In South Dakota, recent developments in postal service delivery have offered a glimmer of hope for residents, though significant challenges remain. U.S. Senator Mike Rounds, a Republican seeking re-election, has been at the forefront of this issue, advocating for improvements and pursuing legislative reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency of postal operations in the state.
The crux of the issue lies in the delayed delivery services that have plagued South Dakotans, particularly in rural regions. Over the past nine months, Sen. Rounds has championed efforts to address these concerns by initiating an investigation into the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) performance within the state. His proactive approach began in December when he urged USPS Inspector General Tammy Hull to explore the root causes of mail delivery problems that impact South Dakotans daily.
During a clandestine investigation to avoid manipulation by postal leaders, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) discovered instances of attempted result manipulation. “The OIG reiterated to my team and me that they had to do this investigation in South Dakota clandestinely,” Rounds noted. “As soon as it was announced that the OIG team would be heading to South Dakota, my team heard from local post office employees that they were being asked to hide piles of mail.” This revelation underscores the systemic issues affecting USPS operations in the state.
In a bid to hold postal executives accountable, Rounds sponsored the USPS Executive Benefit and Bonus Removal Act. This legislation aims to prohibit bonuses for high-level postal staff until delivery issues are resolved. Recently, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee passed the bill, moving it to the Senate floor for further consideration.
Adding to the USPS’s woes, the Postal Service petitioned for a waiver to raise rates, a request denied by the Postal Regulatory Commission. The decision highlights the financial challenges facing USPS and their potential impact on South Dakota residents and businesses.
According to USPS data, South Dakota’s rural areas, in particular, suffer from slow mail delivery rates. Reports indicate that the 577 ZIP3 region in western South Dakota experienced a decline in on-time periodical deliveries, dropping from 80% to 78% in the third quarter of 2026. These delays have significantly affected newspaper publishers, including those in Philip. Don Ravellette, a local publisher, expressed frustration, stating, “They just won’t listen. They just won’t.”
As struggles with delivery times persist, the South Dakota NewsMedia Association reports difficulties in retaining subscribers, negatively impacting small-town newspapers. Executive director Dave Bordewyk noted, “All the newspapers mail us copies of their paper to the SDNA office here in Brookings. One-hundred newspapers are sending them to us. It used to be by the end of the week, by Friday – because most weeklies would be printing and mailing on a Tuesday or Wednesday – we would see more than 90% of the newspapers. Today, by Friday, less than half of them are showing up.”
With the average delivery time for periodicals in central and northern South Dakota reaching up to 5.4 days, the need for actionable solutions becomes increasingly evident. The USPS tracks on-time delivery across ZIP codes, with reports showing slower delivery times in regions such as ZIP3 570 and 577.
Senator Rounds’ efforts reflect a commitment to addressing these challenges and advocating for better service for South Dakotans. His initiatives signify a crucial step toward reforming postal operations—not just in South Dakota—but potentially setting a precedent for other regions experiencing similar challenges.
As South Dakota navigates these postal service hurdles, residents can continue to count on proactive leadership from local representatives who are committed to ensuring timely and efficient mail delivery services.
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