Much attention has focused on the USPS SERVES US Act, which was introduced by U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-KS-2) on September 25. The proposed legislation would give the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) greater oversight powers over the U.S. Postal Service, especially when it comes to postal rate increases and service accountability standards.
For the past several years the Postal Service has been raising rates above the rate of inflation every six months, while at the same time lowering its delivery times. Since such a large percentage of printed mail goes through the U.S. Postal Service, it’s having a severe negative impact on the printing industry, including commercial, direct mail, and publication printers — and their customers — that send Market Dominant First-Class, Marketing Mail, and Periodicals class printed products through the mail stream.
Although the PRC approved a July 2024 postal rate hike, the PRC admitted it was not prudent, but also claimed it lacked the statutory authority to reject the USPS rate increase. As such, the new legislation would give more authority to the PRC.