Note: Automatic agency and matching contributions are available only to FERS employees. Did You Know...• You are eligible to enroll and begin contributing to your TSP the day you are hired. • TSP open season is your opportunity to enroll in the TSP or change the amount of your contributions if you're already enrolled. • Participants may choose among five investment funds. • Agency matching contributions vest immediately, and automatic contributions vest after 3 years of federal civilian service. Investments Add Up Over TimeOver time, contributions to your TSP add up. CSRS employees may contribute up to 7 percent of their basic pay each pay period. FERS employees may contribute up to 12 percent of their basic pay (not to exceed the Internal Revenue Service limit of $11,000 per year). The following is a projected account balance of a FERS employee who contributes 5 percent of $28,000 basic pay.
(Excerpted from Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal Employees, May 2001) Use PostalEASE to Enroll in the TSPTo enroll in the TSP, call 877-4PS-EASE (877-477-3273). You will need your USPS personal identification number (PIN). Open Season Ends July 31If you would like to participate in the TSP, remember that open season ends July 31, 2002. For more information about open season, see Postal Bulletin 22075 (5-2-02, pages 125-127). General information about the TSP is available at the official Thrift Savings Plan Web site for federal employees at http://www.tsp.gov. - Compensation,
NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN FACT SHEET Percentage returns released June 5, 2002, by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
Future performance of the funds will vary and may be significantly different from the returns shown above. See the Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan for detailed information about the funds and their investment risks. The monthly returns of the TSP Funds represent net earnings for the month after deduction of accrued administrative expenses and, except for the G Fund, after deduction of trading costs and accrued investment management fees as well. The returns for the four indexes shown do not include any of these deductions. * Implemented May 2001. Please post on bulletin boards. Recycle all previous notices.
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| PSN | PSIN | Company Name | Unit Issue | Price Per Box ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7530-04-000-5507 | IBM0138A | IBM Corp. | Box/50 rolls | 85.00 |
| 7530-04-000-5381 | NCR0117B | NCR Corp. | Box/50 rolls | 78.00 |
| 7530-05-000-4564 | TUFCO318XLIPOA | Tufco Technology | Box/50 rolls | 69.00 |
| 7530-05-000-4565 | GRFCNTLP300 | Graphic Control | Box/50 rolls | 72.38 |
| 7530-05-000-4566 | MAX712318USPS | Maxwell Paper Product Company | Box/50 rolls | 68.83 |
| 7530-05-000-4568 | PSIQ-40862P1 | PSI Paper System | Box/50 rolls | 65.50 |
All contracts will use Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), which will eliminate the need to process individual delivery orders against these contracts. The Material Distribution Center (MDC) will process all requests. Retail units must order their POS ONE receipt paper directly from the MDC using one of the following means:
• Touch Tone Order Entry (TTOE): Call 800-332-0317, choose option 1, then option 2.
Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, choose option 8, extension 2925, and follow the prompts to leave a message (wait 48 hours after registering before you place your first order).
• E-mail: Complete PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition (manually or by F3 Fill), and send it as an attachment to the e-mail address MDC Customer Service or to mcustome@email.usps.gov.
• Mail: Mail a completed PS Form 7380 to the MDC at the following address:
SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
MATERIAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DR
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702
Offices may not use local purchasing procedures or credit cards to purchase receipt rolls. Under ideal conditions, these rolls have a 1-year shelf life; therefore, maintaining a large inventory is not desirable. We suggest that retail units order as needed instead of stockpiling rolls.
If you have questions concerning the status of your order, contact the MDC Customer Service automated telephone system at 800-332-0317, and select option 2. If you have questions concerning the contract, call Levora Alston-Lloyd, purchasing specialist, at 202-268-4118. For help with technical questions concerning the use of the labels, call the Raleigh help line at 800-USPS-HELP.
- Materials, Supply Management, 6-13-02
PRICE CHANGE/ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS
Effective June 30, 2002, the price of all business cards from American Printing and Paper Products, BPA 102595-99-R-1816, will increase. New pricing is as follows.
You may pay by check, money order, or credit card.
| Quantity | New Price |
|---|---|
| 250 | $11.75 |
| 500 | $15.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.50 |
You may pay by check, money order, or credit card.
| Quantity | New Price |
|---|---|
| 250 | $11.00 |
| 500 | $12.75 |
All orders that do not reflect the new prices will bereturned to the requester's office for additional funding. This applies to check, money order, and credit cardtransactions.
Orders for business cards must be submitted usingPS Form 1868, U.S. Postal Service Business Card Order Form, June 2002, on page 19 of this Postal Bulletin. This form is not stocked at the Material Distribution Center and must be reproduced locally.
