Business expansion is a business strategy used by companies to increase access to their products and services by opening stores in different physical locations while maintaining current business locations.

The U.S. Postal Service® expands its business by providing a multitude of mailing and shipping options for consumers through various Approved Postal Provider® agreements like Approved Shippers, Contract Postal Units, Stamps to Go®, and Village Post Offices. These agreements allow customers to purchase stamps, mail letters, or ship packages without visiting a traditional Post Office™.

Currently, the Postal Service has agreements with over 6,000 Approved Shippers. Approved Shippers offer services for other competitors as well as the Postal Service; however, they are required to ensure mail security and display Postal Service signage.

Our objective is to determine whether the Postal Service maintains adequate oversight of the Approved Shippers Program.

• What do you think?
• Does the Approved Shippers program increase or decrease the Postal Service competitive advantage in the mailing and shipping service?
• Have you ever used an Approved Shipper? If so, were you pleased with the services offered? How did you feel about the security of your mail?
• What effect do you think Approved Shippers have on the Postal Service, their employees, and customer’s? Please explain.

Start Date: Thursday, May 1, 2014
Estimated Report Date: Monday, October 27, 2014

 

via Oversight of the Approved Shippers Program | Office of Inspector General.