[D-Link]

CONTENTS

The Postal Bulletin is also available on the World Wide Web at http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/bulletin/pb.htm for customers and at http://blue.usps.gov for employees.

Cover Letter From Vice President: Holiday 2001 Publicity Kit for Postmasters

Holiday 2001 Publicity Kit for
Postmasters

Administrative Services

Management Instruction: Rail Payments Manual Processing

Customer Relations

Mail Alert

National Consumer Protection Week: "Deceptive
Mailings - Don't Be Duped"

Domestic Mail

DMM Revision: Markings for Bound Printed
Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail

DMM Revision: Co-Packaging of Automation
Rate and Presorted Rate Flats

DMM and POM Revision: Commercial Mail
Receiving Agency Mail Delivery Procedures

DMM Reminder: Upcoming Mail Preparation
Changes

DMM Correction: Postage Meters (Postage
Evidencing Systems)

Revised Forms: PS Forms 3500 and 3510 for
Periodicals

Fraud Alert

Invalid Express Mail Corporate Account
Numbers

Missing, Lost, or Stolen U.S. Money Order
Forms

Missing, Lost, or Stolen Canadian Money
Order Forms

Counterfeit Canadian Money Order Forms

800 Number Available to Verify Canadian
Money Orders

Domestic Mail (continued)

APO/FPO Changes

Overseas Military Mail

Finance

Notice 21: 13-Period Year Calendar -
2002-2003

Annual Vending Machine Income Report Due
Soon

International Mail

IMM Revision: International Mail - Exceptional
Parcel Post Size Limits

IMM Revision: International Mail - Change in
Special Drawing Rights (SDR) to U.S. Dollar
Conversion Rate

Exhibit 324.22 Conversion Table: US Dollars to Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)

Philately

Stamp Announcement 01-54: Farm Flag Definitive
ATM Stamp

2002 Requisition Schedule - Postage Stamps and Stamped Cards

Pictorial Cancellations Announcement

New Address: Stamp Announcement 01-52,
United We Stand Definitive Stamp

Special Cancellation Die Hubs

Post Offices

Post Office Changes

Christmas Day Poster

Postal Employees

Penalty Overtime Exclusion

Christmas Pay Procedures for Rural Carriers

Employee Connectivity Program: Click. Whoosh! - Holiday Deals

New Handbook: EL-312, Employment and
Placement

Purchasing and Materials

Product Alert: Contracts for Inventory Items
Terminated

Elimination of Hard Copy ZIP+4 State
Directory - Effective January 2002

Retail

Licensing Post Offices: Processing Refund
Letters From Meter Manufacturers

Postal Bulletin Distribution

Postal Bulletin Back Cover

Postal Bulletin Index

Semiannual Index PB 22055 (7-26-01)

Holiday 2001 Publicity Kit for Postmasters

2001 Holiday Mail Issues

Terrorism

The 2001 holiday mailing season proves to be unlike any other. The Postal Service's heaviest mail volume period of the year is at risk. The events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent use of the mail as a vehicle for bio-terrorism have placed tremendous financial burdens on the Postal Service. In addition, many Americans are questioning the risk of resuming daily routines that are so vital to the nation's economy. Nevertheless, we believe this will be a strong holiday season.

Americans tend to communicate more with family and friends during times of war and stress. Lowered holiday travel projections attributed to the September 11 attacks indicate to us that those foregoing travel might instead send more greeting cards and take advantage of catalog mail order and internet shopping this season.

What You Can Do to Help

This year's postmasters' holiday kit theme is "Focus on Tradition" to assure Americans that the mail remains a safe, secure, and reliable way to send cards, letters, and packages during the holiday season.

To kick-off the mailing season, Postal Service Headquarters hosted an event that reinforces the power of mail to help Americans stay connected to their family, friends, and loved ones through letters and greeting cards. On November 27, 2001, Postmaster General John E. Potter kicked-off this year's holiday mailing season by presenting the stamps of our holiday series (Virgin and Child, Santas, Eid, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah).

This event symbolized that the mail remains a safe, secure, and reliable way to send cards, letters, and packages during the holiday season. In the publicity section of the kit, we have outlined the steps to take to conduct this event locally. We are asking communities nationwide to host their own ceremony.

The Importance of Mail to America

The Postal Service is a critical element of the nation's infrastructure. It is the lynchpin of the $900 billion mailing industry that employs 9 million people and is responsible for 8 percent of the gross domestic product. It is the one element of our national government that has a daily presence in virtually every community in the nation - from the smallest towns to our largest cities.

Response to the Anthrax Threat

Tragically, the deaths of Thomas L. Morris, Jr., and Joseph P. Curseen, Jr., taught all Americans that we knew less about anthrax than we thought. All of our Postal Service family wishes that we could have done more for these men. We called on everything we knew and did everything that medical authorities advised us to do.

Now, sadly, we all know more - and we have been aggressively acting to protect the public and our employees. Every day we are doing all we can to prevent this from ever happening again.

• We have provided employees with protective gloves and masks.

• We have changed the way we clean our processing equipment to control the spread of particles, and we are testing more than 270 Postal Service facilities nationwide.

• We are working with the mailing industry to develop procedures to ensure that sanitization of the mail will not damage sensitive items in the mail. Sanitization technology is currently being tested on a wide range of film products, digital and magnetic storage devices, laboratory samples, food and plant products, and "smart" credit cards with embedded chips to ensure that all business mail can be safely processed through the Postal Service system.

• As more is learned, we are committed to take those findings and act on them.

Sanitization

The anthrax attacks were targeted to media outlets in New York City and Florida and to federal government officials in Washington, D.C. We are responding to those attacks in a targeted manner and have also put other security enhancements in place. While discussing specifics would compromise the integrity of the system, Americans should feel comfortable mailing holiday items this year as in years past. That means it's still safe to send film, cookies, and other food items through the mail.

