CINXE.COM

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Postal Posts</title> <atom:link href="https://uspsblog.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://uspsblog.com/</link> <description>Commentary from the United States Postal Service</description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2025 19:20:03 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">101155044</site> <item> <title>Delivering to You, With Safety in View</title> <link>https://uspsblog.com/delivering-to-you-with-safety-in-view/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Linda DeCarlo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2025 19:15:32 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Delivering for America]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Delivery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inside USPS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Letter Carrier]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Safe Driving]]></category> <category><![CDATA[USPS Safety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#deliveryvehicles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#drivingsafely]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#roadsafety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#safedriving]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspsdrivers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspsemployees]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspsvehicles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#vehiclesafety]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://uspsblog.com/?p=6609</guid> <description><![CDATA[Delivering to You, With Safety in View USPS is committed to keeping America’s roads safe Every day in communities across our nation, more than 246,000 U.S. Postal Service vehicles are powering the world’s largest mailing operation. Whether making deliveries, providing … The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/delivering-to-you-with-safety-in-view/">Delivering to You, With Safety in View</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Delivering to You, With Safety in View</h3> <div class="lead">USPS is committed to keeping America’s roads safe</div> Every day in communities across our nation, more than 246,000 U.S. Postal Service vehicles are powering the world’s largest mailing operation. Whether making deliveries, providing pickup services or simply moving between locations, our drivers work hard to ensure a safe and efficient journey for everyone as we fulfill our mission to serve more than 169 million addresses six and seven days a week. Our commitment to public safety is part of the fabric of USPS operations. We are a constant in many Americans’ lives, and we value the public’s trust in us to deliver mail and packages reliably, efficiently and safely. That’s why we ensure every postal employee driving a USPS vehicle undergoes a rigorous training program that covers defensive driving techniques, proper vehicle maintenance and adherence to traffic laws. The USPS national driver training program is central to instilling our culture of safety and accountability in our employees. The program teaches a comprehensive suite of safety protocols, including situational awareness, and trains drivers how to anticipate potential hazards, handle adverse weather conditions, safely navigate busy urban streets and secure their vehicles when they exit. Our drivers are constantly evaluated, and training is regularly updated to ensure employees meet the highest safety standards. We also highlight safety protocols at critical times of the year, like return to school and the start of winter, to maintain awareness of our commitment to vehicle safety. We’ve also made huge strides in making our fleet safer for pedestrians and other vehicles, especially with our delivery trucks. Our Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) is equipped with the latest collision-avoidance technologies, visual and audible warning systems, traction control, automatic braking, 360-degree camera views and backup cameras, all to make them among the safest and most secure delivery vehicles in the world. The NGDV’s distinctive low front hood and oversize windscreen are designed for safety, too, providing our carriers the visibility to see everything in front of them, particularly small children and animals. Our drivers take their responsibility seriously, and we recognize their stellar safe driving records in partnership with the National Safety Council’s Million Mile Award. This award recognizes drivers who complete 1 million miles of driving or 30 accumulated years driven without preventable incidents — considered the gold standard and highest honor for professional safe driving performance. I’m proud to say that over the years, tens of thousands of postal employees have been awarded this recognition. Postal Service employees travel more than 1.2 billion miles a year fulfilling our universal service obligation, whether it’s driving a delivery truck, cargo van or tractor-trailer, and they do so safely and responsibly. However, road safety is a two-way street, and we also need other drivers and pedestrians to stay vigilant and practice safe habits when near our vehicles. To emphasize this, this month we are conducting a new safety awareness campaign, Delivering to You, With Safety in View, with great tips for our customers, other drivers and children on how to stay safe. Too often, accidents happen because people are not paying attention or are in too much of a hurry. Our employees are on the street every day, and we count on your awareness to help prevent collisions and keep everyone safe. Our vehicles are not hard to miss, yet accidents still happen because other drivers fail to slow down and give our trucks the space they need. Find out more about what you can do at our dedicated <a href="https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2025/pb22671/html/welcome.htm">Delivering to You, With Safety in View</a> page on <a href="https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2025/pb22671/html/front_cvr.htm">www.usps.com</a> or through #USPSVehicleAwareness on your favorite social media site. Please do your part. Traffic accidents are preventable; together, we can make our streets safer.   Linda DeCarlo Senior Director, Occupational Safety and Health The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/delivering-to-you-with-safety-in-view/">Delivering to You, With Safety in View</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6609</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Protecting the American Public from Imposter Scams</title> <link>https://uspsblog.com/protecting-americans-from-rising-imposter-scams/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian Coleman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:13:23 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Inside USPS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mailin' It]]></category> <category><![CDATA[National Consumer Protection Week]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[USPIS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[USPS Safety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#emailscams]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#identitytheft]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#postalinspectors]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#textmessagescams]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspsscams]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://uspsblog.com/?p=6571</guid> <description><![CDATA[Protecting the American Public from Imposter Scams The Postal Inspection Service spotlights USPS-related swindles Public awareness is a critical aspect of every law enforcement operation, and here at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, we are committed to providing the American … The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/protecting-americans-from-rising-imposter-scams/">Protecting the American Public from Imposter Scams</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Protecting the American Public from Imposter Scams</h3> <div class="lead">The Postal Inspection Service spotlights USPS-related swindles</div> <div class="lead">Public awareness is a critical aspect of every law enforcement operation, and here at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, we are committed to providing the American public with the information and tools necessary to protect themselves and secure the country’s mail. The annual National Consumer Protection Week is a pivotal part of this outreach, and this year, we are focusing on imposter scams.