It has been rumored for several years that the use of the POSTNET barcode for automation discounts would end. During a recent Mailers’ Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) meeting, postal contacts verified fact from rumor -- that the end was indeed near. Now, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has put the final nail in the coffin by filing a Federal Register notice on the termination, slated for January 2013…

A couple of years ago, previous Postmaster General Jack Potter heard from a gathering of Congressional leaders that they never get in the way, nor interfere, with postal objectives. Needless to say, Jack informed them of the truth – they always interfere.

Despite all efforts of the USPS to right-size the organization to current and foreseeable mail volumes, and despite the helpful efforts of a “few” Members of Congress, it appears that the rest, leaders included of both parties, are insisting on interfering again…

It will become obvious here that Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) “gets it.” He is one of the very few Members of Congress who do. The confirmation hearing (transcript below) of an existing Postal Regulatory Commissioner for a new term is worth a read, as it gives valuable insight to the views and perspectives of the parties involved, namely the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) and the well-being of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS)…