As with all mail, it is important for customers sending gifts through the mail to place a return address on their cards and shipments and to let loved ones know a package is on the way. We ask customers to use common sense. We have delivered 35 billion pieces of mail since September 11, 2001, and there have been problems linked to only a few letters. We will continue to work hard to keep America's mail safe.

Letters to Santa, and Anthrax

The Postal Service will continue to deliver letters to Santa. The threat of anthrax will not deter us from making our appointed rounds. Local Post Offices will continue to make letters to Santa available to individuals and organizations wishing to make a child's wish come true. In light of the anthrax threat, the volunteers who read Santa letters would appreciate it if children include their return address on Santa letters. And to keep the letter from appearing suspicious, it is also appreciated that the contents of letters be limited to letter-sized paper only. We recommend against placing cookies, candy canes, or other bulky items in the letters because it could make the letters appear "suspicious."

Volunteers reading Santa letters who may have concerns about handling this mail should follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) October 31, 2001, Health Advisory. The Health Advisory, found at www.cdc.gov, mirrors precautions the Postal Service has put in place for its employees.

Santa Letters Today

Letters to Santa are treated differently among Post Offices nationwide. Some Post Offices make Santa letters available to individuals upon request, while other Post Offices provide Santa letters to volunteer organizations. New York City is typically recognized as hosting the largest Letters to Santa campaign. The Postal Service is committed to keeping this important holiday tradition alive. After all, it was in 1912 that Postmaster General Frank H. Hitchcock authorized local postmasters to allow individuals or institutions to use letters addressed to "Santa Claus" for philanthropic purposes.

Operation Dear Abby

The Dear Abby program, founded by the newspaper advice columnist, has delivered mail to U.S. service members overseas during the holiday season for 17 years.

However, the Department of Defense this year has suspended the Operation Dear Abby program for the 2001 holiday season because of concerns about the risk of cards and letters being introduced into the mail system from unknown sources.

Although Operation Dear Abby will be missed this year, the safety of the men and women of the Armed Forces and the employees of the U.S. Postal Service is paramount.

Addressing Tips

Correct addressing this year is more important than ever. Encourage your customers to write, type, or print the complete address neatly. Remind your customers to always use a return address. Tell them always to use complete address information, such as the suffixes AVE, BLVD, and ST. They should always include locators such as the apartment or suite number and always use correct directional, such as N, W, and SW. Advise them not to let an incorrect ZIP Code delay delivery of their mail. Local Post Offices and the Postal Service Web site, www.usps.comฎ, offer ZIP Code information. Tell customers to use the four- digit add-on, ZIP+4ฎ, in their addressing.

Advise customers that if they don't know the ZIP Code, they shouldn't guess. The mail is sorted by ZIP Code first, then by city and state. Using a wrong ZIP Code could cause delays.

Holiday Volume Projections

We believe that it will be a strong holiday season and are anticipating that Americans will mail more than 20 billion mailpieces this holiday season. Americans tend to communicate more with family and friends during times of war and stress. Lowered holiday travel projections attributed to the September 11 attacks indicate to us that those forgoing travel might instead send more greeting cards and take advantage of catalog mail order and internet shopping this season.

Gearing up for the Holidays

Postal Service Ready for 2001 Holiday Season

As always, the Postal Service is gearing up for a busy holiday mailing season. This year, the Postal Service has the following holiday plans in place:

• Extending Post Office hours and opening on Sundays at many of the 38,000 Post Offices.

• Hiring thousands of temporary workers as needed.

• Extending full use of its 210,000 Postal Service vehicle fleet and obtaining extra trucks from the 7,000 trucking firms it contracts with on a daily basis.

• Adding three holiday network hubs with more than 85 supplemental airplanes dedicated entirely to moving the mail.

• Obtaining additional space on thousands of train railcars.

• Printing 2.85 billion holiday stamps.

Holiday Mail Timelines

The Holiday Season

The fall mailing season begins in late August and runs through the end of November when merchants send their catalogs to consumers. Customers place catalog orders near the end of November. This year the holiday mailing season begins Friday, November 23, the day after Thanksgiving, and runs until New Year's Eve.

Busiest Mailing and Delivery Days

Most Americans send their holiday greeting cards and letters two weekends before Christmas. The Monday prior to Christmas is typically the busiest mailing day of the year, with the busiest delivery day 2 days later. This year's busiest mailing day will be Monday, December 17, 2001, while the busiest delivery day will be Wednesday, December 19, 2001.

Suggested Mailing Timelines

While there are no "mailing deadlines," we recommend that customers:

• Use Parcel Postฎ service through Friday, December 14, for all destinations and Wednesday, December 19, for local destinations.

• Use Priority Mailฎ service through Thursday, December 20, for all destinations and Saturday, December 22, for local destinations.

• Use Express Mailฎ service through Friday, December 21, for all U.S. destinations or Saturday, December 22, for local destinations.

* Local destinations are defined as addresses within 150 miles of where you mail your shipment. Ask your local Post Office for specific information.

International and Military 2001 Holiday Mailing Dates

Military 2001 Holiday Mailing Dates

To ensure delivery of Christmas cards and packages to military APO/FPO addresses overseas and to international addresses, mail should be entered by:

* PAL: A special service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis.

** SAM: Parcels paid at Standard Mail postage rates are first transported domestically by surface and then to overseas destinations by air on a space-available basis.

International 2001 Holiday Mailing Dates

* Surface mail deadline on November 23.