</div> <div class="lead">Imposter scams cover a multitude of crimes, but at their core, a victim is drawn into this fraud by someone who is pretending to be someone else. This gives criminals a broad canvas to work with, and we often hear of them posing as charity workers, representatives of a government agency, romantic interests or even celebrities. Now that we are in tax filing season, expect to see an uptick in criminals posing as IRS agents.</div> <div class="lead">Here at the Postal Inspection Service, we have also witnessed an alarming increase in USPS-related scams, mostly fake texts and emails about a failed attempt to deliver a package. I’d say it’s gotten so bad that almost everyone reading this will have received one of these smishing attempts at least once, and with e-commerce now a part of everyday life, we expect this scam to continue and grow.</div> <div class="lead">As I recently told the hosts of the USPS <a href="https://usps-mailin-it.simplecast.com/episodes/spotting-imposter-scams">Mailin’ It!</a> podcast, these frauds are costing the American public dearly, and we are doing our very best to end this victimization. That’s why, for National Consumer Protection Week 2025, we have created a dedicated <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/ncpw-2025">USPIS portal</a> that explains what consumers should look out for and how they should protect themselves.</div> <div class="lead">It can be overwhelming to deal with what seems like a constant barrage of scams, but a few simple rules will help relieve you of a lot of stress. First of all, imposter scams are usually unsolicited, so be skeptical of any letter, call, text or email you didn’t ask for. Not all unsolicited communications are scams, but even legitimate ones aren’t typically made to benefit you, so hold off on answering and never click the link. Even if you receive some outreach from a recognized organization like your favorite charity or your bank, be cautious, check the grammar and spelling, and look for obvious red flags, like private email addresses.</div> <div class="lead">Even if you are curious, do not call the phone numbers or click on links in the communication you receive. It might take a few minutes of research, but it’s worth the effort to find the homepage or main telephone number yourself and contact the organization through those channels. If you’re concerned that you might be a victim of identity theft, I’d recommend regularly running your credit reports to monitor for suspicious activity.</div> <div class="lead">Imposter scams are now a part of our lives, but by staying vigilant, skeptical and informed, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. You can also visit <a href="http://www.uspis.gov/">www.uspis.gov/</a> for helpful tips on all types of scams.</div> <div class="lead">Remember, the Postal Service will never ask you for personal details or money through unsolicited messages. And if you receive or are a victim of a fake USPS communication, please reach out to us at <a href="http://www.uspis.gov/report">www.uspis.gov/report</a> or call 1-877-876-2455.</div> <div class="lead">By working together, we can stop scammers in their tracks.</div>   Brian Coleman Postal Inspector The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/protecting-americans-from-rising-imposter-scams/">Protecting the American Public from Imposter Scams</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6571</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Another Great Year of Commemorative Stamps</title> <link>https://uspsblog.com/another-great-year-of-commemorative-stamps/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lisa Bobb-Semple]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2025 13:26:09 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Celebrations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inside USPS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stamps]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#2025stamps]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#bettywhitestamps]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#blackheritagestamps]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#lovestamps]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspsstamps]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://uspsblog.com/?p=6498</guid> <description><![CDATA[Another Great Year of Commemorative Stamps The 2025 collection demonstrates the Postal Service’s commitment to celebrate our nation It’s an exciting time here at Stamp Services as we release the first of our 2025 commemorative stamp collection. Working with the … The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/another-great-year-of-commemorative-stamps/">Another Great Year of Commemorative Stamps</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Another Great Year of Commemorative Stamps</h3> <div class="lead">The 2025 collection demonstrates the Postal Service’s commitment to celebrate our nation</div> It’s an exciting time here at Stamp Services as we release the first of our 2025 commemorative stamp collection. Working with the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC), my team has yet again come up with an exciting range of subjects that celebrate the very best of our nation in some truly beautiful, creative and thoughtful pieces of artwork. A sneak peek at our first releases shows that there will be something for everyone in our 2025 collection, with fresh additions to popular series like Love, Lunar New Year and Black Heritage, as well as some brand-new, eye-catching designs. And, as always, we’ve included a few works that will thrill stamp collectors and enthusiasts. One stamp for 2025 that I know many will appreciate is our commemoration of television icon, comedy legend and animal rights advocate Betty White. This stamp embodies everything I love about this job. We are celebrating a wonderful American in a way that distills her energy while retaining the whimsy that made White so endearing. I’d like to think this is the stamp she would have picked if given the opportunity. The breadth of this year’s collection is impressive. We have dedicated the 48th stamp in our Black Heritage series to Allen Toussaint in recognition of his outsize contribution to multiple genres of American music. And Cochiti Pueblo artist Mateo Romero has created original paintings of four powwow dancers performing their craft for a dynamic collection celebrating Native American culture. An impressive pane of 15 stamps also marks the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War, with watercolor paintings and photographs of battle sites vividly bringing to life five pivotal moments in the fight for American independence. This year, our popular Lunar New Year series features an innovative three-dimensional snake mask made of hand-printed paper, which was then cut, scored and folded into shape origami-style, and the latest in our Love series embraces the bold, vibrant and instantly recognizable graffiti art of Keith Haring. Modern scanning technology was pivotal to the creation of the composite image used for our luna moth stamp, and we used high-definition images captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope