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Click on the links below to read the latest news covering
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US 11/20/08—
Postmaster Potter announces celebrated entertainer Bob Hope will be immortalized on a First-Class™ commemorative stamp next spring.
The stamp image preview will be on Nov. 24 in New York City.
US 11/19/08—
FedEx Corp. said it will increase standard list rates for FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery by an average of 5.9% starting Jan. 5, not the 6.9% announced in September.
US 11/18/08—
New standards for letter-size catalogs, aka “slim-jims,” could be released by the end of the year, says U.S. Postal Service® spokesperson David Partenheimer.
US 11/17/08—
Postal officials are hinting of another delay in implementing the Intelligent Mail® Barcode, just three months after insisting the key initiative was on schedule.
US 11/14/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® concluded the 2008 fiscal year with a net loss of $2.8 billion, as the national economic slowdown lowered mail volume and the Postal Service bore additional costs.
US 11/13/08—
A news story currently in wide circulation is reporting that the Postal Service® will soon layoff 40,000 employees. This story is not accurate and the Postal Service is not laying off employees.
US 11/12/08—
FedEx welcomes the opportunity to provide services to DHL customers, as DHL exits the U.S. Ground and Express service markets.
US 11/11/08—
UPS today announced an order of 12 electric vehicles from Modec, the manufacturer of the world's first purpose-built zero-emission van. Six vehicles will be introduced into UPS's UK fleet in February 2009.
US 11/10/08—
Deutsche Post AG is poised to announce thousands of job cuts at its DHL Express operations in the United States, as early as today.
The cutbacks could affect between 12,000 and 13,000 jobs.
US 11/7/08—
The UPS Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.45 per share on all outstanding Class A and Class B shares.
The dividend is payable Dec. 3, 2008.
US 11/6/08—
The DMM Advisory has made the following updates for the month of November: First-Class Mail® Parcel Definition; Optional Container Preparation for First-Class Mail; Express Mail® Manifesting; and more.
US 11/5/08—
The American DMA is linking up with the China DMA to promote global business development using direct mail.
They will share information, statistics, and trend forecasts on direct mail.
US 11/4/08—
Moving the mail service to a five-day week instead of a six-day week and closing small post offices would yield billions of dollars worth of savings for the U.S. Postal Service®. So why won’t we do it?
US 11/3/08—
The Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service® will meet in Washington, DC, at Postal Service Headquarters on Nov. 12-13, 2008. The open session is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.
US 10/31/08—
U.S. Postal Service® delivers on Consumer Reports next-day mail challenge, beating out competitors FedEx and UPS by offering cheaper next-day mail rates.
US 10/29/08—
"Read, Respond, Recycle” is the banner under which the Postal Service® will reach out to postal customers
with a convenient, environmentally responsible alternative to bringing home or discarding their mail.
US 10/28/08—
To increase the commercial availability and use of alternative fuel vehicles,
UPS has purchased the hydraulic hybrid vehicle—promising dramatic fuel savings and environmental benefits.
US 10/27/08—
Amid declining mail volumes and a slow economy,
the US Postal Service® is eliminating between 220 and 250 jobs at its headquarters.
US 10/24/08—
UPS says their third-quarter profit fell 9.9 percent
and “significant slowing'' in the economy will keep 2008 earnings at the low end of its forecast.
US 10/23/08—
A cutback in postal employees’ hours is impacting mail flow to local business owners. Higher gas prices have been blamed as the biggest factor for the delay in mail deliveries.
US 10/22/08—
Express Mail® packages can be held at Post Offices™ for pickup, giving customers both the peace of mind of secure delivery and the convenience of picking up their packages when it best fits their schedules.
US 10/20/08—
UPS today released new list rates for 2009, including an average increase of 5.9 percent for UPS Ground packages and an average net increase of 4.9 percent on all air express and U.S. origin International shipments.
US 10/17/08—
FedEx is ranked as a top 50 company in the Corporate Social Responsibility Index.
The study is based on a survey of consumer opinions from more than 200 companies.
US 10/16/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® said yesterday it wants to keep providing universal Postal Service™ and to hold onto its monopoly on mail delivery. The PRC must submit a report in December.
