When the AccuWeather Network wanted to talk to a winter expert recently, producers knew exactly where to turn — a postal worker. Carilla Hayden, a letter carrier at Englewood Station in Chicago, appeared on the TV channel to discuss how to keep ice and snow cleared from mailbox paths, sidewalks and stairs. “It was such […]
President Joe Biden has ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff to honor Harry Reid, the former U.S. senator from Nevada who died late last month. Flags should be flown at half-staff on Thursday, Jan. 13, the day of interment, until sunset. To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an […]
A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 96.52 percent during the week ending Jan. 7, down 0.38 percent from one week earlier. The data was collected Jan. 12. Central led the four areas with a rating of 96.84 percent, while Atlantic ranked last with a 96.32 percent rating. Among the […]
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday that commemorates the civil rights leader’s birth, will be observed Monday, Jan. 17. King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, to a family of preachers. He helped organize the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his landmark “I Have a Dream” speech. He also helped pave […]
The Postal Service is moving more applications to ARIS, the organization’s new platform for users to request access to USPS digital resources on ACE computers. Starting Jan. 18, Customer Label Distribution System, Enterprise Content Management, Full-Service Handheld Mail Verification and National Meter Accounting Tracking System will be among 23 applications that will transition to ARIS from […]
The Postal Service wants employees to know that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has made changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contribution limits for 2022. Employees can now contribute up to $20,500 to their TSP, starting Jan. 1. The previous limit was $19,500. Additionally, employees age 50 and older can also use the TSP […]
“His three sons” was a fun piece about Kevin Buxton and his sons working as letter carriers at Fond du Lac, WI, Post Office. It must be a real joy for them all to be able to share the experience together. […]
Several Postal Service price changes will take effect Sunday, Jan. 9. The changes affect Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and military mail and are in alignment with Delivering for America, the organization’s 10-year plan to achieve financial stability. Here are some of the current and new retail prices: • Priority Mail small flat-rate box: $8.45 (current), […]
Online hackers are imagined as lone wolves hiding somewhere in the recesses of the internet, but often they are part of well-organized and sophisticated operations sometimes financed by foreign entities to do far more harm than gain access to a family’s checking account. For instance, Microsoft and cybersecurity experts have recently warned that hackers sponsored […]
Postal Service employees can continue to work toward achieving their wellness goals with the help of a new webinar series. Kaiser Permanente, a provider of health plans for federal employees, is offering a series of virtual “Mindful Monday,” “Thriving Tuesday” and “Wellbeing Wednesday” sessions this year. Here’s an overview of the webinars and when they’ll […]
Scanning snapshot. A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 96.65 percent during the week ending Dec. 31, down 0.36 percent from one week earlier. The data was collected Jan. 5. Central led the four areas with a rating of 97.06 percent, while Atlantic ranked last with a 96.32 percent rating. […]
Scanning snapshot. A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 96.83 percent during the week ending Dec. 24, up 0.03 percent from one week earlier. The data was collected Dec. 29. Central led the four areas with a rating of 97.39 percent, while Atlantic ranked last with a 96.41 percent rating. […]
“News Quiz” is a weekly feature that lets you test your knowledge of recent Link stories. The correct answers appear at the end. True or false: Under the Delivering for America plan, USPS will invest $20 billion in people, technology and infrastructure, including upgrading the postal delivery fleet. a) True b) False When are […]
It was another year of memorable images in Link. Here’s another look at some of the best photos, including shots from postal workplaces, stamp dedication ceremonies and even customers’ homes. Select each thumbnail to see a larger version of the image. Share your feedback at uspslink@usps.gov. Your comments could be included in the “Mailbag” column. […]
I loved the “Santa Sean” article about Herndon, VA, Rural Carrier Sean Fleming, who dresses as Santa Claus to make his Christmas Eve deliveries. It’s so fantastic that he’s spreading good cheer. […]