for two impressive space-related stamps. Our global First-Class International Mail stamp traces its artwork back to a 1794 drawing of a 32-point compass rose made by Lucia Wadsworth — aunt of famed poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Nature features heavily in this year’s collection, too, with dahlias, autumnal leaves, winter landscapes, freshwater angling and a state-by-state celebration of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. For animal lovers, we have created a visually stunning set of 10 stamps featuring baby animals indigenous to the United States. These stamps are a great starting point for a 2025 collection that will include more than 30 issues. Please keep an eye out for more updates over the coming months and, as always, <a href="https://store.usps.com/store/stamps">store.usps.com/store/stamps</a> is home to commemorative collections, old and new. In addition, many of our first-day-of-issue ceremonies are free and open to the public, so if you want to be part of these delightful celebrations, watch out for announcements in the <a href="https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/">USPS newsroom</a>. We have also launched a website, <a href="https://www.stampsforever.com/">stampsforever.com</a>, where you can learn more about the stories behind the stamps and get lots of great information about stamps and stamp-inspired products. I encourage you to check out this site. We are always on the lookout for the next great suggestion. The <a href="https://about.usps.com/who/csac/">CSAC page</a> at usps.com explains the process for submitting one.   Lisa Bobb-Semple Director Stamp Services The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/another-great-year-of-commemorative-stamps/">Another Great Year of Commemorative Stamps</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6498</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Protecting You and Your Mail</title> <link>https://uspsblog.com/protecting-you-and-your-mail/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gary Barksdale]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jan 2025 17:59:32 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Delivery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inside USPS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[USPIS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[USPS Did You Know & Tips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#consumerfraud]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#mailfraud]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#mailthieves]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#postalinspectors]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#USpostalinspectionservice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspsscams]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://uspsblog.com/?p=6425</guid> <description><![CDATA[Protecting You and Your Mail Postal inspectors are on a mission to keep America’s postal system safe and secure Since our inception in August 1775, the United States Postal Inspection Service® (USPIS) has protected the American public. Postal inspectors defend … The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/protecting-you-and-your-mail/">Protecting You and Your Mail</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Protecting You and Your Mail</h3> <div class="lead">Postal inspectors are on a mission to keep America’s postal system safe and secure</div> Since our inception in August 1775, the United States Postal Inspection Service® (USPIS) has protected the American public. Postal inspectors defend the sanctity of the mail system and are uniquely positioned to uphold the safety and security of every delivery address and every community in the nation. This great responsibility brings with it an extremely broad jurisdiction, with postal inspectors policing crimes from mail fraud, drug trafficking and child exploitation to cybercrime, money laundering and identity theft. Our work reaches across the globe, and we work tirelessly to help ensure that your mail is always safe and secure. I’m proud of everything we do at USPIS, and it is an honor and privilege to lead one of America’s oldest law enforcement agencies. To fully comprehend how hard we work, I urge you to visit our website, <a href="http://www.uspis.gov/">www.uspis.gov</a>, but here I’d like to highlight for you a few of the critical missions the great women and men of the Postal Inspection Service undertake to preserve the safety, security and integrity of the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse. Working with the United States Postal Service, we launched <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/project-safe-delivery">Project Safe Delivery</a> in May 2023 to counter the troubling increase in attacks on postal employees and mail, typically by criminals seeking to gain from the billion-dollar check fraud industry. To date, our efforts have resulted in the arrest of more than 2,000 suspected mail thieves and almost 400 suspected robbers. More than 2,700 cases have been initiated for mail theft and robberies, resulting in around 1,900 convictions, <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/temple-hills-man-sentenced-to-35-years-for-armed-robbery-of-letter-carrier-in-columbia-maryland">with some sentences reaching more than three decades</a>. We have achieved this through our <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/USPIS_Mail-Theft-Strategy-FINAL-3-13-24_v2-002.pdf">Combating Mail Theft and Letter Carrier Robberies Strategy</a>, which optimized our resources and leveraged our already strong relationships with federal and state law enforcement agencies. Postal inspectors are also on the frontline protecting the integrity of our country’s Election Mail. In the run-up to the 2024 general election, <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/election-mail-security">USPIS was pivotal</a> to the Postal Service’s efforts to educate and inform the American public on how to handle and return Election Mail. And, as the federal law enforcement organization assigned to protect the mail, including ballots mailed to and from voters domestically and abroad, we were there — as we are every election season — enforcing rigorous security protocols. These efforts included continuously monitoring and promptly responding to any potential threats or incidents, and supporting election officials who suspected fraud or were the victim of threats involving the mail. The Inspection Service plays a central role in the country’s strategy to eliminate the mailing of opioids and other illicit drugs, and we have developed innovative investigative techniques and cutting-edge analytics that significantly increase our ability to remove dangerous and illicit drugs from the mail and identify those responsible. <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/combating-illicit-drugs-in-the-mail">This mission is a top priority of USPIS</a>, and we are producing real results not only by interdicting and removing illicit narcotics from the mail, but also by investigating and arresting individuals and disrupting drug trafficking organizations across the United States and overseas. Consumer awareness is also important to us, and postal inspectors are dedicated to informing Americans on how to protect themselves from a variety of scams, including phishing, smishing and mail fraud. Behind the scenes, we are using the latest technologies and partnering with agencies around the world to combat these pernicious crimes with significant effect, but our impact is magnified when customers take simple precautions to stop these criminals. That’s why we are constantly issuing <a href="http://youtube.com/uspispressroom">public service announcements</a>, hosting major campaigns like our recent <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/holiday-scams-2024">Don’t Get Snowed by Holiday