PRC Proposes New Postal Accountability Rules

The Postal Regulatory Commission has proposed reworking the way the U.S. Postal Service reports financial information to Congress.

In a Federal Register notice last Friday, the PRC said the proposed rule changes would promote greater transparency and accountability from the USPS.

Among other things the USPS would be required to provide the commission with:

· A cost and revenue analysis of the financial effect of each product and service along with supporting documentation.

· Comparisons of costs saved through mailer worksharing discounts.

· Estimates of the financial effect of individually negotiated mailing rates.

· Estimates of the incremental costs of competitive products to help make sure they are not subsidized by market dominant products.

The USPS would also be required to file Securities and Exchange Commission-style reports on its financial performance and outlook.

“Congress enacted the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act in an effort to enhance the transparency and accountability of the U.S. Postal Service,” said PRC Chairman Dan G. Blair, in a statement. “These proposed regulations will provide the Commission with the information required to evaluate the Service’s compliance with the new regulatory and reform framework brought about by the Act.”

The Commission will accept comments on these proposals until Oct. 16 and reply comments until, Nov. 15.