78 Percent of Internet Users Will Still Mail Holiday Cards This Year

"... USPS is expecting people to send more than 16 billion cards, letters and packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. While they're ready to do what they do best -- pick up and deliver mail and packages -- undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail costs the USPS more than $1.8 billion each year to process. ..."   

Reference: www.marketwire.com

Postal Service Trims List of Targeted Stations

"... USPS announced Nov. 20 that it has reduced the list of stations and branches under consideration for closure to 241 [list-PDF] (from 371 in early October) but warned that ..."   

Reference: www.apwu.org

North Pole USPS To Deliver Coal To Kids

"... Mayor Doug Isaacson says the USPS didn't bother to inform the city of North Pole of the changes, just instituted them. North Pole considers the letter processing program and all aspects of Christmas a big part of the city's identity. ..."   

Reference: www.huliq.com

Postal Service to raise some rates

"... An Express Mail flat envelope will rise from $17.50 currently to $18.30 next year. Other Express Mail prices based on weight will also go up. ..."   

Reference: kpbj.com

Network Distribution Centers (NDC)

"... The core principle of the NDC concept is to fill up containers and fill up trucks as early in the network as possible and to dispatch as deep into the network as possible. This objective is achieved by using three tiers of consolidation opportunity. The NDC’s level of responsibility depends on its network tier. ..."   

Reference: www.usps.com

Make mail call special for those in uniform

"... The U.S. Postal Service understands the importance of military mail. Nearly a quarter of its workforce-more than 185,000 men and women-are veterans of military service. The Postal Service goes to great lengths to ensure that military mail gets delivered to the brave men and women who are serving our country with distinction of honor. ..."   

Reference: www.northfortmyersneighbor.com

USPS Incentive Offer Leads to One-Time Exception on Casual Cap

Incentive OfferLeads to One-Time Exception on Casual Cap

"... Casuals may be employed up to the cap at any time; they may be employed in excess of the cap as the number of career employees terminating employment exceeds the cap, on a one-to-one basis. As additional career employees are employed in the section, either by hiring or reassignment, the number of casuals must be reduced.

No employees may be excessed from an installation while the relaxation of the casual restrictions is in effect. Casuals in excess of the cap must be terminated prior to March 2, 2010. ..."   

Reference: www.apwu.org

USPS Open Season Begins Today

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON OPEN SEASON IS IN THE MAIL

"... There are lots of changes in store for benefits next year. That’s why USPS is mailing several pieces of information to employees before and during the upcoming Open Season. Some of the information, including a ..."   

Reference: usps.gov

Postal Service: Rumors of death exaggerated

opinion

"... We expect that the Postal Service (one of the few services of the federal government specifically authorized by the Constitution) will continue to play an important role in American life for a long time to come - just as newspapers and magazines will continue to play a vital role far into the future. JOSEPH BRECKENRIDGE, USPS Communications, Alabama and North Florida ..."   

Reference: jacksonville.com

USPS Employee Deals ...discounts for the postal employee

USPS Employee Deals ...discounts for the postal employee

"...Take a look at the discounts offered to postal employees. The discounts are for Computer Deals, Employee Platinum Visa Card, Maaco, Maintenance, Repair, Operating Supplies, Phones (AT&T Wireless, Sprint Nextel Wireless, T-Mobile Wireless, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless), ..."   

Reference: usps.gov

Caught Like a Burglar With the Goods in Hand

"... In each rate-setting case since this standard was adopted, postal management has certified that workshare discounts meet this criteria. After years of challenges and appeals, the APWU now exposes these blatantly false certifications with an offer to perform the work mail consolidators, pre-sorters and bar-coders are performing – at a cheaper rate. I fail to understand the misunderstanding of our offer: We pledge to perform the work for less.

