Who owns/runs the US Post Office? Why do they market it as a privately owned company?

Question

I though it was run by the US government, but even the site usps.com markets itself as a commercial and not .gov and what not... anyone???

Answer 1

The USPS is a semi-independent company overseen by the US Congress. The main difference between the USPS and the rest of the government agencies is funding. Since 1971 the USPS has taken no money from the US treasury for its funding. The same cannot be said for the Congress which has raided the funds of the USPS several times over the 35+ years since it was granted "independence."

Answer 2

The USPS is "owned" by the Federal Government. However, it does run itself as a profit making endeavor. In order to raise postal rates, it must get federal approval, but it creates its own budget through the sale of postal products.