It was peak season — just days before Christmas last year — when Salmon, ID, Postmaster Michael Farnworth heard from a grieving customer with a heartbreaking request. The woman, whose newborn daughter had died at only 8 days old, was worried that the burial dress she’d ordered online from a retailer across the country wouldn’t […]
It started as a cursive writing lesson in one Dallas third-grade class, but it’s become a life lesson. When Karen Gunter, a teacher at Good Shepherd Episcopal School, showed images of the U.S. Constitution to her third-graders last fall, she realized they didn’t know how to read cursive writing. A parent suggested Gunter contact Presbyterian […]
Postal Service employees who’ve been attacked by dogs are stepping into the spotlight this week to share their stories — and in some cases, their scars. Dearborn, MI, Letter Carrier Tameka Toliver recalls being pinned on a porch by a dog that bit her above her knee. “It happened so fast, even with all my […]
Travel notice. If you have a USPS travel card, you won’t be permitted to send per diem reimbursement payments to your card, effective April 13. In the eTravel system, you’ll be required to select “Other” as the payment type for per diem reimbursements. This means payments for these expenses will be sent directly to you […]
Salem, IL, Letter Carrier Eric Hirsch was recently delivering mail in an isolated area when he discovered a younger man collapsed on a sidewalk. Hirsch checked on the man and found him to be unconscious, so he immediately called 911 and stayed on the scene until emergency responders arrived. Paramedics determined that the man was […]
The new retail training described in “Role with it” is needed. It sounds like a great program. […]
The coupon comeback is continuing. Forty-eight percent of consumers say they prefer to receive coupons in the mail, up from 44 percent a year ago and 40 percent in 2016, according to a new study by Valassis Communications Inc., a direct mail marketing firm. Coupon usage is up, too: Ninety-one percent of consumers say they […]
Jill Jessen believes in teamwork. The manager of the Aurora, IL, Vehicle Maintenance Facility oversees about 23 employees who work two different schedules: Some are on tour 2, an early shift, while others work tour 3, a late-day shift. “I want everyone to feel like they’re on a team, not separated into just being on […]
The Postal Service doesn’t have a current mailing address for about 7,000 employees. Are you one of them? If so, you’re missing important communications from USPS, including paycheck stubs, information about tax changes, salary and benefits updates, and more. Five methods are available to update your address: • LiteBlue. Use any computer to go to […]
“Political Mail: Cutting Through the Noise,” a new video from the Postal Service, shows how campaigns can use direct mail to reach voters. The 1-minute, 15-second animated segment notes that 73 percent of Americans would rather receive political information by mail instead of email, phone calls or other options. “Political mail is a targeted, tangible […]
The information shared through Link is very informative. […]
Letter Carrier Garrett Smola was picking up a package recently in Springfield, MA, when he heard yelling nearby. Smola looked around and spotted a younger man beating an older man and demanding his wallet. The Postal Service employee safely intervened, ordering the assailant to stop, at which point he fled the scene. Smola called 911 […]
Between the two of them, USPS colleagues Andrew Horne and Robert Capelli have logged more than a century of service. Both men work at the Merrifield, VA, Processing and Distribution Center. Horne, a culling group leader, recently marked the 50th year of his postal career, while Capelli, a maintenance support clerk, has been on the […]
The Postal Service is helping customers apply for passports before a U.S. State Department fee increase takes effect next week. Beginning Monday, April 2, the passport acceptance fee will rise from $25 to $35. Post Offices are holding passport fairs and offering extended hours to help customers submit applications and beat the increase. “Our expanded […]
What a day. Prosper, TX, Postmaster Jim Spradley, who recently had an elementary school named after him, has a new honor: His own day. Prosper officials recently proclaimed March 13 Jim Spradley Day to recognize the Postmaster, who has served in the role for 40 years. In addition to his postal duties, Spradley serves on […]