Holiday 2001 Stamps

Stamps available this year are the Virgin and Child stamp, depicting Lorenzo Costa's Madonna and Child; the Santas stamps; the Kwanzaa stamp, celebrating the African American festival of family, community and culture; the Hanukkah stamp, featuring a contemporary image of a menorah; the Eid stamp, commemorating the two most important festivals - or eids - in the Islamic calendar; and the Thanksgiving stamp, depicting a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables.

Total combined print run of Eid, Virgin and Child, Santas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa: 2.85 billion stamps.

The following inventory of 2001 holiday stamps will be available for this holiday season (all stamps listed are self- adhesive):

Customer reminder: Avoid waiting in line for holiday stamps by buying holiday Stamps by Phone (1-800-STAMP-24), Stamps By Mailฎ, Stamps Online at the Postal Service Web site, or stamps from Postal Service vending machines.

Expedited And Other Services

For those traditional domestic procrastinators, we offer Priority Mail service, which gets packages to their destinations in 2 to 3 days to most destinations. It's a great buy at $3.50 for up to 1 pound and $3.95 for up to 2 pounds. Our Express Mail service gets mail to most major cities overnight and starts at $12.45 for up to 8 ounces and $16.25 for up to 2 pounds.

Want to know when your package was delivered? Delivery ConfirmationTM service is available for Priority Mail and Parcel Post shipments. For a fee of 40 cents for Priority Mail service, and 50 cents for Parcel Post service, customers can retrieve the status and verification of delivery on their shipments through the Postal Service Internet address or a toll-free telephone number.

To obtain a copy of the recipient's signature, customers can choose our Signature ConfirmationTM service for just $1.75 for both Priority Mail and Parcel Post services.

Using the Web

www.usps.com is among the most heavily trafficked federal web sites, with approximately 7 million visits each month. The four most visited areas on the site are:

• ZIP Code Lookup

• Shipping center

• Track and Confirm

• Post Office Locator

This year, our web site offers several new features designed to provide customers convenient, timesaving options:

• Addressing and mailing of holiday greetings through NetPostTM Card Store.

• Paying electronically for online auction gifts through Pay@DeliveryTM.

• Label printing for Priority Mail packages through the Shipping center (includes Delivery Confirmation service at no additional charge).

• Paying for postage online for Global Express GuaranteedTM shipments (customers receive a discount of 5 percent or more based on the number of packages shipped).

For the holidays, please remind your customers that our online Post Office can provide service 24 hours a day that includes holiday mailing tips, ZIP Code lookup, and, of course, ordering stamps online. The online Postal Store offers customers the convenience of secure online shopping for Postal Service products 24 hours a day to purchase stamps and philatelic items, FIRSTCLASS PHONECARDSฎ, stamp-themed stationery, and USPS Pro-Cycling Team gear.

The Postal Store is a one-stop online shop for anything postal. Stationery and apparel items are offered for the same price as Postal Service retail stores, plus a charge for shipping and handling. Stamp orders are handled through the Stamp Fulfillment Services Center. Orders should be placed no later than December 17 to guarantee delivery before Christmas Day.

Personalized Greeting Cards Online With the Netpost Card Store

There's no better way to make a personal connection than with a beautifully printed card. Customers can personalize their cards online in minutes, then sit back while we custom print and mail the next business day.

Customers can design and send personalized cards for the holidays. They can pick their favorite design from our gallery or create your own, choose fonts, colors, even the real First-Class Mail stamp! It's fast, easy and convenient.

Holiday 2001 Publicity Tips

1. News releases: Use the sample news releases included in this kit or develop your own. Send the completed releases to local newspapers and radio and television stations. Several days after mailing your release, follow up with a phone call to the local reporter, editor, or news director.

2. Local greeting card mailing event: As we indicated earlier, we are asking communities nationwide this year to host "Mail your greeting cards" events. The following are some event suggestions:

• Hold an event at your local Post Office or mail distribution center.

• Invite Congressional, community, and service organization leaders to participate.

• Ask all participants to mail cards, letters, and/or packages at the event.

• Publicize the event with your local newspaper and radio and television stations via press releases, media advisories, letters to the media, and follow- up phone calls.

Event Planning Checklist

• Begin planning immediately.

• Set a date (we recommend early December).

• Secure participants (Postal Service employee veterans, community leaders, etc.).

• Secure staging and sound equipment, if applicable.

• Plan signage, including a podium sign and banners.

• Launch a local publicity campaign.

• Draft a sequence-of-events agenda and speaker remarks.

• Plan retail opportunities (booths, bag stuffers, etc.).

• Prepare event programs and invitations.

Suggested Public Relations Timeline for Local Greeting Card Event

Note: To help coordinate these activities, or if you have questions, please contact your Area's Public Affairs and Communications (PA&C) representative.

Please see the press release section for a suggested template for you to implement the greeting card event locally.

Other Special Event Ideas

• A customer-appreciation event to kick off the holiday mailing season. Feature gift ideas at the Post Office.

• A wrapping demonstration in the Post Office lobby. This year, in light of the anthrax threat, stress the importance of including a return address on cards, letters, and packages. Advise customers who are purchasing gifts through mail order firms to notify recipients that a package is coming their way.

• Teach children proper addressing techniques for Letters to Santa. Remind children to avoid placing cookies, candy canes, and even hay for Santa's reindeer into the envelope as it makes it difficult to process.

Media Tips

Call local radio and television news and talk show producers. Offer to talk about mailing deadlines, proper addressing and packaging, and the stamp-related gifts available at your Post Office. Invite radio and television to:

• Do a "live remote" on December 17, the busiest mailing day, from your Post Office lobby.

• Deliver mail with a carrier on December 19, the busiest delivery day of the year.

