Exigent postage rate increases were repealed. The upcoming rates changes will have some positive impact for First Class Mailers. Selecting vendor-partners, for technology or outsourcing services, remains a challenge. And legislative reform was seriously considered by Congress – before ultimately deciding to do nothing. These were just a few of the major stories impacting our industry over the last year.
We here at The Berkshire Company can't predict what changes 2017 will bring, but we do know more changes are on the horizon – from the implementation of “USPS Marketing Mail” to new technologies to reinforcing good management practices. We plan on covering those, and other issues, in the coming year. If there’s a particular topic you’d like to see covered, leave a note in the comments, or send me an email at mmf@berkshire-company.com.
In case you missed them, here are the 10 most read posts from 2016:
- The Rollback Rates Are Here!
On Friday, February 5, 2016 The USPS released the draft postage rates for the rollback of the Exigent Rate Increase in April. - 2017 Postage Rate Increase: Good News for Commercial First-Class Mailers
“Postage rate changes” and “good news” normally don't go together. The USPS announcement for the 2017 rates is the exception that proves the rule. - Postal Reform October Update – No News Is Bad News
In 2006, the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act was passed after the elections. Will history repeat itself? (Spoiler alert – the answer was “No”.) - Identifying Opportunities for Improvement
Whether you're overhauling an operation or introducing incremental improvements, managing the process is the key to success. - A Modest Proposal for the United States Postal Service
Our United States Postal Service is in trouble. Here’s one idea to help bring some improvements. - When Should I Consider Outsourcing?
The are three important factors to consider are when evaluating a function as a candidate for outsourcing. - Highlights from the 2016 National Postal Forum
From March 20 through 23, 2016, over 3,500 mailing professionals gathered in Nashville, TN for the 2016 National Postal Forum. Here’s some of the key announcements. - Did You Hear That the U.S. Postal Service is Going Out of Business? No One Told Their Senior Management
PMG Megan Brennan and her team have established the perception that that the USPS will remain an important and economically viable institution. - These Are a Few of My Favorite Sites
Some of the best information about print and mail will never be printed and mailed. Here’s where to find it. - Faster Isn’t Always Better
Before solving the next problem, make sure you’re listening.