- Professional, Printing and Creative Services CMC, Supply Management, 6-13-02
NEW TRAVEL PROCEDURES
The U.S. Postal Service has awarded a contract to Omega World Travel Services for nationwide travel management services. Under the contract, all Postal Service travelers must purchase their travel services through Omega World Travel. The contract covers traditional travel services and the implementation of a new Web-based, self-booking travel system.
In accordance with Handbook F-15, Travel and Relocation, travelers must use Omega World Travel Services when making travel arrangements. Postal travelers must also use the General Services Administration (GSA) City Pairs Program for air travel unless an overriding reason is documented.
The initial term of the contract is 4 years, with three 2-year renewal options. We have negotiated a very competitive $17 per transaction, and pricing is fixed for the initial 4-year period unless travel industry standards and/or commission rates change. The proposed contract roll-out and implementation for traditional services is as follows.
| Location/Area | Contract Start Date |
|---|---|
| Southeast, Eastern, former Midwest Areas | 4-20-02 |
| Northeast/New York Metro | 5-12-02 |
| HQ/Cap Metro/Former Mid-Atlantic | 7-1-02 |
| Western Area | 7-14-02 |
| Great Lakes | 8-1-02 |
| Pacific Area | 9-1-02 |
| Southwest Area | 10-1-02 |
Omega reservation centers are located in Jacksonville, North Carolina; Norfolk, Virginia; and Salt Lake City, Utah. Call-in services are available to all travelers from 7:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. in all time zones. Omega emergency offices are located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and London, England, and will be available 24 hours a day. For the telephone number of the reservation center that handles your area or region, contact your area finance office or visit the Denver Travel, Retail, and Temporary Services Category Man- agement Center (CMC) at http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/material/pmsc/denver; click on Travel Services. Note: All travelers should continue making reservations with their current supplier until the Omega contract is implemented in their location.
Travelers and travel arrangers will soon have the option to book reservations online. We are piloting a Web-based, self-booking reservation system and will implement this system later this year. You will be able to access this system from any personal computer. The cost per Web-based transaction will be $9.50, but this fee will be reduced as usage increases. Omega World Travel Services will train Postal Service travelers using the new online system.
The option for delivery and handling of paper tickets is available under this contract, and fees are $3.00 for First- Class MailŽ, $6.00 for Priority MailŽ, and $15.00 for Express MailŽ service. The standard format for air travel is electronic tickets. Travelers or travel arrangers receive itinerary invoices by e-mail or fax. With electronic tickets, satellite ticket printers are no longer required; however, you may opt for a ticket printer at a cost of $200 per month. We will charge this fee to the local finance number. Omega provides Internet reporting, and area finance offices can generate travel reports directly from the Omega Web site.
- Purchasing Policies and Programs,
Supply Management, 6-13-02
HANDBOOK PO-102 REVISION
Effective June 13, 2002, Handbook PO-102, Self Service Vending Operational and Marketing Program, is revised to include the capability of generating workload analyses in an automated fashion using the Vending Equipment Sales and Services (VESS) system. For those unable to access VESS, the instructions for manually producing the workload analysis will remain in section 453.
We will incorporate this revision into the next printed version of Handbook PO-102 and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal Service PolicyNet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on HBKs.
Handbook PO-102, Self Service Vending Operational and Marketing Program
* * * * *
4 Servicing Self Service Vending Equipment
* * * * *
45 Workload
* * * * *
453 Determining Workload
* * * * *
[Add new 453.1:]
453.1 Vending Equipment Sales and Services System Generated Workload Analysis
Vending Equipment Sales and Services (VESS) creates an automated version of the Workload Analysis. Go to http://vess.usps.gov, click on the automated routine Workload Analysis. On the Workload Analysis page, you can make selections to display the analysis of vending service employee workload and, when the analysis is completed, print the report.
[Number existing text as new 453.2. Title 453.2 as follows:]
453.2 Manually Generated Workload Analysis
[Revise the introductory paragraph of 453.2 to read as follows:]
Create a manual workload analysis using PS Form 5701, Location Workload Worksheet: Self Service Vending Equipment (Exhibit 453.2), and follow the steps below.
* * * * *
[Revise the exhibit number of Exhibit 453 to read "453.2."]
* * * * *
- Self Service and Access Management,
Delivery and Retail, 6-13-02
POM REVISION
Effective June 13, 2002, the Postal Operations Manual (POM) is revised to reflect the elimination of special delivery service as a delivery option.
We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version on POM Issue 9 and into the monthly update of the online POM available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim/; click on Manuals.
