Letter Carrier Susan Mattson was recently delivering mail in a Jamestown, NY, neighborhood when she spotted trouble at a residence: The front porch was on fire and a boy around 4 years old was standing alone in the doorway. Mattson leaped into action and safely got him out of harm’s way, directing him to stay […]
One title that William “Butch” Lyle goes by is that of Postmaster in Mary Esther, FL. Another title he has is perhaps a bit more impressive: powerlifter world record holder. Lyle recently participated in the master’s division of the U.S. Powerlifting Association’s National Championship in Columbus, OH. At the competition, he was given three attempts […]
The Postal Service is implementing Office 365, an advanced version of Microsoft Office that will provide employees with new tools and help keep USPS competitive in today’s rapidly evolving business world. Users will have secure access to Office 365 from any Postal Service-issued device, including workstations, smartphones and tablets. Users will be able to access […]
Stages around the country may be shuttered at the moment, but you can still experience the artistry of playwright August Wilson, the latest Black Heritage stamp honoree. Two new films on Netflix reflect Wilson’s legacy: “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” an adaptation of his 1984 Broadway hit of the same name; and “Giving Voice,” a documentary […]
“News Quiz” is a weekly feature that lets you test your knowledge of recent Link stories. The correct answers appear at the end. 1. True or false: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should wash your hands before putting on a face mask. a) True b) False 2. Which HERO feature […]
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to learn more about the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve, which can cause vision loss and blindness. According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common type of glaucoma in the United States […]
The Postal Service wants employees to take precautions when walking in winter weather. Snowy and icy conditions increase the likelihood of slips, trips and falls that could result in pain, injury and lost productivity. To avoid these accidents, employees should follow these tips: • Wear proper footwear with good tread and grippers (ice cleats); • […]
The Postal Service delivered 129.2 billion mailpieces to 161 million addresses across the nation during fiscal year 2020, the organization says in its Annual Report to Congress. The report, which USPS published last month, covers the period from Oct. 1, 2019-Sept. 30, 2020. In addition to an overview of the organization’s finances, the 64-page document […]
In his latest video message, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy thanks employees for their efforts during the holiday season and previews 2021 for USPS. The organization delivered record mail and package volume in December while also dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. DeJoy also asks employees to set a new tone to help USPS […]
Link is looking back at the year in “Heroes’ Corner” with a countdown of the five most-viewed articles. Coming in at No. 4 is “Automated tell-her,” the story of Patrick Edwards. The Tucson, AZ, maintenance mechanic was working on sorting equipment when he discovered a damaged envelope containing $1,000 in cash caught in a gear, […]
It’s almost time to send 2020 into the history books. Before we do, Link is taking a look back at a most unusual year. Our coverage will also include stories about employees and customers who made news, as well as special year-end editions of our regular columns: “Best Practices,” “The List,” “On the Job” and […]
No matter what their job title might be, all Postal Service employees contribute to the organization’s effort to deliver for the nation — and throughout 2020, Link’s “On the Job” column introduced readers to several of these hardworking public servants. Dale Scalero, a USPS tractor-trailer operator in Sacramento, CA, said he takes pride in his […]
After a company that specializes in making stuffed marshmallows opened a factory in Delafield, WI, this year, the local Postmaster, Joe Rohan, stopped by to talk about USPS products and services. “I’m always on the lookout for new business,” he said. “I stop in and drop a card.” He then submitted a tip through Business […]
The Postal Service looked toward the future as 2020 began. In January, the organization showcased Informed Delivery and other technology-driven products and services at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where USPS generated an estimated $32 million in new revenue. “This is also a good opportunity to show customers that we are innovative and […]
Broadway star Leslie Odom Jr.’s beautiful voice adds a special touch to the Postal Service’s holiday commercial, which depicts the commitment, hard work and dedication of our employees. […]
