USPS-同日递送：对美国邮政服务的影响（英）-23页_2mb

Summary of Same-Day Delivery Implications for the U.S. Postal Service

Core Content

The report by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) examines the current state and future implications of the same-day delivery market in the United States. It highlights the rapid growth of the market, the dominance of crowdsourced delivery platforms, and the limited consumer adoption of same-day delivery services. The report also evaluates the logistical and financial challenges of same-day delivery and suggests that next-day delivery may be a more viable option for the USPS.

Main Points

• Same-Day Delivery Market Growth:
  The same-day delivery market has grown rapidly, reaching 249 million packages in 2018, which accounted for about 2% of the total U.S. domestic parcel deliveries. This growth is primarily driven by crowdsourced delivery platforms and major online retailers.

• Market Composition:
  The market is dominated by startups, with major players like Postmates, Instacart, and Roadie. These companies operate on a "third-party delivery" model, where independent drivers are contracted to deliver goods. Some, like Amazon Flex and Shipt, have also integrated same-day delivery into their broader logistics networks.

• Consumer Behavior and Preferences:

  • Fewer than 20% of online shoppers have used same-day delivery for non-food items.
  • Urban Millennials are more likely to use same-day delivery than rural or older consumers.
  • Many consumers prefer in-store pickup over same-day delivery, even when it is free.
  • Consumers are generally unwilling to pay for same-day delivery, even at minimal prices.
  • Urgent needs (like medication or groceries) are the primary motivators for same-day delivery usage.

• Logistical and Financial Challenges:

  • Same-day delivery is complex and expensive due to the need for proximity to customers, fast order fulfillment, and efficient inventory management.
  • The cost per package for same-day delivery can exceed $10, which is significantly higher than traditional delivery methods.
  • Some same-day delivery companies operate at a loss, especially for non-urgent items.

• Sustainability Concerns:

  • The business model of many same-day delivery companies may not be sustainable in the long term.
  • Subscription-based services can offer lower delivery prices, but this may not be viable for all retailers.

• Potential for Next-Day Delivery:

  • The report suggests that next-day delivery could be a more strategic fit for the USPS, given its existing infrastructure and experience in this area.
  • Next-day delivery offers a better balance between cost and speed, aligning with the USPS's strengths.

Key Information

• Market Size: In 2018, same-day delivery accounted for 249 million packages, or 2% of the total U.S. domestic parcel delivery volume.
• Crowdsourced Delivery: Platforms like Postmates, Instacart, and Roadie dominate the market, using independent drivers to fulfill orders.
• Consumer Adoption: Same-day delivery is still a niche market, primarily used by urban Millennials for urgent needs.
• Cost Issues: Same-day delivery is more expensive than traditional delivery, and some companies operate at a loss.
• Future Outlook: The report indicates that the future of same-day delivery is uncertain, and the USPS should continue to monitor the market for potential opportunities or threats.

Conclusion

The report concludes that while same-day delivery is growing, it is not yet a significant threat to the USPS's parcel delivery volume. It emphasizes the importance of the USPS focusing on next-day delivery, which is more aligned with its existing capabilities and may offer better value to consumers. The report also highlights the need for the USPS to stay attuned to market changes and technological advancements that could reshape delivery expectations in the future.

Appendix Highlights

• Appendix A: Describes the methodology of the OIG's consumer survey, which included over 2,500 respondents aged 18 to 75.
• Appendix B: Summarizes management's comments on the report, indicating a cautious approach to same-day delivery and a focus on next-day services.

Contact Information

• Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Service
• Report Number: RISC-WP-20-002
• Date: January 8, 2020