Price Increase, Promotions Back on Track? The annual price increases for both Market Dominant and Competitive products had been in doubt because there was no U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors to approve them, but the Board now has two confirmed sitting members, which means mailers can expect to see a CPI-based price increase early next year. Typically, the Postal Service announces its annual rate increases in October for implementation in January, but it could be challenging to stick to that aggressive timetable this year.

The Senate confirmed Robert M. Duncan of Kentucky and David C. Williams of Illinois last month. Duncan was elected Chairman of the BOG and Williams Vice Chairman at a meeting of the BOG’s Temporary Emergency Committee (TEC) last week; Williams was elected Chairman and Duncan Vice Chairman of the TEC. With their confirmation, a CPI-based increase in the area of 2.4% is likely. Mailers are also hoping that the BOG will approve various promotions—such as the Personalized Color Transpromo and Mobile Shopping promotions—that have been attractive to customers and likely increased interest in the mail.

President Trump has also nominated Ron A. Bloom of New York (to serve the remainder of a term expiring December 8, 2020) and Florida-based Roman Martinez (to serve the remainder of a term expiring December 8, 2024) as members of the Board of Governors. No dates have been scheduled for their confirmation hearings.