UPS

The cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service said Monday it is seeking to move quickly to close 252 mail processing centers and slow first-class delivery next spring, citing steadily declining mail volume. The cuts are part of $3 billion in reductions aimed at helping the agency avert bankruptcy next year.

If the USPS went into bankruptcy, would anyone care? Not according to former UPS board member Gary MacDougal, who argued in a scathing attack last week that "the rapid growth of email, online bill paying," and private parcel delivery firms like UPS and FedEx has made the Post Office obsolete. Statistics suggest he's right.

As the U.S. Postal Service works feverishly to close its budget gap, UPS is taking advantage of the turmoil to highlight how much more innovative its brown-clad couriers can be, compared to their blue-suited cousins.

With gas prices skyrocketing and natural gas initiatives on the table, it would appear that this is a great time to invest in alternative fuels. But a look under the hood suggests that green fuels might get a red light.

If you're having a problem with a business, Consumer Ally can help. Write us at HelpMe@WalletPop.com. Become a fan of Consumer Ally on Facebook. Q. I paid UPS for an insurance policy to cover any damages en route for a shipment I sent. UPS dropped or somehow damaged it in shipping so badly that...

If you're having a problem with a business, Consumer Ally can help. Write us at HelpMe@WalletPop.com. Become a fan of Consumer Ally on Facebook. Q. I placed an order with Sears online for a pair of tennis shoes and a tool for my husband for Christmas. I paid extra for shipping to be sure it was...

Wall Street shrugged off instability in Egypt to rally to a two-and-a-half year high Tuesday, boosted by encouraging economic data and better-than-expected corporate earnings.

The all-important January employment reports come out this week. Also worth watching for are a host of earnings releases, led by economic bellwhether UPS. The package deliverer is expected to post strong results.

The U.S. Justice Department has begun an investigation into the country's two largest delivery companies, UPS and FedEx. Both have policies aimed at preventing customers from negotiating lower shipping rates through third parties.

Federal Express does not want your Social Security number. Neither does UPS. Customers have reported receiving emails claiming to be from the shipping companies, warning them that a package went undelivered and asking for information. Or they're sent a link to print out, but instead it downloads a...