Amazon plans to drastically reduce the number of packages it sends through the United States Postal Service, with the e-commerce company targeting a cut of at least two-thirds in postal volume by this fall, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal citing sources familiar with the matter.

The planned reduction comes as the USPS announced this week that it is facing severe financial difficulties and running out of money. The postal service has struggled with declining revenue and mounting losses in recent years, while package delivery has become an increasingly important part of its business model.

Amazon issued a lengthy statement on Wednesday responding to the initial Wall Street Journal report, appearing to address concerns that the company's decision could negatively impact the already financially strained postal service. The company's statement suggests it is sensitive to potential criticism about its role in USPS's financial challenges.

The e-commerce giant has been building out its own delivery network in recent years, including Amazon Logistics and partnerships with other carriers, which has reduced its reliance on traditional shipping partners like USPS. This shift toward internal delivery capabilities has allowed Amazon greater control over shipping times and costs.

The timing of Amazon's planned reduction coincides with increased scrutiny of USPS finances and ongoing discussions about the postal service's long-term viability. Package delivery revenue has been viewed as crucial for USPS as traditional mail volume continues to decline nationwide.