Senate ruling safeguards competitive US post service
The US direct marketing industry has welcomed senators’ stamp of approval on moves to modernise the postal service.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs last week passed the Postal Accountability & Enhancement Act of 2005, designed to safeguard the commercial viability of the US Postal Service (USPS). It is the largest service in the world, with more than 9 million employees.
The legislation requires the USPS to establish a set of service standards for market-dominating products, and report annually to Congress on its progress. It introduces safeguards against unfair competition.
The Bill will also allow the Postal Regulatory Commission to review proposed rate changes before they are implemented.
Neal Denton, executive director of the Alliance of Non-profit Mailers, says: “Reasonable and predictable postal rate increases are the two most important features of the Bill for non-profit mailers.”
A US DMA spokesman comments: “We appreciate the leadership of the legislators who have been working diligently to enact postal reform legislation. The USPS’ outdated business model significantly limits its ability to operate competitively in the 21st century.”