Holiday 2001 News Releases

The following press release templates are attached for you to localize. News releases should be typed on Postal Service letterhead stationery and double-spaced. The City/State on the first line should be the site from where the release originates. Below is a list of all the releases contained in this kit, with recommended release dates:

Release 1 - 11/30/01:

MAKE HOLIDAY CARDS SPARKLE WITH GLOW OF HOLIDAY POSTMARKS

Release 2 - 11/30/01:

[CITY/TOWN] POST OFFICE GEARS UP FOR HOLIDAY MAILING SEASON (includes holiday facts and tips sheet)

Release 3 - 12/3/01:

POSTAL SERVICE PREDICTS BLIZZARD OF LETTERS TO SANTA

Release 4 - 12/3/01:

POSTAL SERVICE KICKS OFF HOLIDAY MAILING SEASON WITH GREETING CARD CEREMONY (includes media advisory)

Release 5 - 12/05/01:

[NAME OF OFFICIAL] REMINDS [TOWN] THAT THE MAIL IS SAFE, DELIVERS MAIL TO PROVE [HE'S/SHE'S] TALKIN' THE TALK BY WALKIN' THE WALK

Release 6 - 12/7/01:

SAVE TIME DURING THE HOLIDAY RUSH WITH WWW.USPS.COM

Release 7 - 12/7/01:

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE HOLIDAY MAILING DEADLINE FACT SHEET

Release 8 - 12/10/01:

[CITY] POST OFFICE OPEN [EARLY AND] LATE FOR HOLIDAY MAIL SEASON

Release 9 - 12/11/01:

FOCUS ON TRADITION WITH GIFTS AND STOCKING STUFFERS FROM THE POST OFFICE

Release 10 - 12/12/01:

[NAME] POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES BUSIEST MAILING DAY OF YEAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

MAKE HOLIDAY CARDS SPARKLE WITH GLOW OF HOLIDAY POSTMARKS

[City, State] - You've searched long and hard for the perfect holiday greeting card. You want to be sure each one you send carries a special message during this season of hope and celebration.

The United States Postal Service can make your holiday greetings even more special with authentic holiday postmarks from places like North Pole, AK, North Pole, NY, Santa Claus, IN, and dozens of other locations from coast to coast. The next page lists them all.

It's easy. It's quick. And, best of all, there's no extra cost for this unique holiday service. Here's how it works:

• Enclose your stamped, addressed greeting cards in an outer envelope or box labeled "Holiday Greeting Card Remailing."

• Place sufficient First-Class Mail postage on the outer envelope or box to cover its weight (you can find First-Class Mail postage rates at our web site, www.usps.com).

• Address the package to the postmaster of the town where you would like your cards postmarked.

• Mail early enough for your cards to be postmarked, remailed, and delivered on time for the holidays.

That's all there is to it. The hardest part will be choosing the right one for you.

Letters to Santa - and other holiday mail - can be given right to your letter carrier at your door, rather than placing it in a collection box or making a special trip to the Post Office. And, as always, families who receive curbside delivery, can put their mail in their mailbox for pickup.

An American Tradition . . . for More Than 2 Centuries

That's the United States Postal Service. It's provided the people of America with trusted, secure, and universal mail service since 1775. Delivering more than 207 billion pieces of mail each year to 135 million homes and businesses, the men and women of the United States Postal Service handle 46 percent of the world's mail volume. We deliver for you.

Post Offices Offering Holiday Postmarks

- end -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

[CITY/TOWN] POST OFFICE GEARS UP FOR HOLIDAY MAILING SEASON

[Postmaster/Manager] Outlines Holiday Mailing Tips To Ensure Safe Holiday Season

[City, State] - Postmaster [full name] predicted that this year's holiday mail volume may mirror those of years past and assured [town name] residents that they should feel comfortable mailing greeting cards and traditional holiday gifts this year as in year's past.

"We believe that it will be a strong holiday season," explained [last name].

[Last name] said that Americans are communicating more with family and friends since September 11, and those foregoing holiday travel are likely instead to make more use of the mail this year through greeting cards, catalog mail orders, and internet shopping this season.

The Mail Is Safe

[Last name] said it is important to keep concerns about the threat of bio-terrorism in perspective.

"The anthrax attacks were targeted to news organizations in New York City and Florida and to Federal Government officials in Washington, D.C.," [last name] explained. "And we are responding to those attacks in a targeted manner."

[Last name] said the Postal Service has delivered 35 billion pieces of mail since September 11 and noted that anthrax has been linked to less than a handful of letters.

[He/She] said that more than 95 percent of all mail is business related. Items such as credit card and bank statements, catalogs, advertising, and other sources of business mail are safe in that it is tightly controlled and traceable.

Common Sense: Include Your Return Address

Personal mail represents less than 5 percent of First-Class Mail. "Use common sense," [last name] added, and "open mail from individuals or organizations you recognize. That's why it's important to place a return address on all mail - especially holiday greeting cards, letters, and packages - as you would any other time of the year," [last name] explained. "If you're ordering gifts online or through a mail order catalog, let recipients know that a package is coming their way."

[Last name], citing concerns about compromising the integrity of the system, declined to discuss screening and security specifics, said Americans should feel comfortable mailing toys, food, and other traditional holiday gifts this year as they have in years past.

Letters to Santa

[Last name] said that in light of the anthrax threat, the volunteers who read Santa letters would appreciate it if children practice proper addressing techniques and include their return address. And to keep the letter from damaging the Postal Service's mail sorting equipment, it is also appreciated that the contents of letters be limited to letter-sized paper only. Avoid placing cookies, candy canes, hay for Santa's reindeer, or other bulky items that may make the letter appear "suspicious."

