The USPS Inspector General is studying the Postal Service's practice of providing free expedited packaging supplies. Will free Priority Mail boxes become a thing of the past?





The USPS OIG (Office of Inspector General) published an Audit Asks blog post recently titled, "Does USPS's Expedited Packaging Supplies Program Effectively Increase Revenues and Manage Costs?"





It initiated a project titled, "Expedited Packaging Supplies Program Costs" on September 24, 2019. It estimates it will publish the results of in March 2020.





"Free packaging is a unique selling tool, differentiating the Postal Service from its competitors," it wrote.





The Postal Service says the program generates new revenue, grows business, increases volume for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail, and improves customer retention and loyalty.





And it covers its costs - "according to USPS, costs for providing free packaging supplies are included in the current rate structure of the corresponding mail products (e.g., Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail)," the OIG wrote.





The Inspector General wants to hear from people about what they think, and this is your opportunity to weigh in.





If you value free Priority Mail postal supplies; or if you have ideas for how the USPS could ensure free boxes and envelopes are used by customers appropriately, speak up now





If free Priority Mail boxes become a thing of the past, how would it impact you?