3. EXPERIMENTAL SUSPENSION OF FEE FOR MANUAL DELIVERY CONFIRMATION CASE: DOCKETS NO. R2001-2 AND MC2001-2
On September 20, 2001, the Postal Service requested a Commission-Recommended Decision on an experimental mail classification proposal that would allow the Postal Service to offer Delivery Confirmation service without a fee to retail Priority Mail customers from December 1 through December 16, 2001. The proposal had three objectives. First, the proposed experiment was expected to give Postal Service customers an incentive to mail packages before the busiest week of the holiday mailing season, with a possible associated reduction in the Postal Service’s resource needs during the peak period. Second, it would introduce the retail Delivery Confirmation service to customers who otherwise would not be aware of it. Third, the experiment was expected to provide valuable experience with more flexible pricing approaches.

The Postal Rate Commission established an expedited schedule for consideration of the proposal, with the goal of issuing a Recommended Decision in mid-November. On November 5, 2001, the Postal Service withdrew its request. It explained that, in light of the need to face the challenges posed by world events, including use of the mail for bioterrorist acts, the most prudent course would be to focus its window service and retail operations on the provision of existing domestic services during the upcoming holiday peak mailing season. The Commission closed this docket on November 6, 2001.