Mail Early and Often

[Last name] said it's a good idea to get those greeting cards in the mail early this year. Most Americans procrastinate by writing their holiday greeting cards and letters the weekend prior to Christmas week. This typically makes the Monday prior to Christmas the busiest mailing day of the year, with the busiest delivery day 2 days later. Since Christmas falls on a Tuesday this year, the busiest mailing day will likely be Monday, December 17. The busiest delivery day will be Wednesday, December 19.

[Last name] offered a suggestion for customers who are home during the day and receive door delivery. They are welcome to give their greeting cards and other mail bearing proper postage to their letter carrier, rather than placing it in a collection box or making a special trip to the Post Office. Customers who receive curbside delivery may leave their mail in their receptacle for pickup.

Suggested Mailing Timelines

While there are no "mailing deadlines" for holiday packages, [last name] recommended:

• Use Parcel Postฎ service through Friday, December 14, for all destinations and Wednesday, December 19, for local destinations.

• Use Priority Mailฎ service through Thursday, December 20, for all destinations and Saturday, December 22, for local destinations.

• Use Express Mailฎ service through Friday, December 21, for all U.S. destinations or Saturday, December 22, for local destinations.

* Local destinations are defined as addresses within 150 miles of where you mail your shipment. Ask your local Post Office for specific information.

- end -

(See attached Holiday Facts and Tips sheet)

Holiday Facts and Tips

The Postal Service gears up for the holidays by:

• Extending Post Office hours and opening on Sundays at 38,000 Post Offices.

• Hiring thousands of temporary workers as needed.

• Extending full use of its 210,000 Postal Service vehicle fleet and by obtaining extra trucks from the 7,000 trucking firms it contracts with on a daily basis.

• Adding three holiday network hubs with more than 85 supplemental airplanes dedicated entirely to moving the mail.

• Printing 2.85 billion holiday stamps.

• Operating an online Post Office, www.usps.com, with:

- Holiday mailing tips.

- ZIP Code lookup.

- Ordering stamps online.

- Label printing for Priority Mail service (includes electronic option Delivery Confirmation service at no additional charge).

- Label printing and online postage payment for Global Express Guaranteed service (online rates discounted up to 38 percent).

- The ability to design, purchase, and mail holiday greeting cards online.

• Similar to Houston's Space Flight Control Center tracking the progress of the Space Shuttle, our National Operations Center keeps track of the mail as it moves among the nation's airlines, contract air carriers, and ground transportation networks. Similar operations exist among eight regional offices and 85 districts.

Holiday Stamps for 2001

• The warmth and joy of the holiday season are captured on this year's Christmas and holiday postage stamps, which depict Italian artist Lorenzo Costa's Virgin and Child and charming images of Santa Claus on the Santas stamps. The Santas stamps feature four Santa Claus images (circa 1880s and circa 1915-20). There are also postcards of Santa depicting these images.

Packaging Tips

• Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents.

• Leave space for cushioning inside the carton.

• Cushion package contents with shredded or rolled newspaper, bubble wrap, or Styrofoam peanuts. Plain air-popped popcorn is also good for cushioning; it's inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Pack tightly to avoid shifting.

• Always use tape that is designed for shipping, such as pressure-sensitive tape, nylon- reinforced kraft paper tape, or glass-reinforced pressure-sensitive tape.

• Do not use wrapping paper, string, masking tape, or cellophane tape.

• Put the delivery and return addresses on one side only of the package.

• Suggestion: Place a return address label inside the package.

• Stuff glass and fragile hollow items, like vases, with newspaper or packing material to avoid damage due to shock. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately.

• Remove batteries from toys. Wrap and place them next to the toys in the mailing box.

• Take packages that weigh at least 1 pound into the Post Office for mailing.

• Obtain Express Mail and Priority Mail service mailboxes, envelopes, and tubes for free from your Post Office.

• Purchase packaging products, including tape, envelopes, padded bags, corrugated boxes, mailing tubes, and cushioning material, from your Post Office. Some locations offer decorative boxes and expander packs that are suitable for mailing gifts.

Special tips

• Access the Postal Service's web site at www.usps.com to:

- Lookup ZIP Codes.

- Calculate postage.

- Buy stamps online.

- Purchase unique gifts.

- Label printing for Priority Mail service (includes electronic option Delivery Confirmation service at no additional charge).

- Label printing and online postage payment for Global Express Guaranteed service (online rates discounted up to 38 percent).

- Buy, design, and mail greeting cards without leaving your laptop.

• Avoid waiting in line for stamps by buying Stamps by Phone (1-800-STAMP-24), Stamps By Mailฎ, or stamps from postal self-service vending machines.

• If you are a last-minute international mailer, do not despair. The average Global Priority Mailฎ delivery is 4 days to many countries for items up to 4 pounds. The average Express Mail International Service delivery is 1 or 2 days to most major cities. And Global Express Guaranteed service will provide you date-certain delivery or your postage will be refunded.

Addressing tips

• Write, type, or print the complete address neatly. Always use a return address. Always use complete address information, such as the suffixes AVE, BLVD, and ST. Always include locators such as the apartment or suite number. Always use correct directionals, such as N, W, and SW. Don't let an incorrect ZIP Code delay delivery of your mail. Local Post Offices and the Postal Service Web site, www.usps.com, offer ZIP Code information. Use the four-digit add-on, ZIP+4, in your addressing.

• If you don't know the ZIP Code, don't guess. The mail is sorted by ZIP Code first, then by city and state. Using a wrong ZIP Code could cause delays.

- end -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

POSTAL SERVICE PREDICTS BLIZZARD OF LETTERS TO SANTA

Offers Mailing Tips to Get Letters to the North Pole

[City, State] - Santa Claus has a lot in common with the United States Postal Service. Neither rain nor snow nor gloom of night keeps Santa from his appointed rounds at the homes of millions of children the world over. Of course, Santa has been doing it a bit longer than we have. But since 1775, he has relied almost exclusively on the Postal Service to bring him letters from girls and boys all across America.

