The United States Postal Servicer and rival delivery service company United Parcel Service UPS will team up as UPS Returns that pick up packages from consumers' homes and ship items back to retailers.

Why is the unlikely team of rivals hooking up? Every little bit helps the small businessman or business woman in a tough economy.  When large companies like the Post Office and the United Parcel Service merge service, it helps the little guy struggling in the riveting economy.

The service was tested last month as a test that will run through through the spring or early summer. The service only covers the continental United States. Retailers are taking advantage of the combined service to promote customer service and to enhance product offerings.

Customers who purchase from retailers and use the combined delivery pick up service will affix a return shipping label received with each order to the return package. The package will display bar codes from both USPS and UPS.