Tuesday, May 13, 2025
USPS adds a new option for shipping cremated remains
The smaller-size box is suitable for jewelry and keepsakes
The Postal Service recently began requiring customers to use the branded Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box when shipping cremated remains — whether they were ashes alone or ashes contained in items such as jewelry or keepsakes.
Beginning Monday, May 12, USPS will introduce a smaller Priority Mail Express product to allow customers to ship these jewelry and keepsake items in a box more suitable to the size of the shipment.
The new Priority Mail Express box is 9 inches long, 7.25 inches wide and 5 inches high.
The small Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box kits will be available for order through the online Postal Store. They will also be available through Click-N-Ship, beginning Tuesday, May 27.
Employees who have questions can email the expedited packaging team.
Unapproved USB devices will be blocked starting June 1
The cybersecurity action will not affect a mouse, keyboard or monitor
The Postal Service will begin blocking all unapproved USB mass storage devices on ACE computers starting June 1.
Employees and contractors who connect an unapproved flash drive, external hard drive or smartphone may see a pop-up message saying: “Device Blocked by SentinelOne — USB device blocked. Your organization does not allow you to use this device.”
Devices such as a mouse, keyboard or external monitor will not be blocked.
Employees and contractors who need an approved USB device for storing and transmitting USPS information can purchase one through eBuy Plus or contact their manager.
The organization is taking this measure to strengthen cybersecurity and reduce the potential for data leaks or other network breaches.
The Postal Service prohibits the use of unapproved USB devices. Employees and contractors who receive multiple blocking messages could face an investigation.
The Postal Inspection Service is taking its own approach to blocking unauthorized USB devices. The agency’s ACE users will receive separate communications with details and specific actions.
The Unauthorized USB Device Initiative Blue page has more information. Employees and contractors with questions can email the insider risk team.
May 20, 2025
Datebook
‘Healthy Benefits of Sleep’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar to learn about the importance of sleep.
The session, “Healthy Benefits of Sleep,” will be held Tuesday, May 20, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from Kaiser Permanente, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the discussion.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must participate off the clock or during authorized breaks.
Employees with questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
Lower flags for fallen police officers on May 15
Peace Officers Memorial Day, which honors police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, is Thursday, May 15.
Postal Service facilities are required to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff. When the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff, all other flags must fly at half-staff, too.
To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day.
The USPS Administrative Support Manual has guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance.