The input and feedback of our industry partners are essential as we introduce new products and services. The Postal Service works closely with its mailing industry partners through many venues because their success is also the Postal Service’s success.
National Postal Forum — Since 1968, the National Postal Forum (NPF) has been the leading mailing industry conference, bringing together the Postal Service and its major customers. The goal of the NPF, a not-for-profit educational corporation, is to bring industry professionals together to interact with Postal Service management and learn about existing and future USPS products and services. In 2015, the NPF was held in Anaheim, CA, with Postmaster General Megan Brennan as keynote speaker. Attendance was notably higher than in past years with about 3,000 large and small business customers participating.
The four-day NPF annually showcases the latest in technology and innovation, providing a unique opportunity for mailers to network with each other as well as talk to potential vendors and suppliers. It also features educational workshops on topics ranging from marketing to operations general sessions with senior postal leadership, certification courses, focus group sessions and other activities. Attendees heard how the Postal Service and industry are collaborating to develop and deliver solutions to service issues, share the latest information on logistics and operations, and strengthen the relationship between the mailing and shipping industries.
Mailers’ Technical Advisory Committee — The Postmaster General’s Mailers’ Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) is another venue for the Postal Service to share technical information with mailers and to receive advice and recommendations from them on matters concerning postal products and services. MTAC is comprised of nearly 175 executives and sponsors who represent over 50 associations. In 2015, MTAC celebrated its 50th anniversary, highlighting successful collaborations on issues ranging from barcoding improvements to implementing drop shipping changes to modifying business mail entry processes.
To better serve the mailing community, MTAC is organized into four key focus areas: mailing preparation and entry, visibility⁄service performance, product development and payment and acceptance. Each of these areas focus on customers’ specific needs and further supports the mission of providing exceptional customer service.
Postal Customer Councils — Postal Customer Councils (PCCs) consist of Postal Service leaders and business mailers who work together at the local level to promote the value of mail, address mailing concerns and exchange ideas. The goal is to maximize the benefits of USPS products, programs, services and procedures. Through regular meetings, educational programs and seminars, PCC members learn about the latest Postal Service products and services that will help them grow their businesses. There are more than 155 PCCs nationwide.
Each year the importance of PCCs and their contributions to the success of the Postal Service are celebrated during National PCC Week, which features a state-of-the-business address by the Postmaster General. Events were held September 21–25 of 2015, with more than 115 PCCs participating. Postal leadership spoke at more than 80 events, with an estimated 8,000 customers in attendance.
