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. We share a common goal — a strong and vibrant mailing industry that will continue to be an engine of economic growth for the nation.
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 2016, the NPF was held in Nashville, TN, with Postmaster General Megan Brennan as the keynote speaker. On average, the forum attracts approximately 3,000 large and small business customers from across the country.
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 hear 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 receive advice and recommendations from them on matters concerning postal products and services. MTAC comprises nearly 175 executives and representatives who represent 50 associations and mailers. MTAC’s list of accomplishments highlight 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: Mail Preparation, Entry and Operations; Enterprise Analytics and Data Usage; Emerging Technology and Product Innovation; and Payment and Acceptance and Education. 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 our 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 active 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 Sept. 19–23 with more than 100 PCCs participating. Our leadership spoke at more than 80 events, with an estimated 12,000 customers in attendance.
