Chapter 2 Our Customers
• Stamped Stationery Classification: Docket No. MC2006-7
On August 24, 2006, the PRC instituted Docket No. MC2006-7 to receive and consider a request from the Postal Service to establish a classification and fee schedule for stamped stationery. In an accompanying order, Docket No. C2004-3, the PRC held that all stamped stationery is a postal service and, therefore, must be defined in the Domestic Mail Classification Schedule (DMCS) with classifications and fees recommended by the PRC and approved by the Governors. Previously, the Postal Service treated certain types of stamped stationery with fees established independent of PRC purview. The PRC set February 26 as the date the Postal Service had to file its request.
On February 22, the Postal Service filed a Request with the PRC to establish classification and fees for Premium Stamped Stationery. On June 8 the PRC issued its Opinion and Recommended Decision recommending the Postal Service classification and fees. The Governors approved the recommendation on June 25.
• Washington Mutual Bank Negotiated Service Agreement: Docket No. MC2006-3
On March 29, 2006, the Postal Service filed a Request with the PRC asking that it recommend classifications, rates, and fees associated with a proposed baseline NSA with Washington Mutual Bank, Inc. The NSA established declining block discounted rates for First-Class Mail volume. Unlike prior NSAs, the Washington Mutual Bank NSA did not establish a cost-savings cap. Instead, the NSA incorporated risk mitigation features, including a penalty-backed solicitation mail volume guarantee, as well as a penalty-backed First-Class Mail volume guarantee for the first year of the agreement. The NSA also provided incentives for the substitution of electronic notices for physical return of undeliverable-as-addressed pieces.
On December 8, 2006, the Postal Service withdrew its Request and the PRC closed Docket No. MC2006-3 on December 12, 2006.
• Complaint on Electronic Postmark: Docket No. C2004-2
On February 25, 2004, a complaint proceeding was filed concerning the Postal Service Electronic Postmark. The Complaint alleged that the Postal Service is acting unlawfully by offering this purely electronic service without first submitting to the PRC a Request for an Opinion and Recommended Decision on classification provisions and associated rates with this service. In its responsive pleadings filed on April 26, 2004, the Postal Service argued that complaint proceedings before the PRC were not intended and not appropriate to resolve issues as to whether the Postal Service is acting beyond its lawful authority.
On March 3, 2006, the PRC denied the motion to dismiss, taking the view that a hearing would be necessary to establish the material facts regarding the postal aspects of the service. Testimony was filed by the complainant and subsequently by the Postal Service.
On December 14, 2006, the complainant filed a motion seeking leave to withdraw the complaint. The motion was granted by the PRC on December 19, 2006 and the docket was terminated.
• Appeal on Closing of Ecorse Classified Branch: Docket No. A2007-1
On July 27, a complaint was filed to appeal the closing of the Ecorse, Michigan Finance Station. The PRC determined it lacked jurisdiction to make a ruling; therefore, on October 9, the PRC dismissed the appeal.