US 10/15/08—
The UPS Foundation has announced five grants totaling more than $1 million to support a variety of environmental programs and organizations worldwide.
US 10/14/08—
FedEx Freight has significantly improved its service by offering next-business-day coverage between key Canadian gateway cities and several regions across the U.S.
US 10/13/08—
Will there be layoffs at the U.S. Postal Service®? That’s the buzz among the agency’s 670,000 workers as signs grow that the agency is sliding further into financial trouble.
US 10/10/08—
DMM Advisory has updated their mailing standards with the following changes: Intelligent Mail® tray labels and container placards; Priority Mail® commercial base pricing; Express Mail®
corporate accounts; Parcel Select® markings labeling lists.
US 10/9/08—
US postal workers are being encouraged to give the US Postal Services® marketing department new leads to business in a cooperative effort to try and boost postal revenues.
US 10/8/08—
UPS today announced its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leaders program. UPS is the first shipping company to join the program.
US 10/7/08—
For anyone with an interest in mail,
“Informing the Dialogue: Facts About Mail and the Environment” is structured around commonly asked questions about the mail and its impact on the environment.
US 10/6/08—
America’s love affair with fast and flashy automobiles takes center stage on U.S. postage stamps
with the issuance of the America on the Move: 50s Fins and Chrome stamps.
US 10/3/08—
Never before has the U.S. Postal Service® laid off workers.
However, with postage increases not able to cover the massive USPS® deficit of 2008, it’s the next step for a solution.
US 10/2/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® has released Vision 2013, its new five-year strategic plan that balances near-term priorities with long-term needs to adapt to changing customer needs.
US 10/1/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® “unplugs,” as Postmaster Potter kicks off a year-long conservation campaign within the USPS® intended to increase awareness and create results for energy conservation.
US 9/30/08—
Filling in the Gaps: What the FSO Didn’t Tell Us.
Alan Robinson follows up on public information that was left behind at the conclusion of the Board of Governor’s meeting last week.
US 9/29/08—
FedEx is raising express shipping rates, effective January 5, 2009.
Also, effective March 2 of next year, FedEx First Overnight service will be available from Hawaii and Alaska.
US 9/25/08—
The USPS® Board of Governors reports in its press release that it expects to end the current fiscal year with a volume decline of nine billion pieces. The end-of-year financial results will be released in November.
US 9/24/08—
The USPS® will announce a $2.5 billion dollar yearly loss tomorrow, ABCNews.com has learned. However, no further increase in the cost of First Class® stamps will be considered until May 2009.
US 9/23/08—
PMG Potter tells employee organizations that the USPS® financial condition is poor and action by Congress needed. Specific plans were not discussed at the meeting.
US 9/22/08—
With more than 31 million ballots expected to be mailed this fall,
the U.S. Postal Service® is encouraging voters to “mail early” this election season.
US 9/19/08—
New marking requirements for Parcel Select® packages will begin on Oct. 9. An advanced copy of appropriate shipping marking requirements are available at the Federal Register now.
US 9/18/08—
Postmaster General John E. Potter has challenged the mailing industry, cautioning mailers about the severity of the current economic climate and urging them to create new growth opportunities.
US 9/17/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® reported a net loss of about $960 million in August.
That brings the year to date deficit to $2.3 billion with one month left in the fiscal year.
US 9/16/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® has redesigned its Web site to make it simpler and easier to navigate.
The new site, designed to improve customers' ease of use, was launched today.
US 9/15/08—
Postmaster General Jack Potter has announced the appointment of Jim Cochrane as Vice President of Ground Shipping and Mitzi Betman as Vice President of Corporate Communications.
US 9/12/08—
FedEx has been named as a finalist for a Corporate Citizenship Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center, in the category of International Community Service.
US 9/11/08—
UPS says its plan to take over U.S. air shipments for Plantation-based DHL Express will preserve competition and 40,000 U.S. jobs. UPS is trying to blunt criticism from Ohio lawmakers and labor-union leaders.
US 9/10/08—
The DMA will be hosting a virtual seminar on the November 23 Move Update and Standard Mail® tomorrow, Sept. 11 at 2pm EST. Register today for a briefing on these standards and the opportunity to ask questions.