Scams</a> effort, participating in events like the Federal Trade Commission’s <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/national-consumer-protection-week#:~:text=March%203%20%2D%20March%209%2C%202024,and%20avoid%20frauds%20and%20scams.">National Consumer Protection Week</a> and partnering with organizations like the <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/aba-and-u-s-postal-inspection-service-announce-partnership-to-combat-check-fraud">American Bankers Association</a> to keep consumers updated on the latest tactics to avoid becoming a victim of a scam. Our dedicated <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-fraud">online mail fraud resource</a> also hosts a wealth of information. And as a reminder, the Postal Service does not send unsolicited communications about your mail and packages, and if you do ask for tracking information, the service is free and will not include a link. So, if you did not initiate a tracking request for a specific package directly from USPS and it contains a link, please don’t click! This quick peek behind the curtains represents only a fraction of the many missions conducted by the Postal Inspection Service. In partnership with USPS, we remain vigilant and steadfast in our commitment to protecting the world’s largest postal organization and keep Delivering for America® each and every day. If you are a victim of or have witnessed a mail-related crime or see someone acting suspiciously near a postal employee or mailbox, alert postal inspectors at <a href="http://www.uspis.gov/report">www.uspis.gov/report</a> or call 1-877-876-2455.   Gary Barksdale Chief Postal Inspector The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/protecting-you-and-your-mail/">Protecting You and Your Mail</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6425</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Holiday Ride</title> <link>https://uspsblog.com/holiday-ride/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sheila Holman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 14:57:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Built for the Holidays]]></category> <category><![CDATA[holiday delivery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[holiday shipping]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inside USPS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Letter Carrier]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mailin' It]]></category> <category><![CDATA[USPS Ground Advantage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#deliveringforamericaplan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspsemployees]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspsholiday]]></category> <category><![CDATA[uspsgroundadvantage]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://uspsblog.com/?p=6348</guid> <description><![CDATA[Holiday Ride Holiday campaign showcases successes of Delivering for America® plan As another year draws to a close, it’s a perfect moment for reflection and celebration. For those of us at the U.S. Postal Service, the 2024 peak holiday season … The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/holiday-ride/">Holiday Ride</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Holiday Ride</h3> <div class="lead">Holiday campaign showcases successes of Delivering for America® plan</div> As another year draws to a close, it’s a perfect moment for reflection and celebration. For those of us at the U.S. Postal Service, the 2024 peak holiday season is an ideal time to consider the remarkable transformation we’ve undergone in the nearly four years since we introduced our Delivering for America plan. We’ve made great strides in operational efficiency and capacity, turned around a shipping business that was bleeding volume to our competitors, strengthened our pricing and product strategies, modernized our fleet with fuel-efficient gas-powered and electric vehicles, streamlined our transportation systems and reduced costs. It’s a success story all of us here at USPS are proud to champion. Our 2024 holiday marketing campaign, “Holiday Ride,” was a great opportunity to highlight some of our key achievements. As I recently told the hosts of the <a href="https://usps-mailin-it.simplecast.com/episodes/the-postal-service-is-ready-for-the-2024-elections">USPS Mailin’ It! podcast</a>, my team, as always, came up with an idea that is fun, enlightening and filled with the magic of this wonderful time of year. This campaign showcases just how effectively the Postal Service comes together in full force to make every delivery matter and create joyful connections during the holidays. If you haven’t seen the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlvP2gHfS6U">TV spot</a>, take 30 seconds to watch it now. You’ll be glad you did. Through the imaginative perspective of a resourceful and creative child, we explore our intricate network and the full loop your mail and packages go through from drop-off to delivery and meet the employees who enable us to accomplish our annual feat of delivering moments of holiday joy six and often seven days a week. The commercial, and supporting print ads, social media posts, Post Officeᵀᴹ banners and direct mailers, champion some big wins for the Postal Service, with notable nods to <a href="https://www.usps.com/ship/ground-advantage.htm">USPS Ground Advantage® </a>— one of our shipping products that is bringing back customers and growing business with existing ones — and the introduction of electric delivery vehicles on America’s roads, which is expected to be one of the largest EV deployments in the world. Our successful transformation wouldn’t be possible without the full commitment of every postal employee, and we wanted to emphasize in this year’s holiday campaign the collective spirit of our more than 640,000 employees to be a more reliable and higher-performing Postal Service. Our employees deserve this recognition, especially at this time of year when we are at our busiest. So, join us on this year’s “Holiday Ride,” and let the Postal Service deliver joy to your home, affordably and on time.   Sheila Holman Vice President, Marketing The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/holiday-ride/">Holiday Ride</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6348</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Monuments to Postal History</title> <link>https://uspsblog.com/monuments-to-postal-history/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Benjamin Kuo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:43:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Historic Postal Buildings]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Postal History]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Postal HQ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#historicarchitecture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#oldpostofficedc]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#postalheadquarters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#postofficewashingtondc]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspsheadquarters]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://uspsblog.com/?p=6256</guid> <description><![CDATA[Monuments to Postal History The Postal Service’s legacy is alive in Washington, DC U.S. Postal Service history is deeply entwined with America’s story. From our beginning, we’ve played a pivotal role in some of the most significant chapters of our … The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/monuments-to-postal-history/">Monuments to Postal History</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Monuments to Postal History</h3> <div class="lead">The Postal Service’s legacy is alive in Washington, DC </div> U.S. Postal Service history is deeply entwined with America’s story. From our beginning, we’ve played a pivotal role in some of the most significant chapters of our country’s growth, binding