It took seven months to hit the 1 billion mark, but only four more weeks to hit 3 billion. That's the number of Intelligent Mail Full Service mailpieces processed by the U.S. Postal Service since the program's implementation last May.

The milestone mailing entered the postal distribution network the week of Jan. 4, and the actual number was confirmed yesterday.

The number of Intelligent Mail Full Service mailers increased to 171, a 60 percent increase from mid-December. To date, Intelligent Mail Full Service has generated $1 billion in revenue.

"The month of December has been one of exceptional participation and performance," said Tom Day, senior vice president, Intelligent Mail and Address Quality. "The PostalOne! system handled more than twice the previous peak of eDoc postage statements and did so with 98 percent being processed in 30 minutes or less. Mailers are realizing the benefits of Full Service Intelligent Mail, and are doing so in a stable operating environment."

For more information about Intelligent Mail Full Service, visit ribbs.usps.gov.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.