This holiday season will be no different. The Postal Service is gearing up for a huge mail delivery to the North Pole to help Santa and his elves get ready for the big day.

Getting Mail to Santa - Quickly and Safely

Santa has asked us to share these easy tips with children and families to help their letters get to him as quickly and safely as possible:

• Children should ask their parents for help addressing and putting stamps on their letters. This can avoid misspellings, which can slow down letters, or using too much or too little postage.

• Like all mail, it's important that letters to Santa include a complete return address.

• Santa enjoys candy canes and cookies and his reindeer enjoy fresh hay. But because those treats can be damaged or crushed when sent in a regular envelope, Santa says it's better to leave them out on Christmas Eve than to mail them.

• No extra packaging material, such as string or tape, is needed on a letter to Santa. The glue on the envelope flap is all that's needed.

• Letters to Santa - and other holiday mail - can be given be given right to your letter carrier at your door, rather than placing it in a collection box or making a special trip to the Post Office. And, as always, families who receive curbside delivery can put their mail in their mailbox for pickup.

Following these helpful hints can keep letters to Santa moving as quickly as possible and avoid any delays that could result from the appearance of the envelope or the way the letter is prepared. To learn more about new mail safety measures put into place by the Postal Service, visit www.usps.com.

Helping Santa Help Those in Need

While Santa himself receives most of the letters addressed to him, some are sent to certified organizations and individuals who help those in need. This tradition began in 1912, when Postmaster General Frank H. Hitchcock authorized postmasters to share letters to Santa with local charities and others.

This year, Santa is expecting thousands of letters. Many of them will be answered by a variety of Santa's helpers - charitable organizations, employees of local Post Offices, and volunteers who simply want to help a child's holiday wishes come true.

Letters to Santa Claus are handled by local Post Offices, so policies may vary from city to city. Your local Post Office can tell you how your child's letter to Santa will be handled.

An American Tradition . . . for More Than 2 Centuries

That's the United States Postal Service. It's provided the people of America with trusted, secure, and universal mail service since 1775. Delivering more than 207 billion pieces of mail each year to 135 million homes and businesses, the men and women of the United States Postal Service handle 46 percent of the world's mail volume. We deliver for you - and for Santa.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

POSTAL SERVICE KICKS OFF HOLIDAY MAILING SEASON
WITH GREETING CARD CEREMONY

[City, State] - The holiday mailing season officially started today when Postmaster [full name] hosted a [list time] ceremony to remind Americans to mail their greeting cards.

As [he or she] dropped holiday greeting cards into the collection box, Postmaster [last name] said, "The mail remains a safe, secure, and reliable way to send cards, letters, and packages to family, friends, and loved ones during the holiday season. Americans have relied on the Postal Service for more than 225 years to stay connected. The power of the mail will sustain the tremendous spirit and resolve of the American people during this holiday season."

Also participating in the ceremony and mailing their own cards, letters, and packages were [insert full names and titles of other participants].

[Name] added that Letters to Santa - and other holiday mail - can be given right to your letter carrier at your door, rather than placing it in a collection box or making a special trip to the Post Office. And, as always, families who receive curbside delivery can put their mail in their mailbox for pickup.

The United States Postal Service is a gateway to the household, binding friends, families, and neighbors together. It is an independent federal agency that handles 46 percent of the world's mail volume, with annual revenues of $65 billion. The Postal Service is not funded with taxpayer dollars but derives its revenues solely from the sale of postage and other products and services it provides. Through its unrivaled service network, the Postal Service delivers money, messages, and merchandise daily to 135 million addresses, offering some of the most affordable postage rates in the world.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

Attn: Photo assignment desk

MEDIA ADVISORY

Who: [Name of Congressman, elected official, or local celebrity] joins [name of Post Office] letter carrier [name] to deliver mail to kick off the holiday mailing season.

What: [Name] joins [name of community/town]'s hardworking letter carriers as they deliver during the holidays to remind members of the community that it's safe to mail.

When: December [date] at [depending on time carriers leave].

Where: [Name of Post Office and address].

Background: [Name] is recognizing [name of city/town] Postal Service employees for their unwavering commitment to delivering the mail despite bio-terrorism concerns linked to the mail. [Name] will reassure Americans that the mail is safe and that Americans should continue to defy terrorism by resuming their day-to-day activities.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

[NAME OF OFFICIAL] REMINDS [TOWN] THAT THE MAIL IS SAFE, DELIVERS MAIL TO PROVE [HE'S/SHE'S] TALKIN' THE TALK BY WALKIN' THE WALK

[City/State] - [Title and name of elected official] recognized the hard work of the [name of town] Postal Service by joining the ranks of letter carriers as they made their appointed rounds to kick off the holiday mailing season.

"I think it's important to recognize the commitment and courage the [name of town] Postal Service workers to keeping the mail moving. It's safe to mail this season and it's important to remember that the mail moves our local economy as it does for the nation," said [name of elected official]. "We should mail early and mail often."

[Name of elected official] joined letter carrier [name] and walked the [length of route] to deliver more than [number] pieces of mail to [number] addresses.

[Elected official comments here about his/her experience.]

[Name of elected official] said the Postal Service is a critical element of the nation's infrastructure and to the local economy.

"The Postal Service represents the hub to the spoke of the $900 billion mailing industry that employs 9 million people and is responsible for 8 percent of the gross domestic product. It is the one element of our national government that has a daily presence in virtually every community in the nation - from the smallest towns to our largest cities."

[Local official provides details on the mail impact to the local economy here.]

