The U.S. Post Office is in trouble. In 2009, the Post Office expects to run a record $7 billion deficit in 2009. Clearly, there needs to be an overhaul of the system. No one expects them to make money, but to be SEVEN BILLION dollars in debt is mind-boggling. And, raising the price of stamps again and again isn’t the answer–especially since they expect to handle 27 billion fewer pieces of mail this year.

One of the suggestions to cut costs is to drop down to a five-day delivery schedule. It is estimated this could save between $2 billion and $3 billion a year. Makes sense to me. Do you really need to get your junk mail, magazines, and bills on Saturday, too? Admit it: How often do you really get snail mail that matters? Twice or three times a week, maybe? Cutting down a delivery day wouldn’t solve the USPS’ problems, but it sure would take a dent out of their operating expenses.

In a move consistent with the bureaucracy that so burdens our country, many members of Congress are not on board with the five-day plan until further study is done. Clearly, the politicians are worried about an uprising from their constituents if there are service changes.

But desperate times call for desperate measures. The Post Office has been removing little-used neighborhood post boxes and is discussing a broad consolidation of mail carriers and branches. They are also under a hiring freeze, and are offering early retirement to many workers.

We just moved to New Jersey, and we were surprised to see our mail carrier drive up in our driveway. He drives all the way up the drive to the side door to deliver the mail. We love it, but how can this possibly be cost efficient? Even if all the mailboxes were just moved to the curb, that would take less time and gas. Or, how about putting mail carriers on bicycles or Vespas?

But, I suspect the way the mail is delivered isn’t the problem. The Post Office has become a balloon of bloated bureaucracy and needs to deflate a bit. Let’s hope they examine their business model and get it back on track. Otherwise, who knows how much a first-class stamp is going to cost you.