The Tax Foundation recently issued a report about the condition of the USPS, and its full version can be downloaded from their site.

The Foundation does not see the USPS situation as improving as the charade of being an independent business is perpetuated by Congressional meddling and obstruction. (Sorry, I think I was supposed to say “careful deliberation and meticulous scrutiny.” Oh well, maybe the editors will catch my error). The highly readable Tax Foundation report does not say much that is new to USPS observers other than update its troubles and sound a taxpayer warning about its escalating problems. The release reminded me that there were some interesting discussion earlier this year that were part of a Brookings Institution event (watch the video) that included an exploration of USPS “hidden” subsidies detailed in a report by Sonecon.

WhatTheyThink's own Pat Henry suffered through the reports and the video and summarized it in his thoughtful analysis. The USPS situation is another instance of life's “when all is said and done more will be said than done” as we've heard about the problems for decades. As postal regulations and operations become more complex and hard for the uninitiated to understand, the value of printing organizations who can navigate them increases. They do it by advising clients about the proper design of printed pieces but also by offsetting rising USPS prices with savings in data management, better targeting, and mail preparation savings.

But the disparity of increasing USPS prices compared to the decreasing costs and increasing capabilities of digital alternatives means that the market relevance of the USPS will continue to wane. Print businesses should be wary about their reliance on print products that are mailed and aggressively explore non-mail print and related products. While the USPS has made notable strides in right-sizing its workforce, and its freedom of managerial action for decisive and truly innovative steps remains severely limited. Lysander Spooner, where are you when we need you most?