US 9/9/08—
Two animated characters are now ready to head back to school with postal employees
to help teachers spread the word that injuries and death can result when children get too close to delivery vehicles.
US 9/8/08—
New proposed changes to the US Postal Service's Move Update program would require businesses to update their bulk-mailing lists every 95 days, instead of the current 185 days.
US 9/5/08—
UPS decides to boost customer demand by loaning money to small businesses. Cargo Finance will be unveiled on Sept. 9, aimed at helping small business customers that need funds to keep their product orders flowing.
US 9/4/08—
Check out the new Flats Sequencing Strategy Web page. You’ll find all the presentations, resources, and FAQs related to the flats vision and the new Flats Sequencing System (FSS).
US 9/3/08—
Effective September 11,
postage payment for all BPM mailings — carrier route, presorted, and non-presorted (single-piece) flats and parcels, regardless of volume — will be limited to permit imprint.
US 9/2/08—
The Postal Service™ offer of "Free ACS" to users of Full Service IMB has the potential to be the most important initiative in the long standing USPS®
efforts to reduce the UAA volumes in the system.
US 8/29/08—
OPM approves early outs for letter carriers! NALC President William H. Young said details of an early retirement agreement are being worked out and will be released once finalized.
US 8/28/08—
The U.S. Department of Transportation has rejected Ohio's request that the department block DHL's plan to hire United Parcel Service
to handle DHL's domestic air cargo sorting and flying.
US 8/27/08—
Today the Federal Register published their proposal for detached address labels (DALs) accompanying saturation mailings of Periodicals or Standard Mail® flats.
Comments welcome before September 26.
US 8/26/08—
The PRC has proposed reworking the way the U.S. Postal Service® reports financial information to Congress. The Commission will accept comments on these proposals until Oct. 16 and reply comments until Nov. 15.
US 8/25/08—
A Q&A interview with USPS® Sustainability VP Sam Pulcrano, on the challenge of sustainable postal operations.
US 8/22/08—
The USPS® has published its final rules for Implementation of New Standards for Intelligent Mail® barcodes in the Federal Register.
The final rule is effective May 11, 2009.
US 8/21/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® loses $216 million for the month of July. As a result, effective immediately, all field non-bargaining position postings are frozen.
US 8/20/08—
Airline travelers might consider shipping extra luggage via the USPS® instead of paying high prices now being charged by the airlines for checked bags. Ship items using Click-N-Ship at usps.com.
US 8/19/08—
The Federal Register has published new standards, effective Oct. 1, making Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit a new method of payment for Express Mail® Corporate Account customers.
US 8/18/08—
The US Postal Service® has published an advanced copy of its new mailing standards for Intelligent Mail® barcodes (IMBs) in the Federal Register.
US 8/15/08—
The planned $10 billion outsourcing deal between UPS and DHL Worldwide Express Inc. will face congressional scrutiny at a hearing on Sept. 16.
Two U.S. senators asked federal regulators to examine the proposed agreement.
US 8/14/08—
FedEx Ground recognized three small business owners Saturday with the “Ground Entrepreneur of the Year,” the company's highest honors for independent contractors, established in 2007.
US 8/13/08—
The Direct Marketing Association has announced its 2008 Hall of Fame inductees.
They will be inducted during the DMA08 show in Las Vegas at an October 14 luncheon.
US 8/11/08—
In response to concerns from the mailing community,
the U.S. Postal Service® will support an additional price incentive for mailers who adopt the full service Intelligent Mail® barcode option.
US 8/8/08—
The U.S. Postal Service®
will be ready for mail bearing Intelligent Mail® barcodes next May as planned. There are no pricing decisions at this time.
US 8/7/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® ended its third fiscal year quarter with a greater-than-expected net loss of $1.1 billion. The fiscal 2008 year-to-date net loss totals $1.13 billion.
US 8/6/08—
The July/August MailPro is available in HTML and PDF. You’ll find informative articles on election mail, greening the mail, the new Flats Sequencing System, Move Update, and National PCC Day.
US 8/5/08—
The House of Representatives has passed legislation enabling
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) employees to credit their unused sick leave towards retirement.
