal Regulatory Commission let USPS use about $2.4 billion in fiscal 2026, and potentially $15 billion or more through fiscal 2030, of rate revenue earmarked for retiree benefit payments, and urged Congress to decide what universal service the nation needs.

“The Commission urges all stakeholders to treat the breathing room provided by the Temporary Conditional Waiver as an opportunity to work toward meaningful and lasting change.”

USPS Newsroom · USPS finances

U.S. Postal Service Recommends New Prices for July (opens USPS Newsroom in a new tab)

USPS filed to raise mailing prices about 4.8% on July 12, 2026, lifting the Forever stamp from 78 to 82 cents and domestic postcards from 61 to 65 cents, with increases also sought for USPS Marketing Mail.

NPR / 1A · USPS finances

The Plight of the U.S. Postal Service (opens NPR / 1A in a new tab)

NPR's 1A devotes an episode to the Postal Service's decades of money troubles and the postmaster general's warning that the agency could run out of money by October, with a panel of experts discussing its uncertain future.

New York Post · USPS finances

USPS Already Lost $1.3 Billion This Year, and Cash Shortages Might Halt Mail Delivery in 2027 (opens New York Post in a new tab)

The New York Post reports Postmaster General David Steiner warned lawmakers USPS could run out of cash by October, or by February 2027 if it skips some payments, after a $9 billion loss last fiscal year and $1.3 billion more in early 2026.

The State Journal-Register (via PostalTimes) · USPS finances

Postmaster General Says Illinois Is USPS' 'Biggest Problem' Area (opens The State Journal-Register (via PostalTimes) in a new tab)

Questioned by Rep. Nikki Budzinski at a March 17 House hearing, Postmaster General David Steiner said central and southern Illinois sits in USPS's 'biggest problem' area, a corridor from Chicago to St. Louis to Memphis, and blamed staffing shortages.

Federal News Network · USPS finances

USPS Cutting Delivery Days 'On the Table,' as Agency Runs Out of Cash, Postmaster General Tells Lawmakers (opens Federal News Network in a new tab)

Postmaster General David Steiner told a House Oversight subcommittee that USPS could run out of cash in less than 12 months, and that without help from Congress it may have to consider cutting delivery days or closing post offices.

“If you want the same number of delivery days and post offices, we can do that. But someone has to pay for it. If you want to have a discussion about reducing services, we can do that. But the one thing we can't do is the status quo.”

NPR · USPS finances

The Postal Service May Be Out of Cash in 2027 Without Congress' Help, Postmaster Says (opens NPR in a new tab)

Postmaster General David Steiner told Congress the agency is on track to run out of cash for paying workers and vendors within a year, and warned it may have to stop deliveries without legislative intervention.

“...at our current run rate and if we continue to pay our required obligations in the same manner as we have done in recent years, then we will be out of cash in less than 12 months.”

Omroep West (in Dutch) · Legislation and policy

Opt-In Mailbox Stickers Spread Across the Hague Region (opens Omroep West (in Dutch) in a new tab)

Dutch broadcaster Omroep West reports that 13 of the 26 municipalities in its region with mailbox-sticker rules now use opt-in systems, delivering unaddressed advertising folders only to homes that display a 'ja-ja' sticker. Delft switched in 2026.

U.S. GAO · USPS finances

U.S. Postal Service Is Losing Money. What Can Be Done to Help It? (opens U.S. GAO in a new tab)

GAO's WatchBlog notes USPS has lost money almost every fiscal year since 2007, with net losses totaling about $109 billion from fiscal 2007 through 2024, and summarizes GAO's Q&A report on the agency's financial problems and reform efforts.

U.S. GAO · USPS finances

GAO: USPS Net Losses Total About $118 Billion Since 2007 (opens U.S. GAO in a new tab)

In its U.S. Postal Service primer, GAO reports that USPS has lost money every fiscal year since 2007, with net losses totaling about $118 billion from fiscal 2007 through 2025.

“USPS has lost money every fiscal year since 2007. Its net losses have totaled approximately $118 billion from fiscal years 2007 through 2025.”

U.S. Senate · Legislation and policy

Ernst, Cortez Masto Move to Stop Subsidies for Political Junk Mail (opens U.S. Senate in a new tab)

After 2.3 billion pieces of political mail in 2024, Sens. Joni Ernst and Catherine Cortez Masto introduced the Ending Subsidies for Political Junk Mail Act (S.3260) to bar political committees from mailing at the discounted nonprofit rate, a 40% to 60% discount.

