Updated: June 08 2010

Postal Rate Commission (PRC)

The PRC is an independent regulatory agency. It is composed of five Commissioners each appointed to a six-year term of office by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Commission reviews Postal Service requests for new domestic mail rates, fees and mail classifications. It then makes recommendations to the Governors of the Postal Service after reviewing the request in public proceedings. In addition to recommending new rates, fees and mail classifications, the Commission may also:

* Propose changes in mail classification to the Postal Service;
* Investigate complaints of postal customers concerning postal rates, fees, mail classifications or services that involve issues of nationwide significance;
* Issue advisory opinions in response to Postal Service requests to substantially change postal services; and
* Hear appeals from postal customers concerning Postal Service decisions to close or consolidate retail post offices.

The Commission also submits to Congress each year a report on the Postal Service’s international mail services. However, the Commission does not recommend or set postal rates for international mail.

What is the relationship between the Postal Rate Commission and the US Postal Service?

The PRC is an independent agency entirely separate from the Postal Service. It reviews changes in postal rates and fees requested by the Postal Service and the classes of mail and mail services to which the rates and fees apply. The Postal Service provides mail services, such as collecting, processing, transporting and delivering the mail. It is solely responsible for management of all postal operations.

Primary Address

Postal Rate Commission (PRC)
901 New York Avenue NW, Suite 200,
Washington, DC 20268-0001
Phone: (202) 789-6800
Web: http://www.prc.gov

Region(s) Served

• National

Locations

• PRC - Washington Office
  901 New York Avenue NW, Suite 200,
  Washington, DC 20268-0001
  Phone: (202) 789-6800
  Fax: (202) 789-6891

Related Programs

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