Postal Regulatory Commission July 14, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Under a 2006 postal reform law, a new approach to implementing rate changes for market dominant postal products, which include First- Class Mail, was adopted. In general, the new approach envisions annual rate adjustments based on changes in a specified Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, the law includes a provision allowing rate changes in excess of CPI under extraordinary or exceptional circumstances, contingent on a Commission determination on certain considerations. The Postal Service is invoking this provision for the first time and, in a filing with the Commission, is seeking an overall percentage increase of about 5.6 percent for market dominant products beginning January 2, 2011. It is also seeking some classification changes. This document provides the public with notice of the Postal Service's filing, a brief description of the contents, a discussion of the Commission's role and responsibilities, and an outline of related procedural steps.