Reading Time: 3 minutes

Amazon has clarified its stance regarding speculation around a potential breakup between Amazon and USPS, telling Newsweek the company is “not planning to cut ties with the USPS.”

A company spokesperson reiterated that the 30-plus-year partnership remains a priority. The clarification comes after a high-profile report from The Washington Post suggesting Amazon was preparing to fast-track expansion of its own coast-to-coast delivery network, potentially exiting its multi-billion-dollar package delivery agreement with USPS after 2026.

Making sense of the two diverging narratives

The Washington Post report

According to sources quoted by The Washington Post, contract negotiations between Amazon and USPS have stalled, driven in part by USPS’s plan to shift to a “reverse-auction” model for major volume clients beginning 2026.

  • Under the current arrangement, Amazon is USPS’s largest customer.
  • In 2025 alone, Amazon reportedly contributed over US $6 billion in annual revenue to USPS, roughly 7.5% of the postal agency’s yearly income.
  • With its logistics footprint already massive, Amazon is said to be readying a full-scale independent delivery network, potentially handling “billions of packages” without USPS involvement by the end of 2026.

Amazon’s statement to Newsweek

Amazon’s official position, as communicated to Newsweek, is that no decision has been made to end the partnership. In fact, the company says it is looking to extend it. USPS, when approached by Newsweek, declined to comment.

In short, while external reports paint a picture of looming separation, Amazon says publicly that the relationship remains a priority.

Why this matters for ecommerce, logistics, and marketplace sellers

  • Logistics landscape could shift dramatically: If Amazon eventually pivots away from USPS, parcel delivery volumes across the U.S. could be reshuffled. USPS, already under financial pressure, could face a significant hit.
  • Greater pressure on logistics infrastructure: For remote or rural deliveries, where USPS has strong coverage, Amazon may need to expand its own last-mile network significantly to maintain service levels and delivery speeds.
  • Potential increase in delivery costs or service restructuring: As Amazon builds capacity internally, cost and pricing pressures may flow downstream to sellers and buyers.
  • An opportunity for diversification: For sellers using multiple carriers or marketplaces, this situation underscores the value of a flexible, multi-carrier logistics strategy instead of relying on a single giant.

What sellers and marketplaces should watch

  • Monitor announcements and renewals: With Amazon balancing public statements and private strategy, the next 12 months could bring major delivery-network announcements or tense contract renewals.
  • Diversify logistics options: Relying on a single large player or carrier is risky when such seismic changes are possible. Multi-carrier readiness, fallback plans, and flexible shipping modules will be critical.
  • Prepare for uneven coverage: Remote or rural deliveries in the U.S. might experience turbulence if USPS loses Amazon volume; sellers targeting such areas should build contingency plans.
  • Expect competitive ripple effects: If Amazon scales its own delivery network aggressively, other carriers and marketplaces may respond with changes in pricing, speed, or delivery promises, which will alter buyer expectations across the ecommerce ecosystem.

Talk to CedCommerce about Amazon marketing and growth

Want help improving your Amazon rankings, scaling profitable ad campaigns, and optimizing your product catalog ahead of peak season?


Book your FREE consultation!

Read the latest update for this news here.

Tags:
amazon delivery amazon fba amazon US