Postmaster [Name] echoed [name of elected official]'s concern for bringing life back to normal.

"The events of September 11, 2001," [postmaster name] said, "and the subsequent use of the mail as a vehicle for bio-terrorism have placed tremendous financial burdens on the Postal Service. Many Americans are questioning the risk of resuming daily routines that are so vital to the nation's economy. We're here to tell you that it's safe to mail."

Postmaster [name] predicted that this year's holiday mailing season will be strong as in years past. He said Americans tend to communicate more with family and friends during times of war and stress. Lowered holiday travel projections attributed to the September 11th attacks indicates that those foregoing travel will instead send more greeting cards and take advantage of catalog mail order and internet shopping this season.

Postmaster [name] said fears of the mail can be avoided by including a return address on all holiday letters, cards, and gifts as well as letting loved ones know of mail order packages that will be coming their way.

He also recommended that children use their return address when writing to Santa this year, and to avoid placing candy canes, cookies, and even hay for Santa's reindeer in their letters as it could damage sorting equipment.

[Last name] offered a suggestion for customers who are home during the day and receive door delivery. They are welcome to give their greeting cards and other mail bearing proper postage to their letter carrier, rather than placing it in a collection box or making a special trip to the Post Office. Customers who receive curbside delivery may leave their mail in their receptacle for pickup.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

SAVE TIME DURING THE HOLIDAY RUSH WITH WWW.USPS.COM

Postal Service Solutions to Simplify the Holidays

[City, state] - The U.S. Postal Service wants to simplify your life this holiday season. We know you're busy, and we have online service solutions to make the holidays easier and less hectic.

Our web site, www.usps.com, is open for business 24/7. All day. Every day. You can select and mail holiday greetings, buy postage stamps, check on delivery of a package, or even pay a few of those holiday bills - all from the convenience of your own home or office.

"The Postal Service's goal in offering online services is to provide high-value, convenient options for our customers, enabling them to conduct the business of their lives as conveniently as possible - anytime, anywhere," said Deputy Postmaster General John Nolan. "The Postal Service has been delivering the holidays for over 2 centuries. We want to help simplify the holidays for our customers so they can spend more quality time with family and friends."

Holiday Cards . . . and so Much More

This holiday, send a message - one card at a time, or as many as you want - with the Postal Service's NetPost CardStore. You're just a click away from creating and sending personalized greetings right from your own computer. You can even customize them with family photos, business logos, or your own artwork. NetPost CardStore's one-stop shopping is about as convenient as it gets.

You can sit back and plan a holiday feast - from soup to nuts - while NetPost CardStore takes care of the nuts and bolts of your holiday mailings. From printing, to addressing, to applying postage and delivery, NetPost CardStore does it all.

All orders received by December 10 will receive a 15 percent discount - just enter "HOLIDAY" when you check out. There is no minimum or maximum order required. Postage and shipping are not included in the discount.

Buying Online Simplified

Pay@Delivery is a component of the Postal Service's eBillPay service and is similar to the existing collect on delivery (COD) service that has been offered since 1913. Pay@Delivery makes accessing traditional postal services easier and more convenient by combining electronic payments with Priority Mail service and Delivery Confirmation service. Sellers of merchandise at online auctions can, for example, print out the buyer's address label with Delivery Confirmation service barcodes from their personal computer and drop off the package at any of over 38,000 Post Offices. Buyers of merchandise at online auctions can send their money to the seller online and have the money released electronically when the mail carrier delivers the package and scans the Delivery Confirmation service barcodes.

Preparing and Sending Packages

This year www.usps.com makes it easier for you to prepare and ship your Priority Mail service and Global Express Guaranteed service packages online with the addition of the "Shipping center" site.

This new feature allows you to quickly and easily prepare and print a shipping label for Priority Mail service from your home or office computer. When you print a Priority Mail service label online, that will include electronic option Delivery Confirmation Service at no additional charge. Also, international mailers using Global Express Guaranteed service can prepare and pay for their postage online and receive a 5-percent discount, and greater savings the more you ship. The web site contains information on our pickup service as well, so you can complete your holiday mailings without ever leaving home!

Staying on Budget and on Track

We know how important it is to watch your budget this time of year. And www.usps.com can help you select the right service for the right price, so your gifts get there on time - and on budget. Just click on the "Postage Rates and Fees" feature to calculate the mailing costs for the service you need - whether you're mailing to an address in the United States or just about anywhere in the world.

Once you've sent your package, you'll want to keep track of it, too. A click on "Track & Confirm" let's you know the status of delivery for your package. It's free for Express Mail and Global Express Guaranteed services - our quickest domestic and international services. Also, information on the status of delivery is available online when you purchase Delivery Confirmation service at the retail counter. This service is free when you print your Priority Mail service label online.

Need Stamps? Couldn't Be Easier!

And we've got `em, at www.usps.com: Traditional Santas, Virgin and Child, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Eid, and our newest best seller, United We Stand, which features a vivid image of the American flag. Choose the stamp that says it best for you.

Letters to Santa - and other holiday mail bearing proper postage - can be given right to your letter carrier at your door, rather than placing it in a collection box or making a special trip to the Post Office. And, as always, families who receive curbside delivery can put their mail in their mailbox for pickup.

Helping With Another Holiday Tradition: Paying the Bills

The Postal Service is doing all it can to help you with your holiday traditions - those you enjoy and the other ones, too. Our eBillPay service lets you view and pay your holiday bills electronically. It's quick. It's easy. And it's secure, offering Electronic Postmark verification on every transaction. Just click on the USPS eBillPay button at www.usps.com.