While Strawberry Plains, TN, Rural Carrier Associate Landon Allen was recently delivering a package to an older customer, he heard unusual noises coming from inside the woman’s house. Allen investigated and discovered that the customer had fallen, suffering a broken hip. The Postal Service employee called 911 and comforted the woman until emergency responders arrived. […]
I love reading the stories like “Perfect matches,” the article about Post Offices that celebrate when the date aligns with a local ZIP Code. It’s fun to learn something new each day. […]
John Magliaro likes to look good. For 50 years, the Worcester, MA, letter carrier has shined his shoes, put on a tie and delivered the mail. He believes that as a face of the Postal Service in his community, he should always look his best. “I take pride in my uniform,” Magliaro says. When he […]
Some political candidates are putting the power of letter-writing to work for them during this year’s elections — with a modern twist. In Illinois, candidates are mailing personalized notes to voters. Although the notes resemble handwritten letters, they actually are produced by machine. Political campaign experts say the approach helps candidates stand out with distinctive […]
“Jeopardy!” alert. Two stamps that are ideal for special occasions will be clues on the “Jeopardy!” episode that is scheduled to air Thursday, March 29. Tune in to find out which stamps will be featured. The “Jeopardy!” site has broadcast times and stations. Sally Ride stamp. Tennis legend Billie Jean King will help unveil the Sally Ride […]
“Cracking the code,” the story about the St. Louis Network Distribution Center’s effort to better utilize cardboard containers, was really good. […]
Buffalo, NY, Letter Carrier Anthony Wheeler recently grew worried about a customer whose mail was piling up. Wheeler alerted his manager, who contacted police. Responding officers checked on the woman and found her unconscious, in dire need of medical attention. The customer was hospitalized and died several days later. […]
The Postal Service has released a video that offers consumers tips on sending packages around the world. “How to Ship Internationally” is the latest video in the “How to: Shipping Tips” series. “Whether you’re shipping to Austria or Zimbabwe … the United States Postal Service provides a range of cost-effective service options for you to choose […]
Party of five. Ashlee Hansen is the latest USPS employee to earn a complimentary registration to this year’s National Postal Forum. Hansen, a field account representative for Western Area’s Central Plains District, received the registration after recruiting five customers to attend the forum, which will be held in San Antonio from May 6-9. Hansen’s efforts […]
Letter Carrier Richard Milleville Jr. was recently delivering mail in Tonawanda, NY, when he encountered a customer in crisis. The man had fallen in his driveway and suffered a broken arm. Milleville rushed to the customer’s aid and called 911. The Postal Service employee stayed with the man until emergency responders arrived. […]
The retail associates at the Naval Station Great Lakes, IL, Post Office are delighted with the pleasant chiming sound produced by the Postal Service’s new credit card chip readers. It’s much better than the obnoxious “honking” sounds made by readers at most other stores. […]
USPS has dramatically improved its response to official information requests, part of the organization’s effort to better comply with a law that promotes good government practices. Since 2014, the Postal Service’s average response time for these requests has dropped 40 percent, while the backlog of information requests has been slashed by 75 percent. The improvements […]
Jonathan Truong knew something was amiss. It was a recent weeknight at the City of Industry, CA, Processing and Distribution Center, where Truong works as an in-plant support specialist. He spotted an outbound shipment of parcels on the loading dock and decided to take a look at the postage. Based on the size of the […]
A new video features a Postal Service employee whose work is praised by customers and co-workers alike. “Tracy’s Story” showcases Tracy Crumrine, a Wendell, ID, retail associate whose work ethic has garnered the respect and admiration of those around her. “She’s very cheerful and eager to help you, and she does a good job at […]
Tax crimes often rise this time of year, when cybercriminals try to steal taxpayers’ information and refunds. To protect yourself, the CyberSafe at USPS team offers these tips: • Think before you click. Beware of emails that claim to be from the IRS and contain links or attachments. Cybercriminals may try to install malware on […]