PRC sets timetable for USPS closures request
The US Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) has revealed its timetable for considering the US Postal Service’s request to close up to 3,650 post offices. On July 27, USPS revealed plans to review 11% of its post offices for possible closure, and filed for an advisory opinion from the PRC.
The proposals have been put forward as the postal operator seeks to cut costs by $200m, in light of a 20% reduction in mail volumes over the last few years. USPS currently has a network of 26,880 post offices and 5,610 stations or branches.
USPS must seek an advisory opinion whenever it proposes changes to the postal service. The opinion is not binding, but recommendations are often incorporated final plans.
The PRC announced that all interested parties or persons wishing to serve a notice of intervention will have to do so by August 19, as it looks to speed-up the process. Responses to discovery shall be due within seven days, it was confirmed. Next up, the hearing to receive USPS’s direct case will begin on September 8.
“Given the Postal Service’s financial position, the Commission finds it appropriate to expedite the proceeding,” the PRC said.
The process will last around three months, before the Commission publishes its advisory opinion shortly after.
On the proposed closures, PRC chairman, Ruth Y. Goldway (pictured), said: “This is an important filing that may result in significant changes for the mailing public.
“My fellow Commissioners and I will analyse the materials the Postal Service has presented in support of its request as soon as possible. We would also like to hear from the public, customers and stakeholders as we follow the due process procedures required by law.”
The procedural schedule, as set by the PRC:
– The hearing to receive the Postal Service’s direct case shall begin on September 8, 2011
– Intervenor evidence must be submitted by September 16, 2011.
– The hearing to receive intervenor evidence shall begin October 3, 2011.
– Unless the Postal Service elects to submit surrebuttal evidence, briefs shall be due October 14, 2011, and reply briefs shall be due October 21, 2011.
– If the Postal Service elects to submit surrebuttal evidence, that evidence is due by October 11, 2011.
– The hearing to receive the surrebuttal evidence shall be October 17, 2011.
– If surrebuttal evidence is submitted, briefs shall be due October 26, 2011, and reply briefs shall be due November 2, 2011.