Scanning snapshot. A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 96.58 percent during the week ending Dec. 17, down 0.21 percent from one week earlier. The data was collected Dec. 22. Central led the four areas with a rating of 97.17 percent, while Atlantic ranked last with a 95.88 percent rating. […]
Shawna Kitt recently brought out one of her favorite holiday displays: a table. “I placed [it in] the retail lobby to optimize the number of customers stopping for information,” said Kitt, a USPS customer services supervisor who works at Fenkell Station in Detroit. In addition to festive decorations, she decked the table out with information […]
Across America this week, in communities large and small, Postal Service workers are bringing home the holidays for a nation that could use a little cheer. USPS expects to deliver 12 billion mailpieces — including 850-950 million packages — during the 38-day stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. The organization is going the extra […]
Scanning snapshot. A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 96.52 percent during the week ending Dec. 10, down 0.13 percent from one week earlier. The data was collected Dec. 15. Central led the four areas with a rating of 97.13 percent, while Atlantic ranked last with a 95.95 percent rating. […]
USPS is offering savings on Hallmark greeting and Visa gift card purchases at select Post Offices this month. Customers and employees will receive $1 off the purchase of two Hallmark cards through Dec. 24. A coupon, available at greeting card retail locations, is required. From Dec. 18-31, customers and employees will receive $3.95 off the […]
There’s a new way to send co-workers a little cheer this holiday season. Hollygrams, featuring Holly, the USPS Operation Santa elf, are now available on LiteBlue, the recently redesigned postal employee portal. Hollygrams were created by the Postal Service’s holiday team. There are six templates that employees can use to send messages to each other. […]
As anyone who has ever intended to write a thank-you note or birthday card knows, the spirit may be willing but the follow-through can be weak. And so it is with USPS Operation Santa — children may be bursting with wishes, but a helping hand or gentle nudge may be needed to get those wishes […]
Scanning snapshot. A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 96.35 percent during the week ending Dec. 3, down 0.56 percent from one week earlier. The data was collected Dec. 8. Central led the four areas with a rating of 96.91 percent, while Atlantic ranked last with a 95.85 percent rating. […]
The Postal Service is reminding employees they can use Checkbook’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees to compare their options during this year’s open season. The online tool has information about all plans available through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. This includes information on copays, deductibles, prescription drug costs and whether dental and vision […]
The Postal Service wants employees to know about a matter that could affect their state tax bill. Employees who opted to telework in a different state than their assigned duty station finance number because of the coronavirus pandemic could be subject to different tax requirements this year. These employees should contact a qualified tax professional […]
The Postal Service has added 60 new robotic systems at 40 processing and distribution plants across the nation to help boost efficiency, especially during this year’s busy holiday peak season. Guided by strategically placed sensors, the flex rover sorters are autonomous robots that resemble utility carts. Each rover is powered by a rechargeable, 18-hour battery […]
The Postal Service has announced holiday hours for Post Offices and blue collection boxes: • Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Some Post Office locations may have extended hours leading up to the holidays, while others may have limited hours on Friday, Dec. 24. There are currently no plans for limited hours on Friday, Dec. […]
Scanning snapshot. A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 96.79 percent during the week ending Nov. 26, down 0.02 percent from one week earlier. The data was collected Dec. 1. Central led the four areas with a rating of 97.21 percent, while Atlantic ranked last with a 96.48 percent rating. […]
The Postal Service wants fleet site managers to brush up on the Voyager card program’s PIN management process as part of the preparations for peak delivery season. Specifically, USPS wants managers to follow the process used to create, terminate and manage personal identification numbers (PINs) for the Voyager payment cards that postal fleet drivers use […]
Calling all elves: USPS Operation Santa is open for business. Since Nov. 1, children and others in need have been sending letters to Santa containing their wish lists for the holiday season. (The deadline to send letters is Dec. 10; refer to the instructions on writing and sending letters.) And since Nov. 15, generous people […]