USPS is offering a clearance sale on select items at retail Post Offices: 2020 White House holiday ornament: On sale for $19 from Dec. 24-Jan. 30 Hallmark boxed holiday cards and stationery (select items): 50 percent off from Dec. 26-Jan. 16 ReadyPost decorative shipping supplies (select items): 50 percent off from Dec. 26-Jan. 16 After […]
Post Offices are adopting creative measures to keep holiday customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic, which continues to hobble everyday life across the nation. In Indianapolis, six Post Offices are offering curbside service. Customers who receive a notice that a package is available for pickup can park in reserved spaces at the office, call a […]
Don’t leave delivered mail and packages unattended in mailboxes or on front porches for any length of time. That’s the message from the Postal Inspection Service in a new holiday public service announcement. Packages left unsecured can become marks for thieves, leaving the recipient a gift short for the holidays. To avoid this fate, postal […]
The Postal Service is seeking employees interested in joining the CyberSafe Guardian program that helps protect the organization’s computer network. CyberSafe Guardian volunteers work in concert with the Corporate Information Security Office (CISO) to raise awareness and provide feedback on online security issues, while promoting the organization’s CyberSafe at USPS initiatives at postal facilities. The […]
The USPS Health and Wellness team wants to help employees learn about the importance of sleep. Sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s vital for good health. Good habits — also known as sleep hygiene — can improve your physical, mental and social well-being. The amount of sleep you need changes as you age. According to […]
I just watched the Postal Service’s holiday TV commercial with the beautiful rendition of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and wondered who sang the song. Then I read “Odom, all ye faithful” and learned it was none other than Leslie Odom Jr. He deserves kudos on his singing skills! […]
Carrier Technician Buck Anthony and Retail Associate Luisangela Mejia were on duty earlier this year at the Petoskey, MI, Post Office when a crisis erupted: One of their colleagues, Custodian Troy Schramm, collapsed on the workroom floor. Anthony rushed to Schramm’s side and, finding no pulse or respiration, asked for 911 to be called and […]
In an extraordinary year of unprecedented challenges given the coronavirus pandemic and record volumes of holiday mail and packages, the Postal Service is encouraging customers to send their holiday gifts and cards as soon as possible. “We thank our customers for their continued support, and we are committed to making sure gifts and cards are […]
Are you going out of town for the holidays? If so, the Postal Inspection Service has some advice for keeping your packages safe. In a new public service announcement, the agency explains that instead of risking leaving a package unattended for an extended period of time, customers planning on being away from home for a […]
The holiday season is an ideal time to give to the Combined Federal Campaign, the government’s annual workplace charity drive. The campaign, also known as the CFC, allows federal employees, retirees and contractors to contribute to more than 6,000 charitable organizations. The Postal Service’s contribution goal in the latest campaign is $6.9 million. […]
“News Quiz” is a weekly feature that lets you test your knowledge of recent Link stories. The correct answers appear at the end. 1. Fill in the blank: In 2020, postal employees experienced more than (blank) motor vehicle accidents. a) 2,600 b) 26,000 c) 260,000 d) 2.6 million 2. How many investigations did the USPS […]
I loved “Pandemic pastime.” Since being sequestered at home, I’ve started writing letters again, too. I often include pictures. It’s quite enjoyable to receive calls and sometimes cards and letters thanking me for the correspondence. […]
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy discusses the holiday season in a special year-end video message to employees. USPS, expecting more package volume, has hired seasonal workers, added transportation options and expanded Sunday deliveries. DeJoy thanks employees for their service during the holidays, as well as their dedication throughout the year. “The women and men of the […]
It’s here. The Postal Service expects the Dec. 14-21 period to be the holiday season’s busiest for mailing, shipping and deliveries. While significant volume increases are expected, precise predictions are difficult due to the coronavirus pandemic. Analysts have forecasted major increases in online shopping this year — the Adobe Analytics research firm predicts online holiday […]
The Postal Inspection Service is on a mission to keep safe the billions of mailpieces expected to travel by way of USPS this holiday season. To support this effort, the law enforcement agency has introduced a Holiday Readiness website with resources to deter package theft, including these six tips: • Don’t leave delivered mail and […]