USPS Newsroom · USPS finances

U.S. Postal Service Reports Fiscal Year 2025 Results (opens USPS Newsroom in a new tab)

USPS reported a $9.0 billion net loss for fiscal 2025 on $80.5 billion in operating revenue. Marketing Mail revenue grew $350 million (2.3%) even as volume fell 764 million pieces (1.3%), which USPS credited to strategic price increases.

Banque des Territoires / Localtis (in French) · Legislation and policy

French Bill Would Revive 'Oui Pub' Opt-In Rules for Ad Flyers (opens Banque des Territoires / Localtis (in French) in a new tab)

Nine French deputies filed a cross-party bill on September 16, 2025 to make 'Oui Pub' opt-in rules for advertising flyers nationwide, citing an official evaluation that found paper collected in pilot areas fell 48% on average.

USPS Office of Inspector General · Industry

Projecting Mail Volume: Future Trends and Implications for the Postal Service (opens USPS Office of Inspector General in a new tab)

The USPS Office of Inspector General projects First-Class and Marketing Mail volume falling 14% to 41% from 2025 to 2035, depending on the economy and electronic diversion, with a baseline drop of 29% (98.2 billion to 70.1 billion pieces).

Que Choisir (in French) · Legislation and policy

France Will Not Extend the 'Oui Pub' Opt-In Trial Nationwide (opens Que Choisir (in French) in a new tab)

France's government declined to extend 'Oui Pub,' a three-year trial in 14 localities that barred unaddressed ad flyers except in mailboxes with an opt-in sticker, citing very mixed results; the opt-out 'Stop Pub' sticker returned nationwide on May 1, 2025.

ABC News (FBI data) · Fraud and scams

FBI: Seniors Lost $4.8 Billion to Scammers in 2024 (opens ABC News (FBI data) in a new tab)

ABC News reports FBI figures showing Americans 60 and older lost $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024, more than any other age group, as total reported U.S. losses rose 33 percent to $16.6 billion.

“Seniors lost $4.8 billion in 2024 to scammers, according to a report released Wednesday by the FBI.”

USPS · USPS finances

USPS: 3.37 Billion Political and Election Mail Pieces Delivered in 2024 (opens USPS in a new tab)

In its 2024 post-election report, USPS said it delivered 3.37 billion pieces of Political and Election Mail in 2024 and processed more than 99 million ballots during the general election.

“The total mail volume surpassed 3 billion mailpieces for both Political and Election Mail tracked.”

USPS · USPS finances

USPS Reports $79.5 Billion in Operating Revenue for Fiscal 2024 (opens USPS in a new tab)

USPS reported fiscal 2024 operating revenue of $79.5 billion, up 1.7 percent, with Marketing Mail revenue up $292 million, or 1.9 percent, and a net loss of $9.5 billion.

“Total operating revenue was $79.5 billion for the year, an increase of $1.4 billion, or 1.7 percent, compared to the prior year.”

USPS Office of Inspector General · USPS finances

USPS OIG: Marketing Mail Volume Down 40% Since 2008 (opens USPS Office of Inspector General in a new tab)

A USPS Inspector General white paper finds Marketing Mail volume fell 40 percent from fiscal 2008 to 2023, from 99 billion to 59 billion pieces, as mailers shifted to cheaper online alternatives, while First-Class Mail fell 50 percent.

“Marketing Mail volume decreased 40 percent from 99 billion pieces in FY 2008 to 59 billion pieces in FY 2023.”

FBI · Fraud and scams

FBI: Elder Fraud Losses Reach $3.4 Billion in 2023 (opens FBI in a new tab)

FBI Los Angeles reports that Americans over 60 reported more than $3.4 billion in losses to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center in 2023, an 11 percent increase from 2022, with tech support scams the most reported and investment scams the costliest.

“In the same year, total losses reported to the IC3 by those over the age of 60 topped $3.4 billion, an 11% increase in reported losses from 2022.”

MarketingCharts (Winterberry Group data) · Industry

Direct Mail Volume Plunges 13.4%, Largest Drop Since 2009 Recession (opens MarketingCharts (Winterberry Group data) in a new tab)

Citing Winterberry Group, MarketingCharts reports U.S. direct mail volume fell 13.4 percent in 2023 to 62.94 billion pieces, the largest pullback since the 2009 recession and almost 23 percent below 2019, as direct mail spending fell 9.8 percent to $37.6 billion.

“In fact, direct mail volumes dropped by 13.4% last year to under 63 (62.94) billion, with the year-over-year decline of almost 10 billion pieces marking 'the largest pullback since the 2009 recession,' per the analysis.”

