MQC Certification Program being discontinued and replaced with MDP

The Mailpiece Quality Control (MQC) Specialist certification has been around for a very long time. It was an open book, 100 question multiple choice, on-line examination that was inexpensive, comprehensive and challenging to achieve. It was good for two years and has thousands amongst its ranks. The test was pulled in April with the understanding that it would be up-dated and back on line in July. Turns out it was more than the USPS could handle as the folks in that department were 100% committed to IMB implementation. They simply did not have the resources to update the program, even when I and others offered to do the service for free.

They chose instead to transition another existing in-house certification program called the MDP - Mailpiece Design Professional to an On-Line format. We are told that their goal is to have this on-line by the National Postal Forum in April.

Looking over the curriculum, it is very comprehensive, with more emphasis on Letters and Flats than with Publications or Parcels. The MDP program, from what I could see still needs work to include information on IMB, Flat Addressing Standards, Tabbing Changes for Booklets and more.

So although I am very disappointed in the manner in which this transition is occurring, there is nothing I can do to change it. Change is after all the one constant in our industry, so I look forward to embracing it. My intentions are to be able to deliver training to you, our customers and colleagues, to streamline your ability to earn the MDP certification.

May Rate Change - Good News - No overall increase!

Jack Potter, (our Postmaster General) announced last week that there will not be an exigent rate increase for the Market Dominant products that are normally adjusted in May. Normally these products that you know as First Class Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals and single piece Parcel Post have their prices adjusted by an amount that does not exceed the increase in the national CPI. In extreme or “exigent” circumstances the Post Office can still increase the rates beyond the CPI. You could certainly argue that the USPS has a good case to do so with tremendous year over year declines in mail volumes and financial losses.
Mr. Potter puts forth his reasoning quite eloquently: “This is the right decision at the right time for the right reason. Promoting the value of mail and encouraging its continued use is essential for jobs, the economy, and the future of both the Postal Service and the mailing industry.”
“While increasing prices might have generated revenue for the Postal Service in the short term, the long-term effect could drive additional mail out of the system. We want mailers to continue to invest in mail to grow their business, communicate with valued customers, and maintain a strong presence in the marketplace. Changes in pricing for our competitive products — Priority Mail, Express Mail, Parcel Select, and most international products — are under consideration. We expect to announce a decision in November.”