The U.S. Postal Service yesterday outlined proposed modifications to the new rules governing Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRAs) that went into effect in April.
The rules were adopted to combat mail fraud.
Private mailbox companies are used by direct marketers and mail monitoring companies to track mail and check list security with decoy mailings.
The USPS is eliminating a controversial provision in the rules that would require CMRA operators to provide postal authorities with a wealth of personal information about their customers.
It agreed with CMRA operators and others, including the Direct Marketing Association and members of Congress, that the requirement would have violated the personal privacy of private mailbox renters.
But, it wants to prohibit current and future CMRA customers from using words in their addresses indicating that their mail is going to a location other than a private mailbox.
Words like “suite” and “apartment” would be banned, and private mailbox holders would still be required to use the letters “PMB” in their addresses as a clear indication that the mailing is going to a commercial mail receiving agency.
The modified rules also propose the development of a joint effort between the private mailbox industry and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to combat mail fraud.
Kenneth Weaver, the new USPIS chief, said the modifications “strike a balance between protecting privacy, business growth and enhancing our arsenal in the fight against mail fraud.”
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