To fully understand this offer, one must understand postal processing operations and discounted mail. After years of modernization, postal management is able to sort all letters and flats to 9 and 11 digits. Management has invested a kingly sum of over $50 billion in automation, computerization, facility redesign, and the incorporation of remote encoding capabilities into the USPS mail processing system. This investment made the Postal Service more efficient and brought down the cost of mail processing. As a result, the avoided costs are lower. (For example, the incorporation of the remote encoding centers resulted in the elimination of 53 of the 55 REC sites.)

But at the end of this huge investment, workshare discounts have actually increased from 7.6 percent of the postage rate in 1976 (a one-cent discount on the 13-cent cost of a first-class letter) to 23.9 percent in 2009 (a 10.5-cent discount on the 44-cent cost of a first-class letter). These discounts diminish the USPS return on investment.

Notwithstanding the activity of the major mailers and others, postal employees must perform further sortation to achieve the 11-digit sortation that directs the mail to the appropriate Letter Carrier and into “walk sequence” for delivery. The work performed by the mailer that allegedly justifies the discount does not complete the preparation of mail for delivery and serves little purpose. ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

SANTA ANA EMPLOYEES LEAD RACE FOR THE CURE

SANTA ANA EMPLOYEES LEAD RACE FOR THE CURE
"... Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure in Newport Beach, CA. The 976-member team was led for the 10th consecutive year by Customer Relations Secretary Beverly Dalton. ..."   
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

Congress Approves FERS Sick-Leave Credit

Congress Approves FERS Sick-Leave Credit
"... would allow FERS-covered workers to receive a 50 percent credit for unused sick leave until Dec. 31, 2013. Starting on Jan. 1, 2014, they would receive full credit. Employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) already receive credit for sick leave when they retire. ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

Postmaster Potter Foresees 'Flat' Holiday Season

Postmaster Potter Foresees 'Flat' Holiday Season
"... Potter is trying to cut operations, including post offices, to meet that smaller demand. For truckers and airlines, that means they can't expect the seasonal surge the postal service used to provide. ..."   
Reference: www.joc.com

Burrus to Retire at End of Term

Burrus to Retire at End of Term
"... In an emotional closing to his speech at the union’s All-Craft Conference Sept. 30, APWU President William Burrus announced that he would not seek re-election in November 2010, ending a 53-year career in which he fought for better wages, benefits and dignity and respect on the job for hundreds of thousands of postal workers. ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

Union Addresses Concerns About Incentive Offer

Union Addresses Concerns About Incentive Offer
"... If it is anticipated at that time that the 30,000 limit will be reached, we will also decide who among the eligible employees will receive the incentive. Included among the options for consideration will be increasing the number of employees who will receive the incentive or permitting employees to cancel their retirement. ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

USPS Retirement Incentive Deadline Approaches

USPS Retirement Incentive Deadline Approaches
"... Full-time employees eligible for the 2009 Early Out Incentive Option have until Sept. 25 to let USPS know they want to participate. With a few exceptions, the offer extends to full-time, part-time regular and part-time flexible employees represented by the American Postal Workers Union or the National Postal Mail Handlers Union. This includes employees eligible for retirement or voluntary early retirement, or those who want to voluntarily resign. The early out incentive amount is $15,000 for eligible full-time employees. ..."   
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

Postmaster General Addresses Current Climate, Lays Foundation for Future Growth

Postmaster General Addresses Current Climate,
Lays Foundation for Future Growth
"... Potter said the Postal Service is staying focused on its mission to provide universal, affordable service to all Americans. “Service is still our priority. And we’ll continue to improve service as we implement more demanding service measurement systems,” he pledged. ..."   
Reference: www.usps.com

MAINTAINING A SAFE WORKPLACE PERSONAL HYGIENE IS KEY TO REDUCING RISK OF ILLNESS

MAINTAINING A SAFE WORKPLACE PERSONAL HYGIENE IS KEY TO REDUCING RISK OF ILLNESS
"... Don’t spread the flu! If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home. Symptoms of flu include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that sick workers stay home if they are sick with flu-like illness until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines. ..."   
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

Returned To Sender Stamp Style Distressed Logo tee Shirt

Returned To Sender Stamp Style Distressed Logo Men's tee Shirt in 12 colors Small thru 6XL

