The Wall Street Journal has reported that "The U.S. productivity boom that began in the mid-1990s is showing signs of running out of steam. If it proves more than a temporary lull, slower growth in productivity -- that is, output per hour worked -- could lead to slower growth in living standards, more difficultly paying for the baby boomers' retirements and a greater risk of inflation. Inflation fears would make the Federal Reserve more reluctant to lower interest rates."

WDSU has reported that "The U.S. Postal Service is studying the possibility of moving regional mail sorting operations from Mandeville and Slidell to New Orleans -- a change some postal employees said will inconvenience the public by delaying mail delivery on the Northshore. Postal Service spokesman Dave Lewin said approval might take as long as six months."

Greenwich Time has reported that "RedRoller Inc., operator of the redroller.com Web site, where users can compare package shipping costs, laid off an unspecified number of employees this week as its growth plans stumbled."

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer has reported that "Private carriers worry mail Postal Service union....Right now, private carriers -- technically termed highway contractors -- serve mostly rural areas in the state. Across the state, almost 100 areas are serviced by highway contract routes -- everywhere from Acme to Winthrop. But a nearly decade-old rewrite of a national Postal Service bylaw made it easier to contract out both rural and city routes."

PostCom Members!! The latest issue of the PostCom Bulletin is available online. In this issue:

Hey! You've not been getting the weekly PostCom Bulletin--the best postal newsletter anywhere...bar none? Send us by email your name, company, company title, postal and email address. Get a chance to see what you've been missing.

The latest issue of PostCom's PostOps Update has been posted on this site. In this issue:

As the Advertising Specialty Institute has noted, "With UPS Delivery Intercept, a shipper can use a UPS package application such as UPS WorldShip, UPS CampusShip or UPS Internet Shipping, click on the 1Z tracking number and request a reroute. Interception requests also can be made through a shipper’s myups.com account as well as via UPS Signature Tracking."

Equimedia has reported that "Falling volumes despite a continued consumer engagement with direct mail could be attributed to a shift to online direct marketing. The Royal Mail study revealed a rise in direct mail targeting the 55- to 64-year-old age group - traditionally a less web-savvy demographic. But a recent report from Axa found that so-called silver surfers are on the increase, something that can´t have escaped the online direct marketing community. The survey revealed that 41 per cent of retired people preferred surfing the internet to other more traditional hobbies such as gardening and DIY."

Reuters has reported that "Authorities in southern Sudan and Khartoum have signed an agreement that will allow the southern capital of Juba to receive mail directly for the first time, officials said on Friday. Currently letters headed for the south have to pass through northern Sudan. "The Sudan postal service has accepted that we should have our own gateway," said Francis Apaya Elia, the south's director of postal services. The agreement also meant the south can produce its own stamps, Along said. Elia said the national postal service would now apply to the International Postal Union (IPU) for permission to make Juba a postal gateway."

Traffic World has reported that "Deutsche Post World Net has opened the DHL Innovation Center in Troisdorf near Bonn, Germany. The center will serve as a laboratory for developing new, marketable products keyed to future logistics trends. The company is cooperating in research with IBM, Intel, SAP, and the logistics institutes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the German Fraunhofer institutes."

From Business Wire: "Pitney Bowes Inc., the mailstream technology company, has launched a website to guide mail operators and marketers through the newly-announced US Postal Service rate changes. Located at www.pbpostalinfo.com and at www.PitneyBowes.com, Pitney Bowes offers the tools, terms and tips that reduce costs and maximize opportunities in the new postal rate environment.

As DM News postal commentator Cary Baer has noted, "The Governors of the U.S. Postal Service have approved the Postal Regulatory Commission's proposed 7.6 percent average rate increase. The PRC's recommendation was one of its first acts under its new mandate. However, the rate increase has the possibility of doing permanent damage to commercial postal users and therefore the U.S. Postal Service itself. The commissioners and their staff just don’t understand the damage they may have done to the postal service and the direct mail industry."

The Associated Press has reported that "Motorists in several states, including Missouri, are suing a company that sends advertising in vehicle registration notices, saying it violates a federal law that protects their personal information."

The Postal Service's final rule regarding the imiplementation of R2006 rates has been published in the Federal Register.

The Postal Regulatory Commission has posted on its web site its "Notice Of Request For Reconsideration And Order Establishing Procedures." In this order, it establishes procedures affording participants (and other interested parties) an opportunity to provide their views on each of the issues on which reconsideration is sought. Participants should address each issue separately since the substance of each issue differs. Initial comments are due April 12, 2007; reply comments may be filed not later than April 19, 2007."

Check it out: "Introduction to DM News' Essential Guide to postal news, Deliver."

As PrintWeek has noted, "Royal Mail is to meet more resistance over its pricing proposals, this time over its charges to rivals for ‘final mile' delivery. In a move that could dramatically affect costs for direct mail and mailing houses. The postal giant wants Postcomm to allow it to raise the current 13p charge to competitors to deliver its post. This comes hot on the heels of its proposal earlier this month to introduce zonal charging. The ‘final mile’ proposal is in response to the postal regulator’s recently announced 2006-2010 price and service review, which is likely to take six months."

Gulf News has reported that "Q-POST yesterday signed a contract with a local firm for setting up point of sale (PoS) terminals and vending machines at the premises of its 30 odd branches throughout Qatar."

The Brenham Banner Press has reported that "The Postal Service is again soliciting local businesses about operating a contract postal unit (CPU) here."

Air Cargo World has reported that "While passenger growth continues unabated, international air freight traffic growth slowed in February, the International Air Transport Association reported. "The relatively weak level of growth seen in the second half of 2006 has continued into the start of 2007," said IATA, despite the relatively strong global economy and trade. High fuel costs and competition from other transportation modes, trucks specifically, stymied growth in February in shorthaul markets in both North America and Europe. North American airlines saw freight volumes decline by 0.5 percent in February compared to economic growth of 6 percent in 2006."

The U.S. Postal Service has filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission its "initial statement on reconsideration" of the flats rates recommended by the Commission.

For an excellent exposition on the future of advertising in an age of consumer choice, take a look at the article entitled "The Chaos Scenario 2.0" published in Advertising Age.

Computerworld has reported that "For the second straight year, American Express Co. is the top-rated company in the U.S. for privacy based on responses from more than 7,000 participants in an online survey conducted by Ponemon Institute LLC, an Elk Rapids, Mich. privacy think tank. The remaining companies in the top 10 list this year are AOL LLC, followed by Amazon.com Inc., Johnson & Johnson, the U.S. Postal Service, eBay Inc., The Procter & Gamble Co. and Nationwide Investment Services Corp. -- which were tied for ninth place -- and Google Inc.

The Association for Postal Commerce congratulates those PostCom members that were recognized for excellence at the National Postal Forum:

The MRU, founded in 1992, is the only consultancy in Europe, which has specialised in the market of courier-, express- and parcel services. For large-scale shippers and CEP-services in particular, the MRU provides interdisciplinary advice for all major questions of the market, as there are for example market entry, product design, organisation, and EDP.To learn more about the stories reported above, contact CEP News. (We appreciate the courtesy extended by CEP News to help whet your appetite for more of what CEP offers.)

From Morgan Stanley Research: "We attended the National Postal Forum this week and came away with the view that in the wake of postal reform legislation, the USPS may become a greater competitive threat to FedEx and UPS, especially in the rapidly growing B2C market. Longer-term, a more nimble, profit-motivated Postal Service is probably not a bad development for the marketplace. However, a Postal Service unshackled from its more restrictive regulations of the past may impact the market in ways we have yet to fully grasp. What's New: In this report, we discuss a number of initiatives the USPS currently has underway to improve customer service and reliability. In addition, we discuss the new postal reform law which can change the way the USPS competes in the US domestic parcel segment. Implications: We see the risks from the USPS as bigger for UPS."

According to The Sentinel, "Royal Mail has come under fire after unveiling plans to charge £2,100 a year for people to pick up their post."

From M2 Presswire: "The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today issued its second report on whether Australia Post is subsidising its competitive activities with revenue from its monopoly activities. The report analyses the 2005-06 regulatory accounts of Australia Post. "The results of the analysis are similar to last year," ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said. "The regulatory accounts do not provide evidence that Australia Post is subsidising its non-reserved services from its reserved services." Logistics, which is one of the non-reserved services, was again the recipient of a subsidy in 2005-06, but the source of the subsidy appears to be the other non-reserved services, not the reserved services. This was a result of logistics related infrastructure being under-utilised while Australia Post builds this part of its business."

The Financial Times has reported that "Klaus Zumwinkel said last week he had heard "many voices" in Berlin saying Germany would consider delaying the liberalisation of its postal monopoly. The chief executive of Deutsche Post and chairman of Deutsche Telekom enjoys better political connections than most. But unfortunately for him, the voices he is hearing are not speaking in unison. Peer Steinbrück, the finance minister, last week appeared to support Mr Zumwinkel's view as he rhetorically asked why Germany should open its market when European neighbours such as France and Italy appear in no hurry to do so. However, Michael Glos, the economics minister, yesterday insisted Germany would stick to its plan to open up the market at the end of the year. The EU has set a target of January 1 2009 to end postal monopolies elsewhere but even that is looking increasingly unlikely. But European market liberalisation is not Mr Zumwinkel's only issue with Berlin."

According to the Daily Oklahoman, "There is an art to receiving and shipping 13,000 DVD movie rentals every day at the Netlix distribution center that opened two weeks ago in Oklahoma City. The process starts with a high-tech, Internet-based storefront -- www.netflix.com -- from which Netflix subscribers choose from up to 75,000 movie titles. It ends with well-timed coordination with the U.S. Postal Service, which delivers about 13,000 DVD rentals to and from the Oklahoma City center to subscribers every day."

The ClickZ Network has noted that "Recently the Wall Street Journal Online quietly rolled out a new advertising campaign in partnership with United Parcel Service (UPS), one of its large ad customers. But in a split with the publisher's previous approach to Web ads, clicking the UPS banners scattered across WSJ.com won't take viewers to UPS's company site, but to a branded microsite hosted by the Wall Street Journal and revolving around business content focused on the shipping business. It's the latest example of online publishers working directly with advertisers to create advertising content associated with the publisher, but still wholly separate from the publisher's own creative systems."

The Namibian has reported that "Speaking at the handing over ceremony Deputy Minister of MWTC Stefanus Mogotsi commended the company noting that parastatals have a key role to play in the national economy and are major stakeholders in the government's National Development Plans and Vision 2030. "In making a positive contribution to the Fiscus through dividends parastatals would remain relevant role players in adding value to government efforts in implementing development plans and achieving Vision 2030 " he said."

From Business Wire: "Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c52868) has announced the addition of "Express House View 2007" to their offering. Our Express House View presentation provides an overview of the European express and parcels delivery market including data and forecasts on the segmentation of the market by destination, service level and type of recipient."

From PR Newswire: R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company has announced that the U.S. Postal Service recognized RR Donnelley with the prestigious 'Partnership for Progress' Award. Postmaster General John E. Potter presented the award during the March 26, 2007 National Postal Forum general session. Potter recognized RR Donnelley's efforts to advance the use of mail services and their commitment to the notion of mail as a viable business solution in presenting the award.

Ovum has reported that "Poste Italiane has confirmed its debut as a mobile virtual network operator in the oncoming opening of the Italian MVNO market. The company will deliver its services through Vodafone Italia's network and aims to have 2 million subscribers by 2011."

The Hindu has reported that "REVA Electric Car Company Pvt. Ltd. (RECC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kerala Postal Services, Thiruvananthapuram. RECC will provide three specially customised REVA electric cars to deliver and collect speed post articles in Thiruvananthapuram and its suburbs."

DM News has reported that "The Postal Regulatory Commission is hoping to expedite its reconsideration of certain rates based on the U.S. Postal Service Governors' rate decision announced March 19. This was a key message from Dan Blair, the new chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission, who spoke at the annual Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers' early morning breakfast at the National Postal Forum. "The [USPS] will be filing a document outlining possible proposals for how they would like us to look at [the reconsidered rates], and from there we will establish a process," Mr. Blair said. "We expect that to happen soon -- even this week. This will be intended to make the process move quickly and efficiently so we can get back to what is on our plate, which is establishing a new system."

Press Release: "Attention Business Mailers: MAILCOM is offering a comprehensive program of seminars and workshops to help your company understand and comply with these mandatory changes as part of its 27th annual event at the Atlantic City Convention Center. This is your only opportunity to receive final, updated rates and regulation information. Some 135 seminars will be offered.

From PR Newswire: "The U.S. Postal Service has a long history of exploring cleaner, more energy-efficient, and more cost- effective ways to deliver the nation's mail. And, as such, it has acquired the nation's largest fleet of alternate-fuel vehicles -- some 38,000 cars, trucks and minivans -- powered by electricity, compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas, ethanol (E85), biodiesel fuel, and hydrogen fuel cells."

Logistics Management has reported that "Express delivery and logistics services provider DHL said this week it will open a new international gateway in Riverside, California in an effort to enhance service quality and meet the needs of customers shipping to and from Asia-Pacific and the western part of the United States. The gateway, dubbed DHL Riverside, is located at the company’s West Coast Distribution Center in Riverside, California, which opened in 2005. DHL said it has invested approximately $3 million into the location for things like on-site offices for providing customs-processing and clearance functions related to DHL international shipments upon arrival. The site will become fully functional today with the arrival of a flight from DHL’s Central Asia SuperHub in Hong Kong to Riverside. And it added that this gateway will process letters and packages loaded off."

As the Santa Monica Daily Press has reported, "Former Santa Monica Mayor Ruth Y. Goldway will be front and center during today’s ceremony marking the introduction of a forever stamp by the U.S. Postal Service. It is after all something the former mayor has thrown her support behind for years. Some would say she championed the creation of the stamp."

From the U.S. Postal Service: "The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has launched a new Global Business group to help mailers expand their international reach through customized, flexible international shipping solutions — and increase the Postal Service’s $1.9 billion annual share of the international shipping market at the same time. “The U.S. Postal Service is known for keeping America connected, but we really are a global company,” said Paul Vogel, USPS Global Business Managing Director and Senior Vice President. “We deliver nearly half of the world’s mail and our international networks reach every country on the globe.” Vogel said the time is right for international expansion. In addition to extensive market analysis, the new team consulted with customers, integrators, consolidators and national posts around the world, and built the Global Business group to be responsive."

