POSTAL NEWS

...from various sources.

1.08.2018

U.S. Postal Service to increase stamp price to 50 cents

U.S. Postal Service to increase stamp price to 50 cents

"...There will soon be a 50-cent stamp to mail a letter. The United States Postal Service has been authorized to enact price changes—effective January 21st, 2018. The new rate includes a one-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail, Forever stamp, from 49 cents to 50 cents. Postcard stamps and metered letters also have a one-cent increase ..."   
Source: www.kttn.com

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12.19.2017

Postal Service responds to complaints of mail problems

Postal Service responds to complaints of mail problems

"...Why does Lake Charles mail have a Baton Rouge postmark. That is, why do letters mailed in Lake Charles have to go to Baton Rouge before being delivered in Lake Charles? A couple of test mailings we sent on Wednesday, December 13th arrived on Saturday the 16th, so it does seem to lengthen delivery times ..."   
Source: www.kplctv.com

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12.10.2017

Postal Service severing ties with overseas agents

Postal Service severing ties with overseas agents

"...The United States Postal Service has decided to end sales of U.S. stamps through a network of more than a dozen overseas agents. The agents receive a discount, a percentage of face in the low double digits, but were obligated to sell the U.S. stamps at face value as converted into euros plus value-added tax (VAT) ..."   
Source: www.linns.com

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12.05.2017

48222 zip code is the only floating post office in the U.S.

A Mail Boat Stays Afloat

"...A narrow street dead-ends at the Detroit River, where a black-and-white boat bobs in the water, emblazoned with a Postal Service eagle. This is the mail boat J.W. Westcott II, the only floating ZIP code in the United States. The little boat’s ZIP code, 48222, is reserved for mail addressed to the freighters that ply the Great Lakes ..."   
Source: www.nytimes.com

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11.28.2017

2nd case of explosive device mailed to Bay Area home concerns postal inspector

2nd case of explosive device mailed to Bay Area home concerns postal inspector

"...The victims in East Palo Alto told ABC7 News they don't know why their family was targeted, but the package was labeled as if it came from a local jewelry store. "What's most suspicious about it is it's a jewelry store box and none of us had ordered anything like that, but it is something that would pique someone's interest they would want to open it ..."   
Source: http://abc7news.com

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11.06.2017

Swedes Watch Postal Thieves Board Moving Mail Truck From Car

Swedes Watch Postal Thieves Board Moving Mail Truck From Car

"...The cameras provided a live feed of the PortNord truck. That's how Larsson was able to watch as two men leapt onto the moving truck from the hood of a car traveling behind it, entered the cargo area and rummaged through the load. The truck was going 80 kph (50 mph) when the thieves boarded it, he told The Associated Press Friday ..."   
Source: www.usnews.com

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10.10.2017

Price of First-Class Stamp to Hit 50 Cents

Price of First-Class Stamp to Hit 50 Cents

"... said it would raise stamp prices and other shipping rates next year, shortly after warning of a dwindling cash cushion and skipping payments into a retiree fund for the fifth straight year..."   
Source: www.wsj.com

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5.17.2017

Unique, First-of-a -Kind Stamps Mimic Sports Ball Textures


Unique, First-of-a -Kind Stamps Mimic Sports Ball Textures

USPS Textured Stamps

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service will soon release first-of-a-kind stamps with the look — and feel — of actual balls used in eight popular sports. Available nationwide June 14, the Have a Ball! Forever stamps depict balls used in baseball, basketball, football, golf, kickball, soccer, tennis and volleyball. A special coating applied to selected areas of the stamps during the printing process gives them a texture that mimics the feel of a: • baseball’s stitching; • golf ball’s dimples; • tennis ball’s seams • soccer ball or volleyball’s textured panels; and, • the different raised patterns of a football, basketball and kickball. News about the stamps is being shared on social media under the hashtag #Haveaballstamps. The first-day-of-issuance ceremony will be held at 8 a.m. CDT, Wed., June 14, at the 117th U.S. Open Championship in Hartford, WI. The ceremony will be part of the U.S. Golf Association’s Flag Day celebration. The Postal Service is honored to be part of this special tribute to those who serve or have served in the military. Nearly one of seven postal employees served in the military.    
Source: http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2017/pr17_024.pdf

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3.20.2017

Following Postal Issue in Richmond, DeSaulnier Acts by Amending Postal Reform Bill