a nation through communication, infrastructure and commerce. Our legacy can be seen every day in every community across the nation. But for me, as Facilities vice president with a special appreciation of architecture and the utility of buildings, the most prominent symbols of our place in America’s history can be found in the various postal headquarters buildings that survive to this day in Washington, DC, which has been home to our base of operations since 1800. Our early headquarters buildings are unfortunately lost to time, but as the USPS Historian’s article, “<a href="https://about.usps.com/who/profile/history/pdf/headquarters-sites.pdf">Post Office Headquarters Sites in Washington, DC</a>” clearly illustrates, we’ve been close to the center of power since our first days in the nation’s capital. Whether located between the White House and Congress or right next to the West Wing, our headquarters have been in the middle of the action during some of the most important junctures in America’s history. There were ups and downs for our headquarters in those early days. We were one of the only federal departments to survive the burning of Washington by British troops on Aug. 24, 1814, and we hosted Congress for several months following that attack while the Capitol was being rebuilt. Fire would eventually destroy that headquarters in 1836, however, taking with it many of our historical documents. On a positive note, that fire ensured that all future postal headquarters would be purpose-built with safety, security and permanency in mind. Because of that, today we have four magnificent buildings in the heart of Washington that showcase the Postal Service’s — and our country’s — evolution over more than 180 years. Our oldest surviving headquarters building, the General Post Office, can be found in the city’s historic Penn Quarter. Our home from 1841 to 1899, this magnificent all-marble, block-length building is a monument to a critical time in our past. It was here during the Civil War that we created many of the postal services that are considered standard today, such as free home delivery, money orders and mail-in ballots. This was also the building where we established ourselves as a patron of new technologies, supporting Samual Morse’s telegraph system and the fledgling rail network. As the country grew, its postal needs evolved, and with that came the need for more space. This meant new headquarters, first at the now iconic Old Post Office Building on 11th and Pennsylvania Avenue (between 1899 and 1934) and then across the street at the New Post Office Building. In this space just blocks from the White House, you can see where we nurtured the nation’s nascent aviation industry, helped bring joy to our troops during the horrors of two world wars, and supported the economic and demographic booms that followed. And then there is our home since 1973 at L’Enfant Plaza, a monument to our evolution from the Cabinet-level Post Office Department into the independent, self-sustaining USPS that today is the largest mail operator in existence, handling more than 40 percent of the world’s mail. I’ve only scratched the surface of the Postal Service’s legacy in our nation’s capital. But I hope I’ve given all of you a new reason to visit Washington and see it from a fresh perspective, one that celebrates the unique bond the Postal Service holds with our nation’s story of growth, success and global prominence. ARTWORK AND CAPTIONS <div id="attachment_6257" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a style="font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GENERA1.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6257" class="wp-image-6257 size-medium" src="https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GENERA1-300x228.jpg" alt="The all-marble General Post Office Building at 701 E St., NW, Washington, DC, was the first headquarters built specifically for the U.S. Post Office Department. It served as its base from 1841 to 1899." width="300" height="228" srcset="https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GENERA1-300x228.jpg 300w, https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GENERA1-1024x780.jpg 1024w, https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GENERA1-768x585.jpg 768w, https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GENERA1.jpg 1141w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>The all-marble General Post Office Building at 701 E St., NW, Washington, DC, was the first headquarters built specifically for the U.S. Post Office Department. It served as its base from 1841 to 1899.</div> <div id="attachment_6261" style="width: 275px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Historical-PO-HQ_post-office-washington-dc-ca.-1910_18807u-edited-002.jpg"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6261" class="wp-image-6261 size-medium" src="https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Historical-PO-HQ_post-office-washington-dc-ca.-1910_18807u-edited-002-265x300.jpg" alt="Old Post Office Building at 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW served as postal headquarters from 1899 to 1934." width="265" height="300" srcset="https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Historical-PO-HQ_post-office-washington-dc-ca.-1910_18807u-edited-002-265x300.jpg 265w, https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Historical-PO-HQ_post-office-washington-dc-ca.-1910_18807u-edited-002-906x1024.jpg 906w, https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Historical-PO-HQ_post-office-washington-dc-ca.-1910_18807u-edited-002-768x868.jpg 768w, https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Historical-PO-HQ_post-office-washington-dc-ca.-1910_18807u-edited-002-1358x1536.jpg 1358w, https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Historical-PO-HQ_post-office-washington-dc-ca.-1910_18807u-edited-002.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 265px) 100vw, 265px" /></a>Now fondly known as the Old Post Office Building, this iconic Washington, DC, landmark at 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW served as postal headquarters from 1899 to 1934. It is noted for its 315-foot clock tower.</div> <div id="attachment_6259" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a style="font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PO-Building-1200-Pennsylvania-Ave_5a48806v-002.jpg"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6259" class="wp-image-6259 size-medium" src="https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PO-Building-1200-Pennsylvania-Ave_5a48806v-002-300x240.jpg" alt="The design of the New Post Office Building at 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, across the street from its predecessor, was inspired by the famous Place Vendôme in Paris. It served as postal headquarters from 1934 to 1973." width="300" height="240" srcset="https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PO-Building-1200-Pennsylvania-Ave_5a48806v-002-300x240.jpg 300w, https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PO-Building-1200-Pennsylvania-Ave_5a48806v-002-768x615.jpg 768w, https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PO-Building-1200-Pennsylvania-Ave_5a48806v-002.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>The design of the New Post Office Building at 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, across the street from its predecessor, was inspired by the famous Place Vendôme in Paris. It served as postal headquarters from 1934 to 1973.</div> <div id="attachment_6260" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a style="font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Capture.