June 5, 2012

Modified Network Plan and Revised Service Standards

The Postal Service is moving ahead with the rationalization of its network. The implementation will be executed by modifying service standards in two phases. The first phase will begin July 1, 2012, and the second phase will start on February 1, 2014. Should changes in circumstances warrant, this phased approach will allow the Postal Service to reconsider implementation of the second phase.

The plan is to retain all current business mail entry units (BMEUs) for the time being. Should the Postal Service decide to relocate or consolidate any BMEU operations, mailers will be given 120 days advance notice and BMEUs will be relocated or consolidated to nearby locations to minimize the impact on mailers. The Postal Service is committed to simply and clearly communicating all changes throughout the implementation process.

The Final Rule on Revised Service Standards for Market-Dominant Prices was published in the Federal Register on Friday, May 25, 2012. To read the final rule and access supporting materials—including the list of sites that will be impacted by mail processing consolidations this summer, and service standard directory files and maps that apply the business rules to the current network—click on this link to the Information for Mailers web page http://about.usps.com/news/facility-studies/welcome.htm. The Information for Mailers page will be updated as additional information becomes available.

A new way to stay informed about USPS news is through Industry Alerts. To subscribe, email industryalert@usps.gov and put “subscribe” in the subject line.