"... Congressman DeSaulnier’s amendment would require the United States Postal Service (USPS) to provide Congressional offices with at least 10-days of advance notice regarding any closure, sale, movement, or reduction of operations of a post office in their district. H.R. 756 is expected to be voted on in the House of Representatives in the near future..."   
Source: eastcountytoday.net

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3.16.2017

Well-known downtown Springfield mailman marries fellow postal worker

Well-known downtown Springfield mailman marries fellow postal worker

"...Cephas “Smokey” Stover married his longtime girlfriend Bonita Wipert of 26 years, in a small ceremony in Springfield attended by family and friends ..."   
Source: www.springfieldnewssun.com

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3.08.2017

FERS and Social Security: Get ready to retire now (Part 1 of a Series of tips)


FERS and Social Security: Get ready to retire now

My Social Security

If you arethinking of retiring it is time to start prepping for this action. This will be the first short article in a series of articles to help you make the transition as easy as it should be. Like most things in life, like buying a new car, knowledge is the key to the most informed decision. Let's start with Social Security. The first step we recommend is to sign up for a 'My Social Security' account at: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. With a 'My Social Security' account you can get a good idea/estimate of what amount you will receive in social security payments at full retirement age, at age 70 and at your early retirement age. Signing up for a 'My Social Security' account will put the tools and information you need at your fingertips. Besides getting your estimated benefits you can view your earnings record as well. This is an important step in making sure that Social Security has an accurate accounting of the wages you have earned toward figuring your Social Security pay. Upon reviewing your earnings history and in the event you see something was omitted in error or something is reported inaccurately, you can contact Social Security to rectify the situation before retirement instead of freaking out at the last minute. We strongly recommend you sign up now to ease your transition.

   
Source: Postal News Network

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3.03.2017

Postal carrier shot at in Southwest Miami-Dade

Postal carrier shot at in Southwest Miami-Dade

"...Police said two black men dressed in hoodies jumped over the home’s fence and got into a black SUV and fled. According to officials, that is when the shots were fired. “He also witnessed the passenger extend half of his body outside of the vehicle, turn around and take a shot at him,” said Ivan Rodriguez of the U.S. Postal Inspector Service. 'Apparently, the suspects fleeing believed that the carrier, perhaps, was en route, chasing them or what have you.' ..."   
Source: wsvn.com

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7.12.2016

New union contract arbitration ensures near stagnant pay, Higher health insurance cost for postal workers

Postal worker share of health insurance premiums to rise 3% (Career employees represented by the union) over life of contract

New union contract ensures pay raises, COLAs for postal workers

"...'We were unable to stop management’s demand that employees pay a greater share of health insurance premiums,' Dimondstein said. The portion of health care premiums paid by employees will increase 1 percent per year for the next three years ..."   
Source: federalnewsradio.com

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5.04.2016

Postal Annex connected to drug smuggling ring

Postal Annex connected to drug smuggling ring

Snippet of Article: "...The complaint shows smugglers would first sneak the drugs in from Mexico. The drugs include oxycodone, methylphenidate (Ritalin), hydrocodone, hydromorphone, amphetamine, and alprazolam (Xanax)...."

Source: www.10news.com

'Postal Annex'

4.13.2016

Driver hits, kills postal service driver after running red light

Driver hits, kills postal service driver after running red light

"... Police say the driver of a log truck ran a red light and crashed into a U.S. Postal Service delivery truck, killing the postal service driver..."   
Source: www.cbs46.com

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3.02.2016

NLRB Hearing: Testimony Addresses USPS Plans To Move Work from Public Post Offices to Staples

NLRB Hearing: Testimony Addresses USPS Plans To Move Work from Public Post Offices to Staples

"...Tabbita’s testimony established that the USPS’s deal with Staples constituted contracting out of bargaining unit work. During Tabbita's testimony, the NLRB General Counsel introduced several documents that the Postal Service and Staples insisted were confidential and, for the second and third day in a row, the hearing was temporarily closed to the public while the documents were discussed ..."   
Source: www.apwu.org

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1.26.2016

Bad Management: Postal Workers say there is more to the story after assault

Postal workers respond to workplace assault

"...MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - Some postal workers are expected to speak out about what they call bad management at the United States Postal Service Office downtown ..."   
Source: www.wbrc.com

