The Commission is now considering a request from the Postal Service to prepare an Advisory Opinion on its plan to systematically review 3,653 postal offices for possible closure or consolidation. This is an important filing that may result in significant changes for the mailing public.
My fellow Commissioners and I will analyze the materials the Postal Service has presented in support of its request as soon as possible. We would also like to hear from the public, customers and stakeholders as we follow the due process procedures required by law.
I encourage everyone to review the information posted in Docket N2011-1, to follow the proceedings, and to contact us with their thoughts and comments.
The Postal Service must seek an Advisory Opinion whenever it contemplates a change in the nature of postal service. While Commission Advisory Opinions are not binding, to the extent that the potential changes are debated in public, the recommendations we make are often incorporated into the Postal Service’s final plans.
Please let us hear from you.
Ruth Y. Goldway
Chairman
Commission to Review Postal Service’s Post Office Closings Plan
Press Release
Washington, DC – The Postal Regulatory Commission will immediately begin its review of the Postal Service’s plan to consider closing approximately 3,700 post offices. The Postal Service is required to ask the Commission for an Advisory Opinion on any change in nationwide service it proposes. An initial schedule for the Commission to decide this case (Docket N2011-1) will be issued shortly.
The Commission will hold public, on-the-record hearings to analyze and cross-examine the Postal Service’s proposal and supporting evidence. During the process, mail users and interested members of the public may offer supporting or opposing views, both informally and as part of more formal, technical presentations. The Commission will also solicit public comments through its website. The Service cannot implement the changes until 90 days after filing the request.
“The Advisory Opinion process is the opportunity for the public’s concerns over the process to be heard, and for the Postal Service to be given the direction it needs to continue to provide good service to the nation,” said PRC Chairman Ruth Goldway. “The Commission supports the Postal Service’s efforts to become more efficient, but with regard to post offices, significant changes must be done within the framework of the legal requirement to provide universal service.”
The public is invited to share their views via the Commission web site, www.prc.gov, by clicking the “contact PRC” tab to access a convenient online customer service form. To participate more formally in the process and to file documents to be included in the online public record, interested parties should click the “Filing Online” tab and follow the appropriate instructions.
How would that create more jobs? It would put a postal employee out of a job, but a small business could hire someone.
What people don’t realize is that closing Every unprofitable office would save less than 1% of the post offices total budget. Very, very small saving when you consider the customer impact.
Give more of the work to the very small business owners.That will cut your cost. And will make new jobs.