Short answers, pulled from the story.
The Second Continental Congress established a national postal agency on the 26th of July 1775 in Philadelphia. Benjamin Franklin accepted the role of first postmaster general during this critical moment at the start of the American Revolution.
The United States Postal Service defaulted on its first $5.5 billion retirement payment due that month by August 2012. A second default occurred the 30th of September 2012 involving $5.6 billion owed to retirees, and a fourth default arrived the 30th of September 2014 when $5.7 billion remained unpaid.
Over 235,000 vehicles comprise one of the largest civilian fleets globally as of 2024. Most units are Chevrolet Grumman LLVs built between 1987 and 1994 lacking air conditioning or modern safety features.
The United States Postal Inspection Service founded the 7th of August 1775 protects employees customers and the nation's mail system from crime. Inspectors enforce over 200 federal laws investigating crimes affecting or fraudulently using the postal system.
Article I Section 8 Clause 7 grants Congress power establishing post offices roads creating de facto monopoly over first-class residential mail delivery. No other public private system delivers non-urgent residential letters absent congressional consent.