The Internet has hammered the United States Postal Service. Nearly half of its first-class volume has been gobbled up by on-line bill paying and email communications. Corporate mail centers are experiencing a similar bite and they are taking action.
Every Other Day Delivery
One university mail center showed an 11% drop in volume the last fiscal year. Since July 1, they have seen a 25% drop. "I have reduced my staff by one person and gone to every other day mail delivery at the start of our new school year. Over 550 departments get mail delivered every other day. On days the departments are not getting mail, they are able to pickup mail if they wish or wait until the next day for delivery."
Give a Little/Make a Little
Even in-plants that produce printed mail pieces are feeling the pinch. "The volume of statutory mail has not changed, but over the past 3 years non-mandated mailing pieces have declined 60-75%. For (that segment) I often work backwards from the amount they have to spend. I try and get something that allows them to embark on the project, gives my people some work, and shows a small profit to keep our heads above water."
Restructuring & Consolidating
Because of shrinking mail volumes, one in-plant made adjustments to staff. "We eliminated one part-time position in the mailroom and re-structured the delivery routes to better utilize the time. In addition, we consolidated Records Management, Print Services and Mail Services into one department called Document Services, increasing the availability of cross training and eliminating two supervisory positions."
The USPS has created a web page specifically for mailers to vidw the most updated information on proposed changes.
IPMA is accepting speaker topics for its 2012 Conference, June 24-28 in Kansas City, MO.