NEW ROLE FOR POSTAL SERVICE
NEW ROLE FOR POSTAL SERVICE
From THE BOSTON GLOBE, April 23rd, 2001
Copyright (c) 2001, Globe Newspaper Company AS UTILITY COMPANIES AND OTHER MONTHLY BILLERS MOVE TO ELECTRONIC BILLING, POSTAL SERVICE REVENUE IS PROJECTED TO EXPERENCES LOSSES OF $2 BILLION TO $3 BILLION A YEAR IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS (“POSTAGE DUE,” EDITORIAL, APRIL 17). IF DIRECT MAILERS USE SMARTER SOFTWARE TO SHARPEN UP DISTRIBUTION OF CATALOGS, BILLIONS MORE IN REVENUE WILL DISAPPEAR, AND THAT IS JUST FOR STARTERS.
The Postal Service must decide: Does it plan for the future, or does it suffer the indignities of a political football? A new business model is essential; perhaps once- or twice-weekly universal service, Priority Mail for anything requiring a special trip, and a Postal Service attuned to the needs of third-class mailers and small-package shippers. Admitting that first-class mail is almost dead will point the Postal Service in the right direction.
DONALD STEWART Weston
THE BOSTON GLOBE, 23rd April 2001
