POSTAL NEWS

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Showing posts with label why is postal service going broke?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label why is postal service going broke?. Show all posts

1.19.2011

Is Postal Service 'Universal Service' being taken away?

Letters to the Editor

The Postal Service has changed the classification of 32,000 Post Office Boxes at 49 locations from market dominant to the competitive products category.

As a loyal customer of the United States Postal Service, I found myself searching the internet in an effort to check the pricing of Post Office Boxes for one of my business ventures. I have always been proud of the fact that I could use the USPS for my mail related needs without fear that my neighbors or my competition could get a better price than myself. I actually thought that there was a universal service law that mandated I could get the same mail service for the same price. Now I find that depending on where someone lives, they may get preferential treatment in pricing and benefits. Now the Postal Service has changed the classification of 32,000 Post Office Boxes at 49 locations from market dominant to the competitive products category. This new change now provides the following, that I do not qualify for, simply because I do not live in an area the Postal Service does not approve this service for:
The following new services now are available at the approved Post Offices:

  • A “Baker’s Dozen” promotion for new customers (13 months of service for a
    12-month PO Box payment).

  • No key deposit required for the first two keys issued to new customers.

  • A “Signature on File” service for the following signature-required mail: Express Mail, Insured Mail over $200, Signature Confirmation and Return Receipt for Merchandise.

  • Expanded and earlier lobby access.


  • The discounts and benefits, in my opinion, are discriminatory and in violation of the essence of the concept of Universal Service. The sad thing is that this was approved by Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) on June 17, 2010 according to the article found at http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/bulletin/2010/pb22301/html/info_008.html. It's almost like the U.S. Postal Service is attempting to turn this American service that was developed for the people by our nation's founding fathers, into some private company. This is a frightening thought ...and unneeded. If I wanted to use a private mail service, I would use FedEx, UPS, or some other overpriced corporate "for profit" company. Is Postal Service 'Universal Service' being taken away? I feel it is and something needs to be done to correct this immediately. If the Federal Government is looking to shed debt, the Postal Service is not the place to start. I certainly am never against discounts and extra benefits, but to offer it only to certain people based on geographical location or the distance to a USPS 'competitor' is an outrage. Fix this now! It is bad enough that the Postal Service offers huge discounts to big corporate "junk mailers" who pay just pennies to mail an item while as a citizen of the United States of America I do not get the same, but this is going too far.

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    12.07.2010

    Counterfeit Stamps

    Counterfeit Stamps Giving Postal Service a Lickin’

    "... one of the 10 biggest threats to Postal Service revenue, according to the 2009 annual report of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the law enforcement arm of the Post Office. Bogus stamps affect the consumers who buy them, too...."  
    Source: www.foxnews.com

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    11.29.2010

    Post office wasting $94M on FedEx deal

    "... WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- The United States Postal Service has wasted $94 million on its contract with FedEx, an internal audit asserts...."  
    Source: www.upi.com

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    11.19.2010

    Outgoing postmaster general's golden parachute

    "...Postmaster General John E. Potter could earn about $5.5 million in deferred compensation, retirement benefits and accrued annual leave for the rest of his life ..."  
    Source: washingtonpost.com

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    11.10.2010

    More Discounts for Large Mailers

    "... United States Postal Service is looking to introduce a series of discounts for companies that send high volumes of direct mail to consumers, reports the print blog What They Think...."  
    Source: www.overnightprints.com

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    10.20.2010

    Postal Service OSHA Fines Keep on Coming

    OSHA Fines USPS For Violations At Columbus Distribution Center

    "... the U.S. Postal Service with five alleged willful violations at its Columbus processing center. The Postal Service faces a total of $210,000 in fines for electrical and equipment hazards following an OSHA inspection conducted in response to employee complaints. ..."  
    Source: www2.nbc4i.com

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    10.15.2010

    Shelbyville postal worker denies accusation of over $85K theft

    "... A federal indictment filed on Aug. 24 charged that from February 2006 until January 2010, Cooper allegedly stole approximately $86,958 worth of money and property that was under his control while he was employed with the postal service. ..."  
    Source: www.t-g.com

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    8.29.2010

    USPS Has More 'Shocking' Problems

    "... The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) already facing a $420,000 worker endangerment fine for faulty electrical work at a Vermont mail distribution center has now been slapped with a $350,000 fine for similar violations in New Hampshire...."  
    Source: usgovinfo.about.com

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    8.27.2010

    Postal officials gave varying accounts of ex-executive's perks

    "...Mr. Bernstock resigned earlier this year before an inspector general's report concluded that he awarded no-bid contracts to former business associates, failed to report information on a financial disclosure form, and used Postal Service staff and resources for private business activities. The U.S. attorney's office in Washington declined to press charges. ..."  
    Source: www.washingtontimes.com

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