The Washington Post has reported that "Life is dead. Again. Time Inc. pulled the plug on its venerable nameplate yesterday for the third time in 35 years, saying it no longer makes sense to print the publication as a magazine. Instead, the company said it will launch a "major portal" online to host its millions of award-winning photographs. Time Inc. said Life's Web site will launch later this year and feature about 10 million images, 97 percent of which have never been seen by the public."

As the Financial Times has noted, "Few industries are more exposed to the forces of globalisation than logistics. As supply chains are stretched across oceans and continents, manufacturers and retailers are increasingly looking for logistics partners with international capabilities."

KOIN News has reported that "Hundreds of letter carriers staged a protest Thursday outside the Beaverton post office. To save money, the U.S. Postal Service is now outsourcing mail delivery service, angering mail carriers who wonder what's next for them. Contracted workers are already delivering to a subdivision in the Bethany area. Some believe that the move will lead to increased cases of identity theft. But officials say the workers are put through the same background checks as regular postal service employees. Current letter carriers feel that the move to privatize will eliminate family wage jobs." [The contracting out of postal routes is a story that will become more prominent in the months ahead.]

As DM News has noted, "Dialog between mailers and the U.S. Postal Service is key if the mailing industry is going to successfully navigate new roads that have barely been mapped. This was a key message from Postmaster General John E. Potter in his keynote address at the National Postal Forum yesterday."

Materials Handling World has reported that "UK Mail, the postal services arm of the Business Post Group, has secured an important breakthough that it is confident will soon see the launch of a brand new “Agent for Access” service. This will enable companies in the financial services and charity sectors to benefit from a downstream access postal service which they have previously been unable to enjoy. This unprecedented move extends postal choice to a whole new market of mailers and marks an important development for the deregulated mail sector."

The National Association of Major Mail Users (NAMMU) has reported that "Canada Post is introducing enhancements to the Unaddressed Admail order creation process based on customer feedback, effective April 16. Designed to enhance flexibility, these changes include the ability to create a new mailing plan from a previous order; access improved functionality to import and export mailing information from one system to another; print Admail Delivery Slips and Container Labels before the order is transmitted to Canada Post. Full descriptions of changes and enhancements are in a brochure mailed to clients this month."

From the U.S. Postal Service: "In September 2006, the use of Intelligent Mail Barcodes for automation discounts became available for letter mail. Charlie Bravo, the United States Postal Service's senior vice president of Intelligent Mail and Address Quality announced that automation discounts for use of Intelligent Mail barcode — formerly called 4-State Customer Barcode — will be available for Flat Mail beginning May 1, 2007. OneCode Services™ available with Intelligent Mail include OneCode Confirm™ for First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, and Periodicals and OneCode ACS™ for First-Class Mail flats and Periodicals. OneCode ACS will be available for Standard Mail this fall. "The Intelligent Mail process is fully automated," said Bravo. "We're looking forward to having everyone on board by 2009."

From Business Wire: "As printers and mailers gather in Washington today for the National Postal Forum www.npf.org, U.S. Postmaster General John Potter addressed the topic of "intelligent" mail strategies in the opening session. He also reports on the impact of the new postal barcode in the current issue of Graphic Arts Monthly (GAM), a technical business journal for commercial print firms. Because more than 50% of all printed material is mailed, including over 53 billion catalogs and flats in 2006, printers are deeply involved in issues involving mail processing."

The Daily News has reported that "Lanka Postal Union President Vivekanandalingam said the government's mediation is essential to settle the Postal Department employees' problems."

According to the International Herald Tribune, "Poste Italiane, the postal company owned by the Italian government, said Monday that it would begin selling mobile phone services by the end of the year as it aims for a slice of one of the world's most lucrative, yet saturated, markets. Poste Italiane, which plans to sell the services in partnership with one of the country's four existing cellphone operators, will pay a fee to use their infrastructure as it sets up what is known as a mobile virtual network operator. The company aims to have two million clients five years after the service has been introduced, the Poste chief executive, Massimo Sarmi, said at a presentation. He declined to say which of the existing Italian operators he expected to sign the accord."

Reuters has reported that "Workers at a FedEx Corp. facility in Northborough, Massachusetts, voted down a proposal to be represented by the Teamsters union, a National Labor Relations Board official said on Monday. The vote comes at a time when the union is making a push to represent the package-delivery company's 15,000 North American truckers, none of whom have collective representation. Robert Redbord, deputy regional attorney at the NLRB in Boston, said the workers at the facility voted 29 to 14 on Thursday against seeking unionization."

From the U.S. Postal Service: "The Forever stamp was previewed today at the National Postal Forum, the premier trade show for advertising, marketing and mailing executives. Featuring the Liberty Bell image and the word "forever," the stamp will be good for mailing one-ounce First-Class letters anytime in the future — regardless of price changes. The Forever stamp goes on sale April 12 at 41 cents. Customers can begin using the stamp when postage changes May 14."

Forbes has reported that "Economy Minister Michael Glos said Germany is sticking to its plans to end Deutsche Post AG's monopoly on mail delivery operations by the end of this year."

As Business Week has noted, "The privatization of Japan's post office, which doubles as the world's biggest savings bank, was hailed around the globe as a watershed free-market reform that would streamline the world's No. 2 economy. But just months before the October kick off date, a darker prospect looms over what will unseat Citigroup Inc. as the world's biggest financial institution. Far from encouraging open competition, some are warning that the government-nurtured colossus could leverage its size to stamp out rivals, foreign and domestic."

According to Trinidad & Tobagos Newsday, "Better service from staff and more postal outlets are some of the requests customers made at the fifth and final of public consultations on the draft Postal Sector Policy (PSP) held Friday at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Port-of-Spain."

Transport Intelligence has reported that "Whilst there were some exceptional reasons for these poorer figures, such as bad weather in the US, the biggest reason for weaker margins was lower growth in the US economy. In its core Express business, domestic US demand fell by 2% leading to lower margins. International grew, but at a modest 3%. More growth was seen in FedEx's Ground and Freight LTL businesses, largely due to a strong offering in areas such as home delivery as well as expansion through acquisition. FedEx's senior management seems to be sanguine about slower American growth."

From the U.S. Postal Service: "On March 19, the Board of Governors set Monday, May 14, as the effective date of all the changes in rates and fees for all classes except Periodicals, which is delayed until July 15. Although the Governors asked the Commission to reconsider some of the prices, the Postal Service and its customers should plan to implement the prices as recommended by the Commission in its February 26 decision. There is no set timetable for the reconsideration exercise, nor is there any assurance that different prices will be recommended."

UPS has announced the launch of UPS Delivery Intercept, an automated service that gives customers ultimate flexibility and control by enabling shippers to intercept and reroute packages before they’re delivered. UPS Delivery Intercept is the industry’s only Web-enabled package interception service. With UPS Delivery Intercept, a shipper simply uses a UPS package application such as UPS WorldShip®, UPS CampusShip® or UPS Internet Shipping®, clicks on the 1Z tracking number and requests a reroute. Interception requests also can be made through a shipper’s myups.com account as well as via UPS Signature Tracking®.

The Washington Post has noted that "Nearly 7,000 representatives of companies and organizations that have a stake in the U.S. mail system will gather in Washington this week for a glimpse of their future. A lot of attention will be paid to Dan G. Blair, the new postal regulator who will be a key partner with Postmaster General John E. Potter in the first overhaul of the U.S. Postal Service since 1971."

According to DM News, "catalogers must be prepared to face reality: Postage rates are going up and Standard mailers have to adapt. We agree with Mr. Libey’s ideas on ways to gain savings to maintain financial bottom lines in the face of the postage hike. Catalogers must continue to lobby James C. Miller III, chairman of the USPS Board of Governors, as well as Postmaster General Jack Potter. A postage rate increase should not have been the reason for catalogers to galvanize themselves into action. Still, better to start now and turn a new page into making the catalog an even more efficient component of multichannel retail." See also "How to offset some of the postage increase: Libey’s take."

Multichannel Merchant has reported that "Attendees here at the spring NEMOA conference have discussed such tactics as improving list hygiene, reducing circulation and trim size, and comailing as ways to minimize the effect of the May 14 postal rate hike. But Michael Grant, managing director of New York-based consultancy Winterberry Group, noted that no one has brought up—at least publicly—passing the costs on to the consumer."

According to the Sun-Sentinel, "Postal rate increases in any guise by this incompetent U.S. Postal Service management are unwarranted and unwanted."

The Daily Record has reported that "hundreds of postal workers in Edinburgh staged wildcat strikes over the weekend, creating a backlog of mail."

As the New York Times has noted, "though the mailboxes bear the Postal Service’s familiar eagle’s-head logo, the middle-aged man who delivers the letters does not wear a mail carrier’s uniform. And he drives a private car, not a postal vehicle. Harbour Pointe at Shorehaven, in the Clason Point neighborhood, is the first place in the city where residents get some of their mail not from the typical uniformed, unionized letter carrier but from a private mail deliverer under contract with the United States Postal Service. Such private workers are delivering mail near Palm Beach, Fla., and Portland, Ore. But they are relatively uncommon, serving only 6,400 of the Postal Service’s roughly 250,000 routes nationwide."

Suburban Journals has reported that "Scott Tate, director of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, hopes mail delivery problems will improve after he and several chamber and postal officials met nearly two weeks ago. Tate had said several area chambers and nonprofit organizations complained that mail sent to their members was taking two to three weeks to be delivered. Most problems were with standard and bulk mail, which is funneled to the Gateway branch post office in downtown St. Louis. However, some organizations had reported problems with first-class mail."

Ha'aretz has reported that "The Postal Authority is on its way to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange sometime in the next few months. In recent days the Government Companies Authority (GCA) presented a draft of a proposed law to privatize the Postal Authority, including the Postal Bank."

The NALC Bulletin has reported that "NALC President William H. Young and Postmaster General John E. Potter reached agreement March 20 to resume bargaining for a new National Agreement. They set April 6 as a deadline to reach settlement. Young and Potter also agreed that, in the event talks fail and an impasse remains, mediation would be waived and the impasse would go directly to binding arbitration. NALC President William H. Young and Postmaster General John E. Potter reached agreement March 20 to resume bargaining for a new National Agreement. They set April 6 as a deadline to reach settlement. Young and Potter also agreed that, in the event talks fail and an impasse remains, mediation would be waived and the impasse would go directly to binding arbitration."

ThisIsMoney has reported that "Royal Mail could be forced by the industry regulator to cut the price of delivering rivals' letters for the 'final mile' - a move it claims could be crippling. TNT Post, Royal Mail's biggest competitor, has appealed to Postcomm to force Royal Mail to cut its charges because it says they are so high that competitors are being 'squeezed out of the market'."

Engadget has noted that "Mobile commerce is taking some parts of the world by storm right now, and Kenya didn't want to be left out of the party. The country's largest mobile carrier has introduced a service to allow monetary payments to be made by SMS, guaranteeing that just about any customer can use the new service."

The Journal & Courier has reported that "Mail-processing operations will remain in the city in a decision reached by postal officials after more than a year of study over whether that work should be moved to Indianapolis. No significant changes will be made at the Bloomington processing center, U.S. Postal Service officials said."

The latest issue of the PostCom Bulletin is available online. In this issue:

From the U.S. Postal Service: "International Pricing Change – Final Mailing Standards We posted our final mailing standards today to accompany the international price change effective on May 14. The final standards in PDF and TXT formats are now available on usps.com/ratecase, and will appear in the Federal Register (both in print and online) shortly."

From Business Wire: "Group 1 Software, Inc., a Pitney Bowes Company has announced it is echoing the Postal Service in recommending that U.S. mailers prepare now for more stringent address validation requirements, which have the potential to significantly reduce the number of mail pieces qualifying for postal discounts. The Postal Service issued its recommendation in a February 2007 letter, which confirmed August 1, 2007, as the implementation date for the new coding certification cycle."

From the U.S. Postal Service DMM Advisory: "Final Mailing Standards to Support the Pricing Change We posted our final mailing standards today to accompany the domestic price change effective on May 14. The final standards in PDF and TXT formats are now available on usps.com/ratecase, and will appear in the Federal Register (both in print and online) shortly. In addition to the final rule, on usps.com/ratecase you can find the New Domestic Rates and Fees tables in HTML and PDF formats, as well as downloadable files in comma-delimited format. Our Web site also provides helpful information for mailers, including updated frequently asked questions (FAQs), press releases, and Mailers Companion and MailPro articles related to the pricing change."

The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation has reported that "The 24th Edition of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) congress will be held in Nairobi in 2008. This will be the second time the congress is being held on the African Continent after Egypt hosted the last meeting 70 years ago. Over 5,000 delegates from across the world are expected to attend the congress. Kenya's Post Master General, Fred Odhiambo now wants the UPU Kenya Secretariat to fast track its action plans and pave way for the formation of an African Support preparation Committee. Odhiambo appealed to all member countries from the continent to work towards showcasing the African Postal System as an outfit that provides high standards of service delivery. He said Africa should use the Nairobi congress to lobby for the adoption of specific postal conditions that will spur the growth of the industry in the continent."

Personnel Today has reported that "A partnership between Royal Mail and Remploy - the provider of employment services for disabled people - is set for a national roll-out following a successful pilot programme."

Multichannel Merchant has reported that "Even if the catalog industry cannot avoid the U.S. Postal Service's rate increase, which could be as high as 40% for some catalogers come May 14, New England Mail Order Association members said the industry cannot afford to take its foot off the gas pedal when it comes to talking to elected officials."

The Mailers Council has urged the Governors of the Postal Service to avoid the need for one more omnibus postal rate case under the rules governed by the Postal Reorganization Act. We encourage the Postal Service’s Board of Governors to avoid such a costly and difficult rate case and to publicly state its intention to raise rates going forward only under the new process."