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1.15.2016

US Senate hearing on USPS

US Senate hearing on USPS

"...U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs is set to hold a full committee hearing on the subject of “Laying Out the Reality of the United States Postal Service” on 21 January ..."   
Source: postandparcel.info

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1.13.2016

Lafayette man sentenced for shooting at postal worker

Lafayette man sentenced for shooting at postal worker

"...Sonnier was arrested and charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder and one count of attempted second-degree murder after he shot at least once at a U.S. Postal Service vehicle which was occupied by a worker. The postal employee was not injured ..."   
Source: www.theadvertiser.com

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1.11.2016

More 'postal support employees' have been attaining permanent status at U.S. Postal Service

More 'postal support employees' have been attaining permanent status at U.S. Postal Service

"... As a "postal support employee," she said she never knew when she'd work or how many hours. She never knew if her pay would cover her bills. To make ends meet, the single mother of three had to take a second job...."   
Source: www.baltimoresun.com

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1.09.2016

Postal Service continues downsizing

USPS moves Heights station in ongoing downsizing

"...In 2013, the Postal Service unveiled plans to move or consolidate six Houston stations: Memorial Park at 10505 Town And Country Way; Julius Melcher at 2802 Timmons; Greenbriar at 3740 Greenbriar; University at 1319 Richmond; Medical Center at 7205 Almeda and Southmore at 4110 Almeda. By late 2014, the Yale Street station and downtown's Houston General Post Office at 401 Franklin were for sale, but the Southmore station had been spared ..."   
Source: www.chron.com

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1.05.2016

Top 6,035 Complaints and Reviews about USPS

Top 6,035 Complaints and Reviews about USPS

"...Consumer Complaints & Reviews of the United States Postal Service ..."   
Source: www.consumeraffairs.com

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1.04.2016

USPS Downsizing?

Report Predicts Major USPS Downsizing - But Is It on Target?

"... Postal officials aren’t planning any major job reductions this year and seem to have backed off of earlier plans to implement significant cuts in the coming years..."   
Source: deadtreeedition.blogspot.com

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12.31.2015

Going postal: The surprising stock that's doubled this year

Going postal: The surprising stock that's doubled this year

"... With a 135 percent rise this year, the third-best-performing stock in the broad S&P 1500 index is an unexpected name: Stamps.com..."   
Source: www.cnbc.com

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12.12.2015

USPS answers some questions about dozens of recent break ins to community mail cluster boxes

USPS answers some questions about recent mail theft

"...We've been hearing from frustrated and angry viewers all week about dozens of recent break ins to community mail boxes, many of them in the Summerlin community ..."   
Source: www.ktnv.com

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12.08.2015

Sign-Up Now! Detailed Images of Your Incoming Mail from the Postal Service

Detailed Images of Your Incoming Mail from the Postal Service

"... Participate in this new USPS service enhancement test and get images of the mail that will be placed in your mailbox each day. Black and white images of your actual letter-sized mail pieces, processed by USPS sorting equipment, will be provided to you each morning. Flat-sized pieces, such as catalogues or magazines, may be added in the future. Participation is limited to certain ZIP Codes ™ at this time. See the FAQs for more details...."   
Source: realmail.usps.com

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12.02.2015

U.S. Postal Service Warns Washington Newspaper: No Marijuana Ads In The Mail

U.S. Postal Service Warns Washington Newspaper: No Marijuana Ads In The Mail

"...The U.S. Postal Service sent a letter Nov. 27 to the Chinook Observer in Long Beach, Wash., saying it's illegal to mail a newspaper with medical or recreational weed ads ..."   
Source: www.wweek.com

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11.08.2015

Convicted mail bomber found in Beaver County hospital

Convicted mail bomber found in Beaver County hospital

"... McFadden was charged with sending a bomb-rigged jewelry box to a woman in New York whom he had not seen in 14 years, according to published reports at the time of his arrest in 1985. The 3-inch pipe bomb exploded Oct. 8, 1985, while being processed at the Postal Service bulk mail center in Marshall..."   
Source: triblive.com

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11.01.2015

PRC Invites Public Comments on Postal Service Metrics

PRC Invites Public Comments on Postal Service Metrics

"...The PRC asks for interested parties to file comments with it by December 14 on the following ..."   
Source: www.dmnews.com

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10.28.2015

Cartoon: Central Massachusetts Mail Delivery Delays Due to Moving Mail Processing

Landgren cartoon: Slow mail day

"...Don Landgren cartoon about Massachusetts mail delivery delays ..."   
Source: www.heraldnews.com

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10.27.2015

Management’s New BEM Motto: Run to Failure!

