What are the PRC’s powers? 

Though it’s commonly misunderstood, the PRC is not part of the Postal Service. Within the postal industry, the USPS is the operator, and we are the regulator. However, that doesn’t give us the power to direct USPS operations. Here is what the law gives us the power to do:   

Regulatory oversight: We do ensure that the Postal Service is complying with applicable laws and regulations.   

Approve or deny postal rate changes: The PRC ensures that postal rate changes are consistent with statutory law and PRC regulations.    

Oversight on service standards: We do provide transparency to the public on whether the Postal Service is meeting their obligations on delivery timeframes.  

Handle complaints and appeals: We do accept and handle complaints from the public when it’s alleged USPS is violating certain laws or regulations.    

Policy recommendations: We do suggest improvements the USPS should make through our reports to Congress, including operational efficiency. We also suggest legislative fixes to Congress periodically.  

Issue annual reports on Postal Service compliance with the law: The PRC issues annual reports detailing whether the Postal Service has complied with certain laws and includes descriptions and analyses of important trends in service and financial performance.   

Issue Advisory Opinions on Postal Service changes affecting mail service: The Postal Service is required by law to seek an advisory opinion from the PRC prior to making changes that will affect service on a nationwide or substantially nationwide basis.  

What the law doesn’t empower the Commission to do:  

  1. We do not set postal rates.   
  2. We do not create or eliminate Postal Service policies.   
  3. We do not hire the Postmaster General, Deputy Postmaster General, or other Postal Service staff.   
  4. We do not develop nor approve Postal Service strategies.  
  5. We cannot stop the Postal Service from implementing operational changes which may affect service on a nationwide or substantially nationwide basis. 

For more on this, check out this easy-to-read chart.   

PRC What we do & don't do