What’s IAB?
The International Accounting Branch (IAB) handles financial settlement activities for mail to and from foreign postal administrations. […]
tom_simpson
Posts by tom_simpson
Votes are in
USPS has delivered more than 2.6 billion pieces of election and political mail since October 2015, new data show. These totals include approximately 85 million election mailpieces and about 1.3 billion political mailpieces delivered during the six-week period before Election Day. “The Postal Service plays a significant role in the democratic process,” said PMG Megan […]
Information sharing
USPS recently honored five employees who demonstrated exemplary service in processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. The honorees are: John Boeger, a Gateway District consumer and industry contact manager Janelle Kamp, a Greater Michigan District consumer and industry contact manager David Partenheimer, a media relations manager at USPS headquarters in Washington, DC Joann Scarpelli, […]
On tap
Online shoppers have a new way to purchase products and have them shipped to their doorsteps — through Instagram. The popular photo sharing site has introduced a feature that allows users to shop through its mobile app. Companies tag products in their photos, and Instagram users can tap on the tag to get more information […]
Something’s phishy
You just received an email from another department requesting your login password. Is the email legitimate or is it a phishing attempt? To help you know the difference, the CyberSafe at USPS team reminds you that signs of phishing emails include misspellings and grammatical errors, a link or URL that requests immediate action, and requests […]
See you tomorrow
Lilburn, GA, Postmaster David Hinesley recently sent a letter to the future. The note was included in a time capsule created to commemorate the opening of a new city hall and library complex in Lilburn, an Atlanta suburb. The time capsule will remain sealed until 2066. “The Post Office is becoming more of a package-based […]
David Edwards, Portland, OR
“French connection” shows how a simple gesture of goodwill can leave a lasting impression. This young lady will now spread the good word about USPS internationally. Kudos to Santa Barbara, CA, Retail Associate Brandon Cheek and Athens, OH, Customer Services Supervisor Shane Roush. […]
Workplace Violence Awareness
All Postmasters, managers and supervisors must complete the Workplace Violence Awareness training course one time during their career. The course can be completed through the Learning Management System. The course number is 10014893. […]
Southern Area VP Shaun Mossman
“Effective communication is a two-way street. Only by talking, and especially listening, to one another will the Postal Service succeed, thrive and grow.” […]
Eddie Williams, Willowbrook, IL
Willowbrook, IL, City Carrier Assistant Eddie Williams was delivering mail recently when he encountered a customer who had fallen and hit her head on concrete steps outside her home. He called 911 and the woman’s daughter, and stayed with the woman to keep her calm until paramedics arrived. “I am so thankful that Mr. Williams […]
Still going strong
Customer Connect, a program that encourages letter carriers to identify new business opportunities for the Postal Service, is continuing its growth streak. The program generated more than 47,000 leads in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, up 34 percent from one year earlier. Customer Connect also generated more than $148 million in estimated annualized […]
Battle of the bulge
Sometimes flat-rate envelopes get too stuffed and no longer get the flat rate. To avoid this problem, USPS is reminding employees that customers should not turn Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes into “kangaroo pouches” by overstuffing them — even if the envelope can be sealed. As postal regulations note, tape may be used on the […]
Great expectations
USPS is testing Expected Delivery Window (ExDW), a feature that will provide customers with a two-hour estimated delivery window for some packages. ExDW is part of the Postal Service’s efforts to enhance its package business and help customers better plan for deliveries. The test, which began in early September, is being conducted in nine ZIP […]
Scanning scorecard
The Postal Service’s national scanning rating was 97.65 percent during the week ending Nov. 11, up from the previous week. Thirty-eight districts and three areas met or exceeded the national average. Dakotas (98.85 percent) finished first among the districts for the eighth consecutive week, while Western (98.08 percent) led the areas for the fifth week […]
What’s your type?