Channel News Asia has reported that "The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts is seeking feedback from the industry and members of the public on the draft Postal Services (Amendment) Bill. The Postal Services will be fully liberalised when Singapore Post's monopoly licence for Basic Mail Services expires at the end of this month. The Postal Services (Amendment) Bill will provide the legislative framework for liberalising Basic Mail Services."

Media Daily News has reported that "to cut down on mailing costs and paper consumption, a direct marketer based in Portland, Oregon has gone electronic. It's sending printable coupons to consumers on CDs. The direct mailing of CDs allows consumers the option of choosing coupons of interest, which they print out themselves. This reduces household and municipal trash costs and the burden of recycling unwanted mailings." [Wait'll he sees what it'll cost to mail CDs under the new rates.]

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer has reported that "One new housing development at a time, more non-postal service mail carriers are taking on routes across the nation, and the Puget Sound area is no exception. Private carriers typically serve rural areas, don't receive union benefits and work for lower, flat rates. Last Friday, about 350 unionized postal employees protested outside a post office in Beaverton, Ore., denouncing the use of private carriers in a 374-home development nearby. The argument is usually the same: Residents fear that their private mail might not be as safe, and post office employees say the private workers aren't always held to the same ethical standards."

According to AdWeek, "Not every business is decrying the upcoming postal rate hike. Seeking to take advantage of an opportunity, Neopost, a supplier of mailing systems, last week began distributing mailers by San Francisco-based Wayfinder, talking up the company's ability to help corporations address the changes."

MMDNewswire: "A group of small business owners (The Brown Shield Association, BSA) unites against shipping Goliath UPS, citing omissions, non-disclosure, unfair practices, breach of contract, and predatory practices for franchised locations."

VoteTrustUSA has noted that "Any voters who have worried whether the local election office has received their mail-in ballots would be able to track the status their ballots under a bill introduced by Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA). The Mail-In Ballot Tracking Act would require states to implement procedures for tracking, via the telephone and Internet, the growing number of mail-in ballots. The United States Postal Service is currently introducing an "Intelligent Mail" system which, if applied to election mail, will allow voters to find out via the internet or the telephone which postal processing facility last handled their ballots and when they were handled there. "Mail ballot tracking is a win-win for all," added Davis. "I believe it will increase voter participation as it increases peace of mind."

According to the Herald News, "Wednesday's story about mail delivery problems in New Lenox apparently struck a nerve. It quickly became one of our Web site's most clicked-upon stories. It also generated a host of comments, which came from readers from both coasts and in between."

The Guardian has reported that "The battle between Royal Mail and one of its leading competitors in the UK letters market, TNT Post, intensified yesterday with each side making conflicting demands for changes to the way prices are controlled. At the heart of the struggle is the issue of how much Royal Mail can charge competitors for delivering mail those competitors have collected. Royal Mail argues that it needs to be allowed to charge more to compete in the key business mail market. It says the existing price structure "simply isn't working"."

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has reported that "Australia Post has rejected a call for special mail runs to help western New South Wales people who have not received their ballot papers in time to have their vote counted for this weekend's state election."

EarthTimes.org has reported that "Canada Post announced it is suspending service to 13 housing units in St. John's, Newfoundland, because of high amounts of dog excrement."

People's Daily has reported that "Moving aggressively to disengage from its hospitality business, China Post Group is trying to concentrate more on its core business. "We will focus only on postal services in the future, and sell or transfer first our hotel assets and then the ones in other sectors," Ren Yongxin, deputy general manager of the Finance Department under China Post Group, told China Daily."

AllAfrica.com has noted that "He does not deny having flown to Bucharest, Romania to attend the Universal Postal Union conference in 2004. all he denies is that he illegally obtained the funds that facilitated the trip. The housing state minister, Micheal Kafabusa Werikhe, yesterday told MPs on the committee on commissions, statutory authorities and state enterprises, that he did not coerce the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) into giving him the $4,121(sh7.3m) that he used on the trip."

The Southwest News-Herald has reported that "Rampant problems with mail delivery in Clearing and Garfield Ridge did not improve after Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) and Ald. Michael Zalewski (23rd) met with officials from the Clearing Post Office in January, so the two politicians sought answers this week from Gloria Tyson, the U.S. Postal Service’s District Manager/Postmaster for Chicago. “The problems continue,” said Lipinski, after greeting Tyson and several other USPS representatives who attended the meeting Tuesday morning in Lipinski’s district office, 6245 S. Archer Ave. “The situation is nothing short of a disgrace,” said Zalewski."

Globes has reported that "The privatization of the postal service has taken a further step forward. Sources inform ''Globes'' that under a proposal drawn up by Government Companies Director Eyal Gabbai, the state will sell up to 49% of Israel Post Company through a share offering to be held on the TASE by May 31."

One writer for the Rockford Register Star wants to know: "Shouldn’t price of stamps be dropping?"

Hemscott has reported that "Postcomm, the UK postal services regulator, has launched a review of the charges Royal Mail imposes on other operators for access to its network and the delivery of mail over the so-called 'final mile'. Competition is developing at a much faster pace than originally predicted, according to Royal Mail, with new entrants such as TNT Post and DHL securing about 25 pct of the bulk business mail market since it was opened on 1 January 2006."

Press Release: "Window Book, Inc., the leader in postal mailing and shipping software announced that they will be showcasing at booth #623 at the National Postal Forum in Washington, DC in March."

RFID Solutions has reported that "SAVR Communications, Inc. has developed technology that will drastically reduce expenses and environmental impact associated with the logistical services of the three express shippers."

According to the Brattleboro Reformer, "As the town waits for a relocation proposal to work through the labyrinth at the U.S. Postal Service headquarters in Washington D.C., two lawmakers are trying to give it a shove. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., sent a letter to the U.S. Postmaster General John E. Potter asking that the Jamaica proposal be approved soon."

As the Daily Express has noted, "thousands of postal workers are demanding a 27 per cent pay rise and a cut in hours."

The Financial Times has reported that "FedEx suffered its first decline in profits for more than three years in the third quarter and warned that earnings growth could fall below the group’s long-term target this year. The sluggish results and cautious outlook reflected softening demand for express delivery services as the US economy slows."

Newsday has noted that "The Theodore Roosevelt Association has chosen the head of the Atlanta History Center as its new president with the intention of creating a world-class museum and research facility dedicated to the 26th president. James Bruns, who has run the Atlanta museum for four years after serving as the Smithsonian Institution's development director and founding director of its National Postal Museum in Washington, will begin work full time with the TRA July 1 but will be involved in association business part time immediately.

Dow Jones has reported that "German Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck Wednesday criticized plans to open the country's postal market Jan. 1 ahead of other European countries, calling for a level playing field in Europe."

Press Release: "BÖWE BELL + HOWELL, a leading provider of document processing and postal solutions, has enhanced its Flexisort® flats sorter to better facilitate presorting discounts and mail-handling capabilities. These enhancements include the addition of a high-speed linerless labeler “in-line” as part of the sorting process, and the improved ability to handle mixed mail as well as flats, enabling mailers to process a wider spectrum of mail."

Security Park has reported that "Despite the recent media attention devoted to online security threats such as phishing and pharming, it is the more trusted traditional methods that are leaving UK businesses open to unanticipated threats. Businesses sending confidential documents by courier and postal services are at greater risk of confidentiality threats such as theft, damage and loss compared to other methods of communication according to the results of a recent experiment conducted by LogicaCMG. The experiment compared seven methods of communication including courier, post, special delivery, fax, email, secure encrypted email, and even carrier pigeons, against a variety of factors including cost, time, condition of arrival and environmental impact. It revealed that, with the exception of carrier pigeons, common courier and postal services were the least effective form of sending confidential information."

According to Bloomberg, "FedEx Corp., the world's largest air-cargo carrier, said third-quarter profit fell 2 percent to $420 million for the first drop in three years as a slowing U.S. economy and winter storms damped shipping demand."

According to Precision Marketing, "The Royal Mail has released figures which show that direct mail volumes and expenditure are falling."

The Financial Times has reported that "The head of Deutsche Post yesterday launched a sharp attack on the resistance in many European countries to end their postal monopolies and urged Berlin to postpone Germany's plans for early liberalisation. Klaus Zumwinkel, chief executive, warned of an uneven playing field between operators in Europe that could put jobs and profits at Deutsche Post at risk."

Financial Times Deutschland has reported that "Deutsche Post, the German postal service operator, announced yesterday that it is anticipating a slight increase in turnover and a profit of at least 3.6bn euros for 2007. This was lower than analysts had expected, and led to a drop of 4.8 per cent in the company's share price to 22.11 euros. Analysts believe that investors are becoming increasingly sceptical that the company will be able to meet its medium-term targets; Deutsche Post had announced that it is aiming to achieve ebit of at least 5.2bn euros by 2009."

According to The Guardian, "The government plans to introduce a set of criteria to determine where post offices must be."

WCBS-TV has reported that "It's zip code anxiety time on Manhattan's Upper East Side where many who have shared the same five digits for decades on their upscale addresses are now about to get new numbers. Sheila Stephenson complained about the zip code split that the Post Office is planning for this coming July. "It's going to be a disaster," she told CBS 2 on posh Park Avenue. "10021 is just magical. Everyone wants to live in that address." But everyone can't. The Post Office says a building boom in 10021 has overwhelmed their sorting service to the point that they've run out of numbers for the sorting and route suffixes that follow every five-digit zip code. Postal Service spokesperson Pat McGovern says she's been swamped with complaints, but says east siders will simply have to adjust." See also 7Online. [It's called: hitting them where they live.]

Taipei Times has reported that "The newly renamed Taiwan Post Co announced yesterday that it had launched a same-day delivery service within Taipei City with the ability to deliver letters and packages within two or three hours."

New Vision has reported that "the former Posts and telecommunications managing director, Edward ssempala Mbuga, was yesterday detained by the Police, reports Paul Kiwuuwa. Mbuga was detained on the orders of the parliamentary committee on commissions, statutory and government enterprises after he denied signing an agreement with Mentor Property Services, a Kenyan firm that caused financial loss of sh1b to the telecommunications company."

The Washington Post has reported that "Federal prosecutors are preparing to unveil criminal charges against former budget director David A. Stockman for incomplete disclosures and improper accounting practices he allegedly endorsed while at the helm of a Michigan auto parts company, according to sources familiar with the two-year investigation. Stockman, 60, famously led the Office of Management and Budget under President Ronald Reagan, who once took him "to the woodshed" for privately expressing doubts about huge deficits at the same time he was selling the administration's budget to the public and federal lawmakers. A grand jury indictment sought by the office of U.S. Attorney Michael J. Garcia in Manhattan and officials at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service could be revealed as early as Monday, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation continues. The sources would not confirm whether an indictment had already been returned." [Now, we;re sure going after white collar criminals is sexy over at the Inspection Service these days, but if that's the direction in which the Service is turned, isn't it time for the general taxpayer...and not the postal ratepayer...to take on the financing of the Inspection Service? Former PostCom board chairman Cary Baer made such an argument years ago. His critique still looks valid.]

From PRWeb: "Window Book, Inc., the leader in postal mailing and shipping software announced launching of a revamped website. Window Book's new website, www.windowbook.com, has a brand new look that is easier to navigate and find what you need much faster. Not only does it include products and services for Mailers and Shippers, it provides valuable up-to-the-minute industry news via blogs and newsletters  all for free to the postal community."

The Chronicle Herald has reported that "Canada Post will ask the U.S. Postal Service to launch an investigation into the disappearance of wartime service medals mailed from Nova Scotia to California last month."

The Times has reported that "Royal Mail is facing union demands for a 27 per cent pay rise that the post group claims will cost an extra £1 billion a year, The Times has learnt. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has asked for the minimum payment of its members to be brought into line with average basic pay in the UK. The main postal union is also demanding that its members work a 35-hour week, rather than the existing 40 hours."

The American Postal Workers Union (APWU), along with the other postal unions and management associations, has asked Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to grant congressional requests for a briefing by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on its inquiry into the 2001 anthrax attacks.

Deutsche Welle has reported that "Deutsche Post's monopoly on letter delivery will end next year. Even as the company struggles to remain profitable, most other European Union countries are reluctant to liberalize their mail markets. On another matter, Zumwinkel said he plans to remain in his position until his contract expires at the end of 2008. He has been CEO of Deutsche Post since 1990."

Dow Jones has reported that "Deutsche Post World Net AG Chief Executive Klaus Zumwinkel said Tuesday there could be delays to the opening up of the mail market in the European Union."

The Associated Press has reported that "Israel's largest trade union on Tuesday announced it was launching a sweeping general strike at daybreak Wednesday that would shut down the country's only international airport and many other services. General strikes in Israel are all encompassing, essentially shutting down the country. Government offices, seaports, the central bank and local municipalities are strikebound. Garbage often piles up on the sidewalks and postal, phone and electric services are also stopped."

The Financial Times has reported that "Japan Post said on Tuesday it was planning to offer mortgages, credit cards and small business loans following its privatisation in October this year, in a move that would introduce a massive competitor to private Japanese banks in areas they consider vital to their growth."

From U.S. Postal Service: "New Domestic Rates and Fees tables in HTML and PDF formats for the price change effective Monday, May 14, 2007, are now available on usps.com/ratecase.

Press Release: Inc. magazine and Inc.com (www.inc.com) today announced plans to expand the Inc. 500, Inc.’s acclaimed annual list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, to include 4,500 more of these dynamic businesses.

According to IT Reseller, "Correos, the Spanish Postal Service, handles over 5 billion postal deliveries each year and serves over 19 million homes and 2 million companies a day. The company has implemented an RFID system using RFID Anywhere to improve its delivery times and streamline operating procedures. Correos has successfully implemented the largest RFID project in Europe. The state-controlled company has introduced a radio frequency control system, called Q-RFID, in its 15 Automated Processing Centres (APCs) throughout Spain. The company’s investment included specific software and its integration in the Correos computer systems, purchasing 5,000 passive electronic labels and installation of over 1,900 permanent antennas and over 330 readers for those 15 APCs."

