Amazon strikes deal with struggling USPS to begin Sunday delivery

On November 17th, Amazon.com and the United States Postal Service will launch a new initiative that will see Amazon customers receiving packages in the mail on Sundays. Initially, this service will only be offered in Los Angeles and New York City, with the majority of the country receiving the service later in 2014.

Amazon says that Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, and Phoenix will be amongst the first additional cities to receive the service in 2014, and further rollout will take place as it grows in popularity. Amazon will deliver its packages from shipping centers to USPS facilities on Saturday evenings, and will then hand things off to USPS for Sunday delivery. At the moment, it is unclear if this service will cost extra or not, but the truth is that USPS could use a financial boost at the moment.

"If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can order a backpack for your child on Friday and be packing it for them Sunday night," said Dave Clark, Amazon's vice president of worldwide operations and customer service. "We're excited that now every day is an Amazon delivery day and we know our Prime members, who voraciously shop on Amazon, will love the additional convenience they will experience as part of this new service."

"As online shopping continues to increase, the Postal Service is very happy to offer shippers like Amazon the option of having packages delivered on Sunday," said Patrick R. Donahoe, Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer. "With this new service, the Postal Service is now delivering packages seven days a week in select cities. Customers can expect the same reliable and valued service that the Postal Service currently provides."