"... Get your 100% cotton Return to Sender T-Shirt ..."   
Reference: Returned To Sender Stamp Style Distressed Logo Men's tee Shirt in 12 colors Small thru 6XL

Alpine Air Signs $72 Million Contract With USPS

Alpine Air Signs $72 Million Contract With USPS
"... a six-year contract with the US Postal Service to move all air mail shipments throughout the states of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. An integrated service provider, Alpine Air has been moving air mail and other cargo for 17 consecutive years in Montana, and for 8 years in the Dakotas. ..."   
Reference: uk.sys-con.com

CHEATERS BEWARE OIG KICKS OFF WORKERS’ COMP FRAUD CAMPAIGN

CHEATERS BEWARE OIG KICKS OFF WORKERS’ COMP FRAUD CAMPAIGN
"... The message of this campaign is clear — it’s illegal to fake an injury and collect benefits, or work while on workers’ comp without reporting the income. Violators can end up in jail, lose their benefits and may be required to pay back the money they received. ..."   
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

Questions and Answers on Incentive Program

Questions and Answers on Incentive Program
"... “We created a new, signed document to respond to the questions,” APWU President William Burrus said, “because it is essential that the union and management provide the same information to employees who are faced with a short time period to make important life-altering decisions.” ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

NALC not offered early out incentives

Early out incentives for Mail Handler and APWU crafts
"... The Postal Service has not offered to negotiate a similar program for city or rural letter carriers with the NALC or the NRLCA. At present, the complements of city and rural carriers remain more closely aligned with the Postal Service’s needs to cover last-mile delivery at current mail volume. The new early-out programs should reduce the number of postal employees in other crafts excessed to the city carrier craft in the months ahead. ..."   
Reference: www.nalc.org

U.S. Postal Service offering 30,000 workers buyout

"... will offer buyouts to 30,000 workers, or about 4.5% of its workforce ..."   
Reference: www.marketwatch.com

USPS Offers $15,000 Retirement or Resignation Incentive

USPS Offers $15,000 Retirement or Resignation Incentive
The United States Postal Service is offering a $15,000 Retirement or resignation incentive to certain employees. The first installment will be $10,000 in November 2009 and the other $5000 will be one year later. Mailings will go out in the next few days to eligible employees. Stay tuned for more details. Update coming soon. The Postal Newsgroup

Do You Care If They Stop Saturday Mail Delivery?

Do You Care If They Stop Saturday Mail Delivery?
"... if the US Postal Service eliminates Saturday delivery as Pablo suggests. Up in Canada, they haven't had Saturday delivery for decades, even since pre-internet times;..."   
Reference: www.treehugger.com

Story in Mailers’ Publication Pointedly Misses the Point About Postal Salaries

Story in Mailers’ Publication Pointedly Misses the Point About Postal Salaries
"... even when applying the illegal standard, the typical FAA Electronic Technician is paid an amount that averages 25 percent higher than that paid a postal employee...."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

USPS Station and Branch Closures

Burrus: ‘Short-Sighted’ Strategy Will Mean Long-Term Damage
"... “The Postal Service could accelerate employee attrition by offering a reasonable retirement incentives,” he said. “Postal managers say they cannot afford incentives, but this is a short-sighted response. They cannot afford not to offer them. At a time when postal finances are in such dire straits, how can postal management refuse to allocate a minimum amount in order to generate substantial savings in future years?” Burrus asked.

Postal management also should limit the workshare discounts that are given to large mailers for activities that could be performed by postal employees, such as sorting mail and affixing bar codes, Burrus said. “The Postal Service could increase revenue in the range of $1 billion annually by eliminating rate discounts for processing activities that can be performed by postal employees with underutilized USPS equipment,” he wrote.