U.S. Congress (Public Law 117-108) · USPS finances

Postal Service Reform Act Repeals Pre-Funding Mandate After 16 Years (opens U.S. Congress (Public Law 117-108) in a new tab)

President Biden signed the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, which ended the 2006 requirement that USPS prefund future retiree health benefits and wrote into law that mail delivery occur at least six days a week.

“The Postal Service shall maintain an integrated network for the delivery of market-dominant and competitive products (as defined in chapter 36 of this title). Delivery shall occur at least six days a week...”

USPS OIG · USPS finances

USPS OIG: Over 1.6 Billion Political Mail Pieces Processed Before 2020 Election (opens USPS OIG in a new tab)

From September 1 through November 3, 2020, the Postal Service processed over 1.6 billion Political Mail pieces included in service performance measurement, in addition to 134 million Election Mail pieces.

“From September 1 through November 3, 2020, the Postal Service processed almost 134 million Election Mail pieces included in service performance measurement (mailpieces with barcode mail tracking technology that received required processing scans for measuring performance) and over 1.6 billion Political Mail pieces included in service performance measurement.”

USPS · USPS finances

COVID-19 Pandemic Causes 15% Drop in Marketing Mail Volume (opens USPS in a new tab)

USPS reported that in fiscal 2020 Marketing Mail volume fell 11.5 billion pieces, or 15.2 percent, and First-Class Mail fell 4.2 percent, mainly because of the pandemic, while package volume rose 18.8 percent on the e-commerce surge.

“As a result of the pandemic, and to a lesser extent, secular mail declines, the Postal Service's volume from mail services, its largest sales category, declined significantly for the full year, as First-Class Mail declined 2.3 billion pieces, or 4.2 percent, and Marketing Mail declined 11.5 billion pieces, or 15.2 percent.”

VICE (Aaron Gordon) · Industry

How We Ended Up With All This Junk Mail (opens VICE (Aaron Gordon) in a new tab)

VICE traces the 1980s junk mail boom to two causes: USPS presort discounts introduced in 1978 and computer targeting by ZIP code, census tract and income. It cites a study finding direct mail per household doubled from 1977 to 1987.

“Much as Google and Facebook would later do, direct mailers could now target ads much more specifically yielding higher response rates which in turn enabled more junk mail to be profitable and therefore worth sending out than before.”

Change.org · Consumer issues

EDDM Opt-Out Petition Launched on Change.org (opens Change.org in a new tab)

A Change.org petition, now titled 'JUNK MAIL Program From U.S. Postal Service MUST Have Opt-Out,' launched on January 18, 2020, asking USPS to create an official opt-out for Every Door Direct Mail and ECRWSS mail. It was started by Zero Junk Mail founder Jake Waitzman.

“The USPS must create an official opt-out method for EDDM and ECRWSS mail.”

Sierra (Sierra Club magazine) · Environment

Sierra Club: 'Let's Ban Junk Mail Already' (opens Sierra (Sierra Club magazine) in a new tab)

A Sierra magazine article by Juhea Kim argues for banning junk mail, citing San Jose State University's Center for Development of Recycling that an American adult receives 41 pounds of junk mail a year, which takes 80 million to 100 million trees to produce.

“An American adult receives 41 pounds of junk mail a year. To produce this much paper requires cutting down somewhere between 80 million and 100 million trees annually.”

Houston Law Review · Consumer issues

Law Review: Consumers Bear 'Inordinate' Burden to Opt Out of Unsolicited Ads (opens Houston Law Review in a new tab)

A Houston Law Review article argues that despite many ways to stop unsolicited mail, fax, email and texts, recipients bear an inordinate burden opting out of messages they never requested, and that no single agency oversees all of them.

“Recipients continue to bear the burden of spending an inordinate amount of time and energy on opting out of something that they did not solicit in the first place.”

Multichannel News (Next TV) · Industry

ANA to Acquire Data & Marketing Association (opens Multichannel News (Next TV) in a new tab)

The Association of National Advertisers announced on May 31, 2018 that it would acquire the Data & Marketing Association, formerly the Direct Marketing Association, creating the largest advertising and marketing trade group in the U.S.

“The merger, announced May 31, will create the largest advertising/marketing trade group in the U.S.”

Federal Register 2012-25059 · EDDM

EDDM Made Permanent Product After Successful Market Test (opens Federal Register 2012-25059 in a new tab)

USPS published a final rule making Every Door Direct Mail-Retail a permanent product, effective January 27, 2013, after the Postal Regulatory Commission approved adding it to the market-dominant product list. USPS called the market test 'very successful.'