Four types of health plans are available during this year’s open season, the annual period when Postal Service employees can make changes to their health coverage. The plan types are: Health maintenance organizations (HMOs), which provide care from plan physicians and hospitals located in particular geographic or service areas Fee-for-service plans with preferred provider organizations […]
Personally identifiable information
Personally identifiable information can be used alone or with other data to identify, contact or locate someone. The CyberSafe at USPS Blue site offers tips to keep personally identifiable information safe at home and at work. […]
Leonard Bianchi, Rochester, NY
A man who fell recently outside of his secluded home in Rochester, NY, got the help he desperately needed from his letter carrier. When Leonard Bianchi delivered the customer’s mail and heard a faint cry of “Lenny,” he discovered the man on the ground with blood pooling around his head. Bianchi called 911 and rendered […]
William Braunbeck, Oklahoma City
This year’s Veterans Day tributes were well planned and exceptional in their orchestration. […]
Greater South Carolina District Business Mail Entry Clerk Alvina Murray
“I believe in handling everyone’s mail as though it were mine.” […]
Read More… from Greater South Carolina District Business Mail Entry Clerk Alvina Murray
Financial results
The Postal Service has reported a net loss of approximately $5.6 billion for fiscal 2016 (Oct. 1, 2015-Sept. 30, 2016), compared to a $5.1 billion loss for the previous fiscal year. The fiscal 2016 loss was driven by mandated retiree health benefits expenses. If this prefunding obligation was excluded, USPS would have recorded net income […]
Open overview
A new video reminds Postal Service employees of the importance of the open season benefits enrollment period. The 2-minute segment notes that employees’ circumstances may change from year to year. For example, some employees may want to add a dependent to their plan, while other individuals may determine they no longer need a family plan. […]
Connect champions
Three Postmasters were honored last week for their contributions to Business Connect, a program that encourages managers to promote USPS products and services. Donna Howell (Martin, KY), Lisa Knapp (Montgomery, IN) and Andres Torrano (Fair Haven, MI) were each honored for their efforts during the previous fiscal year. At a ceremony at USPS headquarters in […]
Thanksgiving hours
The Postal Service is providing general operating policy and planning guidance for the Thanksgiving holiday. A new memo explains guidelines for delivery, retail, processing and logistics operations, as well as the processing and dispatch of commercial mailings. For example, the memo notes there will be no regular delivery except for holiday premium and Priority Mail […]
Prime time
The Postal Service’s first TV commercial of the holiday season will hit the airwaves Nov. 14. The ad shows how USPS delivers cheer during the holidays. PMG Megan J. Brennan narrates the spot, which follows a young girl who wishes for a hippopotamus. With help from her parents — and the Postal Service — the […]
Now open
Open season, your once-a-year opportunity to make changes to your health coverage or choose a new plan, is Nov. 14-Dec. 12. “The Postal Service encourages all employees to participate in this year’s open season,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Williamson. “Take the time to evaluate your health care needs and the coverage that best […]
Abbi Tucker, Pickens, OK
I was so happy to read “Highest appreciation.” Veterans don’t always receive the recognition and respect they rightly deserve. […]
Friendly service
When working with customers, put yourself in their shoes. Provide friendly, courteous and knowledgeable service. This is how USPS delivers positive experiences to customers. […]
Sarah Bracha, Stanford, MT
Retail Associate Sarah Bracha was quick to lend a helping hand when she arrived at work recently in Stanford, MT, and found a highway contract route driver seriously ill and unable to deliver mail. She rendered first aid, unloaded mail and disinfected the driver’s truck while he waited for a ride. To ensure the mail […]
Richmond, VA, Processing and Distribution Center Sr. Plant Manager Sherry Harper
“We have the newest facility in the country. Our plant is more than 12 football fields in size and has a lot of ‘bells and whistles’ under one roof. We’re ready for the peak season.” […]
Read More… from Richmond, VA, Processing and Distribution Center Sr. Plant Manager Sherry Harper
Capturing the spirit
A new video takes viewers behind the scenes of the recent Nativity stamp dedication. The 1-minute clip features highlights from the Nov. 3 ceremony at St. John’s Church in Washington, DC. “We hope that people will take these stamps and put them on cards, letters and packages, and send them to their loved ones with […]