News

The National Association of Letter Carriers has released a white paper from the international financial advisory firm Lazard which outlines an alternative vision for the future of the United States Postal Service. Lazard's analysis determined that the Postal Service's greatest strength is its "unparalleled last-mile delivery network" and that USPS's plan to "shrink to survive" is not likely a successful path out of the financial crisis it faces. Lazard outlines an alternative business model which leverages the Postal Service's networks to grow in the parcel business, expands services and allows for greater product and pricing flexibility.

The white paper, "Delivering Change to Revitalize and American Icon", urges policymakers to adopt a strategy for USPS which avoids a narrow focus on cost cutting. Instead, USPS ought to focus on growth opportunities, particularly in the growing parcels market as USPS's track and trace technology comes more fully on line. Lazard also suggests that policymakers consider expanding commercial flexibility of the Postal Service. Currently, USPS faces one of the world's tightest restrictions on what products and services it may offer. The paper goes on to suggest that reform of the Postal Service's governance and oversight be reconsidered as well, particularly with regard to the standards surrounding pension and benefits funding.



For more information on the NALC / Lazard white paper, see here: NALC White Paper