How Quickly Can the Postal Service Implement a Rate Increase?

I need to clarify my statement from yesterday (See USPS's Action Delays Announcement of New Postal Rates) about how quickly the U.S. Postal Service can implement rate increases that comply with the inflation-based price cap.

The key language in the PRC's ratemaking rules states, "no rate shall take effect until 45 days after the Postal Service files a notice of rate adjustment specifying that rate." The period could be longer if someone challenges the proposed rates as being out of compliance with the price cap.

Some have also contacted me questioning how quickly the Postal Service's information systems could be updated with the new rates, given the recurring problems with PostalOne and other USPS systems. Good question.