According to the Merced Sun-Star, "Merced's postal service situation appears to be getting worse before it gets better. We are baffled by recent U.S. Postal Service decisions to shift ZIP codes between Merced and Atwater -- without any public input and contrary to the request of Merced's congressman. The postal service is an immense bureaucracy within an even greater federal government labyrinth. Communication at this level certainly is an inexact science. Despite specific requests by Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, to involve the public in the zone-shifting process, postal authorities unilaterally have switched 913 Merced addresses to the Atwater ZIP code and moved just over a hundred Wintonites to the Atwater mail jurisdiction. Ignoring and annoying a congressman might not be the smartest course of action and it appears Cardoza now will be meeting with Postmaster General John Potter on the matter. If this gets nowhere, Cardoza will have the Government Organization Committee investigate the postal service's management decisions." [Heck, the Postal Service eats congressmen for lunch!]

Since the Forever Stamp was so popular with the press, let's build on this. How 'bout a "Forever Bulk Mail Indicia" for all those unbelievably overburdened business mailers who have to suffer back-to-back rate increases with an insufficient amount of time to prepare? Postal Service....It's time to wise up!

The Memphis Business Journal has reported that "United Parcel Service Inc., which increased its annual profit by almost 9 percent, paid its top executive nearly $6.2 million in total compensation in 2006. According to the Atlanta-based package shipper's proxy filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday, CEO Michael Eskew got $6.2 million in total compensation last year, including a salary of $988,000, a bonus of $41,500, $2.8 million in stock awards, about $1 million in stock options, $174,300 in non-equity incentive plan compensation and $33,137 in other compensation." [Now THAT'S an incentive to perform.]

Dow Jones has reported that "Postal Savings Bank of China opened for business Tuesday in Beijing, allowing the country's fifth-largest bank by deposits to expand its lending after years of being the deposit-taking arm of the state postal service."

The Financial Times has reported that "FedEx, the US package delivery group, is to launch guaranteed next-day deliveries within China for the first time in May, highlighting the increasing sophistication of transportation and logistics services in the country."

From PR Web: "Remote Control Mail™ service gives customers ranging from road warriors and RVers to mobile workers and accounting departments online access to their postal mail, from anywhere in the world, at any time. Remote Control Mail™ receives the mail each day, scans the outside of the sealed envelopes and presents this image to the customer online. The customer then determines whether to have the mail opened and scanned, shredded, recycled, transferred elsewhere, or forward-shipped. Much as people manage their mobile phones and emails - the system is convenient, fast, and cost-effective. Mail addressed to specific departments or account numbers can also be automatically opened and scanned, as in the case of remittance processing where checks are extracted and electronically deposited for real-time access to funds."

According to the Christian Post, "English churches are being encouraged to carry more than just the Gospel message. In rural villages where post offices are threatened with closure, churches may become the next home for postal services. Recently, officials of the Church of England met with the Post Office’s rural division to discuss plans on how stamps can be issued from vestries and pensions out of bell towers, reported the Sunday Telegraph. Other services churches may also add include dry cleaning and a grocery market if the local facility providing the work is in danger of being shut down."

The Herald has reported that "Scotland's largest local authority has warned of a further raft of post office closures within the next 18 months. Glasgow City Council has also criticised a commitment to ensure that 99% of the population of deprived areas are within a mile of a post office, saying the criterion was a reduction on a previous guarantee which cited half a mile."

Welcome to PostCom Radio
Postal Podcast Number 13
Join PostCom President Gene Del Polito and PostCom Vice President Kate Muth in a discussion of the decision by the Governors of the Postal Service to go forward with the rates recommended by the Postal Regulatory Commmission.

PostCom Members!! The latest issue of the PostCom Bulletin is available online. In this issue: the Govenors Approve the PRC-Recommended Rates.

From NewsReleaseWire: "Legislative efforts to allow consumers to eliminate junk mail from their mailboxes have been halted in Colorado. But Coloradoans still have options, such as StopTheJunkMail.com, to remove themselves from mass mailing lists. Stopthejunkmail.com wants consumers everywhere to know that even though similar efforts throughout the country are being stifled, they can still opt-out of getting direct mail using the company’s private service."

The Postal Regulatory Commission has received a report of an attempt to find grounds to settle the proposed Bank of America NSA with the U.S. Postal Service. Unfortunately, the participants have not found their way to a settlement agreement.

Press Release: "Window Book’s new website, www.windowbook.com, has a brand new look that is easier to navigate and find what you need much faster. Not only does it include products and services for Mailers and Shippers, it provides valuable up-to-the-minute industry news via blogs and newsletters - all for free to the postal community."

UPS is making it easier for customers to conduct business around the world through enhancements to its WorldShip®, Quantum Viewsm and Billing Solutions technology offerings. The enhancements will save customers time and money by streamlining the preparation, management and tracking of multiple types of shipments – whether domestic or international, small package or heavy freight.

DM News has reported that Nordstrom has adopted more environmentally aware practices into its catalog program. The decision comes after similar moves by Williams-Sonoma, Hewlett-Packard, and Limited Brands.

Reuters has reported that "Pitney Bowes Inc., the largest maker of mail-handling machines, on Monday named Murray Martin as chief executive officer, succeeding Michael Critelli, who will assume the newly created position of executive chairman. Martin, Pitney Bowes' president and chief operating officer, will become president and CEO effective May 14. He will assume full strategic and operational responsibility for the Stamford, Connecticut-based company." See also the Wall Street Journal.

Press Release: "Come 18-20 September 2007, Asia Pacific Mail & Express 2007 will again provide this platform for regional postmaster generals and CEOs to address this "new world" of changing postal business strategy and increasing collaboration amongst key players."

The New York Sun has reported that "The swankiest zip code in New York is about to get even more exclusive. The U.S. Postal Service has plans to announce that the affluent neighborhood now identified by the 10021 zip code — stretching between East 61st and East 80th streets, from Central Park to the East River — will be divided into three zip codes in July, leaving 10021 for roughly a third of its original area."

Business Week has reported that "This year's list is chock full of companies that are rewriting the rules in their industries. RegardingUnited Parcel Service Inc. (UPS ), which clocked in at No. 33 in this year's rankings....with its basic business of delivering packages turning into a mature business growing in the mid-single digits, Atlanta-based UPS conducted extensive customer research that revealed that many of its corporate shippers were looking to offload the chore of managing their supply chains, which would free them to focus on their core businesses. So UPS went on an investment binge that today enables it to do everything from managing warehouses for customers to helping run clients' entire global transportation network."

According to the New York Post, "First came the national "do not call" list. Then there was talk of a "do not e-mail" registry. Now, more than a dozen states from Hawaii to New York are weighing "do not mail" bills. The assault on the direct marketing industry shows no signs of letting up, forcing marketers to find new - and less annoying - ways of getting consumers' attention. Several direct marketing agencies said the industry has been steadily moving away from cold calls and "junk mail" toward more sophisticated techniques that allow them to pinpoint potential customers. The Web, cell phones and video-on-demand cable services have also given marketers powerful new channels for delivering targeted ads whose results can be more easily measured."

Transport Intelligence has reported that "FedEx Freight and FedEx National LTL, the less-than- truckload (LTL) subsidiaries of FedEx Corp.have announced that they will implement a 5.59 percent general rate increase (GRI) effective April 2, 2007. Rates for other operating companies within FedEx Corp., specifically FedEx Express and FedEx Ground, are not affected."

As the Berkshire Eagle has noted, "To streamline its mail-sorting system, the U.S. Postal Service is promoting the use of envelopes that weigh no more than 1 ounce and that are no larger than 6-1/8 inches tall, 11-1/2 inches wide and 1/4-inch thick, which are compatible with its automated sorting systems. By making them the most cost-effective pieces of mail to send, it steers the Postal Service's largest customers to use those envelopes."

This Day has reported that "Foremost logistics (courier) company, DHL has been in Nigeria in the past 26 years, carrying out activities to all the nooks and crannies of the country. Among sundry issues,the Managing Director, Mr. Richard Seaver says although entry requirements into courier business in the country are relatively easy, some illegal operators still thrive while the regulatory agency, NIPOST is hamstrung by way of resources, to flush them out. He also speaks on the legal restrictions in the nation's statute books which inhibit the activities of courier operators. Although Nigeria currently accounts for less than one per cent of the DHL global group sales, the company would continue to invest in the country, which he believes, has future potential."

Gulf Times has reported that "Q-POST chairman Ali Mohamed al-Ali has lauded the efforts of postal corporation employees to improve postal services in the country. Al-Ali was addressing an annual ceremony to honour employees, customers and government departments with which the corporation has ties."

According to the Albuquerque Tribune, "Complaints about late mail and no delivery have been signed, sealed and delivered to the U.S. Postal Service, and the Albuquerque plant is working to make those complaints obsolete."

Interfax has reported that "Director general of the Georgian Postal Service David Khutsishvili has disputed Russia's statement that the Universal Postal Union had allegedly deprived the Georgian Postal Service of the right to vote and participate in the activities of the authoritative international organization. "This is pure disinformation," Khutsishvili told journalists on Saturday. "We got in touch with the authorities of the Universal Postal Union, and the organization refuted such information point blank," he said. The Georgian Postal Service is ready to resume postal links with Russia at any time, the general director said. "When Russia cut postal links with Georgia we immediately called for the resumption of the links. Unfortunately, we are still waiting for a reply," he said."

Al Bawaba has reported that "Empost, has expanded its wide range of value-added services by opening the Cargo and Logistics Removals Department that will specialize in moving households, office relocations, transporting exhibition equipment and handling of personal effects. The company’s flexibility, comprehensive knowledge, expertise and its extensive transport network will leverage its comprehensive knowledge in the industry to meet the increasing local and international demands for packing and removal services."

Recycling Today has noted that "The U. S. Postal Service, OK City OK 73125-9997 has a requirement for recycling service, OCC, SOP, and MP for a period of 5 years with 1 5-year renewal option. Attached to this letter is a solicitation for proposals to furnish this requirement which describes the items and quantities needed, states the terms and conditions that will apply to any resultant contract, and provides instructions on preparing and submitting a proposal. Click here to view the solicitation and/or additional information. For solicitation click here. For more information, click here If you are interested in providing this service for the U. S. Postal Service, please complete the following blocks on PS Form 8203: 14a, 14b (please provide remittance address on page 2), 16, 18, 28a, 28b and 28c and complete all required data, in Provision 4-2 on pg 5 in conjunction with attachment 2 and pgs 2a Schedule, and Provision 4-3 pgs 6-9.. Return the complete solicitation and any additional attachments to John T Conway, Purchasing Specialist, Eastern Services CMC, Memphis, 225 N Humphreys Blvd RM 1089, Memphis TN, 38166-6260. Tel. (901) 747-7594, Fax (901) 747-7492. E-mail: john.t.conway@usps.gov. "

The State Journal-Register has noted that now the Postal Service is trying to convince you to "Drop your mail in the … droid?" [Heck, with any luck, the little fella will also process your mail and deliver it.]

Ferret.com has reported that "The name of Packaging Automation has long been a watchword for tray sealing expertise among the UK's food companies but now the non-food sector is sitting up and taking notice of the excellence and reliability of the company's products and after-sales service. Packaging Automation equipment is distributed in Australia by MPI and this new installation is helping a company which supplies livestock tags to the UK farming community to keep costs down in the face of a new postal charging system introduced recently."

The Providence Business Journal has reported that "The vehicle maintenance facility of the U.S. Postal Service in Providence has joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Performance Track, a partnership that entails setting three-year goals for continuous environmental improvements beyond what is legally required. Performance Track members must have internal systems in place to manage their environmental impacts, and publicly report results."

Fast Pitch has noted: "Retail Without Borders... International E-Commerce is Taking Charge."

The Canton Repository has reported that "The postal service is considering ending home mail delivery to the area where a postal worker was killed and instead use a centrally located group of outdoor locked boxes in an effort to protect letter carriers. Other city neighborhoods where letter carrier safety is a concern also could get the cluster boxes instead of front-door delivery."

According to the Gary Post-Tribune, "The U.S. Postal Service, which has lost many customers to cyber communication, is increasing online appeal by strengthening its eBay association." [Somehow, you gotta wonder. Does raising Priority Mail rates and Standard Mail parcel rates to soaring levels actually make doing business by mail anymore attractive?]

As the Columbus Dispatch noted, "A package is fine, but a flat is better. The best thing to do is send a letter. That’s the message from the U.S. Postal Service, which is trying to encourage customers to think smaller, when possible, with their mail ahead of a probable postal rate increase." [Oh great....The one form of communication that has demonstrated its easy tranferability to electronic alternatives is fine. The stuff that can't be sent electronically and must be sent by mail is a no-no.]

The Financial Times has reported that "Paypoint, which operates a network of payment terminals in the UK and Ireland, on Friday issued an upbeat trading statement as it reported that revenues to the end of February jumped 32 per cent, ahead of analysts’ expectations. The company, which recently took over the collection of television licence fees from the Post Office, has grown rapidly in recent years through its terminals, which allow consumers to pay for gas and electricity and top up pre-paid mobile phones."

Actu Orange France has reported that "according to French trade unions, the opening to the competition within the French postal market and La Poste's increasingly marked commercial logic are likely to penalize the citizen postal users. One French consumers organization already has claimed that the quality of service has been degraded."

BNR Nieuwsradio has reported that "Spring Global Mail today announced that it has reached an agreement with Pitney Bowes who will assume responsibility for all future business for all Spring Global Mail's customers and limited capital assets in the United States of America. Spring Global Mail will no longer operate its present business in the USA. Also part of this transaction is a Global Distribution Agreement that grants Pitney Bowes access to the Spring Global Mail network outside the USA. Spring Global Mail will no longer operate its present business in the USA. Also part of this transaction is a Global Distribution Agreement that grants Pitney Bowes access to the Spring Global Mail network outside the USA."

Business Inquirer has reported that "Government-owned Philippine Postal Savings Bank, which is being groomed to become a bank for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), said it signed Friday an agreement with banks in 16 other countries to map out remittance channels and reduce fees and charges on remittance services."

