Welcome to CDS Solutions!
Our #1 & Only Priority is Contract Delivery Service! Where our focus is on providing an in-depth view to all aspects of owning and operating a USPS Contract Delivery Service (CDS) business.
Whether you have just become interested and or just starting out or are a seasoned supplier, CDS Solutions is here for you. We are your one stop source for Contract Delivery Service.
We work closely with United States Postal Service officials and other government agencies to get the answers to your questions, that you need to be a successful business owner and mail delivery supplier.
How Can We Help?
CDS Top Challenges
In every business there are key elements that can make or break a company. Understanding these key areas of the CDS craft will go a long way in the success of your business. CDS Solutions is here to assist you in understanding these and any other challenges you may face.
1. "Follow the Contract"
2. DOL Labor Wage & Hour Divisions Prevailing Wage & WD Adjustment
3. Extra Trip Service
4. Late Slips
5. CPI's
6. 5500's
7. Edit Books
8. Route Evaluation - Service Change Request (SCR)
9. Holiday and Sunday Deliveries
10. Employee Benefits
Become a Member for the Answers!
We go the last mile to get you the answers!
The information that you will receive as a member of CDS Solutions has been collected from digital sources from the USPS HQ’s, USPS CDS office, USPS Postal Operations, Office of Inspector General USPS, US Postal Inspection Services, Department of Labor, Small Business Association, the IRS and a contracting legal counsel expert.
CDS Solution’s resident expert also shares inside industry knowledge acquired through trial and error of operating over 200 CDS Contracts, as well as one on one interactions with USPS and DoL personnel.
Understanding and following these steps will put you on the path of being a successful USPS Contract Delivery Service independent business owner.
What is Contract Delivery Service?
A Contract Delivery Service route is a contract agreement between the Postal Service and a private individual or firm for the delivery of and collection of mail from homes and businesses. The services provided by the CDS carrier are similar to those provided by postal rural letter carriers, including delivery of mail and the sale of postal services.
Responsibility of CDS Suppliers
As a business owner providing service to the United States Postal Service, CDS suppliers and or employee(s) general responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- To be a CDS contract supplier, you must be at least 21 years of age. To be a hired employee of a CDS contract supplier you must be at least 18 years of age.
- Responsible for providing and maintaining privately owned vehicles while delivering mail. Your personal vehicle must meet the size requirements per the contract to accommodate the normal mail volume and constructed to protect the mail from loss or damage. In addition, a privately owned vehicle must reflect a professional and positive image of the Postal Service and meet all requirements in accordance with federal, state, and local motor vehicle laws and regulations.CDS suppliers and or their employees are required to provide and maintain liability insurance for their vehicle(s) in accordance with the terms of the contract. A valid state driver’s license must be maintained. If supplier’s driver’s license is canceled, suspended, or revoked, the supplier must notify the Contracting Officer and the Administrative Official immediately. The Administrative Official may review driver’s license at any time.
- Reporting for work promptly, as scheduled.
- Presenting a neat, clean, and professional appearance reflecting a positive postal image.
- Anticipate Adverse Situations. Delivery of all mail in all situations, and should report for duty, if possible, regardless of weather conditions, unless instructed otherwise by the Postmaster/ Administrative Official
- Ensure sanctity and security of the mail. Protecting all mail, monies, and postal equipment entrusted at all times.
- Returning all mail, monies, and postal equipment to the post office upon return from the route.
- Displaying a courteous and helpful attitude to customers and postal personnel.
- Developing and maintaining the skills necessary to satisfactorily and safely perform all duties assigned.
- Following the directions of on-site Postal Service management
Become a CDS Supplier
Be your own boss, while enjoying the great outdoors! We are here to assist you through the process. Follow the link below and Click on Contract Opportunities to register and view opportunities. Or you can send an email directly to the United States Postal Service Contract Delivery Service (CDS) office in Aurora at cds@usps.gov (and Insert Prospective Supplier in the subject line.)
Member Benefits
Your paid in full membership provides you with access to all the benefits listed below & more!
- Instructions on how to start and maintain a successful CDS business.
- Instructions on properly categorizing your employees and paying taxes.
- Instructional Guides, Handbooks and Management Instructions of Contract Delivery Service.
- How to instructions on day to day operations.
- Instructions on how to properly obtain and professionally complete Postal Forms and example Templates to expedite the process.
- Expert Guidance on how to improve your bottom line profits.
- Q&A meetings with CDS and Postal Operations personnel In person at your location or a nearby site.
- Networking capabilities with other CDS suppliers in your time of need. Whether you need a day off or you need a temporary employee to fill in an emergency situation, take part in our Networking program to fit your needs.
- Online Zoom meeting.
Member Registration
Once you’ve completed your membership registration, you will receive instant access to CDS Solutions’s website guides and features. The information that you will receive on the CDS Solutions website is continually being updated through our business relationships that we have established over the years with USPS HQ’s, USPS CDS office, USPS Postal Operations, the Department of Labor and a contracting legal counsel expert. We go the last mile to provide you the latest information.
Latest News
Wishing you a peaceful and prosperous Independence Day! Let's join together and uphold the true spirit of America - Happy 4th of July from CDS Solutions! - mailchi.mp/d7e3739f2241/happy-presidents-day-from-the-cds-solutions-team-12695083
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
It saddens me to report that Atty. David Hendel, a man that has done so much for postal contractors and a dear friend of mine has unexpectedly passed away.
1 CommentComment on Facebook
He was so informative for CDS suppliers. His knowledge will surly be missed.
Meet Our Expert
My name is Terry Stumpff and I’ve been a nationwide CDS supplier since 2006. I am a former member of the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association where I held a position on the Board of Directors. I have operated close to 200 CDS contracts criss crossing the country from Florida to Alaska, Nevada to Maine and many locations in between.
My passion and goals have always been to educate CDS suppliers and be a voice for small business. I want to take the knowledge that I have acquired from my own trial and errors, as well as my one on one interactions with USPS and DoL personnel, and pass that on to all suppliers.
Years Expertise
CDS & Priority Express Contracts Operated
Testimonials
“I am the admin of a Facebook group dedicated to Highway contract route owners and I can say that Terry knows all the ins and outs of the HCR CDS business. If there is a question to be answered he’s got the answer. Terry has been very helpful in guiding members of the group when it comes to owning and operating HCR’s.”
“Terry is a member of my Contract Carrier Facebook group and has been an invaluable resource for us. His knowledge is second to none and his willingness to help other fellow contractors is exemplary. When someone contacts me with questions or issues pertaining to the industry and I cannot help I direct them to Terry with confidence that he will do his best to help.”
“I met Terry Stumpff after receiving my contract in 2019, as a new contract holder I didn’t (and still don’t) know all the ins and outs of my contract. Whenever I have needed advise or guidance as to what to do or how to handle certain things Terry has been right there to help me, always supportive and willing to teach me about it all.”