US 8/4/08—
Cost-cutting efforts cannot happen fast enough to counter the decline in revenue for the USPS®, after third quarter results predict bleak outlook for the organization.
US 7/31/08—
The USPS® wants to exempt its competitive products from the universal service obligation. Doing so would allow it to cut back on offerings in sparsely populated areas where business is thin.
US 7/30/08—
The PRC may rule in August on the dispute between Capital One Services Inc. and the U.S. Postal Service®, regarding the issuance of a contract between the USPS®
and the mailer.
US 7/29/08—
A Q&A with newly appointed PRC Commissioner, Nanci Langley. Langley discusses her challenges and goals for the upcoming year.
US 7/28/08—
PostCom reports the U.S. Postal Service® intends to delay the mandatory implementation of its IMB until Nov. 2009. This is six months later than originally intended.
US 7/25/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® explores options for a ‘Green’ delivery fleet. Fuel costs for 2007 were $1.7 billion and are expected to increase this year by $600 million.
US 7/24/08—
U.S. Postal Service® delivers a record-breaking performance for the delivery of First-Class Mail® during the third quarter of fiscal year 2008.
US 7/23/08—
UPS, the world's largest package-delivery company, said second-quarter profit fell 21%, as fuel costs rose and the cooling economy slowed domestic shipments.
US 7/22/08—
The Postal Service® and the District of Columbia will hold a hearing on July 24, entitled, “The Three R’s of the Postal Network Plan: Realignment, Right-Sizing, and Responsiveness.”
US 7/21/08—
Postmaster Potter names Pritha Mehra vice president of Business Mail Entry and Payment Technologies, and Maura Robinson vice president of Pricing. Both women are veteran Postal Service®
executives.
US 7/18/08—
USPS®
releases details of voluntary early retirement offer. Employees in clerk, mail handler, supervisor of distribution operations, and supervisor of customer services positions, are all eligible.
US 7/17/08—
The USPS® has selected NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) as the exclusive provider of retail point-of-service (POS) hardware
for thousands of postal counters across the United States.
US 7/16/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® issues the Vintage Black Cinema stamps today. The stamps highlight various facets of the African-American cultural experience as represented in early films.
US 7/14/08—
After years of managing volume, the U.S. Postal Service® wants to instead manage mail quality. The outcome may be a smaller amount of relevant delivered mail.
US 7/11/08—
The Federal Register announces the July DMM revisions and displays an advance copy of the "waiver of signature" proposal. Updates can be viewed on the Postal Explorer Web site.
US 7/10/08—
APWU meets with the USPS® to discuss USPS’s plans to offer early-retirement opportunities to 40,000 employees. Federal agencies must receive approval from OPM to offer VER opportunities to their employees.
US 7/9/08—
Photo messaging has risen 60% in the U.S. over the last year, as
the camera phone for many vacationers replaces the postcard once sent to friends and family.
US 7/8/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® has requested the authority to offer early retirement to 40,000 postal employees from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Specifics will be available after full discussions.
US 7/3/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® announces major organizational changes designed to make the agency more competitive and responsive to its customers' needs.
US 7/2/08—
Robert F. Bernstock has been named the president of a newly integrated product-focused Postal Service division, Shipping and Mailing Services.
7/1/08—
A must-read for all mailers! More breaking news and information from industry pros at MFSA on the impending new NCOALink® standards effective this November and the Intelligent Mail® barcode already in use. These articles have been added to our existing
White Papers.
US 7/1/08—
In a dramatic realignment of several of its core functions,
the Postal Service® is set to capitalize on new competitive opportunities and significantly enhance the vision of its customer outreach.
US 6/30/08—
Steven Hatfill accepts a settlement offer of $5.82 million upon his claim that the Justice Department and the FBI invaded his privacy and ruined his career. The former Army scientist was the prime suspect in the deadly 2001 anthrax mailings.
US 6/27/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® has submitted to Congress its Network Plan
which describes planned changes to the mail processing, transportation, and retail network.
US 6/26/08—
FedEx Trade Networks Inc. opens New West Coast Gateways to support ocean-ground distribution service.
The alternative shipping method enables customers to move cargo from Asia to multiple U.S. destinations in one seamless process.