WLBT has reported that "The Madison post office was evacuated Friday morning after white powder spilled out of postal package. An employee at the post office, in the center of Madison on Highway 51 felt faint after seeing the powder. The employee, who was not identified was treated and released from a local hospital."

The latest issue of the PostCom Bulletin is available online. In this issue:

Hey! You've not been getting the weekly PostCom Bulletin--the best postal newsletter anywhere...bar none? Send us by email your name, company, company title, postal and email address. Get a chance to see what you've been missing.

CNews has reported that "according to forecasts, Russian Post’s losses will be some 6bln rubles ($230mln) in 2007, despite the fact their incomes will grow by about 20% from 58bln rubles ($2,2bln) to 70bln rubles ($2,7bln). This was announced by Igor Sirtsov, the company’s General Director during the CeBIT exhibition. He said the company’s losses will grow if it continues increasing employee salaries without any compensation from the government for postal services. Despite all the problems Russian Post is continuing its development. The company intends to enter foreign markets. And the first in the company’s list is the German market, where Russian Post intends to open an office soon. Igor Sirtsov said they studied thoroughly the experience of their foreign colleagues. The company will act on its own and offer its services to the Deutsche Post and other large German companies on the market."

Curious minds want to know. What's going on with the rate decision? All we can say is at this moment in time (12:03 p.m.), no white smoke has been seen coming out of the chimney above the Governors' meeting room.

ITV has reported that "In two weeks, the Government will announce plans to close 2,500 local post offices. But thousands more are also under threat. A private company is planning to take over a large slice of Post Office business, in effect making smaller branches redundant."

DM News has reported that "Direct marketers should abide by Direct Marketing Association guidelines to avoid regulation that could affect business, said the lobby’s new chairman. Marcus Wilhelm, chairman of the DMA and CEO of Bookspan, told list professionals at a luncheon yesterday that it was important to keep regulators out because they tend to exaggerate things. “Take control and raise the bar,” Mr. Wilhelm said. “Show substantial compliance so that the government has no reason to step in and regulate us all out of business.” Earning the trust of consumers, regulators and legislators is critical to keeping the industry in a composed state, he said."

From the U.S. Postal Service: "The United States Postal Service will be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to contract the management and operation of terminal handling and mail sorting activities at the Omaha Mail Consolidation Center (MCC) in Omaha, Nebraska. The contract awarded under this solicitation will be a four year contract with four two-year unilateral options."

Civil.ga has reported that "Russia is interested in resuming postal communication with Georgia, which was cut last October following a spy row between the two countries, Igor Sirtsov, head of the Russian Post Office, said on March 15."

PC World has reported that "Document and mail management vendor Pitney Bowes Inc. said Thursday it plans to acquire MapInfo Corp., a provider of location intelligence software and services, for about US$408 million in cash. Pitney Bowes plans to use the purchase to expand its location intelligence business, which developed nearly three years ago with its acquisition of Group1 Software."

Les Echos has reported that "La Poste, the French postal service operator, concluded its second and final phase of round table talks on pay for 2007 yesterday, in which it improved its proposals. The company is now offering a general pay increase of 1.5 per cent for employees covered by private law, while the lowest-paid employees will receive a pay rise of 2.3 per cent. There will also be an exceptional bonus of 60 euros for all staff, which will be paid on July 1."

Here's an interesting piece of Linn's Bill McAllister regarding some comments offered at the recent American University seminar on postal reform.

According to postal commentator Gene Del Polito, "Change is always tough, but Congress heard the lament that the Postal Service's current business model was broken and that change was needed. So regardless of how painful it may seem, change (and the need to change often) is the challenge with which we must all come to grips."

The Associated Press has reported that "Thirty years ago, in theaters near and far, far away, a movie opened the imaginations of millions, combining the magic of mythology and special effects to launch the “Star Wars” phenomenon. A star of these films — the brave little droid R2-D2 — is about to take a turn collecting mail as the Postal Service and Lucasfilm Ltd. commemorate the launch of the first “Star Wars” movie."

Press Release: "The new website of DIRECT SUCCESS® is online. For the first time in three languages, the international specialist for direct marketing and mail order presents the complete portfolio. Numerous case studies, informative press releases, practical tips as well as current industry reports complete the online offer. As the website is published in English, French and German, even more interested direct marketers in Europe can profit from the thorough knowledge of successful instruments for new customer acquisition and customer retention."

The Associated Press of Pakistan has reported that "The federal government has given approval for the setting up of a high powered management board for Pakistan Post to tone up efficiency of postal services, it was officially learnt here Thursday. The director general of Pakistan Post will be the chairman of the board."

According to Supply Management, "Royal Mail has refused to comment on claims by the postal regulator that it was "using an attack" on the regulatory structure as "a smokescreen for its own lack of progress" in tackling high labour costs."

According to Precision Marketing, "Royal Mail has lost its appeal of the £9.62m penalty Postcomm levied in August after the regulator found 14.6 million letters, packets and parcels in the care of the postal service were lost, stolen, damaged or interfered with during 2004/2005."

The Independent has reported that "British holidaymakers visiting Spain can soon be certain their postcards will reach home after a new electronic tagging system was introduced by the Spanish post office. In the first programme of its kind in Europe, Correos, the Spanish post office, has attached small tags on some letters and parcels to make sure they get to their intended recipients. The tags, contained in small stickers, send off radio signals which are picked up by scanners in sorting offices around the country."

In-Plant Graphics has noted that "Visitors to GRAPH EXPO will see more machinery, more top brand manufacturers and more innovative processes than at any other industry exhibition and conference in the Americas this year. Held in the mammoth McCormick Place South, September 9-12, 2007, in Chicago, IL, GRAPH EXPO’s dedicated Mailing & Fulfillment Center will be more comprehensive than last year, with the largest showcase of mail processing, sorting, stamping, weighing, addressing and preparation equipment in one place."

Here's a heck of a headline from Milwaukee Channel.com: "Avoid Post Office, Go Online." I would hope that postal executives are praying that their customers are not going to take this too literally.

Radio New Zealand has reported that "The state-owned postal operator says the rise in profit to $38.2 million is underpinned by the strong success of Kiwibank and a joint venture, Express Couriers. NZ Post chief executive John Allen says Kiwibank has doubled its after-tax profit to $11.4m - up from $5.4m for the same period in 2005." See also National Business Review and Newswire.co.nz.

According to the Winston-Salem Journal, "Some things just seem to come around over and over again. A prime example is the recently proposed increase in postal rates. Along with other changes in postal costs, there is soon the possibility of needing a 42-cent stamp for a first-class letter."

DM News has reported that "Global express delivery and logistics company DHL has introduced its Break Bulk Express service to customers shipping multiple packages in one day from Mexico to the United States."

Press Release: "Peter Moore Software today announced the release of version 7.1 of their popular Mail.dat Excel macro. This simple to use macro imports the most commonly used Mail.dat files into an Excel spreadsheet, formats numeric fields, and provides column headings. The new release supports all Mail.dat versions from 98-1 through the new 07-1."

Willamette Week has reported that "Mail delivery finally came Monday to a west-side housing development after a two-month search for a private contractor by the U.S. Postal Service that even included posting a query on Craigslist. The Postal Service's hunt to outsource delivery for about 190 addresses north of Beaverton is part of what critics believe is a worrisome trend toward privatization."

According to Online News, "Besides organizing sports competition and starting Kargil-Skardu bus services, Pakistan and India unanimously agreed to begin helicopter and postal service for Kashmiris living across the Line of Control (LoC)."

MENA-FN has reported that "Postal services between Jordan and the Palestinian territories resumed this week, with mail now set to be delivered swiftly and securely. The new service, which went into operation on Tuesday after a break of many years, was made possible by the Palestinian Firm for Logistics Services, Wasel, in partnership with Jordan Post."

The Minneapolis Star Tribune has reported that "More than 250 workers, many of them disabled, have been laid off at two northern Minnesota plants because of a decline in orders for plastic mail totes from the U.S. Postal Service. The layoffs Friday and Monday at the nonprofit Minnesota Diversified Industries in Grand Rapids and Hibbing represent most of the plants' workforces."

Dow Jones has reported that "Australia Postal Corp. Wednesday priced A$230 million of 5-year fixed rate bonds through lead manager Citigroup Global Markets Australia Pty."

China Post has reported that "Four proposed amendments put forward by the Executive Yuan surrounding a name change for the state-owned postal service provider were blocked yesterday by opposition "pan-blue" lawmakers at the Procedure Committee under the Legislative Yuan. The four proposed revisions were effectively killed by lawmakers of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and the People First Party (PFP) who excluded the bills from the agenda of the Procedural Committee, meaning that they cannot be referred to the special committee for substantial screening. KMT lawmaker Kuo Su-chun criticized the government for wasting national resources on such pointless matters instead of devoting its energy to galvanizing Taiwan's economy."

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, "Don't get Mayor Daley started on Chicago having the nation's worst mail delivery. To him, it's yet another symptom of a more serious disease: a "dysfunctional" federal government. The Chicago Sun-Times reported Sunday that Chicago's in-town, overnight service delivery is the worst in the nation and affects almost every neighborhood. U.S. Postmaster General John Potter responded with a promise to hire 100 extra mail carriers and establish community advisory committees to address local complaints."

Forbes has reported that "Oesterreichische Post said full year EBIT rose by 19.7 pct to 123.3 mln eur, coming in below the consensus estimate of 127.45 mln eur. The Austrian mail and parcel services provider said it targets EBIT growth of 20-25 pct for 2007. The company expects organic revenue to remain flat in 2007. However, the first-time incorporation of speciality logistics firm trans-o-flex should contribute to growth in both revenue and earnings." See also News Aktuell.

Press Release: "BCC Software, a BÖWE BELL + HOWELL company and a leading developer of high-performance solutions for professional mailers, has partnered with Gage-Line Technology, Inc. to offer a line of Optical Comparators that can aid in on-the-spot analysis and overall quality of postal barcodes. One Comparator analyzes USPS® Intelligent Mail® (formerly 4-State Customer) barcodes, while another is available for POSTNET™ codes."

The Hillsboro Argus has reported that "Letter carriers and their supporters will picket the Beaverton Post Office for 45 minutes beginning 5 p.m., Thursday, March 15. Members of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 82, are protesting the decision by John Lee, postmaster of the Beaverton installation, to outsource delivery of mail to the new Arbor Parc development near Bethany to a private contractor rather than assigning the route to a U.S. Postal Service carrier."

As Typically Spanish has reported, "Spanish postal company Correos is to use a system of computer chips embedded in packets to identify their location using a radio identification system. The chips are embedded in the RFID stickers placed on the items, and a trial of the system has shown that 10,000 packets were identified correctly."

The DM Bulletin has reported that "The volume of direct mail sent last year declined by 2.1% to 5.03bn items, according to Royal Mail."

The Chicago Sun-Times has reported that "U.S. Postmaster General John Potter and his top deputy were in Chicago Monday to address mail "service issues" here. Their visit came the day after the Sun-Times reported Chicago's in-town, overnight delivery service is the worst in the nation and affects almost every neighborhood."

The Financial Times has reported that "Japan Post, the world's biggest financial institution and the traditional safe haven for the country's millions of highly conservative savers, has outlined ambitious plans to double sales of higher-risk investment trusts. The company's announcement highlights the key role it plays in changing households from savers - who put their money in conventional bank or post office accounts, where it earns a tiny rate of interest - to fully fledged investors, who put money into securities to win a higher return."

The Kuwait News Agency has reported that "A GCC committee assigned with improving postal services will meet here on Tuesday to discuss type of mail services and standards of packages for GCC states."

Irish Times has reported that "The closure of rural post offices was "devastating" for elderly people in isolated communities and should become an election issue, Muintir Na TIre's president, Margaret O'Doherty, told the voluntary organisation's annual conference in south Tipperary. She told delegates: "Candidates of all political persuasions should be asked to spell out in clear terms where they stand on the future of sub-post offices."

As one DM News commentator put it: "The Postal Regulatory Commission's proposed rate increase for flats mail and catalogs - anywhere from 20 to 40 percent - is flat out disastrous for direct marketing. It just doesn't make sense: Why would you want to jeopardize the future of the catalog industry and retail overall with such a knockout blow?"

BtoB has reported that "Mailers are expressing shock and outrage following the Postal Regulatory Commission's recommendation late last month of steep hikes in postal rates and several changes in requirements for mailers."

Press Release: "The Bennett Group, the nations leading provider of mailing industry related educational and training products, programs and services announced today the addition of their Barcode to Bottomline mailing certificate program. The Bennett Group President and CEO, Mary Ann Bennett states, “These certificates are a powerful addition to our training product offerings, and complement our existing Mailing Industry Executive Business Administration (MIEBA) program."

From the U.S. Postal Service: "The convenience of the Internet is one reason the U.S. Postal Service is encouraging customers to “skip the trip” to the Post Office this week. The Postal Service will host “USPS.com Week” this week at Post Offices across the country to let consumers know of the quick, easy, convenient way to do business online at USPS.com. The Postal Service’s website offers nearly three dozen services and products to the 1 million customers who visit the site each day." [Better than that....Get and pay your bills online, do your shopping via the internet, and forget about needing the mail altogether....Sheesh!!]

WBBM has reported that the "Postal Service says it's trying to improve delivery."

Business Daily Update has noted that "For Chinese start-up Nu Channel (Xplus), emergence of the e-magazine and e-newspaper offers a nascent business opportunity. The firm has been developing and operating Xplus, a platform to distribute online interactive magazines in China. Xplus, founded in 2003, was initially targeted at the e-magazine market. In December last year, it moved into the e-newspaper space when it acquired a Shanghai-based firm that developed e-newspaper software."

The Financial Times has reported that "Royal Mail, which has been haemorrhaging postal contracts to private sector competitors, faces a fresh challenge to its business with a bid from PayPoint, the payment terminal network, to take over many of the services provided by post offices. PayPoint, which has taken over the collection of television licence fees from the Post Office, has a bigger network of outlets, which are open longer hours and could process much of the business handled by post offices."

Dow Jones has reported that "French President Jacques Chirac said Friday that he had won a guarantee to continue financing universal postal service. Speaking at the European Union summit in Brussels, Chirac said the move would allow France to "respect our social model" and dilute the impact of calls for further liberalization of the E.U.'s post offices."

The Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette has reported that "Canada Post – Canada’s postal administration – is looking to help U.S. companies reach into the country with its Borderfree service. The service helps companies market directly to Canadians, who’ve been reluctant to buy through catalogs or on the Internet."

The Asbury Park Press has reported that "Postal workers from throughout New Jersey picketted in front of the Brick post office Sunday in protest to what they perceive as ongoing managerial abuses by Postmaster Thomas Wagner. Demonstrators totaling 120 came from other post offices, including Edison, Toms River and Trenton, where Wagner had been a manager, and joined the Brick workers, according to employee union officials. The demonstrators carried placards and marched in a circle in front of the post office on Chambers Bridge Road from noon to 2 p.m. There were at least 12 offices represented."

According to Advertising Age, "Katy barred the door- -- just her latest exercise in exerting control over marketing messages. Consumer advocates have gotten do-not-mail bills on the agenda of legislatures in more than a dozen states. Having clearly established her ability to bad-mouth your brand on her blog, TiVo your TV commercials, stop your phone calls and filter out your pop-ups, now-with the help of the government-she's trying to stop you getting access to her mailbox."

The Irish Independent has reported that "more than 400 post offices have closed since 2002 and a further 300 face being shut down soon, the president of Muintir na Tire has warned. Speaking at last night's opening of the organisation's national conference, Margaret O'Doherty said the expected closure of many rural post offices would sound the final death knell for communities across the country."

According to Gulfshore News, "You trust them to handle your valuables, but you never expect them to steal from you. However, ABC7 has uncovered a string of thefts inside the UPS delivery site in Naples."

According to Stars & Stripes, "The opening of a new U.S. mail terminal in Incheon International Airport on Friday means fewer missent items and — in some cases — shorter delivery time, military postal officials said."

The Chicago Sun-Times has reported that "Local mail delivery 'worst it's ever been'....An informal survey of Chicago aldermen showed mail delivery woes affected people living in 38 of Chicago's 50 wards. In fact, several aldermen have had mail trouble themselves."

As the Kansas City Star has noted, "Drip, drip, drip: For every penny increase in the price of mailing a letter, Americans will pay an additional $800 million."

The Fresno Bee has reported that "Urban America has long been the exclusive enclave of letter carriers employed by the U.S. Postal Service. These workers -- who pledge not to be slowed by rain, hail, sleet or snow -- are instantly recognizable in their distinctive uniforms or vehicles with the steering wheel on the right side. No longer. Looking to cut costs nationwide, the Postal Service will now award contracts to nonpostal employees for deliveries in large new housing tracts, usually located on the fringes of cities. These independent contractors don't get benefits. They drive their own cars. The only sign that they are associated with the Postal Service may be a badge at their waist or hanging from a lanyard around their neck." Check out the comments posted on Postalnewsblog.com

The latest issue of the PostCom Bulletin is available online. In this issue:

From PRWeb: "Shipping Sidekick (www.shippingsidekick.com), the leading shipping rate comparison web site, is now accepting PayPal to better accommodate eBay sellers. Shipping Sidekick quickly and easily compares the rates and transit times of all four major US shippers side-by-side for any given parcel."

Pallet Enterprise has reported that "Suddenly aware of many postal pallets outside of its possession, the USPS is talking about breaking bad on anyone who has these government pallets and refuses to return them. The issue of postal pallets came up at the recent Western Pallet Association meeting. The USPS wants these pallets back. A number of recyclers have been visited by Postal Service employees demanding the return of stray pallets. The USPS has indicated that it has active criminal investigations underway in several parts of the country involving plastic recyclers, pallet bounty hunters, mailers and even post office employees."

The Greeneville Sun has reported that "The convenience of the Internet is one reason the U.S. Postal Service is encouraging customers to “skip the trip” to the post office. Next week, from March 12 to 16, the Postal Service will host “USPS.com Week” at post offices across the country to let consumers know of the convenient way to do business online at www.usps.com."

According to the Gaylord Herald Times, "In a recent letter to a U.S Postal Service (USPS) official, Congressman Bart Stupak, D-Menominee, has asked for an update on a study some fear threatens to close the mail processing facility in Gaylord."

The Hindustan Times has reported that "The Postal Department has launched instant money order (IMO) service in the City after a successful trial." See also KeralaOnline.

Taliya News has reported that "Managing Director of the Post Company of Iran announced here Tuesday a tender for establishment of the country’s 2nd Post Operator. Mohammad-Hassan Mohebbian Eraqi added at a press conference, “The Post Company is getting ready for identification and activation of the 2nd Post Operator as of early next (Iranian) year (1386, beginning on March 21, 2007).” He said, “The conditions and regulations for the private post operator’s activities would be set by the Radio Communications and Regulations Organization (RCRO)."

As the Jackson Citizen-Patriot put it: "If, as we suspect, a new round of postal-rate increases is inevitable, it's time for a reminder: Price and service. You can't have one without the other. If patrons must pay more for postal delivery, let there be compensating improvements in delivery. It has only been a year since the last round of rate increases. In January 2006, the cost of a first-class stamp went up from 37 to 39 cents. Now, barely 14 months later, the Postal Regulatory Commission has proposed some new increases." [You're right. America needs a break. Seems only the Postal Service and the PRC enjoy doing postal rate cases.]

NATIONAL POSTAL FORUM!! So much to learn, so many ways to expand your knowledge! General Sessions: Monday – O

pening keynote address from United States Postmaster General John E. Potter Tuesday – Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP and Postmaster General John E. Potter discuss the value of mail in advertising and customer relationships, followed by Chairman James C. Miller III and other members of the Postal Service Board of Governors. Wednesday – Michael I. Roth, Chairman and CEO of the Interpublic Group, will share unique insights into how to move beyond business as usual to reach your customers. Learn more!!

Welcome to PostCom Radio
Postal Podcast Number 12
Join PostCom President Gene Del Polito and John Rafuse and Andrew Sukow of DataUnison, the exclusive reseller of eBay's market data.

As the National Law Journal has noted, "Bills to stop the sending of unwanted mail, which are modeled after the do-not-call phone registries, have been introduced in nearly a dozen states, raising fundamental legal questions about states' ability to regulate the U.S. Postal Service. In a clear signal that the issue is heating up, Ian Volner, a partner at Venable in Washington, D.C., who is representing Postcom, a trade association representing mailers' interests, sent a Feb. 23 letter to Mary Anne Gibbons, general counsel and vice president of the U.S. Postal Service, asking for help in defeating the measures. "If states can regulate who gets mail, I don't see where it ends," Volner said. Postal Service spokeswoman Joanne Veto said the Postal Service has written letters to sponsors of all of the pending bills, opposing the measures and encouraging lawmakers to reconsider them. The success of the do-not-call concept triggered the do-not-mail legislative trend, according to opponents, who believe proponents incorrectly equate unwanted phone calls and junk mail. "It seems reasonably clear to me that what is driving these initiatives is the telemarketing situation, and they're not comparable," said Volner, the attorney representing Postcom."

Tiscali.Europa has reported that "A total of £313 million of support from the UK government has been authorised by the European Commission in accordance with the EC Treaty's rules on state aid. This is to allow Post Office limited to continue to provide public services for the financial year 2007/08. These include an increasing range of commercial services such as lottery tickets, foreign exchange, telephone and insurance products as well as cash facilities, bill payment, licensing and, of course, Royal Mail, the UK's main postal services provider."

In its letter to the Governors of the Postal Service, American Business Media wrote: "The February 26, 2007 Opinion and Recommended Decision of the Postal Regulatory Commission threatens the very core of the Periodicals class, and for that reason American Business Media, on behalf of its members and more than 2,000 member periodicals, urges the Governors to reject the Periodicals rate recommendations of the Commission and ask for reconsideration."

According to PrintWeek, "Royal Mail's proposals for zonal business post pricing has come under renewed fire from the magazine industry."

Air Cargo World has reported that "Express delivery company DHL confirmed an order for six 767-300ER (Extended Range) Freighters from Boeing to be used in its U.S. operations. "Adding the wide-body 767 Freighter to our network allows us to grow our business considerably," said John Mullen, CEO DHL Express. "This acquisition will support the DHL Express strategy with particular emphasis on renewing and updating the network supporting operations that serve the U.S. market."

The New Standard has reported that "A growing movement to curb junk mail for ecological and privacy reasons is meeting stiff opposition from marketing associations, businesses and a postal workers’ union."

According to Mile High News, "Colorado Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada, has decided to kill her bill banning junk mail. It was a smart move for a stupid bill. Everyone claims to hate junk mail. But it is an undisputable fact that mass mailings are an effective way of reaching consumers. People read and use junk mail and respond to its claims. Gagliardi shouldn't work to prevent businesses from reaching customers and customers from finding products and services."

In his letter to the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service, American Postal Workers Union President William Burrus wrote: "I am writing on behalf of the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO (the APWU), to urge the Governors to approve the Recommended Decision of the Postal Regulatory Commission in Docket No. R2006-1 (hereinafter “Recommended Decision”). The APWU has participated actively in this rate proceeding as an intervenor. Our particular concern in this case is the manner in which discounts are established for workshared First Class mail. On that issue, the Recommended Decision is fundamentally correct and should be approved by the Governors."

Press Release: "ALG Worldwide Logistics is proud to announce the addition of new and innovative product lines that expand on ALG’s current menu of print/media management services and have resulted in the creation of a new operating division called Print and Mailing Solutions. In addition, ALG is also enhancing its technology capabilities to enable customers to seamlessly use web-based management and tracking tools to monitor their mailings."

From the U.S. Postal Service: "A university professor and a college student will receive two prizes acknowledging excellence for those who publish works that highlight United States postal history. Professor David M. Henkin, Department of History at the University of California-Berkeley and Jesse Vogler, College of Architecture, Texas Tech University in Lubbock will receive the first Rita Lloyd Moroney Awards from U.S. Postal Service representatives in recognition of their important undertakings."

The Washington Post has reported that "If there's any good news about the businesses of newspapering these days, it can be found at the industry's littlest papers, which are doing well even as their bigger brothers founder. The smallest papers, however -- community weeklies and dailies with circulation of less than 50,000 -- have been a bright spot in a darkened industry. Why? Small papers face less competition from other media outlets, are insulated from ad slumps that have hammered big papers, employ smaller staffs of lower-salaried journalists and have a zealous devotion to local news, both in print and online, industry experts agree. Also, there is less competition on the Web for local news."

The Bath Chronicle has reported that "A Postal watchdog has given its stamp of approval to figures showing that the Royal Mail has met - and in some cases beaten - its targets for delivery in the south west.Postwatch says the Royal Mail is on course to meet 11 of its 12 annual performance targets. Figures show that 94.9 per cent of first class deliveries in Bath are arriving on time."

The Financial Times has reported that "Corporate customers of Royal Mail who have received poor service will have their ability to secure compensation curbed as a result of a Court of Appeal decision yesterday."

Business First has reported that "United Parcel Service Inc. and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Commercial Service Tuesday announced an initiative aimed at increasing exports from U.S.-based small and medium-sized businesses. With the agreement, Atlanta-based UPS joins a pool of businesses the Commercial Service can call on to provide services to its clients, said Malcolm Berkley, a Washington, D.C.-based public relations manager for UPS. "This formalizes an ongoing partnership we have had with the commercial service for quite some time," Berkley said. "As we go along, we'll fine-tune it to provide the best service possible to exporters."

Bloomberg has reported that "Deutsche Post's DHL is looking to expand overseas shipments from the United States, a senior U.S. manager said. James Cameron, executive vice president of operations, said Plantation-based DHL has posted a ''slight uptick'' in U.S. package volume. However, he added, DHL doesn't necessarily want to be as big in the United States as FedEx and UPS. ''The scope of what we have is nowhere near the two big giants in the U.S.,'' said Cameron."

The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that "A union has accused Australia Post of putting the security of mail across Victoria at risk because of its decision not to empty most street boxes over the Labour Day long weekend. Communication Workers Union state secretary Joan Doyle said that Australia Post management had decided to leave mail in the red street post boxes until Monday evening, instead of doing a normal Sunday clearance this weekend." See also The Age and the West Australian.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has reported that "Deutsche Post AG's DHL Worldwide Express division is scaling back plans to expand package delivery in the United States after failing to gain a foothold against UPS Inc. and FedEx Corp. Europe's largest postal service paid $1.05 billion for Airborne Inc. to establish a U.S. ground-delivery service in 2003 and in 2004 committed $1.2 billion to increase operations. DHL has remained a distant third in the U.S. ground and air parcel delivery market, and in December said it didn't expect to break even in the U.S. until 2009."

The RFID Journal has reported that "Global courier DHL has unveiled a prototype of an RFID-enabled van using software and hardware provided by SAVR Communications. The company developed the van to show existing and future customers how RFID technology can benefit them, as well as independent contractors and DHL itself in tracking the movement of vehicles and the individual packages they transport."

DM News has reported that "Do-not-mail bill activity is not slowing down as one bill has been withdrawn and two new ones have been introduced in two states."

Logistics Management has reported that "Air cargo shipments saw a 2.1 percent year-over-year increase in January at 2,014.8 billion revenue ton miles (RTM), according to data recently released by the Air Transport Association (ATA). The ATA reported that domestic cargo shipments totaled 974.6 million revenue ton miles (RTM), which represented a 2.0 yearly increase. And international cargo shipments totaled slightly more than 1.04 billion RTMs, which was a 2.1 percent increase."

From PR Newswire: "Cenveo, Inc. has announced that it has completed its previously announced purchase of Richmond-based Cadmus Communications, one of the world's largest provider of content management and production services to scientific, technical and medical journal publishers, the fifth largest periodicals printer in North America, and a leading provider of specialty packaging and promotional printing services."

Reuters has reported that "Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said on Tuesday that it is offering free shipping on thousands of items purchased on its Web site for pick-up in more than 750 of its U.S. stores."

