Scanning snapshot. The Postal Service’s national scanning rating was 97.84 percent during the week ending June 21, up from one week earlier. Western (98.07 percent) led the areas, while Dakotas (99.09 percent) topped the districts. Scanning allows customers to track their packages and mail, and it helps USPS improve efficiency and network management. To see […]
“Sesame Street’s” 50-year history of helping kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder was hailed during the June 22 dedication ceremony for the Sesame Street stamps. “It is safe to say that at some point, all of us have wanted to live on Sesame Street,” said Luke T. Grossmann, the Postal Service’s finance and planning vice […]
The following message is from Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan: The Postal Service provides the nation with a vital delivery platform that sustains and propels American commerce and binds the nation together by serving every American business and residential address. Because of a dramatic shift in market dynamics over more than the past decade, and […]
If you haven’t completed your Postal Pulse employee survey, you must do so before Friday, June 14, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The survey, which began last month, is a tool in the Postal Service’s efforts to improve its workplaces. It takes about 5 minutes to complete the survey, which has 13 questions and a comment box […]
The mediation process between the Postal Service and the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) has concluded. USPS and the union will move forward with interest arbitration. “The Postal Service is prepared to put on a strong economic and operational case in interest arbitration to justify its bargaining proposals and achieve an agreement that is fair […]
President Trump has ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff to honor the victims of the mass shooting in Virginia Beach, VA. Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset Tuesday, June 4. 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 […]
The Postal Service and the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year labor contract that covers approximately 131,000 employees represented by the union. “This agreement is responsible, fair to our employees and in the best interest of the organization and our customers,” said Labor Relations Vice President […]
Do you know colleagues like Shakilya Vincent, a Battleboro, NC, retail associate who came to the aid of customer who felt faint — later earning praise from the woman in a heartfelt letter of thanks? We want to know about them, too. USPS is seeking nominees for the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program, which honors employees […]
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Pompano Beach is one of many Florida communities with a large population of older customers, many of whom are discovering a feature that makes life a little easier: Informed Delivery. “Seniors like it because they digitally preview the mail, and if it’s raining, they don’t go to the mailbox right away,” said Frank Mariano, the […]
My name is James Milburn Jr., and I’m a Computerized Forwarding System clerk at the Merrifield, VA, Processing and Distribution Center. I handle mail with addresses that machines can’t read, as well as mail that needs to be forwarded to customers who’ve moved. I joined the Postal Service 38 years ago, but I’ve only worked […]
What did you think of Link’s coverage this month of the National Postal Forum in Indianapolis? Did you learn anything from the Military Appreciation Month-themed edition of “The List”? What was your opinion of the “On the Job” profiles of Andrea Avery, the Postal Inspection Service’s national public information officer, and Patricia Manzolillo, the agency’s […]
The Postal Service is reminding employees that the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program is one of the health care options available to them. The program, also known as FLTCIP, provides long-term care insurance for employees and loved ones who might otherwise use savings and other assets to cover these costs. Most employees purchase the […]
The Postal Service has reported its financial results for fiscal 2019’s second quarter (Jan. 1- March 31). Here are some highlights: • Revenue. Total revenue was $17.5 billion, essentially flat from the same period one year earlier. First-Class Mail revenue declined 3.3 percent, while Marketing Mail revenue declined 3.9 percent. Shipping and packages revenue increased […]
The Postal Service and the mailing and shipping industry are bridging physical and digital marketing channels to meet consumer needs, Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan told business leaders May 6. “New combinations of physical and digital are proving to be a growth opportunity for our industry,” Brennan said. “Organizations see significant increases in sales that […]
A Lego-loving boy in Kenosha, WI, has surprised his favorite Postal Service employee once again. Mitchell Hoepner, the 12-year-old boy who gave Letter Carrier Michelle Badham a replica LLV he made from Lego building blocks during the winter, was a surprise guest at a recent Post Office ceremony where Badham was recognized for her service. […]
Richard Sherrill was working as a musician at Walt Disney World in 1974 when he landed a memorable side job: playing percussion for Marvin Gaye, who came to Orlando, FL, to perform on Thanksgiving Day. “The stadium was packed with screaming Marvin Gaye fans,” Sherrill said. “It was a good gig.” Sherrill, who is now […]
I truly loved reading “Reliable voice,” the “On the Job” story about 92-year-old USPS telephone operator Harris London. She is inspiring. Thanks for all you do, Harris. […]
USPS is seeking nominees for the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program, which honors employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. The program is based on a simple idea: Postal Service employees know the habits of their customers and the rhythms of their communities, and are often the first to notify emergency personnel when […]
What did you think of Link’s recent story about John Vick, the Brooklyn, NY, letter carrier who has more than 5,000 hours of sick leave? Did you learn anything new from the explanation about the Thrift Savings Plan? What was your opinion of the “On the Job” profile of Stacey Martin, Greater South Carolina District’s […]
Are you a Postal Service employee who falls under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)? If so, you should know that your retirement income is partly based on the annuity you’ve established. You also have the option to contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which can increase your income in retirement. Although there is […]
My name is Bob Dixon, and I’m the product technology innovation director at USPS headquarters in Washington, DC. I help develop products and services that meet our customers’ needs in the digital age. I have the best job in the Postal Service. I get to work with businesses, customers and internal clients to figure out […]
The Postal Service is continuing its efforts to become more sustainable, a longstanding priority that allows the organization to help the environment while boosting efficiency. USPS reduces its environmental impact through initiatives like the National Recycling Operation, a program that standardizes postal recycling, and lean green teams, which are local employee groups that seek ways […]
I thoroughly enjoy reading Link’s articles. I print and post some stories in my cubicle. I also enjoy the quizzes. Keep them coming! […]
City Carrier Assistant Alson Watson was recently delivering mail in Oceanside, NY, when he came upon a house on fire. A neighbor was already on the scene, and Watson assisted him in rescuing the occupant — an older customer who was recovering from a stroke and was home by herself with four dogs. Watson and […]
Three USPS Sales employees will receive complimentary registrations to the National Postal Forum after they signed up thousands of new users for Informed Delivery. The employees each participated in a six-month sign-up challenge that concluded March 29. Ted Ross III, a Dallas District sales executive who signed up 1,965 subscribers, finished first. He was followed […]
Here’s Link’s latest “News Quiz,” a weekly feature that invites readers to test their knowledge of recent stories. The correct answers appear at the end. 1. True or false: A 30-year USPS employee under the Federal Employees Retirement System who earns $50,000 a year will need $600,000 in his or her Thrift Savings Plan account […]
USPS strives to be a good neighbor in every community it serves. This is why the organization has a Community Service Activities Policy that aims to help Postal Service employees contribute to the health and well-being of their communities in a manner that’s consistent with their postal duties and obligations. The policy requires employees to […]
Derrin Tucker was delivering mail recently when a dog charged toward him. The Lubbock, TX, letter carrier remembered the safety training he received and placed his satchel between himself and the animal. “I quickly tried to think of every dog bite prevention tip that would allow me to escape,” he said. The dog’s owner soon […]
Rural Carrier Associate Brandon Pectol was delivering mail on a cold, rainy day recently in Santa Clara, UT, when he spotted a teenage bicyclist in distress. The boy, who was inadequately dressed for the weather, had taken shelter under an awning at a market, and Pectol saw that he was soaking wet and shivering, with […]