In addition, the USPS should redefine its business plan, recognizing that its principle source of revenue is advertising. Postal operations should be adjusted to reflect this reality, he said. ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

Union Members Protest Proposed USPS Changes

Union Members Protest Proposed USPS Changes
"... The American Postal Workers Union claims the United States Postal Service will contract out 54 local truck driver jobs and close three Central Ohio post offices to help reduce costs. ..."   
Reference: www2.nbc4i.com

Burrus: USPS Rate Policies Add to Fiscal Woes

Burrus: USPS Rate Policies Add to Fiscal Woes
"... Although arbitrators routinely consider the financial health or the Postal Service, if the amended bill is passed into law, it would have a profound effect on negotiations. When we begin our next round of contract talks in September 2010, discussion will be overshadowed by this new requirement. ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

Senators Weigh Postal Service’s Future

Senators Weigh Postal Service’s Future
"... Mr. Lieberman said that members of Congress were opposed to closing postal facilities and eliminating a day of delivery but said, “I fear that we’ll probably have to do both of those.” ..."   
Reference: www.nytimes.com

POST OFFICES URGED TO REDUCE PHILATELIC PRODUCT INVENTORIES

POST OFFICES URGED TO REDUCE PHILATELIC PRODUCT INVENTORIES
"... August and September are the last two months to make some money from these products. At the end of September, 89 philatelic products will be taken “off-sale” in preparation for the new Consumer Products Initiative (CPI).

Starting Oct. 1, only specified Post Offices can sell a limited line of philatelic products, so don’t order any more from Stamp Distribution Offices. To prepare for Oct. 1, USPS needs to sell as many existing philatelic products as possible, especially high-profit philatelic items like the 2008 Stamp Yearbook
and yearbooks from recent years. ..."   
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

USPS station and branch optimization and delivery route adjustments

USPS ON CAPITOL HILL JORDAN SMALL TESTIFIES AT HOUSE HEARING
"... since 2002, USPS has reduced costs by $1 billion per year and that last year, the Postal Service cut $2 billion in costs and reduced employee workhours by 50 million. ..."   
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

Station and Branch Closures, Five-Day Delivery: Acts of Surrender, With the Battle’s Outcome in Doubt

Station and Branch Closures, Five-Day Delivery: Acts of Surrender, With the Battle’s Outcome in Doubt
"... Such actions “will impede the Postal Service’s ability to compete” when the economy rebounds, he said.
APWU President William Burrus “These are acts of surrender — when the outcome of the battle is still in doubt,” Burrus said. The Postal Service provided the panel with a list of 677 stations and branches [PDF] in Level 24-and-above post offices identified to date for possible closure or consolidation. The stations were selected from 3,243 on a list provided to the union in mid-May. ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

APWU Urges Legislators To Reject Amendments to Senate Bill

APWU Urges Legislators To Reject Amendments to Senate Bill
"... Amendments offered by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) would require arbitrators to consider the financial health of the USPS when ruling on collective bargaining agreements, and an amendment submitted by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) would increase the share postal employees pay for healthcare coverage.

An amendment submitted by Sen. Coburn would repeal the requirement in appropriations law that requires the USPS to deliver mail six days per week. ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

Senate Bill to Ease USPS Financial Crisis

Quick Action Expected On Senate Bill to Ease USPS Financial Crisis
"... The presidents of the four major postal unions had asked the White House to address the deepening crisis facing the Postal Service. Attending the meeting were APWU President William Burrus, National Association of Letter Carriers President Fredric V. Rolando, National Rural Letter Carriers Association President Don Cantriel and National Postal Mail Handlers Union President John F. Hegarty. ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org
Tags: USPS Financial Crisis, Senate Bill, postal unions, Postal Service crisis, National Postal Mail Handlers Union, President John F. Hegarty, National Association of Letter Carriers, William Burrus, Fredric V. Rolando, Don Cantriel,

USPS Hits GAO "High Risk" List (Opinion)

USPS Hits GAO "High Risk" List
"... focuses on issues that suggest the reduction of employee benefits, contributing to the rapid decline of the American working-class in this country. GAO suggest Reduction of compensation and benefit costs through retirements, early retirements (without suggesting changes to the antiquated OPM limits on monetary incentives to facilitate the willingness to retire early), increasing health and life insurance benefit costs to the employee, and consolidations that negatively impact employees by excessing them to distant facilities. ..."   
Reference: npmhu317.blogspot.com

What is the Universal Postal Union?

