At a meeting of the Association for Postal Commerce today, Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said that the Board of Governors would not seek an increase in mail and shipping product services this January. As a result, current rates will stay in effect during the extended holiday season and through the early part of 2015.
Grayhair Software, a provider to bulk mailers, commented that March would be the earliest a rate hike could take effect as a result of the delay.
Uncertainty over whether the exigency will be temporary–as stipulated by the Postal Regulatory Commission in its approval of the emergency 4.3% rate increase–or will be baked into the base rate influenced the board’s decision to wait, according to a statement issued by the Postal Service. In addition, suits filed by both USPS and mailers’ groups remain pending.