US 6/25/08—
The Postal Service® issues a 30-second PSA cartoon to warn young children to stay away from postal delivery vehicles. The safety campaign targets pre-kindergarten through second-grade school children.
US 6/24/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® has submitted its network plan, which outlines the agency's initiatives to produce better and more efficient operations and customer service.
US 6/23/08—
USPS® has launched new, legal-sized Express Mail® and Priority Mail® envelopes, available to customers free of charge. Attorneys, financial professionals, real estate agents and other mailers will be benefiting.
US 6/20/08—
The USPS®
submits a network plan to Congress. Key points include continuation of AMC closures, more plant consolidations, outsourcing BMC network, alternative retail options.
US 6/19/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® is the title sponsor of eBay Live! 2008.
Through a series of workshops, labs and presentations, attendees discover new strategies, share business solutions, and network with other online sellers.
US 6/18/08—
The USPS® will issue the Olympic Games commemorative stamp on June 19 during the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials — Gymnastics. The stamp is being issued to coincide with the games of the XXIX Olympiad.
US 6/17/08—
Nanci Langley is sworn in as commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) today. She will serve the remainder of a six-year term, which will expire on November 22, 2012.
US 6/16/08—
Do-it-yourself Post Office™ proves popular in Fishers, Indiana. The self-service facility is the first of its kind in the state, and one of a few in the United States.
US 6/13/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® has published revised mailing standards in the Federal Register, requiring mailers to place presort bundles on pallets with the addresses facing up. The revised standards go into effect on September 11.
US 6/12/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® will mark the annual observance of Flag Day tomorrow, with the launch of a three-year multi-stamp series honoring the state’s standards called “Flags of Our Nation.”
US 6/11/08—
The Approved Shipper Program enables the U.S. Postal Service® to compete in the retail package market, while providing customers with alternate access to postal products and services.
US 6/10/08—
The Environmental Protection Agency is planning the next frontier, by putting energy reduction efforts all together under one umbrella, to create a greenhouse gas management strategy.
US 6/9/08—
DHL deals with the fallout of it’s proposed plan to no longer use air carriers ABX and ASTAR. The two air carriers stand to lose as many as 8,200 jobs, angering the APWU and other lawmakers.
US 6/6/08—
The U.S. Postal Service’s international mail facility in Chicago has earned its second consecutive Certificate of Excellence award from an international organization dedicated to improving global postal services.
US 6/5/08—
UPS has expanded their On-Time Performance Reliability Guarantee at no additional cost, to shipments moving in both directions across the Canada-U.S. border.
US 6/4/08—
FedEx Corp., the largest air-cargo shipper, will record a cost of $696 million to rename the Kinko's unit as FedEx Office to win more large business customers.
US 6/3/08—
The PRC has recommended approval of a proposal allowing Life Line Screening service providers to earn discounts for Standard Mail® letter volumes that exceed specific volume thresholds.
US 6/2/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® is offering greener choices, and an easy, online resource for consumers to make environmentally friendly decisions about their mail.
US 5/30/08—
UPS will work with DHL Express U.S. to provide transportation in its air network for all of DHL's express, deferred, and international package volume within the United States.
US 5/29/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® announces international delivery company DHL will provide exclusive delivery services to the Postal Service™ for “last-mile” in certain locations.
US 5/28/08—
DHL U.S. Express will redesign their network to better match capacity with customer requirements and partner with UPS for airlift capacity on domestic and international Express products in North America.
US 5/27/08—
Heart to Heart International and FedEx Express join forces to deliver relief supplies to Sichuan Province, hit by a major earthquake on May 12.
US 5/23/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® plans to redesign its direct mail Web site to make it more relevant to small business owners. The site will be organized to help small businesses with their direct mail campaigns.
US 5/22/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® reinforces their commitment to a greener future by naming the first vice president of sustainability, at National Postal Forum.
US 5/20/08—
Postmaster General John Potter told more than 3,000 people attending the National Postal Forum today, to
look beyond the current economic downturn and continue to transition mail into the 21st Century.
US 5/19/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® celebrated the 150th birthday of Minnesota’s statehood on May 17, with the issuance of the Minnesota Statehood Stamp.
US 5/16/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® will release three new love and wedding-themed stamps on June 10. The stamps will be available in denominations of 42 and 59 cents.