From the U.S. Postal Service: "The US Postal Service is currently seeking information on available technology and supply sources in the area of mail processing equipment that can provide products that function to the general specifications described in this notice. The US Postal Service is seeking to deploy an equipment - Postage Due Automation (PDA), that will automate the manual weighing, counting and reporting of various types of postage due mail. Automating the manual and very labor intensive postage due mail operation shall result in work hour savings nationwide.

Greenwich Time has reported that "Old Greenwich Postmaster Bob Palmer's effort to save mail carriers' fingers from becoming doggie chew toys has him urging customers to stop getting their mail delivered to a door mail slot. The request has some residents biting back."

According to The Kansan, you should "Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and get your postage stamps while they’re hot — or before the price goes up again — whichever comes first. This particular merry-go-round has started up again because, it seems, the post office needs (?) another raise in rates, one that looks like it’ll be taking effect in only a couple months. So what else is new? Anyway, rest easy. There is a solution to this particular post office teapot tempest. It’s called e-mail. "

A revised program for the 15th Conference on Postal and Delivery Economics, May 30 – June 2, 2007, Semmering, Austria has been posted on the Center For Research In Regulated Industries web site.

As USA Today has noted, "Perhaps consumers should be asking why stamp prices — unlike telephone prices, for instance — continue to go up. Over the years, postal operations have benefited from automation and numerous improvements in technology."

The idea of voting by mail seems to be getting wings. The Postal Regulatory Commission has a copy of Commissioner Ruth Goldway's presentation to the National Association of Secretaries of State Winter Conference on its web site.

According to PostCom President Gene Del Polito, "The time has come to swing into gear if you who have been concerned about the effort to institute state sales and use taxes on postage. The Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board will vote on this issue March 16. Now's the time to show your support for our efforts to exempt postage from the imposition of sales and use taxes."

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Postal Service today unveiled a new internet tool for small business owners, designed to deliver business solutions to entrepreneurs. “Delivering Success,” an online video-on-demand resource of successful entrepreneurs, is a nationwide partnership with the Postal Service to provide small business owners with invaluable information through video interviews that are both accessible and convenient for entrepreneurs. The Delivering Success video interviews, online at www.sba.gov/deliveringsuccess, chronicle the experiences of successful entrepreneurs from around the country, offering guidance and sharing insight on the road to success. The video interviews provide key information on the ingredients of small business success, including an overview of business basics, resources to help with business plan development, small business friendly financing, business promotion, and planning and research.

The IdeaAlliance's Annual Print Distribution Conference, is scheduled for April 22-25, 2007 Sheraton Sand Key Resort Clearwater,

Florida Tel.: 727.595.1611 The conference is co-chaired by Joyce McGarvy, Vice President of Distribution, Crain Communications, and Anita Pursley, Vice President of Postal Affairs, Quebecor World Logistics. This year, the conference encompasses Training Sessions, General Sessions with a myriad of panel discussions and updates, Concurrent Sessions, as well as the Distribution Cross Talks. Register now.

According to the Environmental Leader, "France’s state-run postal service, La Poste, is working on a five-year plan to replace the bulk of its 48,000-vehicle fleet with electric cars."

Packaging Essentials has reported that "arlines and postal operators must focus more on standardization and an increased use of electronic data interchange (EDI) messages to improve the quality of service and security of international mail. That is the message the head of the Universal Postal Union delivered today at the World Cargo Symposium organized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Mexico. Speaking at an air mail management forum, Edouard Dayan, Director General of the United Nations specialized agency responsible for international postal services, said interconnecting the airline and the postal sector's EDI networks was key to improved service. "This is a prerequisite for ensuring higher efficiency, as it allows airlines to know in advance the exact load they have to carry, thereby enabling them to better manage their mail and parcel freight."

Print Week has reported that "Royal Mail is to increase opportunities for direct mail printers after choosing data management firm DQM Group to run its new Home Movers Mailing Service (HMMS)."

The Express has reported that "the staffs of village post offices last night accused the Government of snubbing them over plans to axe another 2,500 branches."

According to Global Voices, "It takes roughly ten hours to travel from Moscow, Russia, to Kyiv, Ukraine, by train. But a letter sent via Air Mail from Moscow will most likely reach Kyiv in ten days....It becomes obvious right away why it takes three days for a package from the States to reach Russia, and then a month to reach the addressee in Moscow. "

In an article written for DM News, catalog guru Don Libey wrote: "The Postal Regulatory Commission, board of governors, the U.S. Postal Service and, ultimately, the be-knighted members of Congress have dealt the catalog world a potentially fatal blow with the horrendous postage increase for catalogs uncovered in the last few days, said to be anywhere from a crippling 20 to 40 percent increase. The industry is up in arms, e-mails and faxes are flowing to the Congressional clowns, teeth are gnashing and there is a great wailing in the multichannel world. How could we have missed this? How could we have been so blindsided? Perhaps the answer lies in our past 30 years of apathy....For 30 years, at least, we have absorbed postal increases without complaint. The lone voice in the wind – Gene Del Polito of the Association of Postal Commerce – had been telling us for decades what was coming, but we did not listen, nor did we support the cause. Well, the time of reckoning is here. The Grim Reaper has appeared.

In a letter to the editor of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, American Postal Workers Union president William Burrus wrote: "The Trib's editorial "Perverse 'solution'" (March 1 and PghTrib.com) can only be described as a "cheap shot" at the U.S. Postal Service and postal employees. It concludes that a recent ruling on a proposed rate increase "is a victory for union wages and benefits." The American Postal Workers Union is indeed proud that we were the only organization to suggest that the postage increase for individual citizens and small business should be limited to 2 cents -- rather than 3 cents as the Postal Service requested. We are pleased that we were able to persuade the Postal Regulatory Commission of the soundness of our reasoning."

Postmaster General John E. Potter has recognized ten companies for their quality products and excellent customer service in supplying the United States Postal Service with the equipment, materials, and services it needs to deliver superior products and service to the American public. The 2006 Supplier Performance Awards ceremony was held at Postal Service headquarters.

Press Release: "London to host the future of international mail and express deliveries."

Press Release: "The Department of Commerce's U.S. Commercial Service announced a new initiative with UPS to grow exports from U.S.-based small- and medium-sized enterprises. The agreement is designed to provide firms an array of both public- and private-sector resources to make exporting even simpler."

Press Release: "PennySaverUSA.com, the Web site of the shopper publications of Harte-Hanks, has entered into a relationship with the Independent Free Papers of America (IFPA), a membership organization that represents more than 225 free-circulation community papers and shoppers reaching more than 17 million homes in the United States and Canada. IFPA will market and support the PennySaverUSA.com Web site where individual IFPA members can receive Web classified services and list their own classifieds online, furthering PennySaverUSA.com’s creation of a nationwide network of local classified advertising content online."

As the National Post put it: "This joke's on us: Did you hear the one about the profit-maximizing postal monopoly whose high prices crippled a nation's e-commerce infrastructure?"

The Financial Times has reported that "Competitive pressures on Royal Mail are "inevitably threatening" its ability to cross-subsidise unprofitable activities, MPs will today warn, in a report highlighting concerns about the government's plans for the loss-making Post Office network. The trade and industry committee is likely to examine the impact of existing price controls on the state-owned postal operator, its chairman told the Financial Times. "There may well be a case for looking again at the regulatory regime," Peter Luff said. His committee's report cites a number of state contracts Royal Mail has lost to rivals since the postal market was opened fully to competition last year. Royal Mail's loss of profits is "inevitably threatening the cross-subsidisation of its unprofitable elements, including the post office network", the report states." See also The Independent.

B2B has reported that "Some mailers and industry stakeholders are expressing alarm following the Postal Regulatory Commission’s recommendation of a steep rate hike while delivering its opinion on U.S. Postal Service rate increases to the Postal Service’s Governors last week. Although the average rate increase will be 7.6%, many industry watchers say that number is deceptive. Rather than a straightforward hike, the proposed changes are so complicated this time that in some cases rates could be raised as high as 40%, according to some in the catalog industry."

Reuters has reported that "Postal services firm Pos Malaysia will retain its equity of about 15 percent in cargo carrier Transmile , state news agency Bernama reported on Tuesday, quoting Pos chairman Adam Kadir. A Man A Woman A Man A Woman."

The Kingsport Times-News has reported that "The U.S. Postal Service confirmed Monday an investigation is being conducted regarding several thousand pieces of undelivered mail found in rental storage facilities.?

The Central News Agency has reported that "Opposition "pan-blue" lawmakers blocked Tuesday a draft amendment to postal regulations that is needed to implement a controversial proposal to change the designation of Chunghwa Post Co., from being placed on the legislative agenda."

According to Aftenposten, "Norway's postal service, Posten Norge, has been ranked as among the worst in Europe. It's also among the priciest."

The Philippine Information Agency has reported that "The Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) has acted swiftly and ordered the immediate investigation of Postman Ramon Almazan for dumping mailed letters in a vegetable plantation in La Trinidad, Benguet recently."

The Melbourne Hearld Sun has reported that "postal workers have called for posties to be allowed to stop work during electrical storms after a Sydney postman was struck by lightning."

FijiLive has reported that "The managing director of Post Fiji, Peni Mau has resigned after being at the helm for 12 years. Board chairman Mahendra Patel said Mau had been contemplating resigning some time ago."

DM News has reported that "In an urgent message sent March 5 to all MeritDirect customers, Ralph Drybrough, CEO of MeritDirect List Brokerage Services, White Plains, NY, said that the PRC-proposed flat rates would increase rates by about 20 percent, rather than the 9 to 11 percent increase proposed by the U.S. Postal Service. “These new rates will be effective on May 6,” Mr. Drybrough said. “NEMOA [New England Mail Order Association] and PostCom [Association of Postal Commerce] believe the only effective way to reach the USPS now is for catalogers to contact the USPS directly. Per NEMOA and PostCom: ‘It is critical that catalogers act en masse and quickly.’”

According to Data Quality News, "It has been suggested that the new pricing plans unveiled by Royal Mail could have a significant benefit for the direct marketing sector. According to economist Ian Senior, the direct marketing industry could gain from the proposed changes, which would see business post charges reduced while domestic postal charges would be increased. He explained to the Telegraph that the changes will mean companies will be able to afford more mail shots. However, another important way for a firm to increase its value for money from a direct marketing campaign is to employ data cleansing processes so that it can reduce any losses caused by dirty data. By carrying out data cleansing processes, a firm can get rid of any dirty data from its systems, thereby providing a high standard of data quality and ensuring that mail shots are not sent to old or incorrect addresses."

Brand Republic has reported that "The magazine industry trade body PPA has challenged the Royal Mail's new application to the postal regulator to introduce zonal pricing, claiming it will drive London delivery prices up."

According to MayItPleaseTheCourt.com, "About eleven states have introduced "Do not mail" bills, modeled after the Federal Trade Commission's "Do not call" telephone registry. The states include Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, New York, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Texas, Vermont (just last week) and Washington. Don't worry if your state is not among them, though. The laws, if enacted, will not likely survive a constitutional attack."

From the Federal Register: "By telephone vote on February 27, 2007, the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service voted unanimously to close to public observation its meeting held in Washington, DC, via teleconference. The Board determined that prior public notice was not possible. Item Considered: Postal Regulatory Commission Opinion and Recommended Decision in Docket No. R2006-1, Postal Rate and Fee Changes."

According Graphic Arts Monthly, "Two states have tabled do-not-mail bills after learning how the measures would hurt print shops. Colorado and Montana both had bills in the hopper to set up a do-not-mail registry, similar to the do-not-call registry, that would allow consumers to stop delivery of printed direct mail to their homes. In Montana, the measure was halted by a coalition that included the National Association of Letter Carriers, the American Postal Workers Union and mailing house The Directory. The coalition initiated a massive phone and e-mail effort that involved hundreds of people who called and wrote their legislators. Eight other states--Connecticut, Hawaii, New York, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Texas and Washington--have introduced similar legislation."

Logistics Management has reported that "In an effort to increase the scope of its FedEx International Priority Freight Service, FedEx Express said today it is expanding its reach to cover more than 130 countries, as well as augment its domestic FedEx Express Freight service."

IMAG members! Sessions not to miss at the National Postal Forum .... and don’t forget to register for the IMAG Briefing and Update Tuesday, March 27th – 5:30 -7:30 at the Renaissance Hotel (see Bulletin dated February 27th). Special Officer’s Session starring Paul Vogel Managing Director, Global Business, & Sr., Vice President, Monday, March 26, 2007 at 4:30PM Room 146C.

Come to the National Postal Forum on March 25-28, 2007, at the Washington DC Convention Center and translate new knowledge into high level business solutions by attending the various Symposiums. For more information on the Symposiums, visit www.npf.org.

If you weren't able to attend the American University symposium on Postal Reform: From Legislation to Implementation which was held on Thursday, March 01, 2007. You can still listen to a podcast of the event. It featured presentations by The Honorable Dan Blair, Chairman, Postal Regulatory Commission, John Potter, Postmaster General of the United States, Michael Critelli, Chairman and CEO, Pitney Bowes Inc., and Congressional postal staff discussion postal reform."

From the Federal Register: "This document informs the public that the Postal Service proposes classification and fees for certain stamped stationery and cards. It identifies preliminary procedural steps, including the likelihood of a settlement teleconference. This information provides interested persons with an opportunity to participate in this case. DATES: March 22, 2007: Deadline for intervention and responses to waiver motion; April 3, 2007: Prehearing conference, 10 a.m. in the Commission's hearing room. ADDRESSES: Submit comments electronically via the Commission's Filing Online system at http://www.prc.gov."

Business Day has reported that "The South African Post Office would continue to need state subsidies for a number of years despite its increasing profitability because of its obligation to roll out infrastructure in underserviced areas, chief financial office Nick Buick told Parliament last week. Apart from the continued reliance on state subsidies, the troubled organisation has recently been wracked by internal problems and is awaiting the outcome of a forensic investigation into allegations by suspended CEO Khutso Mampeule that his predecessor, Maanda Manyatshe, contravened tender procedures to appoint Vision Design House to redesign post offices."

FijiLive has reported that "State owned company, Post Fiji has given government $457,000 in dividends for the 2005 financial year."