An American Tradition . . . for More Than 2 Centuries

That's the United States Postal Service. It's provided the people of America with trusted, secure, and universal mail service since 1775. Delivering more than 207 billion pieces of mail each year to 135 million homes and businesses, the men and women of the United States Postal Service handle 46 percent of the world's mail volume. We deliver for you.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE HOLIDAY MAILING DEADLINE FACT SHEET

[City/State] - The holiday season is the busiest time of the year for the U.S. Postal Service. In order to meet increased demand, the Postal Service extends and increases much of its operational capacity. This increase of resources includes:

• Extending Post Office hours and opening on Sundays at most of its 38,000 Post Offices.

• Hiring thousands of temporary workers as needed to help with various tasks.

• Extending full use of its 210,000 Postal Service vehicle fleet by obtaining extra trucks from the 7,000 trucking firms it contract with daily.

• Adding three holiday network hubs with more than 85 supplemental airplanes dedicated entirely to moving the mail.

This holiday season, more than ever, the Postal Service is recommending that consumers send their mail early to ensure their packages are delivered on time. Here are some tips that could make their mailing experience even better.

• Access the Postal Service's Web site, www.usps.com, for postage calculations, the latest addressing information, and unique gifts.

• Avoid waiting in lines for stamps by accessing Stamps by Phone (1-800-STAMP-24), Stamps By Mailฎ, or stamps from postal self-service vending machines.

• Last-minute international mailers can still get their packages delivered via Global Express Guaranteed service, Global Priority Mail service, or Express Mail International Service. Global Priority Mail serivce delivery is 4 days to many countries for items up to 4 pounds. Express Mail International service can have packages delivered quickly to most major cities. Global Express Guaranteed is our fastest service, with time-definite delivery in as few as 2 business days.

• Write, type, or print the complete address neatly. Always use a return address. A correct ZIP Code can always be found at a local Post Office or at www.usps.com.

• Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents while leaving space for cushioning inside the carton. Take packages that weigh at least 1 pound into the Post Office for mailing.

• Letters to Santa - and other holiday mail bearing proper postage - can be given right to your letter carrier at your door, rather than placing it in a collection box or making a special trip to the Post Office. And, as always, families who receive curbside delivery can put their mail in their mailbox for pickup.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

[CITY] POST OFFICE OPEN [EARLY AND] LATE FOR HOLIDAY MAIL SEASON

[City, State]- Don't look now but the holidays are right around the corner. The [city] Post Office wants to help you get those holiday cards, letters, and packages mailed to your loved ones in plenty of time. Here are the Post Office's [extended, if applicable] customer service hours this holiday season.

Name of PO/Station Address Holiday retail hours

[Include, if applicable] "In addition, we will also be open extra hours on [several or list specific dates] Sundays in December before Christmas," [Postmaster/Manager Full name] added. [Insert locations and dates/hours.]

Name of PO/Station Address Dec. Sunday hours

Letters to Santa - and other holiday mail bearing proper postage - can be given right to your letter carrier at your door, rather than placing it in a collection box or making a special trip to the Post Office. And, as always, families who receive curbside delivery can put their mail in their mailbox for pickup.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

FOCUS ON TRADITION WITH GIFTS AND STOCKING STUFFERS FROM THE POST OFFICE

[City/State] - It's that time of year again! For more than 226 years the Postal Service has delivered your cards, letters, and packages to family and friends in time for the holidays, and the power of the mail will continue to sustain the tremendous spirit and resolve of the American people during the 2001 holiday season. The comfort of holiday tradition is especially important as the United States and its allies continue the fight against terrorism.

"Come to the Post Office," says Postmaster [full name]. "We have unusual gifts and stocking stuffers for holiday giving, and you're sure to find a subject to fit any interest."

These include:

• Stamps are a practical gift to use (and a great hobby to collect!).

• Books for collecting and display make unusual and unique gifts. The beautiful 2001 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook presents 2001 stamp issues and the stories behind them in fascinating detail. An American Postal Portrait: A Photographic Legacy provides a photojournalistic retrospective celebrating behind-the-scene stories from the early 1800s that pay tribute to the everyday people who worked through rain, sleet, and snow to deliver the mail.

• Money orders instead of gift certificates let your recipient acquire exactly the gift of their dreams. Money orders are safe and secure, and you may purchase any amount up to $700 for just 80 cents.

• Prepaid FIRSTCLASS PHONECARDS make ideal gifts for anyone.

• Unique stationery is available at most Post Offices. Computer paper, note cards, greeting cards, wrapping paper, and labels highlight various stamps from 2001.

• A free comprehensive catalog is available toll free by calling 1 800 STAMP-24, and a selection of stamps and more gift ideas are online at www.usps.com in the Postal Store.

Save a trip to the Post Office. Whenever possible, customers who receive door delivery are welcome to give their holiday and other mail bearing proper postage to their letter carrier, rather than placing it in a collection box or making a special trip to the Post Office. Customers who receive curbside delivery may leave their mail in their receptacle for pickup.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

[NAME] POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES BUSIEST MAILING DAY OF YEAR

[City, State] - On the biggest mailing day of the year - this past Monday, December 17 - [name of city] Post Office(s) handled and postmarked nearly [number] million holiday cards and letters.

[City] Post Office is located at [address]. The [facility/Post Office] has about [number] Postal Service employees. They handle, sort, and distribute mail for the [city] area.

Most Americans typically spend the last weekend before Christmas addressing their greeting cards and packages. Since Christmas is a Tuesday this year, Monday, December 17, was projected to be the busiest mailing day of the year to postmark cards and letters.

It was also a big day for mailing holiday parcels as the [city] Post Office handled more than [number] packages on Monday.

Monday, December 17, was also the busiest postmark day for the Postal Service. Post Offices nationwide on December 17 postmarked [number] million holiday cards and letters on the biggest mailing day of the year.

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