Who is the Universal Postal Union?

"... The Universal Postal Union (UPU, French: Union postale universelle) is an international organization that coordinates postal policies among member nations, and hence the worldwide postal system. Each member country agrees to the same set of terms for conducting international postal duties. Universal Postal Union's headquarters are located in Berne, Switzerland. ..."   
Reference: en.wikipedia.org

USPS OPENS FIRST GREEN ROOF AT NEW YORK’S MORGAN P&DC

USPS OPENS FIRST GREEN ROOF AT NEW YORK’S MORGAN P&DC
"... roof will last up to 50 years — twice as long as the roof it replaced. It also will reduce the amount of contaminants in storm-water runoff..."   
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

Post office cuts disturb customers who rely on P.O. box security for business

Two Salem mail sites may close
"... are on a list of locations being considered for consolidation, said Peter Hass, a U.S. Postal Service spokesman. The proposed cutbacks don't include a privately operated postal store next to Oak Park Station. Four other postal stations in Oregon..."   
Reference: www.statesmanjournal.com

Postal Jeeps

Postal Pete ...#1 Postal Jeep Dealer in the World!

If you are looking for a postal Jeep there are many dealers specializing in this area. One dealer is Postal Pete at postalpete.com. Here's what
Rosean & Pete have to say about their experience in the postal jeep business:

"Selling Postal Jeeps has broadened our horizons and introduced us to hundreds of interesting people. We have found that the people who work for the postal industry are friendly and honest. In this business, as in the postal carrier delivery business, the people you deal with day to day make the difference between enjoying your occupation or not. God bless you all and hey, be careful out there."

  
See Also: http://galenachrysler.com/

Cities with highest deliverd mail volume (2008)

Cities with highest deliverd mail volume
"... THE TOP TEN. Here’s a list of the top 10 cities in the U.S. ranked according to their delivered mail volume in fiscal year 2008..."   
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

Think Tank Thoughts For Sale

Think Tank Thoughts For Sale
"... FedEx has launched a little campaign against this legislation. One might think that the American Conservative Union, one of the most powerful voices in the conservative movement since the group's founding in the 1960s, would be opposed to this legislation on principle, because the legislation is pro-union and might hurt the ability of a successful corporation to make a profit by any means necessary. ..."   

Reference: gawker.com

[tag]Postal News[/tag]

Bailing the Mail

Can government return profitability to the Postal Service?
Bailing the Mail
"... On the national level, staff has been reduced by 25,000 during 2009. Postal employment is now below 635,000 compared to the 800,000 employees 10 years ago. Administrative staff positions are being reduced by 15 percent nationwide. More than 1,400 mail processing and management positions at nearly 400 facilities are being eliminated and approximately 15,000 postal employees are being offered early retirement opportunities. ..."   
Reference: wowktv.com

Changes and Challenges

Changes and Challenges
"... Although significant change is unavoidable if the Postal Service is to meet its economic challenges, the union expects management to comply fully with all negotiated agreements. Absent contractual protections, the USPS response to the current crisis would be to slash the workforce and eliminate the eight-hour guarantee for full-time workers. Our contract prohibits such a response, but excessing and reassignment continue. ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

Union claims sorting switch will slow mail
"... After final processing occurs at the Jackson facility, the mail is placed on trucks and sent to local post offices. Under the proposal, the final sorting operation would be moved to Lansing. The mail would then be transported to Jackson and loaded onto other trucks. ..."   
Reference: www.lenconnect.com

Area Mail Processing Plans: Locals Fight Back

Area Mail Processing Plans: Locals Fight Back
"... A No-Go in Mansfield ...Suburban L.A. P&DC to Stay Open ...Fighting It Out in Oxnard...Possible Upheaval in Upstate NY...An Audit on the Gulf Coast...Partial Victory in PA..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

