Tag: USPS

Gasoline prices that have millions of Americans digging deeper into their pockets are spurring thoughts by Postal Service officials that an increase in mail rates may be needed in 2007, following one already planned for next year.
The fact that it costs the mail agency USD8 million for every penny increase in gasoline prices for its 212,000 vehicles is a major factor in a postal rate increase expected in 2007, after one next year, Postmaster General John Potter said Friday. A 2-cent increase in stamp prices scheduled to take place in 2006 will merely cover the cost of legally required escrow payments, so growing costs overall will force a second boost a year later, Potter said Friday in an interview with The Associated Press.

The US Postal Service Board of Governors Tuesday approved the “Strategic Transformation Plan 2006-2010,” initiating the agency’s next strategic phase, building on the successes of the original Transformation Plan, introduced in 2002. “Transformation became the watchword of the Postal Service in 2002,” said Postmaster General John E. Potter. “Our goal was to position the Postal Service to navigate a dynamic market environment and communications landscape successfully. The results speak for themselves.” He noted that postal product and service offerings are marked by innovation, ease-of-use, and accessibility.
Potter said, “We have reduced costs and increased productivity. Our people, the men and women of the Postal Service, have brought service performance and customer satisfaction to record levels.” During the next five years, the Postal Service will remain focused on its core business and those strategies that produce results, he said.