USPS TO IMPROVE COMPETITIVE POSITION FOR SOME PO BOXES
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USPS can offer more flexible and competitive PO Box pricing, thanks to a decision last week by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).
The PRC approval means USPS can establish pricing for PO Boxes at 49 Post Offices that are responsive to local competition. The 32,000 PO Boxes affected by the decision represent a fraction of the 13 million PO Boxes nationwide. But it allows USPS to test consumer interest in enhancements to the current PO Box offering and will help shape future PO Box service and access strategies.
“Today’s marketplace is fast-paced,” noted Susan Plonkey, acting president, Mailing and Shipping Services. “Moving some PO Boxes into the competitive product category gives the Postal Service greater flexibility to innovate and to respond more quickly to the changing requirements of our customers.”
The plan was presented to the PRC last March, shortly after USPS outlined an aggressive business plan to meet current economic challenges. The plan includes cost reduction, increased productivity and an array of legislative and regulatory changes necessary to maintain a viable Postal Service for the future. It emphasizes the need for USPS to take advantage of opportunities under current law to increase revenue and enhance customer service. Addressing the dynamic and competitive marketplace for PO Boxes is an example of how USPS is moving ahead with its plan.
