FR 2021-03411

The Postal Regulatory Commission has issued a notice that involves the Postal Service's attempt to add a negotiated service agreement to the list of competitive products. This action allows for different service agreements, such as the use of Priority Mail Express & Priority Mail, to be categorized under competitive products, which are typically products that rely on more market-driven pricing compared to other services. The public is being asked to submit comments on this filing by February 23, 2021, and instructions are given on how to do so.

General Summary

This document informs the public about a recent filing by the Postal Service, which seeks approval for changes related to negotiated service agreements. The filing would involve adding specific mailing services to the competitive product list. The public is encouraged to review this filing and share their comments electronically.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One of the main concerns with this notice is its use of very technical language, including numerous references to sections of the U.S. Code and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These references can make it difficult for the general public to fully understand the implications of the filing. Additionally, the document mentions "non-public portions" of the Postal Service's request, suggesting that certain information is not readily accessible to everyone. This could be seen as a transparency issue, as it might prevent some stakeholders from accessing the full details of the request without navigating complex regulatory requirements.

Another issue is the lack of a clear explanation regarding what a "negotiated service agreement" entails, which could lead to confusion among those unfamiliar with the term. This lack of clarity may also extend to the absence of guidance on how comments should be structured or what issues they should address, possibly limiting the effectiveness of public input.

Impact on the Public Broadly

The document has potential implications for postal service users. By designating certain services as competitive products, the Postal Service might be able to adjust pricing and service options in response to market conditions—potentially leading to more competitive prices and enhanced services for customers. However, without a plain language explanation of these changes, the average person may struggle to understand whether the move will increase or decrease their mailing costs or alter service levels.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For business stakeholders, particularly those using or considering the use of large volume mailing services, this development might introduce new opportunities or challenges. Companies may benefit from more competitive pricing or tailored service agreements but could also face uncertainty if they are not clear about the conditions of these agreements.

Consumers, on the other hand, might see changes in delivery options or costs. Nevertheless, the document doesn't provide clear information on how different customer groups will be affected, potentially leaving stakeholders in the dark about the practical implications of these administrative decisions.

In conclusion, the document presents a procedural notice that, while important, may not be easily accessible or understandable to all interested parties due to its technical nature and lack of explanatory context. It encourages public participation without making clear what that participation entails or directly addressing how these changes could impact everyday postal service users.