USPS Redefines How It Counts Mail Worker Hustle
Published Date: 9/22/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Postal Service wants to update how it measures worker productivity in mail processing to improve cost calculations for discounts. This change affects how reports are made and could impact pricing decisions. People can share their thoughts by October 30, 2026, so get ready to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Postal cost models may change mail prices
The Postal Service proposes changing how it calculates labor productivity using MODS data, which feeds the cost models used to set workshare discounts and pricing. The proposal affects FY2025 First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail letter and flat processing models and FY2025 Parcel Select cost models, and notes that new productivities will lower model costs if the productivity numbers are higher or raise them if the numbers are lower. The filing would also shift MODS inputs from monthly to weekly and is open for public comment through October 30, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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