Tag: Domestic

The Postal Service Governors announced today future prices will be adjusted using new regulations issued by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) on Oct. 29. Consistent with the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, future price increases will be capped at the rate of inflation for mailing services.*

The Governors had the option of filing one last rate case under the regulations used since 1971 but voted to proceed with the new pricing regulations.

“We thank the Postal Regulatory Commission for completing the new rules eight months ahead of the statutory deadline,” said Postmaster General John E. Potter. “This delivers one of the main goals of the new law for business mailers—a predictable price schedule.”

The new pricing regulations give the Postal Service added flexibility for shipping services.** “We intend to use this new flexibility to grow our competitive business,” said Potter, “offering volume discounts and contract pricing.”

“There are still many details to be worked out, but we look forward to partnering with the PRC and our customers to maximize the advantages of the new pricing rules,” Potter said.

*Mailing services include First-Class Mail, Standard Mail and Periodicals.
**Shipping services include bulk parcels and expedited package services such as Priority Mail and Express Mail.

Businesses and consumers will soon be able to ship to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) at U.S. domestic prices.

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will reinstate ZIP Codes and domestic-rate services for nearly 170,000 people in these two Pacific Island nations effective Nov. 19, 2007.

“This change will expand the Asia-Pacific market for U.S. mailers and shippers,” said USPS Global Business Managing Director and Senior Vice President Paul Vogel. “At the same time, it will help these two island nations grow their economies.”

As former Trust Territories of the United States, the FSM and RMI were served by USPS with domestic prices and mailing standards through Jan. 8, 2006. International rates were being phased in, as the two nations took steps to become more self-sufficient. However, technological and other challenges have presented obstacles for the countries — which together encompass more than 630 small islands across 1 million square miles in the Pacific.

“The two governments will continue to pursue long-term solutions,” said Vogel. “In the meantime we are returning domestic prices and services to help keep their residents and businesses connected to the wider global economy.”

Vogel noted that developing trade and tourism is a top priority for the region, particularly in aquaculture and agriculture. “The FSM and RMI have excellent opportunities to pursue,” Vogel said. “Offering dependable and affordable USPS mailing and shipping services will help them develop their economies.”

The FSM and RMI are located just above the equator, extending some 4,500 miles southwest from Hawaii.