USPS: ESCROW RATE CASE FILED

ESCROW RATE CASE FILED. The U.S. Postal Service filed a rate case with the Postal Rate Commission Friday seeking an expedited recommended decision to raise rates and fees 5.4% for most categories. The decision to seek a rate increase is due solely to the Public Law 108-18 requirement that the Postal Service establish a $3.1 billion escrow fund. The postage for a one-ounce piece of First-Class Mail would go from 37 to 39 cents in early 2006. Should legislation be enacted that eliminates the escrow funding requirement, this rate case will be withdrawn. Information on the filing can be found at usps.com/ratecase