The United States Postal Service (USPS) released a report on Monday, outlining four different ways it could use a public blockchain to improve efficiency and save money.

Issued by the internal Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the report comprehensively suggests that the government agency responsible for mail services should consider using blockchain technology for identity purposes, supply chains, device networks, and possibly even a cryptocurrency to be issued for purchasing postage with.

"This paper proposes that blockchain technology could impact the Postal Service's business in several ways," the 26-page report summarizes. "The Postal Service could improve its existing services by beginning to experiment with the financial applications of blockchain."

The agency generated $68.9 billion revenue in the 2015 financial year, a mere 1.6% increase from the previous year. However, the total expenses of $74.0 billion resulted in a net loss of $5.1 billion. First-Class Mail generated the most revenue, at $28.3 billion, followed by Standard Mail which brought in $17.6 billion revenue.

Nonetheless, mail volume continued to decrease, most notably First-Class Mail which decreased by 1,420 million pieces. Overall mail volume for the year was 154 billion pieces. In the second quarter of the fiscal year 2016, the Postal Service reported a net loss of $2.0 billion for the quarter, compared to $1.5 billion for the same period last year.

"We are still reporting net losses and contending with long-term financial challenges. We continue to focus on improving operating efficiencies, speeding the pace of innovation, and increasing revenues for the Postal Service."

- Megan J. Brennan, Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer

The Postal Service has not turned profit since 2006. The $900 million is made that year was a ~38% decline from the previous year. The agency's net losses bottomed out in 2012, with a financial loss of $15.9 billion. This was due to the Postal Service's "current inflexible business model and as a result of several years of significant financial losses," the 2012 annual report reads.