US 5/15/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® launches National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 18-24.
Dog owners are being asked to keep their dogs inside rooms of their house, when accepting mail from their letter carriers at their door.
US 5/13/08—
UPS® freight accelerates shipping for customers in 11 states.
The latest enhancements follow the 8,000+ lanes that were improved nationwide by the company in 2007.
US 5/12/08—
As postage rates rise to 42 cents today, bulk mailers enjoy an increase in business, as more and more companies pay to have their mail prepared for them.
US 5/7/08—
Despite cost-cutting measures,
the U.S. Postal Service® ended the second quarter with a net loss of $707 million, driven by a continued decline in mail volume, resulting from the current national economic climate.
US 5/6/08—
The UPS is selected to ship priceless artifacts from Shanghai to California. The artifacts will tour museums in cities across the US over the next two years.
US 5/5/08—
Beginning May 12,
the U.S. Postal Service®
will launch new prices for its expedited mail products: Express Mail and Priority Mail. Customers will save an average of 3.25 percent in shipping costs.
US 5/2/08—
Five U.S. Postal Service® environmental initiatives win White House environmental awards. The awards will be presented at a White House ceremony this summer.
US 5/1/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® salutes the world’s oldest military decoration by re-issuing the Purple Heart stamp. This is the fourth re-issuance, which has received overwhelming public support.
US 4/30/08—
The 2008 National Postal Forum uses “extreme performance,” as the theme for this year’s workshops. Four in-depth symposiums will be held May 18-21 at the Anaheim, CA, Convention Center.
US 4/28/08—
Demand for Forever Stamps have increased at a rate of about 30 million per day, bringing the amount sold to more than 6 billion since their April 2007 debut.
US 4/25/08—
USPS® releases final rule for Addressing Flats and Proposal for IM barcodes.
US 4/24/08—
The Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service®
will meet in Washington, DC, on May 6-7, 2008. The Board’s open to the public session is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on May 7.
US 4/23/08—
Falling shipments at United Parcel Service Inc. and FedEx Corp. show the economy is in a recession and unlikely to rebound this year. The companies deliver 80 percent of packages in the U.S.
US 4/22/08—
The PRC invites public comment on universal Postal Service™ and the postal monopoly in the United States. All comments will be available for review on the Commission’s website.
US 4/18/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Flags 24/7 stamps today at 42 cents. The four first-class stamps feature a painting of an American flag flying at sunrise, noon, sunset, and night.
US 4/16/08—
The DMA announces Charles A. Prescott will stand for re-election to a four-year term as chairman of the Consultative Committee of the Universal Postal Union. Prescott joined the DMA in 1999 as international vice president.
International 4/15/08—
New Zealand Post launches “Mail Hold,” a new online service for household customers who want their mail held while they’re away from home for an extended period.
US 4/15/08—
Talks between Deutsche Post and FedEx on a strategic partnership in the U.S. express market have collapsed. The German mail services company was hoping to boost its sales in the U.S. through the partnership.
International 4/11/08—
TNT Post offers a structural wage increase of 3 percent to trade unions, after a one year contract negotiation. The trade unions have nonetheless rejected the offer and have announced actions.
US 4/10/08—
United Airlines and FedEx fund an aircraft to deliver sight-saving expertise, blindness prevention, and treatment to developing nations for years to come. The $2 million donation is being funded equally by United and FedEx.
US 4/9/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® grants scholarship awards for postal history undertakings. The awards are intended for scholarship on any topic on the history of the U.S. postal system, from the colonial period, to the present.
US 4/7/08—
The premier privacy trust study in America has
named the U.S. Postal Service® the “Most Trusted Government Agency” for the fourth year in a row. The survey polled 9,000 Americans selected at random.
US 4/2/08—
The Postal Board of Governors have approved funding to purchase technology to postmark and sort letters faster. The new machines will replace existing sorters operating on 1980’s technology.
US 3/28/08—
UPS announces the deployment of 167 Compressed Natural Gas delivery vehicles in Texas, Georgia, and California.
The CNG vehicles are part of UPS’s global alternative fleet.
