Alliance Report — August 12, 2015

• VISA is using a start-up contest to come up with more effective direct mail.
• Senator Tom Carper’s statement on improving USPS finances.
• Postal Service sharply reduces losses in most-recent quarter.
• USPS prices are constrained but costs are not.
• The Postal Service is an essential government agency.
• Postal Service plan for profitability.
• Direct mail is an essential element of integrated marketing.
• USPS Inspector General recommends USPS experiment with Internet of things.
• RR Donnelley is splitting into three companies.
• New survey on outsourced nonprofit donation processing.
• Competition for last mile delivery increasing with LaserShip expansion.
• USPS delivery of wine and beer eyed.
• Mail will soon get cheaper with expiration of surcharge next spring.
• PRC ruling keeps 49 cent stamp around for 8 more months.
• Stamps will cost 49 cents for 8 more months, then roll back.
• USPS can’t keep rate increase forever, court rules.