Mailers Need New Growth Areas, Asserts PMG

Postmaster General John E. Potter called on the mailing industry to seek new sources of growth in the midst of severe economic times coupled with a steady decline in mail use.

Speaking to 14,000 members in a broadcast to the national Postal Customer Council (PCC) Day Wednesday, Potter said. “We have to approach the business in a whole new way--we have to develop new ways for the American people and American business to use the mail.”

The PMG cited fluctuating oil prices, rising paper prices and strife in the financial markets as contributing to the most difficult time for the U.S. Postal Service since the 1960s.

He also pointed to the steady movement of hardcopy messages to the Internet and questions about mail’s environmental impact as leading to a volume decline of 9 billion pieces this year.

He warned that reducing costs alone will not be enough to overcome difficult economic times, identifying several opportunities for growth through new products, including a new, large priority mail flat rate box and using the mail for recycling and product take-back programs.

Despite these challenges, Potter expressed confidence in the strength and commitment of the USPS and the mailing industry.

“Once the economic storm passes, our industry will rebound,” said Potter. “If we remain focused on the fundamentals of our industry and if we reach out to new audiences, we will again reach new heights.”