Monday, November 18, 2024
USPS recommends new competitive prices
The proposed changes would take effect in 2025
The Postal Service has announced shipping services price changes to take effect Sunday, Jan. 19.
The USPS governors approved the proposed adjustments this week.
The changes would raise shipping services prices approximately 3.2 percent for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, 3.9 percent for USPS Ground Advantage and 9.2 percent for Parcel Select.
Federal law divides USPS products into two categories: market-dominant and competitive.
The market-dominant category includes mailing services such as First-Class Mail, while the competitive category includes Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and commercial package services, such as Parcel Select.
Although mailing services price increases are based on the consumer price index, shipping services prices are primarily adjusted according to market conditions. According to the governors, these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the organization with needed revenue.
USPS recently announced it would not raise mailing services prices in January.
As a strategic part of the Delivering for America 10-year plan, the proposed shipping services price changes will support the Postal Service in creating a revitalized organization 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 Regulatory Commission will review the changes before they are scheduled to take effect.
The complete Postal Service price filing, with prices for all products, can be found on the PRC website in the “Daily Listings” section. The price tables are also available on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website.
McReynolds to lead USPS Board of Governors
Kan to serve as vice chair
Amber F. McReynolds was elected chair of the USPS Board of Governors on Nov. 14.
The governors also elected Derek Kan as vice chair.
McReynolds joined the board in May 2021 and is serving the remainder of a seven-year term that expires in December 2026. She previously served as vice chair and also chairs the board’s Election Mail Committee.
She succeeds Roman Martinez IV.
Kan joined the board in May 2022 and is serving the remainder of a seven-year term that expires in December 2028. He currently serves on the board’s audit and finance, compensation and governance, and operations committees.
The Postal Service’s Nov. 14 news release has more information.
Heroes
A mangled motorcycle in the middle of the road
This carrier helped a man who was injured after being rear-ended
Letter Carrier Matthew Civiok was recently delivering mail in Baldwinsville, NY, when he saw a motorcycle lying in the middle of the road.
The bike appeared to be mangled from an accident. Civiok then spotted a man nearby who looked to be badly injured.
The Postal Service employee approached the man, who told him that he had been rear-ended by another driver who fled the scene. The man was covered in bruises, cuts and blood, and he said he was experiencing severe chest pain.
Civiok called 911 and then helped the man call his wife while they waited for paramedics to arrive.
The man was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
The motorcyclist fully recovered and later thanked Civiok for stopping to help.
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 Nov. 10-16
The start of open season, next year’s stamps, year-end financials and more made news
Drumroll, please: The curtain has lifted on this year’s much-anticipated open season, and Link was there with the basics employees need to know.
We also explored the many changes in store, including a new flexible spending account (FSA) administrator and higher FSA and Thrift Savings Plan contribution limits.
And we advised on how to use Checkbook’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees, a helpful online tool that compares insurance options and includes information on Medicare, copays, deductibles and more.
Curtains also lifted last week on this year’s holiday advertising campaign, including a behind-the-scenes look into its creation, and next year’s stamp lineup, which includes releases honoring Betty White and Allen Toussaint, among others.
Meanwhile, in “Heroes,” we told the dramatic story of Matthew Civiok, a letter carrier who happened upon a mangled motorcycle in the middle of a road, spotted its injured driver nearby, and ensured he got the help he needed.
On the business front, USPS announced its year-end financial results and price changes expected to take effect in January, and the organization won an award for its Thank You, Healthcare Community stamp.
We also reported on several leadership changes. Joseph Corbett will retire soon as the Postal Service’s chief financial officer and be succeeded by Luke Grossmann, while Angela Curtis is retiring as delivery operations vice president, and Elvin Mercado, formerly retail and Post Office Operations vice president, is replacing her on an acting basis.
Additionally, Amber McReynolds and Derek Kan were elected as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the USPS Board of Governors.
November 25, 2024
Datebook
PSHB CareFirst webinar
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar to learn more about health, dental and vision plan options within the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.
PSHB — which takes effect in 2025 — is a new, separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and will be administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
USPS employees, annuitants, and eligible family members are required to enroll in this new program.
The “Blue Product Overview” webinar will be led by representatives from CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield.
The session will be held Monday, Nov. 25, from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern.
To participate, employees must register on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees who have questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
Blog looks at postal buildings
The latest entry on Postal Posts, the USPS blog, looks at some of the Washington, DC, buildings that have served as the nation’s postal headquarters through the years.
Benjamin Kuo, the Postal Service’s facilities vice president, wrote the post, which was published Nov. 7.
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USPS recommends new competitive prices
The proposed changes would take effect in 2025
-
McReynolds to lead USPS Board of Governors
Kan to serve as vice chair
-
Heroes
A mangled motorcycle in the middle of the road
-
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Nov. 10-16
The start of open season, next year’s stamps, year-end financials and more made news
-
November25Datebook
PSHB CareFirst webinar
-
Brief
Blog looks at postal buildings