May 15, 2014

Time-Delayed and Date-Certain Delivery Mail

Michael Ravnitzky

Caveat

The views expressed are solely those of the author. They do not represent the opinions of the Postal Regulatory Commission or any of the Commissioners.

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Delivery of messages or objects at a future time specified by the sender3

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Time-Delayed Mail would leverage the ubiquity, skills and resources of the USPS, a trusted national institution

Is there a need? Is there demand?

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Previous methods

Wills Sealed Envelopes Headstones Family Bibles Safety Deposit Boxes Vaults or Safes

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Other methods

A trusted family friend Attorney or established law firm Recorded audiotapes/videotapes Publication in a book or article Internet websites Computer files

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Not the best solutions

Unreliable Costly Burdensome

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E-Media allow delayed delivery

Most email software TimeCave.com LetterMeLater.com EmailAlabi.com FutureMe.org Nudgemail.com

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Time-Delayed Mail 10

Provides a way to send

Letters, photos and tangible objects

Items of personal, sentimental or intrinsic value

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Could be regarded as a form of high-value forward logistics for individuals and others

Shifts the burden of storage and logistics to the postal provider

Types of Time-Delayed Mail

Short-term delayed communications mail Less than 3 months

Long-term delayed communications mail More than 3 months

Contingency mail “If…”, “When…”, “Unless…”, “Which…”

Date-certain advertising mail

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Components of Time-Delayed Mail

Mail Acceptance Specification of Delay and Contingency

Disposition Optional Digital Redundancy Element Time-Based Addressing Onset Address Verification Sorting Storage, Transportation and Retrieval Post-Retrieval Processing Reliable Delivery

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Use of postal infrastructure - 1

National postal network Keeper of the nation’s address system Addressing conventions National Change of Address (NCOA) Postal redirection database and software (PARS) Other address update systems (CARS, COARS,

PAD) UAA reduction experience

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Use of postal infrastructure - 2

Intelligent Mail barcodes and ZIP Codes Automated sorting and mail handling

systems Procedures for handling accountable mail Forever postage products 200 federal laws protecting integrity of the

mail The Postal Inspection Service

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But it could require other elements

Handling and Intake Procedures Employee Training and Labor resources Secure storage New addressing aspects Envelope markings / visibility Enhanced postal redirection procedures Contingency handling Cost analysis Pricing structure

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Risks

Uncorrectable delivery address Loss or damage Retrieval failure or delivery failure Service discontinuance Lack of institutional continuity Possible peak congestion problems

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Date-Certain Advertising Delivery Importance of delivery timing Catalogs, sale flyers/inserts, direct

marketing Election Materials “In home dates” Read rates, Open rates, Response rates Fulfillment resources / inventory Help desk, phone center planning Mailbox clutter

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Other Potential Applications

Images extracted from social media Combining into one transaction

multiple mail pieces to be sent at different times

Flexible offsite storage options with automated return

Interactive videogaming, MMORPG, RPG, participative fiction

Birthday cards

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Conclusions

A new category of postal products would transmit messages and objects through time as well as between locations

Taps the strengths of the existing postal network and would provides a useful service

Would not require technical breakthroughs Robust address correction minimizes risk Potential value for advertising

communications

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May 15, 2014

Time-Delayed and Date-Certain Delivery Mail

Michael Ravnitzky