The United States Postal Service has implemented the second phase of its service standard refinements, effective July 1. The changes are part of the agency’s Delivering for America plan, a 10-year initiative aimed at reducing costs and improving reliability.

According to a USPS press release, the adjustments expand the distance mail can travel within its existing two-, three-, and four-day delivery windows for First-Class Mail and USPS Ground Advantage. The update is intended to reflect earlier dispatch times from regional processing and distribution centers.

The refinements also affect so-called “turnaround volume” — mail that originates and is delivered within the same processing area. Depending on where it enters the system and its proximity to the nearest processing facility, this volume may now qualify for a two- or three-day delivery standard.

The Postal Service said this latest phase builds on the first round of changes made in April, which included service standard modifications for mail originating more than 50 miles from the nearest regional center.

USPS says these steps are necessary to eliminate reliance on costly and unpredictable air transportation. The broader goal is to achieve $36 billion in cost savings over the next decade by streamlining transportation, facility usage, and delivery operations.

Customers can find more details, including estimated delivery dates based on ZIP Codes, at usps.com/service-standards.

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