In what year did the US Postal Service get dropped as Federal Department?

Question

I've heard that it was during the Reagan years, but I don't know for sure. I know that it used to be a Federal Dept., but that it isn't anymore. I think the highest authority or rank there was the Postmaster General and it was a position in the Presidents Cabinet of advisors, but again I'm not entirely certain.

Answer 1

The new US Postal Service began operations onJuly 1, 1971.