Postal Rate Commission

Group appointed by the President of the United States, and approved by the Senate, to make recommendations regarding postage rate changes and mail classification policies; abbreviated PRC. The PRC increases rates periodically when the u.s. postal service budget shows an expected or actual deficit that requires such a move. The process begins with a rate change request from the USPS, followed by a flurry of lobbying activity on the part of mailers. Because the objective of the USPS is to break even, it is possible, but unlikely, that the PRC will lower rates when a budget surplus is expected. It takes 10 months for the PRC to evaluate a rate case and make a recommendation. See also u.s. Postal board of governors.