The Postal Service has introduced the Intelligent Mail Barcode Generator (IMbg), an application that allows employees to generate barcoded mailpieces from any USPS workstation. IMbg is web-based and lets users print barcoded addresses on labels, envelopes, postcards and letter-size inserts. The application also lets users create or upload address lists, validate addresses with the Address […]
Link has published many stories recently about the coronavirus pandemic. You can stay up to date by reading our overview of COVID-19 Command Response, the group leading the Postal Service’s response to the pandemic, and watching Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan’s video update. Other stories focus on efforts to encourage USPS employees to sign up […]
“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: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization and other public health authorities have indicated there’s no evidence that the new coronavirus, which causes […]
Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan has established COVID-19 Response Command, a group within the Postal Service that will help ensure the organization takes a comprehensive approach to its response to the coronavirus pandemic. The group is led by Kristin Seaver, who has stepped away from her regular duties as chief information officer to serve as […]
The Postal Service has canceled the dedication ceremonies for four stamps. The organization is following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has advised people to avoid gatherings of 10 people or more, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Typically, USPS stamp ceremonies attract 200 or more attendees. Here’s a list of […]
USPS will conduct all passport application services by appointment only, beginning March 25. Customers can use a computer or mobile device to go to usps.com/scheduler to make appointments. This feature, also known as the Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler, guides users through four easy steps, allowing them to choose a day, location and time, and to […]
Gerald Ramos is such a fan of Informed Delivery that he wants everyone to use it. “I’m surprised when I meet people who still have no idea what Informed Delivery is,” he says. The Suncoast District business development specialist is always busy promoting the free feature, which allows users to receive digital previews of their […]
The Postal Service is transitioning to Zoom, a new teleconferencing platform that will eventually replace WebEx, the organization’s current online meeting tool. Zoom offers reliable, user-friendly online video conferencing and teleconferencing. “Our goal is to reduce in-person meetings and emails in favor of personalized video meetings,” said Acting Chief Information Officer Scott Bombaugh. “This will […]
Congratulations to Link on the well-deserved Ragan’s Employee Communications Award, highlighted in the “Our ‘Heroes’” article. Thank you for inspiring readers like me. […]
Chester, PA, Letter Carrier Joseph Ho was recently delivering mail when he spotted an older customer, Robert Dreisbach, who has Parkinson’s disease, lying on a sidewalk near his residence. Ho rushed to check on Dreisbach, who was bleeding profusely from a head wound. The Postal Service employee immediately called 911; alerted Dreisbach’s wife, Maryann; rendered […]
The Postal Service used Informed Delivery last week to provide subscribers with helpful information about the coronavirus pandemic. Informed Delivery is a free notification feature that allows consumers to receive digital images of their incoming mail. Users can see the images in a digest emailed to them or through an online dashboard. On March 14, […]
The Postal Service is limiting all business-related travel. USPS leaders will only approve travel requests that are critical to the organization’s mission, require the traveler’s physical presence and cannot be postponed. The policy took effect March 17 and will last until May 11, although it could be extended. The Postal Service instituted the policy following […]
The Postal Service wants employees to remember the differences between Election Mail and Political Mail. Election Mail refers to mail that allows individuals to participate in the voting process, such as ballots for domestic or international delivery. Political Mail falls into two different categories: Political Campaign Mail and Political Message Mail. Political Campaign Mail is […]
“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: Approximately (blank) USPS employees are covered by the organization’s new contract with the American Postal Workers Union. a) 100,000 b) 200,000 c) 300,000 d) 400,000 2. True […]
The dedication ceremony for the Maine Statehood Forever stamp, scheduled for March 15, has been delayed. The stamp was released on that date as planned, and customers can purchase it at Post Offices and usps.com. The Maine Bicentennial Commission, the host of the dedication ceremony, postponed its Statehood Day ceremony amid concerns about large gatherings […]
Due to the spread of COVID-19, the disease associated with the coronavirus pandemic, the Postal Service is requiring advanced written approval for business travel for all officers, executives and non-bargaining employees. This precautionary measure, which took effect last week, is consistent with recent guidance from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. USPS is encouraging employees […]
Laura Tapia understands the importance of scanning to Postal Service customers — and to the organization itself. Scanning data allows customers to track their mail and packages, which helps USPS deliver excellent service, boost consumer loyalty and drive revenue. “The customer needs to know where and when we will deliver the parcel. That’s why scanning […]
The Postal Service is again reminding employees about the proper handling of mail transport equipment (MTE) tags and labels. The labels identify the destination for each mail container, which means a misplaced label can send the mail to the wrong destination. Employees are responsible for removing all labels and tags from sacks, trays and tubs […]
“Delivering for the nation” shows the great opportunity the Postal Service will have when it handles this year’s historic census mailing. […]
Letter Carrier Terry Hackelton was recently delivering mail in a Clarendon, AR, neighborhood on a hot day when he spotted a customer in distress. The woman, who is her 80s, had fallen in her backyard and tried unsuccessfully for a half-hour to flag down other passersby. Hackelton, who is also a trained first responder with […]
Every few months, Postal Service employees receive an Area Update newsletter in their mailboxes. It will soon arrive in their inboxes, too. Beginning this month, employees who subscribe to Informed Delivery will receive a digital preview of the latest Area Update before it arrives in the mail. The preview, which will appear in Informed Delivery […]
The Postal Service has introduced a kit to ship cremated remains for pets and other animals. Two versions of the Cremated Remains Animal Kit — which must be shipped through Priority Mail Express — are available: • The first version of the kit includes a roll of Priority Mail Express adhesive tape. • The kit’s […]
The Made of Hearts stamp dedication ceremony is highlighted in a new Postal Service video. The event was held Jan. 23 at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. “It is my hope that this stamp makes us pause and think about how precious love is,” USPS Chief Operating Officer David E. Williams says in […]
“News Quiz” is a weekly feature that lets you test your knowledge of recent Link stories. The correct answers appear at the end. 1. How many census-related mailpieces will USPS accept, process and deliver during the six-week period that begins March 12? a) 509 million b) 590 million c) 905 million d) 950 million 2. […]
In a special “Business Focus” video released this week, Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan updates employees on the new coronavirus. The virus, also known as COVID-19, was identified late last year in Wuhan, China, and has been spreading around the world, including the United States. “The Postal Service is taking this health threat seriously, but […]
President Trump has nominated Donald Lee Moak, a Florida resident, to be a member of the USPS Board of Governors. Moak, formerly president of the Air Line Pilots Association, is founder and chief executive officer of the Moak Group, a public affairs firm. The nomination will be for the remainder of a seven-year term expiring […]
Rosemarie Bruno prides herself on helping customers find the right USPS product or service to meet their needs. The Oakton, VA, retail associate handles a variety of transactions, so she’s become an expert on topics like the Priority Mail delivery process, how to obtain package insurance and the cost of adding Signature Confirmation. “It’s important […]
The Postal Service wants employees to be in the know about its role in the 2020 decennial census. The organization has introduced a Census 2020 Blue page that has stand-up talks and posters covering transportation, processing and delivery and retail operations. A list of USPS census points of contacts for headquarters and each area is […]
The Postal Service wants employees to remember that counseling and other services are available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The program aims to help employees overcome life challenges that can affect their health, family or job performance. EAP is voluntary, confidential and free. Services include: • Face-to-face counseling. Clinicians are available to talk in […]
After reading “‘We stood our ground,’” the article about how USPS worker Gail Etienne-Stripling helped integrate the New Orleans public school system as a child during the 1960s, all I can say is, “Wow!” It’s truly an amazing story about how she paved the way for others. […]