STAMP OF ORIGINALITY

Michael A. Goldstein’s well-balanced article (“Can the U.S. Postal Service Market Itself to Success?” Dec. 22) inspired me to suggest that each post office location be encouraged and permitted to join its nearest chamber of commerce.

The benefits would be many. It would enable direct-market intelligence-gathering from customers; offer an opportunity to channel information directly to customers; promote a positive image as a responsible participant in the business community; create grass-roots political support, including positive contact with elected representatives through chamber activities, and develop leadership among employees outside of their relatively confining workplace.

Guy Doeh

Mar Vista

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Goldstein’s article refers to the U.S. Postal Service as a “former monopoly.” The truth is that it is still very much a government monopoly competing head to head with the private sector--not, as is suggested, a forgotten government agency struggling to get attention. It’s a $58-billion behemoth intent upon financing one competitive venture after another with revenues derived from its special status. Thus it can keep its rates artificially low. It overcharges the public for stamps so it can undercut the prices private companies charge for competitive services.

The postal service pays neither taxes nor tolls, needn’t comply with most of the regulations private competitors must observe and enjoys an unlimited borrowing capacity from the U.S. Treasury.

United Parcel Service is not opposed to competition, but competition from a quasi-government agency is unfair and un-American.

Gina G. Ellrich

Public Relations Manager

United Parcel Service

Washington

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The postal service can meet the challenge of competition--by addressing the segment of its market that offers the greatest revenue and the least cost: business mail (which you call “junk mail”). More than 95% of all mail is business-related: advertisements, sales literature, offers, billings, etc.

If the postal service’s only recourse is to raise rates, its prospects are limited. Those businesses that provide the bulk of postal revenue cannot afford frequent huge increases and will eventually find other methods of delivering their messages.

Henry Provencio

Fullerton