USPS OFFERS 75-PERCENT DISCOUNT ON RETAIL MERCHANDISE

USPS OFFERS 75-PERCENT DISCOUNT ON RETAIL MERCHANDISE
"... sells in Post Office lobbies nationwide, the Postal Service is offering existing merchandise at terrific savings. Starting this month, USPS is offering a 75-percent discount on select retail merchandise and promotional items. ..."   
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

Stamp Vending Machine Complaints Rise

Stamp Vending Machine Complaints Rise
"... Last year, the U.S postal service decided to begin to phase out the vending machines. ..."   
Reference: www.kfoxtv.com

Mail carriers file class action against USPS over labor violations

Mail carriers file class action against USPS over labor violations
"... According to the complaint, the employees "had overtime disallowed, had time improperly changed by a supervisor, been required to work through lunch to complete their route, and worked while off-the-clock and/or worked overtime and not been paid." ..."   
Reference: www.setexasrecord.com

An All-Star among us

An All-Star among us
"... Postmaster Kathleen Brooks in the Southeast Michigan District, has been chosen as a FINALIST for PEOPLE magazine and Major League Baseball’s All-Stars Among Us campaign. Kate has tirelessly worked to recruit marrow donors for the Be The Match Registry, hosted by the National Marrow Donor Program. As the Coordinator for the Southeast Michigan District of the United States Postal Service ..."   
Reference: yourpostalblog.blogspot.com

READ!!!!! How much money was wasted????????

USPS Waste: Join the debate at the FederalSoup.com Community

   Take a trip to the FederalSoup.com website and listen to postal employees discuss their personal examples of fiscal irresponsibility. You will read examples of what appears to be a repetitive theme of placing temporary managers in facilities and offices for extended periods of time while being paid per diem over and over again ...instead of permanently filling the vacant positions. The stories are just a click away!

Reference: community.federalsoup.com

DMA applauds USPS summer sale

DMA applauds USPS summer sale
"... The Direct Marketing Assn. (DMA) applauds the initiative and creativity of the United States Postal Service (USPS) and commends the diligent and expeditious endorsement of the USPS Summer Sale by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). ..."   
Reference: americanprinter.com

Postal Service Buyout Rumor (No. 63)

Postal Service Buyout Rumor (No. 63)
"... Currently the Postal Service is offering nine separate early-out authorities to a variety of workers ranging from headquarters here, to executives, customer service offices, postmasters and letter carriers and postal clerks. ..."   
Reference: www.federalnewsradio.com

Burrus Calls on Labor Department to Reverse Bush FMLA Rules

Burrus Calls on Labor Department to Reverse Bush FMLA Rules
"... The Bush FMLA rules “weakened the law and made it more difficult for workers to exercise the rights the legislation was designed to protect,” Burrus said ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

Porta-potty delivery for postal workers

Porta-potty delivery for postal workers
"... no indoor plumbing for the 70 postal workers based out of the downtown office, so they've been roughing it with a bank of porta-potties stationed in the back alley, for the past 11 days. ..."   
Reference: www.wqad.com

Post office in Bellevue up for sale

Post office in Bellevue up for sale
"... The U.S. Post Office says it would open smaller, retail-only branches to make up for the loss. Postal carriers would be consolidated into larger, regional offices. ..."   
Reference: www.mynorthwest.com

[APWU] Non-Members Fail to Appreciate What’s at Stake

Non-Members Fail to Appreciate What’s at Stake
"... those who declined membership demonstrate that they fail to appreciate that every benefit of employment they receive is a direct result of union activity. As conditions change due to the Postal Service’s deepening financial crisis, these individuals may begin to realize that their working life is directly affected by the union. ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

USPS revenue and volume continue to plummet

USPS revenue and volume continue to plummet
"... an 11.9% decrease from April 2008. Government appropriation increased by $1 million from 2008 to 2009. ..."   
Reference: www.dmnews.com

