Final answer:
The assertion that private mail delivery services always have lower prices than the US Postal Service is false; costs vary by service and situation. The Postal Service is challenged by increasing costs and declining demand due to digital communication preferences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the price of services from private mail delivery companies is always lower than for similar services at the US Postal Service is false. The prices of mailing services can vary widely depending on the type of service, the distance the mail needs to travel, package weight, and speed of delivery. In some cases, private companies may offer more competitive pricing for package delivery or expedited services, while the US Postal Service may be more affordable for standard mail and services protected by the fixed rates like First-Class Mail.
In relation to the continued viability of the Postal Service, it faces challenges such as increasing compensation costs and a change in consumer preferences toward digital communications. Per the information provided, compensation for postal workers increases most years due to cost-of-living. Concurrently, a change in tastes away from traditional mail (snail mail) toward digital messages will cause a decrease in demand for the Postal Service's offerings.