Postal Service debuts self-service kiosks

The Postal Service is adding new self-service kiosks as part of an ongoing effort to grow business and increase revenues, the agency has announced.

The kiosks will have improved screens and include a self-scanning feature, designed to ease the process for customers waiting in line. USPS will employ lobby assistants trained to help customers opting for the self-service option.

The assistants will also help patrons in line to ensure they are prepared for their transactions.

The kiosks will be available first in post offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City and Washington.

The Postal Service has lost billions of dollars for many consecutive quarters and recently reached its borrowing limit. USPS is seeking to shrink the agency -- both in its physical infrastructure as well as its workforce -- as it seeks to reach financial solvency.

The agency has said solvency is within reach, but Congress has stood in the way of sweeping reforms. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe told Federal News Radio he is holding out hope legislators will take action in the lame duck session, after the election.