The Postal Service continues to make headlines with the installation of our new Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe, talks of reducing our retail footprint, introduction of new shipping products and our efforts with elected officials in correcting the overpayments and current payment schedule of retiree benefits. We are working diligently to keep America’s mail system viable and costs reasonable. As stakeholders, you understand, better than most, that a healthy Postal Service equals a healthy mailing industry.
PMG Donahoe has put forth business strategies and initiatives that will drive some significant changes through the organization. They are:
• Strengthening the business to customer channel
• Improving the customer experience – at every interface
• Competing for package business
• Becoming a leaner, faster and smarter organization
We have already seen success in new Priority Mail Flat Rate products and commercial discounts for Express and Priority Mail, introduced in January. Furthermore, Reply Rides Free and other Saturation Mail/High Density options will promote growth of mail volumes with savings to business mailers. On April 17, First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Special Services will face a modest adjustment, within the CPI Index of 1.7 percent overall.
And locally, we are continuing our efforts to streamline operations through initiatives such as back room consolidations of Post Offices (leaving the retail part intact) and delivery route consolidations with the start of flat mail sequencing at the end of May. In addition, we expect the restructuring of some administrative functions in March; we don’t have specific information yet. We will do our best to make any personnel transitions as seamless as possible to you.
Changes in the economy, customer habits and technology dictate that we must also change to stay relevant. But one thing remains constant – our goal of providing you excellent service for your business and your customers. Our collaborative efforts through the Postal Customer Council are a keystone to our mutual success.
