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New Pricing and Classification Service Center Meeting needs of customers through convenience and consistency
In November we began to consolidate the three Rates and Classification Service Centers (RCSCs) and the Nonprofit Service Center (NSC) into one facility, the Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC). The work of the New York RCSC, Chicago RCSC, San Francisco RCSC, and Memphis NSC is being transitioned into the new PCSC. Edmund Wronski will manage operations at the PCSC. Previously, Ed managed the New York RCSC. We spoke to Ed recently, to ask questions about the new center MC: The existing RCSC structure worked well for many years. Why fix what's not broken? Wronski: It is true that the RCSC structure worked well for many years. However, the new PCSC is part of an improvement in how we serve customers and field employees regarding mailing standards and pricing options. We are transforming from a system of four regionally located service centers to a single, national center in New York City. Bringing all of these critical employees together will enhance the quality and consistency of our work, but we are doing even more to improve service. By changing our business model, the PCSC will be able to provide consistent application of USPS rates and mailing standards for all customers. This new model will provide one source for mail classification decisions, one staff, and a one-stop shop for customers and field employees who need direction on rate application or mail eligibility. It will offer a distinct division to provide pre-production rulings on the rates that will be charged on proposed mailings; these rulings will provide certainty for mailers at acceptance. MC: Why is the new center being located in New York City? Wronski: There are several important reasons for selecting New York as the center's home. The center is geographically close to many "impact" customers, and New York is the center of the publishing industry. We are near three major airports, Amtrak, and public transportation. The New York office has some of the most experienced staff in the nation, and there is a huge employee talent pool in the area; and the new site is Postal Service-owned, so we can save costs by eliminating leased properties. I N S I D E USPS NEWS & Events CMO Corner Ease of USE Articles What's New in the DMM? International Mail As Dr. Barcode INFO at USPS	MC: What are the responsibilities of the new PCSC? Wronski: The role of the PCSC will be diverse because of the tasks currently being performed at the different RCSCs and NSC. A major benefit for customers will be the centralization of national cases, organized by customer and industry segments. We'll provide a single contact, in addition to the pre-production and pre-mailing reviews. The office will be both domestic and international in scope. We will handle all Negotiated Service Agreements (NSAs) after implementation. We will issue the final agency decisions in a number of areas, including refund requests, revenue deficiency assessments, mailability issues, requests for exceptions, local classification decisions, and MERLIN barcode readability. We will also issue initial decisions in other areas, including Periodicals original entry, additional entry, and reentry applications and revocations. The PCSC will also administer the Centralized Postage Payment system (CPP), and the Private Express Statutes (PES). MC: Who will handle new nonprofit applications? Wronski: The PCSC will take over the work currently handled by the Memphis NSC. This includes issuing initial decisions on applications to mail at Nonprofit Standard Mail rates, as well as processing SOA/pandering prohibitory orders. Pending cases will be transferred to the new PCSC. MC: What is one of the most exciting roles of the new center? Wronski: The new PCSC will provide pre-production rulings on proposed mailings, using new, pilot-tested procedures. Over time, the program will evolve as we gauge customer interest and reaction to this voluntary program. These rulings will provide certainty for mailers at acceptance points. Nationwide acceptance will be streamlined, and costly disagreements with customers will be minimized. MC: How does the New York location affect customers doing business in different time zones? What are the hours of the new PCSC? Wronski: The PCSC will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. These hours will allow us to accommodate customers across the country. MC: Who should current businesses contact from now on? Do they now contact the PCSC? Wronski: Customers should continue to work with their local post office and district manager of Business Mail Entry (MBME). The MBME refers matters to the PCSC on a case-by-case basis. The PCSC will contact customers to participate in the national rulings program.