Monday, May 13, 2024
USPS recommends new prices for Parcel Select
No increases are planned for USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express
USPS has notified the Postal Regulatory Commission of Parcel Select price changes to take effect Sunday, July 14.
The proposed adjustments were approved by the USPS governors this week.
If favorably reviewed by the commission, the new rates will include an average 25 percent increase for Parcel Select, which allows high-volume shippers to enter packages for regional delivery through the USPS network.
As a strategic part of the Delivering for America 10-year plan, these proposed changes will support efforts to create a revitalized Postal Service capable of achieving the organization’s public service mission — providing a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term.
The Postal Service continues to offer USPS Ground Advantage, which provides a simple, reliable and affordable way to ship packages in 2-5 business days across the contiguous United States.
USPS Ground Advantage offers $100 insurance included in the price, as well as free pickup on mail carriers’ routes.
The Postal Regulatory Commission, also known as the PRC, will review the changes before they are scheduled to take effect.
The complete USPS price filing can be found on the PRC’s website. Price tables are also available on the Postal Explorer website.
Last month, USPS notified the commission of mailing services price changes to take effect July 14.
Heroes
Alley oops
This carrier aided a disoriented customer who fell
Letter Carrier Ricky Martin was delivering mail recently in Canton, MO, when he saw a customer lying on her back in an alley.
The woman, who had previously suffered a stroke and now struggles with balance, had become unsteady and fallen.
Martin called 911 and stayed with the customer until paramedics arrived to take her to a hospital. She was later discharged to recover at home with her family.
The customer’s daughter mailed Martin a card to thank him for helping her mother.
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered May 5-11
A financial report, price changes and a stamp video made news
Last week, Link covered the Postal Service’s latest quarterly financial report.
During fiscal year 2024’s second quarter (Jan. 1-March 31), the organization reported operating revenue of $19.7 billion, an increase of 2.1 percent compared with the same quarter one year earlier.
We also told you about a proposed price change for Parcel Select and a video highlighting this year’s stamp lineup.
Additionally, we told you about the new Project Safe Delivery section on the Postal Inspection Service’s website and warned you about social engineering scams, which occur when cybercriminals use technical, interpersonal and psychological methods to try to get financial and personal information from their victims.
Finally, our “People” column introduced you to James Chambers, the Fort Myers, FL, postmaster, who recently swore in son Quaid Chambers as the Dumas, TX, postmaster.
“Being able to administer the oath to my son was a very special time for me,” the elder Chambers said. “I am very proud both as a postmaster and a father.”
May 19, 2024
Datebook
Virtual job fair
The Postal Service will offer a virtual job fair for supervisory positions on Sunday, May 19.
Participants will hear from operational leaders and receive an overview of the knowledge and skills needed to be a competitive applicant.
Individual sessions will provide attendees with information on how to apply for vacancies in eCareer, respond and demonstrate qualifications of the position, prepare for the interview, network effectively and take charge of their personal development.
Sign language interpreters and closed captioning will be available, and after the fair, participants will be able to access a recording of it and the slides shown.
The fair starts at 1 p.m. Eastern and is open to both career and noncareer employees.
To participate, employees must complete an online registration form on MyHR, part of LiteBlue.
In addition to the May 19 session, fairs will be held Sunday, July 14, and Sunday, Sept. 15.
All participants must be current Postal Service employees and attend while off the clock. Participation is voluntary.
May 20, 2024
Datebook
‘Cancer Unveiled’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar on cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and support.
The session, “Cancer Unveiled: Empowering Knowledge for Health,” will be held Monday, May 20, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from GEHA, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the discussion.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees with questions can email the Benefits and Wellness team.
Lower flags for fallen police officers on May 15
Peace Officers Memorial Day, which honors police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, is Wednesday, May 15.
Postal Service facilities are required to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff. When the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff, all other flags must fly at half-staff, too.
To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day.
The USPS Administrative Support Manual has guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance.
View past printouts
Printout details
What's included
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USPS recommends new prices for Parcel Select
No increases are planned for USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express
-
Heroes
Alley oops
This carrier aided a disoriented customer who fell
-
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered May 5-11
A financial report, price changes and a stamp video made news
-
May19Datebook
Virtual job fair
-
May20Datebook
‘Cancer Unveiled’
-
Brief
Lower flags for fallen police officers on May 15