Notes
Slide Show
Outline
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Postal Rate Commission (PRC)

The
USPS®  
 Rate Case R2006-1


Shape-Based Pricing
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SHAPE BASED PRICING VS. THE CURRENT RATE STRUCTURE
Under the current structure, the cost of sending a first-class mail is determined by weight.  Under the Shaped Based Pricing, the cost will be calculated using the weight, the size and thickness, falling into 3 different categories that are outlined below.
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Shape Based Rating
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History Of Stamp Prices
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Topics Of Discussions For Mailstream Optimization
  • Timeline of USPS® Events Leading to the New Rate Implementation
  • Overview of the Postal Rate Commission Decisions
  • Automation Letter-sized-still saves!
  • Shape-Based Rates -what does it mean?
  • Classes of Mail -what’s impacted
  • Maintaining Your Address Database-it makes good business sense
  • Extra Services -one rate is Decreasing!
  • How do you make this all work for your organization?



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The USPS® Rate Case
Timeline
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Yes, another…
Proposed USPS® Rate Case
  • System-wide average increase of 7.6%
  • First-Class ® will move from $.39 to $.41
  • Why an Increase?
    • Cover the costs of processing and operating
  • When will it go into effect?
    • The implementation will likely take effect not before May 2007
  • How does this impact your organization?
    • All classes of mail and processing categories
    • Introducing Shape-Based Pricing
      • Pricing structure based on a combination of shape and weight
      • Utilize business partnerships to see how you can minimize the rate case increase through automation
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Average Percent Rate Change
USPS® Compared to PRC Recommended Rate
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Let’s Compare:
First-Class®
PRC
Recommended
Rates vs.
Current Rates
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Postcards Are Still a GREAT Value
PRC Recommended Rates
    • Ideal – no “opening”
    • Keeps headline and information simple
    • Can be used as a coupon, certificate or ticket
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Shape-Based Rating-Supported by the PRC
SBR vs. Current Structure
Under the current structure, the cost of sending First-Class Mail® is determined by weight. With SBR, the cost will be calculated using, weight, size and thickness falling into three different categories as explained in the diagram below.
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Current First-Class Mail®
Strategy
  • Shape-based pricing
    • Letters
    • Flats
    • Parcels
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PRC First-Class Mail®
Strategy
  • Shape-based pricing
    • Letters
    • Flats
    • Parcels
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PRC First-Class Mail®
Significant Changes
  • Additional ounce 24¢ ►17¢
      • Letters over 1 ounce go down
      • Flats over 6 ounces go down
    • Similar pattern for workshare
      • Automation letters (additional ounce)
      • 23.7¢ ►12.5¢
      • Presorted letters, flats, and parcels (additional ounce)
      •   23.7¢ ►17¢

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First-Class Mail®
Significant Changes
  • Forever Stamp
    • Convenient
    • 1-ounce single-piece price
    • Good forever
  • Single-piece 39¢ ►41¢
  • Postcards 24¢ ►26¢


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First-Class Mail®
Examples
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First-Class Mail®
Examples
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Priority Mail®
Significant Changes
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"Low-cost alternative for shipping time..."
  • Low-cost alternative for shipping time sensitive documents
  • New 1-pound rate
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"Align pricing with operations-Encourage growth..."
  • Align pricing with operations-Encourage growth of efficient, effective mail
  • Expand shape-based pricing
  • Increase drop ship incentives
  • Create distinct prices for parcels



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It’s Simple Arithmetic
Sharpen
Your List Data
  • Identify addresses likely to result in Undeliverable As Addressed mailpieces,
    • You're driving down UAA costs that often result in increased USPS rates.
    • Improves collection of revenue, receipt of required notifications, and more
  • The more pieces from a mailing that actually hit their target, the more that mailing is worth
    • Avoid costly wasted returns (and USPS® non-compliance fines), and making the most out of every mailing.

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USPS Study-Address Deficiencies

  • On average, 23.5% of the addressees have deficiencies in a typical database
  • Maintain your address database to increase the likelihood the your mailpiece will reach the intended recipient
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Automate Your Mail with Delivery Point Barcode including DPV™
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Approved
USPS Move Update Options
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Don’t forget the new USPS regulation:
DPV™ (delivery point validated) CASS Cycle L
August 1st 2007 requirement
  • DPV™ (delivery point validation) requirement
    • USPS® said with CASS Cycle L-the primary number in an address must be DPV™ in order to receive a ZIP+4® assignment.
    • If the primary number of an address cannot be DPV™-verified, it will NOT qualify for the automation rate and will fall to the next nearest nonautomation rate.

  • In addition, LACSLink (conversion of rural addresses) will be part of the CASS Cycle L.


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Will This New Requirement Affect You?
YES, in many ways
  • Confidence in the quality of your addresses in your database
  • Take advantage of the opportunity to validate your addresses prior to mailing
  • CASS cycle L will help you reach your intended mail recipient
  • Avoid lost opportunities
  • Minimize the cost of the proposed rate case
  • Reduce UAA mail
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PRC Recommendations- Extra Services
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How Do You Make ALL This Work For Your Organization?
Optimizing your Mailstream by producing Automation Compatible Mail
  • Partner with the USPS through workshare programs
    • REDUCE POSTAL EXPENDITURES

  • Faster delivery = Faster remittance
    • IMPROVED CASH FLOW


  • Ensure compliance with state and local regulations


  • Professional Appearance improves openability
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Summary:
Managing Your Database Within Your Postal Budgets and Mailing Smarter
  • Ensure Address Accuracy; Incorporate Move Update Solutions
  • Automate your mailing by using CASS DPV™ software
  • Select the appropriate Class of Mail
  • Select the appropriate packaging (letter, flat, parcel etc)
  • Maximize the Opportunity; take advantage of the additional ounce and the 6x9 envelope
  • Stay informed; use technology to make the right mailing decisions
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Points to Consider
  • Shape Based vs. Mail Piece Design -More is Less
  • Mail Moment
  • Presentation vs Postage
  • Special Services
  • Share Space in the Envelope– Do not pay for the Air
  • How To Offset the Increase
  • If you try to control your costs at the meter, it’s too late.
  • Forever Stamp
  • Delivery Objective
  •     -More then just when will it get there





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Mail Stream
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Any Additional Comments?