Post Office Evacuated Because Of Smoking Box

Post Office Evacuated Because Of Smoking Box
"... Employees at a post office had quite a scare Monday morning when a suspicious package started making strange sounds and smoking. ..."   
Reference: www.kptv.com

Restarting peace...Nuclear denial...Postal worries

Restarting peace...Nuclear denial...Postal worries
"... The US Postal Service says it's "anxiously" awaiting an economic turnaround as it slashes 25000 jobs this year. The post office is facing a ..."   
Reference: www.kxmb.com

Stamps.com Completes Market Test

Stamps.com Completes Market Test
"... The firm said that the product is no longer in market test status, which it has been operating under since getting an approval from the U.S. Postal Service since 2004. ..."   
Reference: www.socaltech.com

Experts Discussed Beating the Postal Drain in WhatTheyThink Webinar

Experts Discussed Beating the Postal Drain in WhatTheyThink Webinar
"... Blue Cross Blue Shield example that generated $20,000 in monthly savings was one that could be adopted by anyone. ..."   
Reference: whattheythink.com

Custom Postage Stamps & More For Your Special Occasions

Custom Postage Stamps and More For Your Special Occasions
"... Personalized Postage Stamps ..."   
Reference: www.artisticpostage.com

The King and Queen of Hearts Love Series Stamps

The King and Queen of Hearts Love Series Stamps
"... The new stamps show a male and female glancing at each other in an intriguing way; likening the game of cards — with all its elements of luck, strategy and skill — to the risks and pleasures of love...."   
The stamps can be purchased at local Post Offices, at usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24.

Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

USPS Priority Mail: INCREASING BRAND AWARENESS

AD CAMPAIGN PROMOTES VALUE OF PRIORITY MAIL PRODUCTS, SERVICES
"... “The goal is to increase Priority Mail brand awareness and to generate at least 200,000 business leads,” says Donahoe, explaining that the campaign also will be supported with in-store signage, a banner on usps.com and LiteBlue, a direct-response toll-free 800 number, and four new television ads...."   
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

Postal Service can afford to buy $1.2 million home?

Postal Service can afford to buy $1.2 million home?
"... "We are hoping it's going to go for the appraised value." But a real estate agent in the area said the home could be a tough sell in a depressed housing market -- and the USPS said it lost an average of more than $58,000 on the 500-plus homes its relocation program bought and sold in 2008. ..."   
Reference: www.wtsp.com

First-class stamps to increase by 2 cents Monday

First-class stamps to increase by 2 cents Monday
"... price of a first-class stamp will increase by 2 cents on Monday, rising from 42 to 44 cents, according to officials with the U.S. Postal Service. The increase is due to rising costs and inflation..."   
Reference: latimesblogs.latimes.com

USPS unveils two new wedding stamps

USPS unveils two new wedding stamps
"... It is one of those subtle wedding planning details that can end up tying everything together beautifully - placing the perfect stamp in the corner of your invitations or save-the-date cards. In honor of spring, the United States Postal Service has announced the launch of two new stamps with a wedding theme. ..."   
Reference: www.onewed.com

Mayoral candidate capitalizes on 5 union endorsements

Mayoral candidate capitalizes on 5 union endorsements
"... The National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 301, which has 650 members in Boston, endorsed Flaherty because he attended pickets, supported the union's fight for a new mail-sorting facility in Boston, and, when the union was once barred from a postmasters' meeting, "Michael got us in the door," said Timothy Dwyer, union president. ..."   
Reference: www.boston.com

Cost of stamps on the rise

Cost of stamps on the rise
"... Monday, May 11, the price for a one-ounce First-Class Mail stamp will increase from 42 to 44 cents ..."   
Reference: www.lexch.com

New Slim-Jim Standards to Kick In May 11

New Slim-Jim Standards to Kick In May 11
"... May 11, machinable automated slim-jims (with two tabs, weighing 3 oz.) and machinable non-automated (nontabbed, weighing 3.3 oz.) catalogs will be required to have the same physical characteristics: two tabs and must weigh no more than 3 oz. ..."   
Reference: multichannelmerchant.com