According to Marketing Daily, "billions of pieces of mail inundating our mailboxes. Response rates of less than 1%. And yet credit card companies continue to be the single largest industry soliciting new customers through the mail. From credit card companies alone, American households and businesses received 9.2 billion pieces of mail. Although year to year, Chase showed a decline of 4% in its direct marketing initiatives last year compared to 2005, it still topped the list with 1.7 billion customer acquisition solicitations. The unit of JP Morgan was followed in descending order by Capital One Bank (1.2 billion), American Express (1 billion), Citibank (98 million) and Bank of America (92 million). Capital One posted a 13% gain over 2005 in its direct-mail volume, representing the largest increase of the top five mailers."

When he last spoke before the Mailers Technical Advisory Committee, PMG Jack Potter said he was no where ready to make a recommendation to the Board of Governors about the need for another omnibus postal rate case before the provisions of postal reform kick in. He may not be....We are. PostCom to the Govenors: "Don't even think about it! Continue to cut your costs, and get ready to live under inflation caps."

From the U.S. Department of Justice: "Ronald “Rick” Richard Berkan, Jr., 46, was arrested today at his home in Vernonia, Oregon by federal and state officers following his indictment by a federal grand jury on two counts of Distributing Marijuana to an Underage Individual in violation of federal statutes. These charges stem from Berkan’s sale of pound quantities of marijuana, occasionally while operating his postal truck in the Cedar Mill area of Washington County, over a period of years, to a buyer who was between 16 and 19 years during that time frame

Quote without comment from the San Francisco Chronicle: "Remember, the business of newspapers is to sell advertising."

The International Times has noted that "Postmaster General Fazle Sattar on Saturday said the postal department had started online transfer of remittances from 200 countries under the agreement with Western Union, which ensures speedy transfer and efficient delivery of money from abroad. Addressing Customer Care Seminar, he said that the Pakistan Post online transfer of home remittances was functional at general post offices and big posts offices in other provinces but it has now been made operational in the Frontier province as well."

The Observer has reported that "The UK postal regulator is expected to meet Royal Mail executives in the coming weeks to discuss ways of easing the state-owned group's financial situation. Interim profits have slumped to £22m from over £100m. Officials from regulator PostComm will examine whether arrangements that allow rival distributors such as TNT and DHL to compete for bulk mail business should be altered to give Royal Mail more pricing flexibility."

The Suburban Journals wants to know: "Signed, sealed - but is it delivered? That's the question many bulk mailers are asking as late deliveries continue to frustrate."

ZeeNews has reported that "The central government (India) has appointed KPMG as consultants for revamping activities of the Department of Posts."

Al Bawaba has reported that "Empost, UAE’s National Courier Company, has expanded its wide range of value-added services by opening the Cargo and Logistics Removals Department that will specialize in moving households, office relocations, transporting exhibition equipment and handling of personal effects. The company’s flexibility, comprehensive knowledge, expertise and its extensive transport network will leverage its comprehensive knowledge in the industry to meet the increasing local and international demands for packing and removal services."

The Washington Post has reported that "In his annual letter to his company's shareholders, Warren E. Buffett-- the world's second-richest person and the largest shareholder of The Washington Post Co. -- wrote that "fundamentals are definitely eroding in the newspaper industry" and warned that "the skid will almost certainly continue." And for newspapers that have pinned their revenue hopes on their Web sites, Buffett had a sobering prediction: ". . . the economic potential of a newspaper Internet site -- given the many alternative sources of information and entertainment that are free and only a click away -- is at best a small fraction of that existing in the past for a print newspaper facing no competition."

According to Reuters, "If you ever wanted to learn more about UPS, the U.S. package delivery company, then 2007 is the year to do it. In August, "Big Brown" celebrates 100 years in business, a milestone marked by two books -- one an inside story written by a former driver, the other a look at the business practices behind its success. The insider's view comes from Greg Niemann, a loader, driver and manager with United Parcel Service Inc. for almost 35 years. Published in February, "Big Brown: The Untold Story of UPS" is at times light-hearted in its focus on the company's history and culture, its obsession with customer service, attention to detail and what he calls the mystique of UPS drivers."

Taiwan Times has reported that "the chairman of the recently renamed Taiwan Post Co, Lai Ching-chyi (賴清祺), resigned yesterday after heading the institution for only nine months."

From PR Newswire: "When the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) issued its recommendations for postage rate increases on February 26, the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the PRC to keep its overall recommendations below the levels originally proposed by the US Postal Service (USPS). However, after a thorough review of the 700-page document, DMA is today expressing its deep disappointment over specific recommendations that would increase postage costs for catalog mailings by as much as 40 percent in some instances."

According to Multichannel Merchant, "Passage of the rate changes by the Postal Service Board of Governors isn't quite a done deal yet, however. To that end, Gene Del Polito, president of the Association for Postal Commerce (PostCom), recently sent the following communication to his group's members...."

Editor & Publisher has reported that "The Paper of Montgomery County is abandoning its struggling home delivery service and instead will send the daily newspaper to subscribers by mail. The Paper will switch from afternoon to morning publication April 2 and will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Subscribers will receive the paper along with their regular mail deliveries. Publisher Tim Timmons called the switch "a great answer" to the difficulty in delivering the paper to subscribers by the traditional method of newspaper carriers."

The Kingsport Times-News has reported that "Federal officials are reportedly investigating a Kingsport postal worker who allegedly took thousands of pieces of mail and stashed them inside a storage building located within the city limits, according to an unconfirmed report received by the Times-News on Thursday. The report said the worker had accumulated such a volume of letters and packages that were not delivered over a two- to four-year period that the carrier rented a storage building to hold the collection of undelivered mail."

According to the Chicago Tribune, "The United States Postal Service will hire new mail carriers for the Ravenswood neighborhood's post office in the coming weeks following residents' complaints about delays in service, officials said."

Congratulations to long-time Hawaii senatorial staffer Nanci Langley who will be joining the Postal Regulatory Commission staff in April as its new director of public affairs and congressional relations.[Isn't it ironic. Those who were involved in the creation of P.L. 109-435 now are going to have to be responsible for making it work.]

The latest issue of the PostCom Bulletin is available online. In this issue:

UPS has announced its intent to cancel later this year an order for 10 Airbus A380 freighters.

The Washington Post has reported that "In coming weeks, the Commerce Department is expected to decide whether to impose duties on high-gloss paper known as “coated paper” — the kind made here in Luke — that is imported from China. Many trade specialists in Congress and in the industry expect it to do so. Indeed, China has gone to court to block the decision in advance."

The Irish Times has reported that "At present Ireland has 84 full post offices and just under 1,300 sub-post offices, many of which are experiencing difficult times. Also, given that Ireland has the highest number of post offices per head of population, with 4.2 outlets per 10,000 inhabitants compared to an EU average of 2.7, it is clear that further post office closures have been likely for some time. These closures occur mainly through natural wastage, either through retirement or because of poor financial returns. According to the Irish Postmasters' Union, some of their members are earning as little as 8,000 per year, with an average yearly income of 16,000, working an average of 50 hours a week. Many are fearful of the threat to their security and are deciding to retire rather than live with the constant fear."

SmartMoney has reported that "UPS Inc. (UPS), the world's largest shipping carrier, said Wednesday that less than one-third of the employees it offered severance packages to in December had accepted the buyouts."

Union Network International has reported that "The CPWU, UNI postal affiliate, organized strong protesting actions against re-branding of ‘Chunghwa Post’ with ‘Taiwan Post.”

According to DM News postal commentator Cary Baer, "The postal reform legislation passed by Congress in the early morning hours this past December provides the U.S. Postal Service with many opportunities. But it is going to have to change its methods of operation to realize those opportunities."

WebIndia123 has reported that "With its motto "MAIL MILAP", in rain or shine, the soldiers must always get their mail ---, the Army Postal Service (APS) has been bringing cheer to the soldiers for 35 years now, as reflected in the popular Hindi film song "Sandeshe aaten hain...'' One of the most loved service, the APS, celebrated its 35th anniversary at the Western Command Headquarters at Chandimandir here today and to mark the occasion, the Corps is launching a new product 'Field Postal Order' (FPOr) to fulfill the long-pending requirement of troops for remittance of their hard earned money at very less commission."

Air Cargo World has reported that "FedEx has closed on the purchase of Tianjin Datian W. Group's 50 percent share of the FedEx-DTW International Priority express joint venture and DTW Group's domestic express network in China for approximately $400 million in cash."

Les Echos has reported that "All postal service operators on the French market and holders of licences from France's telecommunications and postal regulator Arcep formed a postal operators' association, Syndicat des operateurs postaux (SOP), on December 1. This comes in reaction to deregulation plans by the EU authorities. Members of the new association include the French postal service provider La Poste, DHL-Global Mail France (a subsidiary of the German group Deutsche Telekom), Swiss Post International France (the French subsidiary of the Swiss postal service) as well as Adrexo, Althus, IMX Spring and Stamper's."

EquiMedia has reported that "Proposals from Royal Mail to give it greater control over the prices it charges could see greater amounts of direct marketing being delivered, a leading economist has said."

From Business Wire: "Just two months after President Bush signed a sweeping overhaul of postal operations into law, government and corporate executives gathered here to glean insights from top postal officials about the new postal environment and what it will mean for the nation’s $900 billion mailing industry. The new law, the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, completely reshapes the postal landscape. Over the next sixteen months, the new Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) and the United States Postal Service will use newly-established powers to create a more flexible and efficient postal system through which the nation’s commerce can flow. American University’s School of Public Affairs hosted the forum, which was sponsored by Pitney Bowes. Featured speakers included PRC Chairman Dan G. Blair, Postmaster General John E. Potter and, representing the mailing industry, Michael J. Critelli, chairman of the Mailing Industry CEO Council and chairman and CEO of Pitney Bowes. The event also included a panel of congressional staff members who were instrumental in crafting a law that passed both houses of Congress with overwhelming majorities."

From WebWire: "The SBA and the U.S. Postal Service have collaborated on a series of Internet-based resources to help small business owners find solutions to business challenges. The Postal Service has a dedicated portal on its Web site for small business owners, USPS.com/smallbiz. The site offers pricing comparisons for shipping options, shipping tools that include supplies, printing desktop postage, finding the proper ZIP Code and requesting a free package pickup. "

The Chronicle of Philanthropy has reported that "The Direct Marketing Association's Nonprofit Federation, which represents more than 400 nonprofit mailers, has called on the Postal Service to delay the new rates by one year. Federation officials, who have estimated that postage rates would more than double for many nonprofit organizations under the increases recommended by the commission, said they are particularly concerned about big postage increases for flats and heavy letters, because many of its charity members use such mail pieces to recruit new donors. Because those mailings contain note cards, address labels, or other gifts known as premiums, they often cannot be processed by the service's automated equipment. A delay of one year, federation leaders said, would allow charities to test whether they can meet several new requirements to earn discounts, the final details of which were released by the Postal Service last month, and take other measures to offset what they called a "shockingly high rate increase." Meanwhile, charities that use premiums complained that, if postage rates do go up in May, they will have only weeks to prepare." [What are the chances of a year-long delay? None.]

From the U.S. Postal Service: "Deliver magazine, the first custom publication from the U.S. Postal Service, has extended its reach with corporate marketing professionals by launching delivermagazine.com. The Website will offer exclusive content and interactive tools as well as archived articles and stories from the print version of the magazine."

As the Los Angeles Times has put it, "PSSST — LOOKING FOR a hot investment? Something with a better chance of paying off than that "sure-fire" stock touted in an e-mail you received this morning? Then we've got just the thing for you: a 41-cent stamp."

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "The U.S. Postal Service is proposing that the cost of mailing the first ounce of first-class mail rise from 39 cents to 41 cents; the charge for the second ounce would go down. The "penny post card" would jump from 24 to 26 cents. Our recommendation: Use e-mail whenever you can and begin using online bill-paying. Mail nothing first class unless you absolutely have to....Why is it the Postal Service still is not subjected to the competition of the private market for first-class mail? Because it can't, or most accurately won't, compete. Where markets are competitive, the instinct is to cut prices when customer loss is at issue. Instead, the Postal Service does the opposite. In a world where words still have standard meanings, that's perverse." [Holy crow! A newspaper editorialist that "gets" it.]

From PR Newswire: "The Postal Service has moved forward with another initiative to improve its delivery capabilities by awarding Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation an $874,639,000 contract to build a sophisticated system that will sort "flats" -- large envelopes, magazines, newspapers, catalogs and circulars -- in the order in which they are delivered. Letter carriers today spend a portion of their workday in the "office" manually sorting flat mail, a labor-intensive process. The Flat Sequencing System (FSS) -- designed in collaboration with Postal Service engineers - sorts mail in delivery sequence at a rate of 16,500 pieces an hour, helping letter carriers start delivering mail earlier in the day."

DM News has reported that "Extending its leadership in direct marketing for the technology market, Harte-Hanks Inc. unveiled a multichannel direct marketing service designed specifically for small- and medium-sized enterprises that is built on the targeting capabilities of the Harte-Hanks Ci Technology Database. The offering, CiMarketConnect, is a packaged end-to-end campaign management product developed expressly for emerging technology vendors. The CiTDB tracks technology installations, business demographics, key IT decision makers and planned purchases at more than 680,000 locations throughout North America, Latin America and Europe."

According to KFOX, local local residents are again experiencing mail problems. According to Frank Chavez, a U.S. postal worker, ""The staffing when you don't have enough people to work the mail, that's a problem at the plant, that's a problem at the stations, that's why carriers are delivering at seven or eight o'clock at night." Again, KFOX was not able to get a response from the U.S. Postal Service. Chavez said it's not just first class mail that is not being processed in a timely matter, he said Priority mail is not being processed everyday like it should. He also said Express mail is behind and so are rebates, where customers send in a proof of purchase to get money from a company. Chavez said he' seen rebates dated two months ago still sitting at the main post office."

The Star-Ledger has reported that "A former Sussex County postmaster who later oversaw 75 post offices in northern New Jersey was indicted yesterday for his role in a number of brazen schemes, including directing hundreds of thou sands of dollars in unnecessary repair work on postal vehicles to a Newton garage."