“This market test has been very successful in making it easier for new customers to mail and increase their marketing efforts.”

USPS 2011 Annual Report · EDDM

USPS Launches Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) Program (opens USPS 2011 Annual Report in a new tab)

The Postal Service launched Every Door Direct Mail in January 2011, letting businesses mail to every address on chosen carrier routes without buying mailing lists. USPS reported more than $92 million in EDDM sales in its first nine months.

“In the 9 months since its launch in January, EDDM sales have reached over $92 million.”

Federal Register (USPS final rule, Oct. 15, 2012) · EDDM

USPS Announces 'Every Door Direct Mail' Market Test (opens Federal Register (USPS final rule, Oct. 15, 2012) in a new tab)

USPS announced a market test, to begin in January 2011, that let customers mail saturation flats with simplified addresses to every delivery point without permits or presort fees. It became Every Door Direct Mail.

“In December 2010, the Postal Service announced a new market test to begin in January 2011, to enable customers to mail saturation flats with simplified addresses to all types of delivery in an even more simplified manner.”

ForestEthics / PI News · Legislation and policy

Seattle City Council Passes 'Do Not Mail' Resolution (opens ForestEthics / PI News in a new tab)

The Seattle City Council voted 8-1 for a non-binding resolution asking Washington state to create a Do Not Mail registry, following a similar San Francisco resolution, and directed Seattle Public Utilities to evaluate junk mail opt-out services.

“Today, the Seattle City Council passed a resolution calling on the state of Washington to create a Do Not Mail Registry giving its citizens the choice to stop receiving unwanted junk mail.”

Congressional Research Service · Legislation and policy

CRS: At Least 19 States Have Introduced Do Not Mail Registry Bills Since 2007 (opens Congressional Research Service in a new tab)

A Congressional Research Service report finds at least 19 state legislatures, including New York, Vermont, Colorado and Texas, introduced Do Not Mail registry bills in 2007 and 2008. None of the 2007 bills became law, and 12 states had bills pending in 2008.

“Since 2007, at least 19 state legislatures have introduced legislation that would require the creation of state Do Not Mail (DNM) registries.”

Congressional Research Service · USPS finances

USPS Could Lose $4-10 Billion if States Pass Do Not Mail Laws (opens Congressional Research Service in a new tab)

A Congressional Research Service report cites a Postal Service estimate that it could lose $4 billion to $10 billion a year in revenue if every state created a Do Not Mail registry, depending on how many consumers signed up.

“USPS estimates it could lose between $4 billion and $10 billion in revenue if all states passed a DNM registry and all consumers registered for it.”

Congressional Research Service · Industry

$60 Billion Spent on Direct Mail Advertising Annually (opens Congressional Research Service in a new tab)

A Congressional Research Service report cites estimates that $60 billion, or 21 percent of all U.S. advertising dollars, is spent on advertising mail, and notes USPS earned $20.7 billion, more than a quarter of its 2007 revenue, from Standard Mail.

“Estimates suggest $60 billion, or 21% of all advertising dollars in the United States, is spent on advertising mail.”

ForestEthics (via Total Retail) · Environment

ForestEthics: Junk Mail Creates 51.5 Million Metric Tons of Greenhouse Gases a Year (opens ForestEthics (via Total Retail) in a new tab)

ForestEthics' report Climate Change Enclosed estimates U.S. junk mail creates 51.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gases a year, equal to 9.4 million passenger cars, and that 100 million trees are cut each year to produce it.

“The 51.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gases created each year by direct mail are the annual equivalent of 9.4 million average passenger cars and more than the total emissions of seven U.S. states combined.”

USPS · USPS finances

USPS Reports $5.1 Billion Net Loss for Fiscal 2007 (opens USPS in a new tab)

USPS reported a $5.1 billion net loss for fiscal 2007, which it attributed to mandatory retiree health funding under the Postal Act of 2006. Without the law's effects, it said, it would have earned $1.6 billion.

“The Postal Service concluded the fiscal year with a $5.1 billion net loss, attributable to mandatory funding requirements in the Postal Act of 2006.”

Zogby International (via Duluth News Tribune) · Consumer issues

Poll: 89% of Respondents Support a 'Do Not Mail' Registry (opens Zogby International (via Duluth News Tribune) in a new tab)

A September 2007 Zogby International poll found 89 percent of respondents supported a Do Not Mail registry, similar to the Do Not Call list, to make it easier to opt out of unsolicited advertising mail.

“In a September 2007 Zogby International poll, 93 percent of respondents were aware of the Do Not Call Registry, and 89 percent of them supported a Do Not Mail Registry to make it easier to opt out of unsolicited ad mail.”

