Of course, the legislation does not mention this in such words, but a piece of junk mail weighs as much or more than a 44 cent letter and often weighs more or takes up more space.
Of course, you're forgetting processing. Junk mail is generally delivered to the final distribution center, pre-sorted in "carrier route walking order". So, while the USPS charges less for delivering this type of mail, they also have to do no work other than actually put it in your mailbox. The junk mail sender handles the cost of transport, sorting, etc. and the USPS basically hands it to the carrier because all the work is done.
I suggest YOU provide proof that the USPS makes more per item on junk mail and catalogs than than it does on a 44 cent letter.[/b]
Will you take it from the Postmaster General himself?
"[Third class junk mail] is not a word we use," admits Postmaster Potter in an interview on
NPR's Diane Rehm Show. "It pays our bills. When you think about mail service to your door, it's paid for by business. Ninety percent of the revenues that the postal service generates comes from business. We get over $15 billion in revenues from advertising."
Guess you missed that episode.