Postal Reform: We're Just Getting Started

Two thousand eight brings still more change from the most significant revamping of the postal system in a generation. With a new ratesetting system in place, service standards all but set, measurement of service performance in the process of being created, not to mention completing a rate case, a decision not to file one last rate case under the old system, and the Cycle L/DPV fiasco, 2007 was an exhilarating, if exhausting, year. But that was just the warm-up!

This year will see the first price increase under the new system, implementation of service standards and performance measurement, finalization of the requirements for the annual report of USPS on whether it has complied with the indexed rate caps, establishment of a new complaint process at the Commission, and more. Plus, the apotheosis of postal technology may be reached with the adoption of the Intelligent Mail Barcode.

Moreover, we will begin to discern the outlines of what some of the fundamental changes in philosophy incorporated in the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act will mean. In particular, the shift in power from L'Enfant Plaza to New York Avenue, and the financial orientation of USPS from breakeven to profit ("retained earnings") may have enormous implications over the years for rates, services, products, operations and efficiency.

The ramifications of the PAEA will be felt for many years to come. Helping to shape the outcomes of all these processes, operational changes and rulemakings, as well as how the shifts in philosophy manifest themselves, is essential for any mailer.

NPPC plans to remain as fully engaged on every front as it has during the passage, and implementation, of PAEA over the past several years. With the leadership of our board, and broad support from the membership, our collective point of view will continue to be heard seriously at both the Postal Service and the Commission on all of these very serious matters for the future.

Mail Service Update