Management’s New BEM Motto: Run to Failure!

"...In revising the MS-1 Handbook, Operation and Maintenance of Real Property, management is attempting to eliminate a substantial number of Maintenance Craft jobs. In the process, it will make the postal facilities less safe, less comfortable, and less efficient. The Postal Service intends to replace current procedures with a Building Automation System that remotely monitors building equipment, reduces workhours, eliminates required preventive maintenance, and runs machines to failure ..."   
Source: www.apwu.org

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10.20.2015

OIG Recommends Putting a Hold on Plant Closures

OIG Recommends Putting a Hold on Plant Closures

"...predictions that lower service standards would wreak havoc on mail delivery were substantiated in a “Management Alert” issued by the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) ..."   
Source: Federal Employee News

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10.02.2015

Postal-themed TV drama debuts this weekend

Postal-themed TV drama debuts this weekend

"...“The Inspectors,” a new dramatic series about the Postal Inspection Service’s efforts to fight crime and protect the mail, will debut Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10:30 a.m. ..."   
Source: postalaffairsblog.intelisent.com



9.29.2015

1972 'Jeep Postal' - A Family Affair

1972 Jeep Postal- A Family Affair

"...After 40 years of service with the USPS she held on to the mail Jeep that she worked so hard in. Jim had created visions in his mind of one day customizing mom's Postal. So when it was time for Jim to step up to and make something totally custom out of the stock Jeep, he was ready and willing to introduce his hot rod influence..."   
Source: www.trucktrend.com

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9.22.2015

Carper postal bill would force retiree integration with Medicare

Postal Reform Bill Needs Work, But Needs to Be Passed

"...Postal Service replied with a statement saying it was “particularly gratified that the bill…will ensure that our retiree health benefits program will adopt the best practices of the private sector and fully integrate with Medicare ..."   
Source: www.dmnews.com

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9.19.2015

Postal Service Hit with Nearly $80,000 in OSHA Fines at South Carolina Plant

USPS Hit with Nearly $80,000 in OSHA Fines at South Carolina Plant

"...After inspections at a Greenville, SC, mail processing plant, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) issued four citations for safety violations and fines of $79,900 on Sept. 15. One violation was labeled “willful;” three others were considered “serious.” ..."   
Source: www.apwu.org

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9.16.2015

Neighbors perplexed by lack of mail delivery

Neighbors perplexed by lack of mail delivery

"..."A decision to suspend mail delivery to customers on this street was based on a recurring threat to a letter carrier from a customer’s pet loose in that neighborhood. Affected customers were not notified properly due to an administrative error. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and have taken steps to ensure it does not happen again..."   
Source: www.kpho.com

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9.14.2015

Papal Visit Will Cause Postal Delays

Papal Visit Will Cause Postal Delays

"...On Thursday the 24th, collection boxes in affected areas will be removed and locked. On Friday the 25th, the Philadelphia Main Office, the William Penn Delivery Annex, and the Fairmount and Spring Garden Stations will have carriers complete deliveries by 1 p.m. No delivery or collection of mail will take place in these areas on Saturday or Sunday. Full operations will resume on Monday the 28th. ..."   
Source: www.dmnews.com

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9.09.2015

Mystic Stamp Company for Stamp Collectors


Mystic Stamp Company for Stamp Collectors

www.mysticstamp.com
https://www.mysticstamp.com/

"...In 2013, Mystic celebrated its 90th anniversary. It’s fun to think about how many people began collecting stamps with our help, and humbling to know hundreds of thousands of collectors placed their trust and loyalty in Mystic. We’re also proud of our growth – after beginning as one-room, one-man operation, Mystic has become America’s Leading Stamp Dealer. That gives us the chance to be a powerful advocate for you, for the hobby, and for the future of stamp collecting. ..."   
Source: www.mysticstamp.com

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Post Office robbed, employee assaulted, investigation ongoing

UPDATED: Lyons Post Office robbed, employee assaulted, investigation ongoing

"...the employee was approached as she was locking up, then assaulted. The 25-year-old employee, who has been employed at the post office for less than one year, was transported ..."   
Source: www.gcdailyworld.com

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