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: Under the Hatch Act, a postal employee cannot wear a shirt or campaign button that promotes any political candidate seeking re-election while the employee is on […]
USPS honored the Americans who experienced one of the seminal conflicts of the 20th century at last week’s World War I: Turning the Tide stamp dedication ceremony. The 1914-1918 war reshaped the map of Europe and thrust the United States to the forefront of major world powers. “World War I was the first truly global war,” […]
USPS wants employees to follow the Hatch Act’s rules on politicking in the workplace. The Hatch Act is a law that prohibits Postal Service and other federal employees from engaging in political activity while on duty, while wearing a uniform, while on federal property or while inside a federal vehicle. These rules apply to activities […]
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. Which three states currently conduct all elections by mail? a) Colorado, Oregon and Washington b) Colorado, Hawaii and Oregon c) Colorado, Hawaii and Washington d) Hawaii, Oregon and Washington […]
“Forever friends” was a great story about two women who became lifelong friends through letter writing. These two have inspired me to write my friends more often. […]
Pocatello, ID, Rural Carrier Lesley Greenwell was recently leading a class for new rural carrier associates when Trisha Reisdorff of Heyburn, ID, arrived a few minutes late — clearly upset. Reisdorff explained that she’d had a flat tire 10 miles away on an interstate, and though she’d gotten a ride to class, she was distressed […]
Although people like receiving thank-you notes, few folks send them because they underestimate the positive feelings the notes provide, new research shows. The study found that after receiving thank-you notes and filling out questionnaires about the experience, many people scored a “happiness rating” of 4 on a 5-point scale. The senders typically predicted recipients would […]
Scanning snapshot. The Postal Service’s national scanning rating was 97.86 percent during the week ending July 20, up from one week earlier. Dakotas (99.13 percent) topped the districts, while Western (98.14 percent) led the areas. Scanning allows customers to track their packages and mail, and it helps USPS improve efficiency and network management. To see […]
Reminder: USPS wants employees to stay cool and safe during hot weather. You should hydrate before, during and after work, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Research shows you should drink at least 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes. Dressing appropriately for the weather is important, too. On warm days, wear light-colored, loose-fitting and […]
The Postal Service has announced more stamps for the upcoming holiday season, including new releases and past favorites. Here’s what’s new: • Global: Poinsettia. This Global Forever stamp can be used to mail a 1-ounce letter to any country where First-Class Mail International service is available. The stamp features a photo of a poinsettia taken […]
You can’t do any better than Frances Higgs, the Superior, MT, rural carrier who was profiled in “Tried and true.” […]
Rural Carrier Eric Pierce was recently delivering mail on a rainy day in Lavonia, GA, when he saw a worrisome sight: a broken guardrail on a bridge over a lake. Pierce stopped to investigate and spotted a nearly submerged car. He immediately called 911, but as he spoke to the dispatcher, he realized there was […]
Gigi Davin and Kris Grahn have been friends for 50 years — a relationship sustained almost entirely through letters. “We grew up together through the mail,” Davin said. The women, both 60, live about 1,300 miles apart: Davin is a lifelong Mainer, while Grahn has always resided in Wisconsin. Their schools matched them as pen […]
Hawaii is on its way to becoming the fourth state in the nation to conduct all elections by mail, beginning in two years. Colorado, Oregon and Washington are the other states that hold all elections by mail. “Hawaii is taking action to improve voter participation in the political process and stimulating our democracy by ensuring […]
Every vote counts. The Postal Bulletin’s July 19 edition features an Election Mail communications plan. The materials include background information; a list of important dates; explanations of Election Mail, Political Mail and Franked Mail; key messages; label and tagging requirements; guidelines for customers in the military; and more. The publication also includes updates to USPS […]
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. Fill in the blank: Postal Service employees collected (blank) pounds of food during the 2018 Stamp Out Hunger drive. a) 42 million b) 71.6 million c) 75.3 million d) […]
The Postal Service’s Scooby-Doo! stamp will help set an example for children and families to do good in their communities, USPS leaders and others told attendees at the July 14 dedication ceremony. The stamp shows Scooby-Doo watering a blossoming plant in a flowerpot — a simple act that represents doing good in our everyday lives. […]
Napa, CA, Letter Carrier Elsa Garcia was recently on an early morning run before work when she encountered a 28-year-old man in distress — clinging to the side of an overpass and threatening to harm himself. Garcia flagged down another passerby, who called 911, and stayed with the man, offering prayers and words of encouragement. […]
The new Flag Act of 1818 stamp, highlighted in the “Act of honor” article, beautifully honors the American flag and our history. I absolutely love it. […]
Postal Service employees collected 71.6 million pounds of food for people in need during this year’s Stamp Out Hunger drive. The results were reported July 12 by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), which leads the annual one-day campaign. “Every day on our routes, letter carriers see the struggles many people have with providing […]
USPS wants employees to remember the Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler (RCAS) tool is available to help users schedule first-time passport application appointments online. Customers can use a computer or mobile device to go to usps.com/scheduler and schedule a first-time appointment for a passport book, passport card or both. The tool guides users through four easy […]
The Postal Service shows highlights from the recent Frozen Treats stamp dedication ceremony in a new video. Frozen Treats are the Postal Service’s first-ever scratch-and-sniff stamps. The scents include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, watermelon, orange, lemon-lime and bubblegum. “This means, you’ll be able to add the sweet smell of summer to your cards and letters,” says […]
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. What’s the name of the new training course to help Postmasters and other employees deliver exceptional service? a) Focusing on Our Customers’ Discovery b) New Customer Services c) Providing […]
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. What’s the name of the new law enforcement initiative that includes the Postal Inspection Service and aims to protect small businesses from scams? a) ContinYOUous Learning b) Operation Main […]
City Carrier Assistant Michael Baker was recently delivering mail in Huntsville, MO, when he heard a customer calling out for help inside a residence. Baker discovered that the 95-year-old man, who lives alone, had fallen down a stairway overnight. The Postal Service employee immediately called 911. He also got the customer something to drink and […]
“Restoring honor” was a wonderful story about how Wilson, NC, Letter Carrier Clarence Hollowell uses his free time to clean military veterans’ headstones. […]
President Trump has ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff to honor the victims of the recent shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper offices in Annapolis, MD. Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset Tuesday, July 3. To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the […]
It’s often said that in wartime, morale arrives in the mail. Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division in Laghman Province, Afghanistan, say they take pride in processing mail and keeping morale high for the soldiers and civilians deployed to the region. “Receiving mail from home is a way for someone to feel connected,” said Sgt. […]
Postal Service employees across the nation are taking extra measures to ensure they’re prepared for this year’s elections. Employees in Capital Metro Area’s eight districts are participating in workshops and other activities to learn about the acceptance, processing and delivery requirements for Election Mail and Political Mail. “The Postal Service has an essential role in […]
USPS shows how Informed Visibility helps business customers in “Informed Visibility Delivers Data,” a new video on YouTube. The 2-minute segment features testimonials from executives whose businesses have benefitted from Informed Visibility, a data and analytics platform that allows users to track their mailings as they move through the Postal Service network. The video also […]