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USPS Moves toward
Shape-Based Pricing |
As part of a series of new mailing standards set to go in effect this spring, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is moving in the direction of shape-based pricing. The proposal, published last fall in the Federal Register, would accompany price changes also expected to take effect in May.
Ultimately, the shape rather than the weight or content of the mail piece, will be the driving factor in determining postage rates. According to the USPS, the proposed new standards give customers more choices in terms of shape, sorting, packaging and containers that encourage more efficiency. The proposal also increases work sharing opportunities for mailers, allows them to qualify for lower prices by permitting multiple classes of mail to be combined, and reduces the number of bundles, sacks, or trays in a mailing scheme for letters, flats, and parcels.
The USPS is encouraging mail preparation that is compatible with its improved automation and processing capabilities. Late last year, the USPS Board of Governors approved a flats sequencing system, a program that will automatically sort catalogs, magazines, large-envelope mailing pieces and circulars. The equipment is designed to sequence flat mail at a rate of 16,500 pieces per hour, and will free letter carriers from having to do the job manually.
Industry observers, particularly those in the postal automation community, note that the shape-based pricing standards will drive progressive organizations to shift their thinking from mail production to a more planning-oriented mindset. Experts also note that the use of business intelligence tools that help forecast the most-effective mail piece to create, sort and containerize will also rise in importance.
Sources: United States Postal Service and DM News |
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New Security Measures Impact Use
of Air Cargo Services |
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have enacted a new series of security measures that will impact organizations in their use of air courier services.
Effective this past March, the following requirements have become law for all mail shipments being transported by air:
The person from your company presenting a shipment for transport via air must present current and unexpired government-issued photo identification (company-issued ID is not acceptable), to their transportation service providers. Additionally, all cargo is subject to inspection. A shipper's refusal to provide this information and allow inspection are grounds for the transportation service provider to decline acceptance of the shipment and to report the shipper's refusal to the authorities.
More stringent cargo screening security regulations have also been enacted. Companies may receive a call during the normal screening process to verify the contents of the shipment, especially when the contents of the shipment cannot be screened with conventional methods.
For further information and clarifications of the new security regulations please contact the TSA or visit www.tsa.gov.
Source: Transportation Security Administration |
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AIIM Study Underscores Importance of
Document Management Service Providers |
A recent study conducted by AIIM – The Enterprise Content Management Association, reveals that document management service providers are critical to fulfilling the needs of end user organizations.
AIIM's research study, titled "State of the Document Management Service Provider Industry," found that the "channel" which includes resellers, distributors, consultants and service providers is critical to the development, delivery and implementation of document, content and records management solutions for end users. More than 200 industry executives participated in the survey.
AIIM President John F. Mancini, commented on the findings, noting "We believe that as core ECM technologies become more mainstream, the document channel will play an increasingly role in meeting end user needs. In addition, the more effective companies in the channel are increasingly focusing their efforts on specific vertical industries or key processes."
The top vertical priorities for the channel reflect the traditional industries with significant document challenges. At the top of the list is healthcare, reflecting the need for automation and compliance solutions in that industry. Banking, insurance and manufacturing were identified as other vertical markets where document management solutions will continue to grow in importance.
Source: AIIM – The Enterprise Content Management Association, www.aiim.org |
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