U.S. Congress (Public Law 109-435) · USPS finances

Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act Requires USPS to Prefund Retiree Health Benefits (opens U.S. Congress (Public Law 109-435) in a new tab)

President George W. Bush signed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, which required USPS to pay $5.4 billion to $5.8 billion a year from 2007 through 2016 into a new fund for future retiree health benefits.

SourceWatch · Legislation and policy

Direct Marketing Association Creates Mail Moves America to Fight Do Not Mail Bills (opens SourceWatch in a new tab)

The Direct Marketing Association forms Mail Moves America, a coalition of mailing, printing, paper and marketing groups, to oppose state Do Not Mail registry bills. SourceWatch, a watchdog wiki, describes it as a front group.

“In 2006, DMA created the front group Mail Moves America to organize opposition to no-junk-mail list legislation.”

NPR (Fresh Air) · Industry

From Direct Mail to 'America's Right Turn' (opens NPR (Fresh Air) in a new tab)

In a Fresh Air interview, Richard Viguerie, called the 'funding father' of the conservative movement, discusses how he pioneered direct mail political fundraising in the 1970s and 1980s and his book America's Right Turn.

“In the 1970s and 80s he pioneered direct mail political fundraising.”

FTC · Legislation and policy

CAN-SPAM Act Signed, Setting Rules for Commercial Email (opens FTC in a new tab)

President George W. Bush signed the CAN-SPAM Act, which bans deceptive subject lines in commercial email and requires senders to offer and honor opt-out requests. The law applies to commercial electronic mail, not postal mail.

“The CAN-SPAM Act, a law that sets the rules for commercial email, establishes requirements for commercial messages, gives recipients the right to have you stop emailing them, and spells out tough penalties for violations.”

Deseret News · Industry

Sears Ends Its Famous 'Big Book' Catalog After 97 Years (opens Deseret News in a new tab)

Sears, Roebuck and Co. announced it would discontinue its general merchandise 'big book' catalog, first produced in 1896, after after-tax losses of $135 million to $175 million in each of the past three years, and close 113 stores.

“This was a very difficult decision because the catalog is our heritage. It's how Sears started.”

Chief Marketer (DMA Timeline) · Industry

Direct Mail Marketing Association Becomes Direct Marketing Association (opens Chief Marketer (DMA Timeline) in a new tab)

The trade group founded in 1917 as the Direct Mail Advertising Association, renamed the Direct Mail Marketing Association in 1973, changes its name to the Direct Marketing Association (DMA).

U.S. Supreme Court · Courts and law

Supreme Court Upholds Federal Ban on Placing Unstamped Items in Mailboxes (opens U.S. Supreme Court in a new tab)

In U.S. Postal Service v. Council of Greenburgh Civic Associations, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that 18 U.S.C. 1725, which bars depositing unstamped mailable matter in mailboxes, does not violate the First Amendment, because a mailbox is not a public forum.

“Letterboxes are an essential part of the nationwide system for the delivery and receipt of mail, and since 1934 access to them has been unlawful except under the terms and conditions specified by Congress and the Postal Service.”

U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives · USPS finances

Postal Reorganization Act Transforms Post Office into Independent USPS (opens U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives in a new tab)

President Nixon signed the Postal Reorganization Act on August 12, 1970, replacing the Post Office Department with the U.S. Postal Service, an independent agency. The law phased down federal appropriations until the Postal Service reached financial self-sufficiency.

“On this date, the House agreed to the conference report for the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 in a 338 to 29 vote, which eliminated the Post Office Department and replaced it with the United States Postal Service, an independent executive agency.”

U.S. Supreme Court · Courts and law

Supreme Court Upholds Right to Refuse 'Pandering' Mail in Rowan v. Post Office Dept. (opens U.S. Supreme Court in a new tab)

In an 8-0 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that a mailer does not have a constitutional right to send unwanted material into someone's home. The Court held that the right of people 'to be let alone' must be balanced against the rights of others to communicate.

“A mailer's right to communicate must stop at the mailbox of an unreceptive addressee.”

USPS Historian (Advertising Mail: A Brief History) · Industry

'Junk Mail' Term Popularized by Newspaper Publishers in 1954 (opens USPS Historian (Advertising Mail: A Brief History) in a new tab)

A USPS history says newspaper publishers, fighting a 1953 Post Office 'patron mail' experiment that competed with them for advertising dollars, had popularized the phrase 'junk mail' by 1954. The phrase had appeared occasionally in newspapers as early as 1910.

“By 1954 they had popularized the phrase 'junk mail.'”