Welcome to CDS Solutions!

To my fellow CDS suppliers,

It’s only the second day of the new year, and I’m already frustrated by what I’m seeing in response threads to legitimate CDS supplier questions. I need to vent.

What concerns me most is seeing misleading and flat-out incorrect information being given—sometimes by people I’ve been associated with in the past through a mail contractors association I won’t name. I have to bite my tongue daily, because that kind of bad advice doesn’t just cause confusion—it can eventually lead to a supplier losing their contract.

I’ll be honest—my personality really wants to call these people out publicly. But I also know that calling people out doesn’t solve anything. It just creates more noise, more division, and more confusion for suppliers who are already stressed and looking for real answers.

So instead, I focus on facts.

I want to be very clear about where my responses come from.
They are not my opinions.
They are not what I think should happen.

Over the years, I’ve accumulated access to postal handbooks, manuals, federal contracting guidance, Department of Labor materials, and information from the late contracting attorney David Hendel. I’ve compiled and cross-referenced this material so I can deep dive and give CDS suppliers answers that are grounded in actual policy, contract language, and documented process—not hearsay.

I also make it a priority to stay up to date on USPS publications, policy updates, and industry developments affecting the CDS program—both today and in the years to come.

That’s why some answers people don’t like are often the most accurate ones.

And honestly, I’m tired of watching suppliers get steered in the wrong direction because someone “has always done it that way” or “heard it from someone else.” That frustration is exactly why I formed CDS Solutions—to cut through the noise, stop the misinformation, and give suppliers clarity before mistakes turn into real consequences.

I don’t enjoy correcting people.
But I care deeply about protecting CDS suppliers.

If my responses seem firm, it’s because contracts are firm.
If they seem repetitive, it’s because misinformation keeps repeating itself.

Thank you for letting me vent.
All I want is for every CDS supplier to be knowledgeable, protected, and successful.

Terry Stumpff
Owner, CDS Solutions ... See MoreSee Less

Common Myths About CDS Suppliers (and the Reality)

A lot of the stress and confusion CDS suppliers deal with comes from myths that simply aren’t true. Here are some of the big ones we see over and over at CDS Solutions:

❌ Myth: CDS suppliers are USPS employees
✅ Reality: CDS suppliers are independent contractors and business owners.

❌ Myth: Postmasters can fire CDS suppliers
✅ Reality: Only a USPS Contracting Officer can terminate a CDS contract.

❌ Myth: CDS suppliers can file grievances like postal employees
✅ Reality: Contractors don’t grieve. Issues are handled through contract administration.

❌ Myth: PMs can change routes, line of travel, or delivery methods at will
✅ Reality: The contract controls. Informal requests don’t change contract requirements.

❌ Myth: If you’ve always done something, it’s now required
✅ Reality: Past practice does not modify a contract unless it’s formally amended.

❌ Myth: USPS can manage CDS carriers like employees
✅ Reality: USPS defines the service; suppliers control staffing and supervision.

❌ Myth: CDS suppliers must accept all extra work
✅ Reality: Work outside the contract is generally voluntary unless amended.

❌ Myth: Extra trips automatically pay the daily contract rate
✅ Reality: Extra trips are paid as authorized extra service—not the contract rate unless specified.

❌ Myth: PS Forms like 5500 discipline CDS suppliers
✅ Reality: Contractors aren’t disciplined like employees—contracts govern performance.

❌ Myth: CDS suppliers should contact the CDS Office before addressing issues locally
✅ Reality: Most issues should be discussed first with the local office/Postmaster. The CDS Office is not the first stop for routine operational or contract questions.

❌ Myth: CDS suppliers have no protection
✅ Reality: Protection comes from understanding the contract, proper documentation, and clear boundaries.

Bottom line:
Most CDS issues aren’t caused by bad intent—they’re caused by misunderstandings about authority, roles, and contract boundaries.

Knowledge reduces stress. Contracts matter. ... See MoreSee Less