Monday, May 12, 2025
USPS recommends new shipping services prices
The changes are slated to take effect July 13
The Postal Service has notified the Postal Regulatory Commission of shipping services price changes to take effect Sunday, July 13.
The USPS Board of Governors approved the proposed adjustments this week.
The changes would raise domestic shipping services prices approximately 6.3 percent for Priority Mail service, 7.1 percent for USPS Ground Advantage and 7.6 percent for Parcel Select. Prices are not changing for Priority Mail Express service.
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 USPS governors, these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the organization with needed revenue.
In April, USPS notified the Postal Regulatory Commission of mailing services price changes, also to take effect July 13.
As part of the 10-year comprehensive strategic Delivering for America plan, the proposed changes will support the Postal Service in creating a revitalized organization capable of achieving its 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 USPS price filing can be found on the commission’s website. Price tables are also available on the Postal Explorer website.
USPS unveils Barbara Bush stamp
A dedication ceremony will take place June 10 in Kennebunkport, ME
The Postal Service has revealed the artwork of a Forever stamp honoring former first lady Barbara Bush.
The stamp design was unveiled May 8 at the White House by first lady Melania Trump; Dorothy “Doro” Bush Koch, daughter of Barbara Bush; Alice Yates, CEO of the George and Barbara Bush Foundation; and Judy de Torok, the Postal Service’s corporate affairs vice president.
“Today we recognize Mrs. Bush not only as a beloved first lady, but as a remarkable American in her own right,” Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino said in a statement. “She charted a legacy for herself, and did it with conviction, determination and compassion.”
The stamp will be available in panes of 20 and dedicated at a ceremony in Kennebunkport, ME, on Tuesday, June 10, two days after the centennial of Barbara Bush’s birth on June 8.
Born Barbara Pierce in New York City in 1925, she married George H.W. Bush in 1945.
The couple would have six children between 1946 and 1959: George W., Robin, Jeb, Neil, Marvin and Dorothy.
George H.W. Bush would go on to become a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, ambassador to the United Nations, chairman of the Republican National Committee, head of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China, and director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
In 1980, he was elected vice president. Barbara Bush was second lady from 1981-1989.
George H.W. Bush was elected president in 1988 and Barbara Bush was first lady from 1989-1993.
During her time as second and then first lady, she championed literacy causes and wrote her first book, “C. Fred’s Story” — told from the perspective of the family’s cocker spaniel — in 1984, donating the proceeds to national literacy programs.
Barbara Bush also wrote “Millie’s Book” in the voice of the family’s springer spaniel; “Pearls of Wisdom: Little Pieces of Advice (That Go A Long Way)”; “Reflections: Life After the White House”; and “Barbara Bush: A Memoir.”
She died in April 2018, while George H.W. Bush died that November.
“This special stamp serves as a lasting reminder of Barbara Bush’s enduring love for family and friends, sharp wit and unwavering commitment to solve the problems of today by ensuring that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to read, write and comprehend,” Bush Koch said.
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Heroes
After hearing an alarm sound, he took a look
This letter carrier’s call to 911 helped avert a bigger home blaze
Letter Carrier Jeffrey Abbruzzese was recently delivering mail in Pawcatuck, CT, when he heard a nearby home’s fire alarm.
As he approached the residence, the Postal Service employee noticed smoke. No one appeared to be home.
He called 911.
Firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze, which had started in the kitchen from a pot of food that had been left unattended on the stove.
After the customer returned home later that day and found out what happened from her neighbor, she contacted Abbruzzese to thank him.
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 4-10
The appointment of a postmaster general, a financial report and price changes made news
Last week, Link shared a big headline: The USPS Board of Governors chose David Steiner to be the 76th postmaster general.
Assuming the successful completion of the ethics and security clearance vetting process, Steiner, the former president and CEO of Waste Management Inc., is expected to join USPS in July.
“Dave is the right person to lead the Postal Service at this time to ensure this magnificent and historic organization thrives into the future,” said Amber McReynolds, board chair. She described Steiner as “a highly regarded leader and executive with tremendous vision, experience and skill that can be applied to the long-term mission and business needs of the Postal Service.”
Link also reported on the organization’s latest quarterly financial report, shipping price changes that will take effect in July, the dangers of social engineering scams, and positive numbers for the “Mailin’ With Mr. ZIP” YouTube series.
Additionally, we covered the open houses being held at USPS sorting and delivery centers nationwide.
“The feedback from employees has been incredibly positive,” said Demaris McCants, postmaster of Winston-Salem, NC. “The upgrades are amazing.”
On the stamp front, we told you about a White House unveiling of artwork for a new release honoring former first lady Barbara Bush; a ceremony for the new Goodnight Moon stamps in Kansas City, MO; and a video exploring the Powwows: Celebrating American Culture stamps.
And we previewed Stamp Out Hunger, the food drive spearheaded by the National Association of Letter Carriers with assistance from USPS and other groups.
Finally, “Heroes” spotlighted Jeffrey Abbruzzese, who was discovered a house fire in Pawcatuck, CT, while “Off the Clock” had a honey of a story: Kirk Kern, postmaster of Star, NC, has been keeping bees for the past six years.
Link wins award
Link received an award of excellence last week in the Communicator Awards’ employee and internal communications website category.
The annual competition is organized by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, a professional development group in the media sector.
Other honorees included Apple, Netflix and the Walt Disney Co. The competition’s website has a gallery of all winners.
In April, Link received an honorable mention in the Employee Communications Awards, a national competition organized by Ragan, another professional development group.
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USPS recommends new shipping services prices
The changes are slated to take effect July 13
-
USPS unveils Barbara Bush stamp
A dedication ceremony will take place June 10 in Kennebunkport, ME
-
Heroes
After hearing an alarm sound, he took a look
This letter carrier’s call to 911 helped avert a bigger home blaze
-
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered May 4-10
The appointment of a postmaster general, a financial report and price changes made news
-
Brief
Link wins award