Final answer:
The shift towards digital communication methods affects the demand for traditional mail services, prompting users to seek alternatives like courier services, private mail carriers such as FedEx and UPS, and in-house mail delivery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The demand for traditional mail services is decreasing due to a shift in communication preferences towards digital platforms. This shift affects the U.S. Postal Service's viability, as people increasingly use electronic mail, social media, and texting for communication. To maintain the delivery of physical mail, alternatives to the U.S. Postal Service have emerged, including courier services and private mail carriers such as FedEx and UPS. These offer different pick-up options for outgoing mail, catering to the evolving needs of consumers and businesses. Additionally, large organizations with frequent mail needs might have an in-house mail delivery system. Understanding these changes is crucial for analyzing the Postal Service's future in a rapidly evolving digital age.