Rural Mail Service Cuts Draw Fire from Missouri Congressman, Farm Groups

A controversial plan by the U.S. Postal Service to reduce mail pickup times in rural areas is facing strong opposition from congressional leaders and agricultural organizations, who say it would create a “two-tiered” postal system disadvantaging rural Americans.

The Regional Transportation Optimization plan, which would reduce mail collection frequency at rural post offices, has drawn particular criticism from House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.).

“It’s downright shameful,” Graves said in a statement. “These changes would effectively create a two-tiered mail system. Rural Americans don’t deserve to be treated as second-class citizens.”

The proposal would eliminate evening mail pickup from many rural post offices, potentially causing significant delays in outgoing mail service for rural communities. The changes are part of USPS’s broader effort to address its significant financial challenges, including a $9.5 billion net loss in fiscal 2024.

The Missouri Farm Bureau has joined the opposition, expressing concerns about the impact on agricultural communities. The plan has also sparked bipartisan resistance in Congress, with lawmakers questioning the USPS’s approach to cost-cutting measures.

Graves particularly criticized the timing of service reductions while postal rates continue to rise. “They’ve been raising postage rates repeatedly—essentially, pay more, get less,” he noted in his statement, adding that management should focus on improving delivery times rather than “this ridiculous plan to reduce rural service.”

The proposed changes would primarily affect areas located farther from major USPS processing facilities, with mail service prioritized for locations within 50 miles of main processing centers.

As congressional oversight continues, Graves promised continued scrutiny of the proposal. “The services provided by the Postal Service are essential, and we will not let them off the hook,” he affirmed. “The people of Missouri deserve better, and we will continue pushing for accountability and improvements.”

–Metro Voice in conjunction with Hyperwrite for background info.