In “Postmarks and Postal Possession,” a proposed rule published in the August 12 Federal Register, the Postal Service sought to establish a distinction between the date shown on a postmark and when the USPS was actually in possession of a mailpiece. After a lengthy exposition about the history of postmarks and how the Postal Service has applied them, the crux…
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Congressional Attention to the USPS Continues
After five years of contentious relations with former postmaster general Louis DeJoy, many in Congress may see the arrival of his successor as an opportunity for fresh thinking at L’Enfant Plaza and different perspectives on some of the issues that nettled Congress the most. With memories of last December’s confrontations at House and Senate hearings still fresh in their minds,…
Read MoreBeyond the Stamp: How USPS Promotions Supercharge Direct Mail
USPS promotions have become a powerful tool for marketers looking to stretch their budgets and enhance campaign performance, but their value goes well beyond postage discounts. On August 7, Kate Sanders, Omnichannel Product Development Manager at BCC Software, will lead a webinar that dives into how these programs can be leveraged to drive higher engagement, increase impressions, and deliver stronger…
Read MoreDisintermediation – Commentary
It’s hardly a report for the evening news, but Sioux Falls (SD) station KSFY reported July 14 that Lewis Drug and Hy-Vee stores would no longer be able to “sell postage or mail packages” for the USPS by the end of September. When asked for comment, a USPS representative stated only that “the Postal Service determined that nearby postal facilities…
Read MoreThe USPS Deserves a Prize – Commentary
After reading the Postal Service’s July 1 Industry Alert (“USPS to Implement Second Phase of Service Standard Refinements on July 1”) it’s clear that the agency’s PR writers have again shown their singular ability to spin anything the USPS does into a great benefit for its customers. Accordingly, we’re proposing that an award be developed that can be given out…
Read MoreNominee to USPS Board of Governors
Though not as yet listed on the White House website, several news outlets have reported that the president has nominated Anthony Lomangino to be a governor of the Postal Service, replacing Roman Martinez IV whose carryover year beyond the expiration of his term ends December 8. The nomination was received by the Senate on June 2 and referred to the…
Read MoreEnsuring the Status Quo – Analysis
The Postal Service apparently wants to keep Doug Tulino on the job very badly. Tulino has spent his postal career in labor relations and human resources, becoming chief human resources officer and executive vice-president in 2020. Despite little if any experience in field operations or management, he was chosen by former postmaster general Louis DeJoy to serve as deputy PMG. …
Read MoreIndustry Alert: Plant-Verified Drop Shipment Updates
Per today’s Industry Alert from the USPS: “In conjunction with the price change occurring on July 13, 2025, Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) mailings will be verified and accepted as follows: Current Prices— PVDS mailings verified and paid for on or before July 13, 2025, using the current prices will be accepted at destination entry postal facilities through Monday, July 28, 2025, when presented using…
Read MoreUSPS Revises Service Measurement
In a May 30 filing with the Postal Regulatory Commission, the Postal Service announced changes to its service measurement process. As stated in the filing: “In this filing, the Postal Service provides notice to the Commission about revisions to the SPM Plan and Methodology Documents related to necessary changes to allow the Postal Service to collect and report service performance…
Read MoreThey Who Do Not Thirst – Commentary
Everyone likely is familiar with the saying that “you can drag a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.” Often, the saying is used as a metaphor for persons who are given opportunities but fail to take advantage of them. The implicit basis for both is that the horse – or person – either fails to understand the…
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