USPS Lets Retailers Bid for Faster Delivery—And It Could Change E-Commerce

E-commerce businesses now have a new way to reserve delivery slots. USPS bidding platform lets retailers and logistics providers compete for last-mile delivery to homes and businesses.

Led by Postmaster General David Steiner, the program aims to generate billions in revenue to offset the USPS’s $2.8 billion operating loss in fiscal 2025.

Previously limited to large shippers, the platform now allows businesses of all sizes to book delivery capacity at over 170 processing units and 18,000 post offices nationwide. Shippers can set volume, pricing, and tender times for same- or next-day delivery, letting the network respond dynamically to supply and demand.

Formal agreements will go through Negotiated Service Agreements (NSAs), with winning bids announced in Q2 and services starting in Q3 2026. While this could give businesses an edge in speed and reliability, smaller retailers may face challenges meeting logistics and volume requirements.