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6260" class="wp-image-6260 size-medium" src="https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Capture-300x191.jpg" alt="Current USPS headquarters at 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW" width="300" height="191" srcset="https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Capture-300x191.jpg 300w, https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Capture-1024x651.jpg 1024w, https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Capture-768x488.jpg 768w, https://uspsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Capture.jpg 1335w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>The current USPS headquarters building at 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW boasts more than 1 million square feet of interior space. It was designed by the Czech American architect Vlastimil Koubek as part of renowned Chinese America architect I. M. Pei’s grand modernist vision for the L’Enfant Plaza urban development.</div> Benjamin Kuo Vice President, Facilities   The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/monuments-to-postal-history/">Monuments to Postal History</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6256</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Delivering America’s Election Mail</title> <link>https://uspsblog.com/delivering-americas-election-mail/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Adrienne Marshall]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:10:09 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Election Mail]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mailin' It]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Postal HQ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#electionmaildelivery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#mail-invotingprocess]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#securemailvoting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspselectionmail]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspselectionmailsecurity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspselectionmailtips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspselectionmailtracking]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#votebymail2024]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://uspsblog.com/?p=6180</guid> <description><![CDATA[Delivering America’s Election Mail Ensuring your mail-in vote is delivered securely and on time. The United States Postal Service has a proud history of successfully handling Election Mail. Thanks to long-standing and effective processes and practices that involve every facet … The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/delivering-americas-election-mail/">Delivering America’s Election Mail</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Delivering America’s Election Mail</h3> <div class="lead">Ensuring your mail-in vote is delivered securely and on time. </div> The United States Postal Service has a proud history of successfully handling Election Mail. Thanks to long-standing and effective processes and practices that involve every facet of our operation and every one of our 640,000 postal employees, the Postal Service is always ready and well-prepared to process, transport and deliver the nation’s Election Mail safely, securely, and on time. The upcoming 2024 general election will be no different. Since 2022, I have led the Postal Service’s Election and Government Mail Services team, which was formed to permanently oversee our Election Mail efforts. We have formalized and centralized the proven strategies, policies and procedures that have maintained the Postal Service’s robust and effective service performance during previous election seasons. My team and I strive to continually improve upon our successful handling of Election Mail, and we’ve created new resources for all employees — not just those processing and delivering mail — on how to identify Election Mail, especially mail-in ballots, and ensure its safe and timely passage through the postal network. We’ve also worked with union leaders to bring more employees into our already robust system of Election Mail oversight. Outreach is also our priority, and we’ve embraced opportunities to educate local, state, and federal election officials and their mail service providers on how to use the mail effectively. For 2024, this has included in-person contact with more than 12,000 election officials and regular appearances at state conferences — all to help election officials understand our recommendations regarding mail piece design, visibility tools (like barcodes), and best practices for using the mail. As we near Election Day, we will again deploy extraordinary measures in the final two weeks of the 2024 general election cycle. These measures include extra deliveries and collections, special pickups, expanded processing facility hours, sort plans at processing facilities to expedite delivery and local turnaround to bypass regional processing if necessary. These efforts are designed to be used in the final days before the election, when the risk of deviating from our standard processes is necessary to rescue ballots that are entered in our system likely, or definitely, too late to make election deadlines set by election officials. We handle more than 430 million pieces of mail daily, so we have more than enough capacity and expertise to accommodate the additional influx of mail-in ballots. And as always, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is there to protect the security and integrity of the nation’s Election Mail. This includes rigorous security protocols, continuous monitoring and prompt response to any potential threats or incidents. The Inspection Service also provides support for election officials who suspect fraud or are the victim of threats involving the mail. I am proud to be part of this organization, and I’m honored to work alongside the 640,000 postal employees who are central to achieving our consistently high level of performance every election cycle. And if you’d like to know more, please join me on my recent visit to the <a href="https://usps-mailin-it.simplecast.com/episodes/the-postal-service-is-ready-for-the-2024-elections">USPS Mailin’ It! podcast</a>, where I talk at length about the Postal Service’s indispensable role in the safe, secure and timely processing, transportation, and delivery of the nation’s Election Mail. I’d like to leave everyone with one final thought. As in past elections, the United States Postal Service is ready to deliver your ballot on time. But don’t delay. If you choose to vote by mail, please mail early.   Adrienne Marshall Director, Election & Government Mail Services The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/delivering-americas-election-mail/">Delivering America’s Election Mail</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6180</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Giving Back to the Community</title> <link>https://uspsblog.com/giving-back-to-the-community/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Doug Tulino]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 21 Aug 2024 17:24:06 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Food Drive]]></category> <category><![CDATA[In the Community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inside USPS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[USPS Did You Know & Tips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#nationalassociationoflettercarriers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#postalservice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#postalserviceemployees]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NALC]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://uspsblog.com/?p=6093</guid> <description><![CDATA[Giving Back to the Community The charity of Postal Service employees reflects their deep commitment to the American public Our employees’ commitment to public service goes far beyond the workplace. Every day, I see postal workers go above and beyond … The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/giving-back-to-the-community/">Giving Back to the Community</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Giving Back to the Community</h3> <div class="lead">The charity of Postal Service employees reflects their deep commitment to the American public</div> Our employees’ commitment to public service goes far beyond the workplace. Every day, I see postal workers go above and beyond the call of duty, making sure the communities we serve — the communities we call home — are cleaner, safer and more welcoming places to live. This altruism takes many forms, with many employees providing individual help and working with local grassroots efforts. There are larger efforts, too, such as the <a href="https://www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive">Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive</a>, an annual event typically held on the second Saturday in May and run by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). The Postal Service is proud to support the drive as a national partner. Led by dedicated letter carriers, other postal employees, union members and other Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive supporters, this annual food drive helps millions of Americans across the nation at a time of year when stocks from the peak Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday donation seasons are almost depleted. As Postmaster General Louis DeJoy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger/videos/1487794905193414">noted in a recent video</a> with NALC President Brian Renfroe, this year our letter carriers collected food and monetary donations in tens of thousands of cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Thanks to the generosity of the American public, this year the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive collected more than 39 million pounds of nonperishable food donations in just one day. With additional food donations and more than $400,000 in cash donations, the year’s total stands at close to 43.1 million pounds, an increase over last year’s total. This is a great success and proves that the country’s largest one-day food drive makes a real difference. In total, the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has collected almost 2 billion pounds of food for those in need since its launch in 1993. We applaud NALC for its more than three decades of inspired leadership in this critical mission. If you missed this year’s drive, don’t worry; next spring will be here sooner than you realize. So, when you see the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive postcard in your mail early next year, prepare early. On the second Sunday of May, leave your donation of nonperishable food in a bag near your mailbox and your letter carrier will do the rest. Millions of Americans face food insecurity every day, including children, seniors and veterans. The NALC Food Drive is one effective way we can all contribute to stamping out hunger.   Douglas Tulino Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Human Resources Officer The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/giving-back-to-the-community/">Giving Back to the Community</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6093</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Bringing Scale and Focus to Our Delivery Network</title> <link>https://uspsblog.com/bringing-scale-and-focus-to-our-delivery-network/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joshua Colin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 02 Aug 2024 16:01:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Delivering for America]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Delivery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inside USPS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[USPS Transformation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#deliverynetwork]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#postalservice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Sortinganddeliverycenters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspsemployees #deliveringforamerica]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://uspsblog.com/?p=6007</guid> <description><![CDATA[Bringing Scale and Focus to Our Delivery Network Sorting and delivery centers are pivotal to the Postal Service’s transformation It’s an exhilarating time for USPS. In the fourth year of our 10-year transformation, we are seeing real change in our … The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/bringing-scale-and-focus-to-our-delivery-network/">Bringing Scale and Focus to Our Delivery Network</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Bringing Scale and Focus to Our Delivery Network</h3> <div class="lead">Sorting and delivery centers are pivotal to the Postal Service’s transformation</div> It’s an exhilarating time for USPS. In the fourth year of our 10-year transformation, we are seeing real change in our operations and a clear path to the financial sustainability and service excellence envisioned in our in our <a href="https://about.usps.com/what/strategic-plans/delivering-for-america/">Delivering for America</a> plan. A significant part of that mission is the establishment of our new sorting and delivery centers, or S&DCs, a national network of strategically located facilities that will bring greater efficiencies and reliability to the postal system and help us elevate our service performance. S&DCs bring focus and structure to a network that for too long has relied on a haphazard and ever-growing patchwork of destination delivery units (DDUs), many of which are too small, ill-equipped and poorly maintained. With nearly 19,000 DDUs across the country, we were not only operating a costly delivery network but also perpetuating a system that has hindered our ability to evolve with the market as demand for package delivery soared. The answer to this problem is our new system of S&DCs. Each of these large, spacious, well-equipped facilities — many already owned by the Postal Service or on a long-term lease — typically consolidate the work once assigned to about 10 DDUs. Each S&DC will use the latest automated sorting equipment to serve upward of 200,000 customers daily, bringing new efficiencies to our delivery operation and improving our service performance. S&DCs are also a critical part of the largest fleet electrification program in the nation, and as the future home to tens of thousands of our new electric battery-powered delivery vehicles, these facilities will contribute significantly to our <a href="https://about.usps.com/what/corporate-social-responsibility/sustainability/">aggressive environmental goals</a>. I cannot overstate the importance of S&DCs to the success of our Delivering for America transformation. We put a lot of effort into choosing each site — not just for its current capabilities but also for its ability to support our growth in the coming decades. We’ve been busy identifying and upgrading sites since we inaugurated our first S&DC in Athens, GA, in November 2022. I’m proud to say we are on track to have 82 S&DCs fully operational by the end of September, serving 6.3 million delivery points and 13.3 million people. That is a remarkable achievement that shows we can and will have all the roughly 400 S&DCs planned under Delivery for America operational by 2030. We are already seeing the benefits of our S&DCs. At each facility, we have installed small delivery unit sorter machines that can process a minimum of 2,500 packages per hour — and as many as 4,300 packages per hour for high-capacity models — versus the 270 an hour we were working by hand in old DDUs. Consolidating DDUs into a single S&DC removes the duplication and repetition inherent in the old network, meaning fewer truck routes and less processing — major steps in our plan to improve service performance and reduce our emissions footprint. These new S&DCs also vastly improve our employee availability. By combining the roster from seven to 10 DDUs under one roof, we are better prepared to allocate extra resources or assign relief coverage. This critical mass of supervisors and employees also allows us to improve how we inform, mentor and train our staff. Every day, we find new opportunities to make our S&DCs more effective. As crucial as our S&DCs are to the operational goals envisioned in our <a href="https://about.usps.com/what/strategic-plans/delivering-for-america/">Delivering for America</a> plan, they are equally important to our mission to make the Postal Service the best place for our employees to work. That’s why we involved our unions early in this initiative and why we continue to meet regularly with them to evaluate each facility’s performance. We are also spending three to four months meticulously upgrading every building, making them cleaner, brighter and better equipped than old facilities. They are specifically designed to be safer and more effective places to work. We’ve also renovated restrooms and break rooms, adding amenities that make our employees’ work environment more inviting. It means a lot to me that our employees have welcomed the move to these S&DCs. They can see the efforts we’re making to revive the Postal Service, and their support is essential if we are to rebuild USPS into the modern, effective and financially self-sustaining organization we need to become. And this is just the beginning. Once we have opened every S&DC, we will have the national infrastructure in place to truly distinguish ourselves from our rivals and provide local shippers across the United States with unparalleled access to hundreds of thousands of potential customers, all from a single point in our processing network. This is the vision we have for the new Postal Service: to be an employer of choice and a trusted and reliable delivery partner for American businesses, not just for now but well into the future.   Joshua Colin Chief Retail & Delivery Officer The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/bringing-scale-and-focus-to-our-delivery-network/">Bringing Scale and Focus to Our Delivery Network</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6007</post-id> </item> <item> <title>An Ever-Evolving Postal Service</title> <link>https://uspsblog.com/an-ever-evolving-postal-service/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Steve Kochersperger]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jul 2024 18:46:21 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Delivering for America]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inside USPS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Postal History]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Postal HQ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#deliveringforamerica]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#postalservice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#postalservicehistory]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#uspshistory]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://uspsblog.com/?p=5947</guid> <description><![CDATA[An Ever-Evolving Postal Service The Highway Post Office illustrates our unending commitment to serving America Since Benjamin Franklin was appointed our first postmaster general (PMG), our institution has dedicated itself to meeting the mailing needs of the American public. Our … The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/an-ever-evolving-postal-service/">An Ever-Evolving Postal Service</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>An Ever-Evolving Postal Service </h3> <div class="lead">The Highway Post Office illustrates our unending commitment to serving America</div> Since Benjamin Franklin was appointed our first postmaster general (PMG), our institution has dedicated itself to meeting the mailing needs of the American public. Our current Delivering for America® transformation plan is one of our most profound and extensive efforts. But it’s pertinent to note that it’s a continuation of close to 250 years of evolution to meet the ever-changing needs of a constantly growing nation. There are many examples of our innovation and commitment to meeting our mission, but I think one of our lesser-known successes — the Highway Post Office (HPO) — provides valuable insight into how America’s postal service is always looking to improve its performance, reliability and reach. HPO buses were the answer to a predicament that arose almost a century ago as the railways reduced service on unprofitable routes. With automobile use on the rise, this made good business sense for the railroads but dismantled an essential part of the postal infrastructure. Mail service to communities across the country would be drastically affected. Something had to be done and in the early 1930s, then-PMG Walter Brown called on Congress to pass legislation for an automotive alternative to the established Railway Post Office system. That request failed, but when the U.S. Post Office Department under PMG James Farley tried again in the late 1930s, the reception was much more favorable. On July 11, 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the bill creating the Highway Post Office. With the Post Office Department being given the requisite legal authority, it pushed ahead to determine the best routes and the parameters for service. It was quickly determined that converted buses would be perfect for the job and that routes should be at most 170 miles one way so that every trip could be completed in a day. Each bus would serve about two dozen Post Offices directly and hundreds more indirectly, and all mail would be sorted inside the bus. Like Railway Post Offices, the vehicles would be operated by contract drivers, but postal clerks would perform the sorting and delivery. The two clerks and one clerk-in-charge typically allocated to each bus trip worked in an environment similar to their colleagues assigned to railways postal cars, albeit with the addition of security screens on the windows. And like their railway compatriots, these HPO workers were armed. The inaugural route for the distinctive red, white and blue-painted HPO buses operated Feb. 10, 1941, carrying some 114,000 pieces of mail on a round trip from Washington, DC, to Harrisonburg, VA. It was a great success, but the expansion of HPOs was delayed due to the war effort. The HPO program began again in earnest in 1946, eventually growing to 200 routes serving communities in almost every state. These buses were critical in meeting the needs of a nation in change. As the highway system expanded in postwar America, new communities were cropping up where farms once stood. The buses became fundamental in serving a country no longer beholden to the railway network for food and goods and bridged an important period in our nation’s history and our own legacy as America modernized and suburbanized. By the 1960s, it was clear that the postal system had to shift to accommodate this new demographic landscape and that is when we saw the move to a centralized processing system that focused on large-scale sorting, automation, increased use of carrier delivery and deployment of the ZIP Code<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />. The buses were no longer needed and on June 30, 1974, the HPO network was shuttered. The Highway Post Office reminds us that the world is always changing and that the Postal Service must always look to the future to ensure it meets its obligation for universal service. I’m happy to have a front-row seat for this incredible institution’s latest evolution and I can’t wait to see the results.   Stephen Kochersperger Historian & Corporate Information Services Manager The post <a href="https://uspsblog.com/an-ever-evolving-postal-service/">An Ever-Evolving Postal Service</a> appeared first on <a href="https://uspsblog.com">Postal Posts</a>. ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">5947</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>