Understanding Postal: Get Smart

Figuring Out the Unknown
In addition to all the proposed requirements to qualify for automation rates, the kick in the pants is that we don’t yet know what the new automation rates might be. In mid-February, the USPS announced its first annual CPI-capped rate increase under the new postal law, to take effect on May 12. While the USPS didn't include IMB automation rates, it could do so by issuing a midstream pricing change before the next annual rate increase. Observers think the USPS hasn't decided yet how to price the IMB options or which extra services to include to make full-service appealing.