US 3/27/08—
A recent report warns the use of direct mail may diminish as a result of rising postage costs and declining response rates, unless the medium is made more efficient.
US 3/26/08—
The USPS® moves to improve address quality for the mailing industry. A new data file will identify “vacant” addresses when used in combination with address matching software.
US 3/25/08—
PRC has recorded serious questions regarding the Postal Service’s methods of collecting data. The data is used as a basis for determining workshare discounts.
US 3/21/08—
The USPS® donates postal equipment to Liberia, scheduled to arrive March 25. The donation is to help the nation rebuild after its devastating civil war.
US 3/20/08—
The USPS® urges customers to take advantage of Express Mail® the only shipping service that delivers seven days a week. Easter gifts sent on Saturday, March 22, will arrive on Easter day.
US 3/17/08—
The USPS® uses St. Patrick’s Day to debut their “Mail Back” program, asking consumers to recycle small electronics and inkjet cartridges by mailing them for free.
US 3/14/08—
Through March 31, the USPS® is offering free cards to customers—postage included—to mail to a friend for free. The publicity stunt is to encourage letter writing.
US 3/13/08—
UPS has agreed to acquire Romanian Trans Courier Service SRL, and will take 100% ownership of the company. The transaction is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2008.
US 3/12/08—
Beginning May 12,
shippers using Express Mail®, Priority Mail® and certain parcel services through the USPS® will be able to get discounts for large and medium volume contracts.
US 3/11/08—
The USPS® will announce major shipping news today, at 2pm EST. The live broadcast will share new pricing strategies to compete in the shipping business.
US 3/10/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® hosts “USPS.com Week” through March 14. The products and service highlighted will show customers that anything done in the Post Office™ can also be done online.
US 3/4/08—
USPS® feels the impact of the economic recession as mail volume declines by 3%, resulting in $523 million less in revenue than anticipated. Operating costs will be trimmed by $1 billion to address the issue.
US 3/3/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® announced it will delay the date of implementation for the Intelligent Mail® barcode from January 2008 to May 2009.
US 2/29/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® will host an awareness event on ID theft on Monday, March 3 in Washington D.C. The event kicks off National Consumer Protection Week.
US 2/27/08—
Ross Philo has been named executive vice president and chief information officer of the U. S. Postal Service®. Philo is an international leader recognized for enabling business transformation through innovative IT solutions.
US 2/26/08—
The U.S. Postal Service®
undercharged such countries as China, India and Canada by millions of dollars, due to errors in processing mail at John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport in New York.
2/25/08—
UPS accelerates ground shipments for customers in eight states,
with deliveries guaranteed in two business days instead of four.
US 2/22/08—
The Postal Service® now offers customers three different boxes for larger shipments, all with a flat-rate price of $12.95 to any U.S. address beginning March 3.
US 2/21/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® approves the first reusable envelope, created by ecoEnvelopes. Reusable envelopes could save energy, water and forest resources, as well as cut carbon emissions.
US 2/20/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® collaborates with HBO to promote letter writing in a last ditch effort to stem the decline in First-Class Mail®.
The advertising campaign is receiving mixed reviews from experts.
US 2/19/08—
Every household in America will receive a letter in the mail this week from the U.S. Postal Service® advising on how to prevent identity theft, one of America’s fastest growing crimes.
US 2/18/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® will have five billion “Forever” stamps in stock to meet increased demand before the May 12 price change.
The Forever Stamp™ was created in April 2007 to lock in the price of a First-Class™ stamp.
US 2/15/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® is offering discounts to the National Postal Forum in Anaheim, CA, this May. Early birds who register before Feb. 29 will save $900.
US 2/14/08—
The U.S. Postal Service® held two public seminars
on identity theft, after an increase in phony money orders
and fake checks. Plenty of reading material and tips
on how to prevent identity theft were available.
2/13/08—
The DMA will host a virtual seminar on February 29 from 1-2:30pm (EST), to brief its members on the effects of the May 2008 postal increases.
Late Breaking News! 2/11/08-
The U.S. Postal Service® has announced that it will implement new rates effective May 12, as was anticipated in last week’s issue of Postal Points.
Read the full article for price increase details.
