INTERNATIONAL MAILINGS TO PROHIBIT LITHIUM BATTERIES
Starting May 16, lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries will be prohibited from being mailed internationally. They also will not be allowed in shipments to or from Army Post Offices, Fleet Post Offices and Diplomatic Post Offices.
Lithium batteries already are prohibited in mail shipments on international commercial air transportation under International Civil Aviation Organization and Universal Postal Union regulations.
Shippers and mailers are advised that:
- Lithium batteries must be removed from electronic devices to be shipped in international or overseas military mail before the package is submitted for mailing.
- Electronic equipment with non-removable lithium batteries may not be shipped using international or overseas military mail.
- USPS retail associates will begin asking Post Office customers whether lithium batteries are in any international shipments that have batteries or electronic equipment declared as contents on customs labels.
The new regulation will not apply to packages containing lithium batteries or electronic devices mailed within the U.S. on domestic commercial air or ground transportation.
SELF-SERVE KIOSKS OFFER NEW POSTAGE CHOICE
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| Two examples of the Print On Demand First-Class Mail Forever postage. |
A new option for postage purchases has been rolled out to USPS self-service kiosks — also called Automated Postal Centers — in 10 test markets. The roll-out will continue through Sept. 30, when all self-service kiosks will be equipped to sell Print On Demand First-Class Mail Forever postage.
Postal customers can buy the new postage option in quantities as few as one, or as many as 100 and choose from six different designs. A minimum purchase of $1 is required. The postage won’t be denominated and will be sold at the current First-Class 1-ounce rate.
The new postage initially is being tested at one self-service kiosk each in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC; Glen Allen, VA; Newark, DE; Webster, NY; Birmingham, AL; Plano and Dallas, TX; Boystown, NE; and Olathe, KS.
The Print On Demand First-Class Mail Forever postage eventually will replace the First-Class stamp sheetlets now sold at USPS self-service kiosks.
USPS EXPANDS FREE PACKAGE PICKUP NETWORK
With the addition of new ZIP codes in Frisco, TX, and Wasilla, AK, and a few places in between, the Postal Service is expanding its free package pickup network. The added Carrier Pickup service area covers a half-dozen ZIP codes with more than 29,000 delivery addresses. Carrier Pickup now is available at more than 130 million addresses in over 99.5 million percent of ZIP codes.
Click here or more information about the USPS Carrier Pickup program.
To request a free package pickup visit usps.com.
FYI
Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe discusses mail and the future of the U.S. Postal Service at the opening session of the 2012 National Postal Forum. This video can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/41085522.
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INSIDE SCOOP
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- National PCC Day, Sept. 19, Atlanta, GA
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YOUR LINKS TO MAILING RESOURCES
U.S. Postal Service: usps.com
National PCC Network: usps.com/pcc
RIBBS: ribbs.usps.gov
Questions? Comments? Send an email to pccinsider@usps.gov
Sign up for PCC Insider at usps.com/pcc, select “PCC Insider Registration”
PCC Insider online archives
PCC Management Insights online archives
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CELEBRATING FRESH THINKING
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| From left, USPS President and Chief Marketing/Sales Officer Paul Vogel, Avanzado President Craig Frye and Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. Avanzado was one of two customers who won two awards. The other double-winner was Stamps.com. |
At the recent National Postal Forum, USPS recognized more than 20 customers for their creative and continued use of the mail.
The USPS Mail Innovation award acknowledged customers who discovered innovative ways to drive significant business results and strengthen our industry using the mail. Creative use of the mail helped this group achieve overall business objectives with successful, quantifiable results. The 11 recipients are: Advance Direct, Atlanta Coast Media Group, Avanzado, Beall’s Department Store, BOGO Magazine, Campus Book Rentals, Guitar Center, The UPS Store, Menus For Less, Segerdahl Group and SendOutCards.
The USPS Mail Technology award was presented to customers who implemented new technologies and best practices to maximize efficiencies and productivity in the mail value chain. This year’s eight recipients are: American Bank Note Company, Glidewell Laboratories, Home Shopping Network, Integrated Printing Solutions, Kewill, Medco Health Solutions, Stamps.com and Wolverine Solutions Group.
The Postal Service also presented two new awards. The Chief Marketing Officer’s Mail Innovations Award was awarded to Avanzado and the Chief Information Officer’s Mail Technology Award went to Stamps.com.
Click here to read about the creative ideas and innovative methods of these award-winning customers. RETURN TO TOP |
