Senator Tom Carper Introduces S. 2051 – the Most Recent Proposed Postal Reform Legislation

On September 17, 2015 Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) introduced Senate Bill 2051, named the “Improving Postal Operations, Service and Transparency Act 2015” (iPOST).  The Bill, introduced in the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, is the most recent Congressional proposal for comprehensive “postal reform” legislation. In addition to tackling such critical financial issues…

USPS Proposes 2016 Shipping Rate Increases

On Friday, October 16, 2015, the United States Postal Service announced its intention to increase shipping rates, effective January 17, 2016.  The average cost for shipping would rise by 9.5% or approximately $5.50 per shipment.  Priority Mail rates would increase by 9.8%, with prices ranging from $6.80 to $18.75, depending on box size.  Rates for…

The Concept of Postal Banking Enters the Presidential Race

The provision of banking and similar financial services is not a new concept for the USPS.  Postal savings accounts were available in US post offices from 1910 until 1967, and the US Postal Service still provides money orders.  Postal banking is one of many non-postal services that have been suggested recently as a means of…

House Resolution on Six Day Mail Delivery

Representatives Sam Graves (MO-6) and Gerald Connolly (VA-11) have referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform House Resolution 12 entitled “Empower the United States Postal Service to Thrive in the 21st Century.” This resolution urges the USPS to take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of six day mail delivery service.…

Samuel Dattel, Founding Member of AUSPL, Passes Away at Age 88

Samuel Dattel, 88, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2015, after a long illness.  In 1981, Mr. Dattel, along with Lawrence Schlager, Jerry Frankel, Ray DeLeo, and Merritt Meyer, founded AUSPL.  The founders recruited 25 postal lessors to join the new postal association.  From this small group of postal landlords, AUSPL has grown to represent…