Queens mail could get rerouted to Brooklyn

Queens mail could get rerouted to Brooklyn
"... Queens postmarks may be a thing of the past if the United State Postal Service (USPS) goes through with a new proposal to consolidate mail processing operations from their Queens and Staten Island centers into their Brooklyn facility.
..."   
Reference: www.queenscourier.com

USPS ‘Clarifies’ Some Early-Retirement Deadlines

USPS ‘Clarifies’ Some Early-Retirement Deadlines
"... The USPS has also designated June 19 as the “irrevocable” date ..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

Today is Earth Day

EARTH DAY THINKING GLOBALLY, ACTING LOCALLY
"... Postal facilities around the country — large and small — are doing what they can to help conserve energy. Recycling efforts at the Anaheim, CA, P&DF (Link, 4/17) are saving USPS thousands of dollars and reducing landfill waste. ..."   
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

New Deal art filled post offices

New Deal art filled post offices
"... showcased in "A Common Canvas: Pennsylvania's New Deal Post Office Murals." The free exhibition, which runs through May 17 at the State Museum in Harrisburg, highlights what is probably Pennsylvania's largest collection of public art. ..."   
Reference: www.post-gazette.com

Jan. 2010 Retiree COLA

Pay Raise Horse Beats COLA Mule
"... In October of last year, living costs as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index dropped 1.3 percent. They were down again in November (2.3 percent) and December (1.2 percent). Increases in January, February and March were modest and that, for the COLA, is the problem. ..."   
Reference: www.federalnewsradio.com

Right Hand Drive 2009 Wrangler Unlimited

Right Hand Drive 2009 Wrangler Unlimited
"... The purpose-designed Unlimited X Right Hand Drive (RHD) is a modern rural letter carrier's dream come true. For years the rugged and reliable Postal Jeep vehicle, Model "DJ," faithfully transported rural letter carriers to remote regions of the country so they could do their job and deliver the mail. The available RHD package includes ..."   
Reference: www.jeep.com

SF May Sue Postal Service

SF May Sue Postal Service

"... postal service acknowledges that mail is dropped off at the residential hotels in one single pile and is not separated and put into individual lock boxes...."   
Reference: www.kcbs.com

USPS Standard Mail® Saturation Incentive Program

USPS Standard Mail® Saturation Incentive Program
"... currently scheduled for one year only, from May 11, 2009 to May 10, 2010, but may be extended for additional years. Credit is paid on an annual basis. The volume base year is defined as the period covering May 11, 2008 to May 10, 2009. This time frame will be the basis against which new mail volume growth (May 11, 2009 to May 10, 2010) will be measured. ..."   
Reference: ribbs.usps.gov

Postal Employee Public Data Source

The CourierPostOnline has a Public data source that will identify salary, facility location, Title/Position and year hired ...all you have to do is supply the name.
Reference: CourierPostOnline

MORE ON POSTAL BLOGGING.
"... “Your Postal Blog” is a great place to experience the positive side of the Postal Service. Click here to check out this active blog, now approaching a second year of daily posts and conversation. And while you’re at it, check out “Your Postal Podcast,” a monthly audio news magazine that highlights unique angles of postal life. Click here to listen from any computer...."   
Reference: liteblue.usps.gov

APWU Member Back From 2nd Tour in Iraq

APWU Member Back From 2nd Tour in Iraq
"... APWU member Drew Yerger is looking forward to his second time around as a window clerk. It will be a pleasant change of pace and workplace..."   
Reference: www.apwu.org

Union Resisting USPS Plans to Drastically Cut Hours at Cleveland Airport Post Office

Union Resisting USPS Plans to Drastically Cut Hours at Cleveland Airport Post Office
"... This location was once opened 24-hours a day, which was great. Then in the past couple of years the hours were reduced and the location began closing at midnight. There is usually a line when when you go in there, and it doesn't seem as if the post office is hurting that bad for business. ..."   
Reference: www.clevelandleader.com