Ecommerce Insights

USPS is Opening its Delivery Routes to More Carriers (not just Amazon)

The USPS last mile delivery update could shake up your shipping strategy. After years of letting Amazon dominate its last-mile routes through private delivery deals, USPS is changing course.

In 2026, USPS is launching a new bidding platform that opens its delivery network to a wider group of shippers. For eCommerce sellers, it could mean new carrier partners, more regional options, and better leverage in how your orders reach the customer.

From Private Deals to Public Competition

For over a decade, USPS quietly struck exclusive delivery arrangements with major shippers like Amazon. It gave Amazon perks that other retailers could only envy, including Sunday deliveries and broad rural reach.

Now, USPS is shifting to a competitive model. They’ve rolled out a formal bidding platform that gives other carriers a chance to access the same last-mile infrastructure that Amazon once had mostly to itself.

Here’s what’s changing:

  • USPS is making more than 18,000 local delivery units available to carriers
  • Bids can be submitted regionally instead of requiring nationwide coverage
  • Winning carriers will negotiate volume, pricing, and service through NSAs
  • USPS will announce the first round of winners in Q2 2026, with rollout in Q3

USPS is restructuring how last-mile delivery works, giving more carriers a chance to compete for access

New Routes, New Reach

If you use USPS as part of your fulfillment stack, here’s why this update matters.

  • Carriers you’ve never considered could now offer faster or cheaper USPS delivery in your region
  • Smaller or regional carriers may finally have the opportunity to scale using USPS delivery routes
  • If you ship through a 3PL or platform like Ordoro, you may see new options for routing and automation
  • Amazon’s hold on USPS capacity is officially loosened, and that creates room for competition

Access is the real shift here, and it may start showing up in the tools and services you already use.

Steps to Prep Smart

You don’t need to make a move today, but the smart sellers are already watching.

Here’s what to do now:

  • Ask your partners if they’re involved
    Your warehouse, 3PL, or shipping software may be working with a carrier who’s bidding. The more proactive they are, the sooner you’ll see new delivery options.
  • Stay alert for changes starting in Q3
    USPS will announce new service partners in Q2 2026. By the second half of the year, you may notice shifts in how packages move and what rates look like across different carriers.
  • Make sure your fulfillment flow can adapt
    Ordoro is built for moments like this. As new services roll out, you’ll be able to adjust carrier selection, reroute orders, and keep shipping as optimized as ever.

FAQ

Is Amazon out of USPS delivery?
No, but they no longer have the edge. USPS is making space for other carriers to compete for delivery access that used to be locked up.

Can I bid for USPS access as a merchant?
Not directly. But your carrier or fulfillment provider might be involved in the bidding process. It’s worth asking.

Will this affect how I use Ordoro?
Not today. But if new USPS routes or programs are added, you’ll be able to access and automate them through Ordoro like any other carrier option.

The Last Word on the Last Mile

It might seem like a small logistics move, but it opens the door to bigger changes. By moving from private deals to competitive access, USPS is opening the last mile to more carriers. That means more options, better rates, and less reliance on platforms that used to call the shots.

Ordoro helps you take advantage of these changes by keeping your fulfillment flexible and your shipping stack smart. When the rules shift, you’re already ready.

Ready to adapt your workflow for what’s next? We’ve got the tools and the team to help you make the switch smoothly. Talk to an eCommerce pro.