They run a deficit because the Congress passed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006[1] forced them to pay for the next 75 years of retirement and pension benefits within 10 years, the first downpayment of which they start making payments on Sept. 30 this year, which is why they've been running in the red for two years now.
In 2004, they actually made 4 billion in profit, in 2005, 2 billion, and in 2006 a billion. They've had to prepare to make 5.5 billion in payments each year since due to the PAEA, and will do so until 2016.
In 2004, they actually made 4 billion in profit, in 2005, 2 billion, and in 2006 a billion. They've had to prepare to make 5.5 billion in payments each year since due to the PAEA, and will do so until 2016.
[1] http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/five-things/the-u-s-pos...