IMAG joined with a group of industry associations in a letter to Postmaster General Brennan and Postal Regulatory Chairman Taub calling for postage rate relief in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its enormous impact on mailers and shippers. The letter puts forward a handful of proposals, including an explicit request to hold off on instituting a rate increase in July on outbound international rates. As the letter notes, ratepayers fund the Postal Service’s operations comple

eBay Main Street launched a campaign calling on its many sellers to remind Congress of the importance of small ecommerce businesses to the economy -- and to make sure they weren't left out of the stimulus package. eBay's communications frequently highlight the importance of the Postal Service as a valuable infrastructure and delivery network for small ecommerce businesses. Unfortunately, USPS was a loser in the current stimulus package -- only granted an increase in borrowing

The U.S. Postal Service has issued an industry essential letter reiterating the guidance from the Department of Homeland Security that mail, print, and logistics are essential services that should continue to operate during the COVID-19 crisis. The letter states, "The Postal Service is an entity of the Federal Government, and theprovision of postal services to the American people is designated as an essential function underfederal law during times of emergency." It goes on to

A number of countries have announced service disruptions due to COVID-19, with a handful of countries suspending some or all services. The U.S. Postal Service released an updated list of countries and their disruptions via the DMM Advisory, posted here. IMAG also produced an updated special alert today that curates news reports on airlines that are moving passenger aircraft to freighters.

The White House's restrictions on passenger travel from Europe applies to passengers only, but will have a significant impact on the movement of goods, cargo, and mail. About half of the air cargo carried worldwide normally flies in the belly of passenger jets rather than in dedicated freighters. Airlines have announced major reductions in routes, with further changes expected. IMAG compiled the attached special report for its members and continues to press the U.S. Postal Se

IMAG members get regular newsletters, memos, infographics, and emails on issues that matter to their businesses. Our monthly IMAG Insights newsletter provides timely information on topics important to the cross-border market. Among the topics covered in the March issue are the Postal Regulatory Commission's ruling that directs the USPS to unseal its International Inbound Packets rates; the UPU's exploration of opening more widely to the private sector; and a closer look at Cu