US 2/8/08-
U.S. Postal Service® offers a new, flat-rate box at a discounted price for military members serving abroad. The offer will go into effect on March 3, but customers can start placing orders as early as Feb 20th.
2/7/08-
Valentine’s Day is one week from today! For those who wait until the last minute to mail gifts—you’re in luck! Express Mail® service provided by the USPS® is the only overnight delivery with no hidden surcharges.
International 2/6/08-
Royal Mail loses its appeal against the £9.62 million financial penalty imposed by Postcomm. The Court of Appeal upheld the August 24, 2006 ruling on Royal Mail for failing to adequately protect the mail in its care.
US 2/6/08-
The U.S. Postal Service® achieves positive net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, despite a total volume drop of 3 percent.
Economic downturn is the main factor being blamed for the volume decline.
2/5/08-
DHL signs a 5-year, $80 million agreement with Avendra, the
hospitality industry’s leading procurement services company.
The agreement will provide reliable, cost effective shipping
solutions for Avendra’s customers.2/4/08-
Maryland proposes a statewide consumer protection bill against free papers. The proposed House Bill 357 comes after publishers failed to comply with consumer complaints to stop receiving deliveries.
International 2/1/08-
The European Parliament adopts the new Postal Directive, giving its final political approval to EU postal reform. This opens the EU postal markets to full competition.
US 2/1/08-
Philadelphia attorney Alan Kessler is elected chairman of the Postal Service® Board of Governors and
Charles W. Chesnutt is immortalized as part of the Black Heritage commemorative stamp series.
1/31/08-
The U.S. Postal Service® announces mail volume down 3.0 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Declining mail volume is attributed to “disturbing trends” in the overall U.S. economy.
1/30/08-
Korea’s state-run post office will invest 175.4 billion won (US $185.5 million) in 2008 to improve its mailing system. The majority of the money will go toward system maintenance.
1/29/08-
The Postal Service®
announces Premium Forwarding Service (PFS) is now a permanent offering. For residents constantly on the move, mail is reshipped to them once a week for a fee.
1/28/08-
The U.S. Postal Service® reports a $5.1 billion loss for the fiscal year of 2007.
The loss is largely attributed to the impact of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) of 2006.
1/25/08-
2007 was the fastest growing year of China’s postal industry, with revenue up 16 percent. China hopes to have every village in the country with access to postal services by the end of 2008.
1/24/08-
Swiss Post International (SPI) has acquired the Swedish letters processing company IMS Europe AB. The takeover positions SPI as a key provider in the Swedish postal market, as they continue to expand.
1/23/08-
PostNet partners with the Canada Post by offering a complete selection of shipping services in their stores. No other business center in the country offers the new all-in-one service.
1/21/08-
The Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service® will meet in Washington, DC, Jan.29-30, to discuss a variety of items. The meeting is open to the public.
1/18/08-
The USPS® announces two new shipping initiatives to grow its shipping business and revenue.
This is the first postal action taken under the new pricing regulations.
1/17/08-
The FTC reveals that legal constraints put the USPS® at a economic disadvantage, according to a report mandated by the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act.
1/16/08-
Effective January 14, the USPS® now charges the First-Class Mail® International rate to recover the cost of handling undeliverable-as-addressed items posted from abroad with a US return address.
1/10/08-
UPS plans to borrow $10 billion dollars to buy back stock to help fund expansion. The Atlanta-based company is currently $3 billion dollars in debt.
1/9/08-
Based on feedback from customers,
the DMA has updated its online DMAChoice service. Taking effect immediately, changes include elimination of the $1 verification fee and opting out of mailing lists by brand.
1/8/08-
In observance of the Chinese New Year, the U.S. Postal Service® will debut a new stamp series for the 12 different animals in the Chinese calendar.
The series will continue through 2019.
1/7/08-
The DMA is now accepting nominations for its 2009 board of directors. The deadline for nominations is February 22.
1/03/08-
PRC seeks feedback on USPS® annual compliance report for the fiscal year 2007. Comments are due by January 30, while reply comments are due on February 13.
1/02/08-
DMA updates its Mailing Preference Service (MPS) to better help consumers choose how and when they receive direct mail. The MPS revision is the DMA’s first step in 2008 to fight against the do-not-mail legislation.
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New
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