Analysis: Alpine continues to operate mail routes in Hawaii on an interim contract as it awaits an Oct. 7 decision by the U.S. Postal Service on bids for a new contract period. Revenues increased in the most recent quarter by 8 percent as a result the new postal rates in Hawaii. Even with the higher compensation rates, Alpine continues to lose money on its postal routes. The mail volume in Hawaii is considerably below the postal service estimates when the contract was bid in 2004. In the third quarter, Alpine delivered 5,855 tons of mail both in Hawaii and on its mainland routes - a 1 percent dip from the same period of 2004. The carrier is only paid for each pound of mail that is delivered. After Alpine asked to void the 2004 contract, the contract was rebid. The postal service had indicated that Alpine won three Hawaiian routes when the contract was re-bid in May.