Aug. 22, 2024
Conference Discussion to Include:
WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Postal Service announced it will host a pre-filing virtual conference to discuss its plans to improve mail processing and transportation, and how these improvements will align with proposed refinements within its existing service standards for Mail and Package Products.
The Postal Service will consider the comments received during the virtual conference and will thereafter file its formal request asking for an advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). After receiving an advisory opinion from the PRC, the Postal Service will consider the Commission’s opinion and finalize its decision.
Central to the virtual conference discussion will be the proposed operational improvements and corresponding refinements to process, transport and deliver all categories of mail and packages through an integrated network without expanding the existing day ranges of service standards, and for some products shortening the current day ranges. These refinements will deliver important benefits to the organization and its customers as the Postal Service continues to implement a more efficient and effective operating model. The proposed refinements of within the existing service standards will enable the Postal Service to operate more reliably and at a lower cost to deliver, and with a more rational logistics approach applicable to today’s use of our Postal System.
“As we integrate our transportation, processing, and delivery network to logically sequence the flow of mail and packages by deploying improved operating practices in our redesigned facilities network, we expect to improve service reliability, reduce cost and grow our business,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. “Through this virtual conference, the Postal Service is soliciting feedback from our stakeholders, including the mailing and shipping community, to ensure the utmost transparency throughout the process and comply with the applicable Regulatory processes. We also intend to solicit feedback from the Postal Regulatory Commission through the advisory opinion process.”
The Postal Service is proposing key improvements and adjustments to optimize service and reduce cost, including:
The proposed changes will maintain the existing 1-5 day service standards for First-Class Mail and are designed to enable the Postal Service to make optimal use of its updated and developing ground network. The streamlined processes for the integration of both mail and packages, will ensure efficiency and timeliness by enabling an integrated delivery network that avoids duplication and complexity. The refinements within the existing service standards are projected to enhance service reliability and predictability, crucial aspects of the Postal Service’s commitment to universal service.
Moreover, these modifications are anticipated to yield significant cost reductions for the Postal Service, with an estimated saving of approximately $3 billion annually. This aligns with the organization’s mandate to be financially self-sufficient, while continuing to deliver to every address across the nation.
In addition to the financial benefits, the proposed initiative also has environmental advantages. A decrease in the number of truck trips will lead to the Postal Service significantly reducing its carbon emissions, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
“Despite the many improvements we have made since the release of the Delivering for America plan, our service requirements, facilities infrastructure, business rules and operating practices have continued to reflect a Postal Service designed for three decades ago,” said Postmaster General DeJoy. “However, since 1997, we’ve seen an 80-percent decline in Single-Piece First Class Mail volume, the significant expansion of delivery points, the growth in the percentage of mail obtaining discounts through workshare programs, and the growth of our package business. Our 10-year Delivering for America plan is transforming our network to better reflect today’s market demands. This revamped, integrated network, designed for a more unified, logically sequenced movement of mail and packages, combined with modifications to our service standards, will enable us to operate more efficiently and reliably, grow our business and give us a chance for a viable future.”
The Postal Service would not implement the proposed service standard changes any sooner than 90 days after a request for an advisory opinion is filed with the Commission (which would occur following the pre-filing conference), meaning any implementation of the proposed service standards would not occur until the next calendar year. As such, these proposed changes will not impact Election Mail for the upcoming election or our preparedness for Peak Season 2024. For the upcoming election, the Postal Service will again deploy our long-standing practices to ensure the appropriate handling and timely delivery of Election Mail; we will therefore be executing extraordinary measures beyond our normal course of operations in advance of Election Day throughout the Nation.
For more information on the benefits of these initiatives, please click here.
To register for the virtual pre-filing conference, please click on the link below and provide the requested information. Prior to the conference, you will receive an invitation by email that will contain a link that will allow you to join the conference when it begins. The virtual conference will be a Zoom-enabled webinar, and you will need to join using either using the Zoom application or your web browser.
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