Tag: USA

The U.S. Postal Service has published in the Federal Register a final rule that will raise Standard mail five-digit bundle minimums from 10 to 15 pieces for mail pieces that weigh less than 5 ounces and are thinner than three-quarters of an inch. The USPS said the change will increase processing efficiencies, reduce the overall production of bundles of certain Standard mail flat-size pieces and decrease overall USPS piece and bundle-handling costs. Most mailers agree that it will reduce bundle-handling costs for the USPS and mailers.

Both the Presidential Commission on the U.S. Postal Service and GAO’s past work have reported that universal postal service is at risk and that reform is needed to minimize the risk of a significant taxpayer bailout or dramatic postal rate increases. The Postal Service’s financial viability is at risk because its business model–which relies on mail volume growth to cover the costs of its expanding delivery network–is not aligned with 21st century realities. Financial, operational, governance, and human capital challenges threaten the Service’s ability to remain self-supporting while providing affordable, high-quality, and universal postal service. Key trends that demonstrate the need for reform include declining mail volume, particularly for First-Class Mail; changes in the mail mix from high-margin to lower-margin products; increased competition from private delivery companies; and subpar revenue growth.

The U.S. Postal Service is testing a retail window dedicated to small-business customers at 87 post offices nationwide.

The window, called the Business Line, is reserved for use by businesses whose transactions often are more complex than those of other retail customers.