Postal Operations Manual (POM)
1 Retail Management
* * * * *
12 Retail Facility Management
* * * * *
125 Lobby Management
* * * * *
Exhibit 125.22 Holiday Service Levels
A. Holidays Widely Observed
[Rename the Delivery Special column as "Express Mail."]
* * * * *
B. Holidays Not Widely Observed
[Rename the Delivery Special column as "Express Mail."]
* * * * *
13 Retail Services at Counters
* * * * *
137 Mail Acceptance and Handling
* * * * *
137.4 Domestic Mail Acceptance
* * * * *
137.45 Special Services Mail
[Revise 137.45 to read as follows:]
137.451 Certificate of Mailing
A certificate of mailing provides proof that an item was mailed. A fee is charged for this service. No duplicate record of acceptance is maintained by the Post Office, and the certificate provides no insurance for damage or loss. See 821 for detailed information.
137.452 Special Handling
Special handling provides preferential handling to the extent practicable in dispatch and transportation. See DMM S930 for detailed information.
137.453 Delivery Confirmation
Delivery Confirmation provides the customer with information about the date and time an article was delivered or, if delivery was attempted but not successful, the date and time of the delivery attempt. Delivery information can be obtained from an electronic file, via the Postal Service Internet at http://www.usps.com/shipping/epstrac.htm, or by calling the toll-free number noted in 817.24. No acceptance record is kept at the office of mailing. See 817 and DMM S918 for detailed information.
137.454 Signature Confirmation
Signature Confirmation provides the customer with information about the date and time an article was delivered or, if delivery was attempted but not successful, the date and time of the delivery attempt. The delivery record, including the recipient's signature, is available via fax or mail, upon request. Delivery information can be obtained from an electronic file, via the Postal Service Internet at http://www.usps.com/shipping/epstrac.htm, or by calling the toll-free number noted in 818.24. No acceptance record is kept at the office of mailing. See 818 and DMM S919 for detailed information.
* * * * *
14 Other Retail Services Management
141 Delivery Services
* * * * *
141.3 Firm Holdout Service
[Revise 141.3 to read as follows:]
Customers who normally receive 50 or more letters on the first delivery trip and who request to pick up mail may be provided firm holdout service. Firm mail may be a direct holdout or may be withdrawn from the carrier's case. For each customer, employees complete a PS Form 3801, Standing Delivery Order. Indicate on the form the type of mail (i.e., letter, Parcel Post, or all mail the firm will pick up) and obtain the signature of each firm employee or the designated agent authorized to pick up the mail. Carriers cannot make a first delivery to customers receiving holdout service, but may make subsequent delivery of mail where such service is provided by multiple trip routes. This service does not withdraw established service.
* * * * *
2 Philately
* * * * *
24 Philatelic Cover Servicers and Dealers (Cachets)
* * * * *
243 Mail-Back Service
* * * * *
243.2 Availability
[Revise 243.2 to read as follows:]
Mail-back service, or return under cover in bulk, is available to dealers only when return postage, registration if desired, and all other applicable fees such as special handling are paid to the postmaster at the place of postmarking. Requests that do not include such payment are held until the proper amount is received. Post Offices in receipt of customer payments in excess of the postage and fees required should remit such overages to the PFSC for deposit to the customer's advance deposit account. The advance deposit account may be used to offset future applicable fees charged by the PFSC.
* * * * *
4 Mail Processing Procedures
* * * * *
44 Mail Preparation
* * * * *
443 Endorsing, Canceling, and Postmarking
* * * * *
443.3 Postmarking
443.31 General
* * * * *
[Revise item c (5) to read as follows:]
(5) Special handling.
* * * * *
6 Delivery Services
* * * * *
61 Conditions of Delivery
* * * * *
617 Other Delivery Procedures
617.1 Delivery in Multiple-Floor Buildings
[Revise 671.1 to read as follows:]
Parcel Post, registered, insured, and certified articles are delivered in person to the addressee or authorized agent, without regard to the floor on which his or her office or apartment is located. Cooperation of customers is requested, however, in making arrangements for mail to be delivered on the first floor.
* * * * *
619 Mail Claim Check System
619.1 General
* * * * *
619.12 Scope
* * * * *
619.122 Definition of Carrier
[Revise 619.122 to read as follows:]
For these instructions, the term carrier includes postal vehicle service (PVS) drivers and carriers serving city, rural, and all other types of carrier delivery routes. Also, the term Post Office box includes caller service and detached Post Office box service.
* * * * *
63 Modes of Delivery, Mail Receptacles, and Keys
631 Modes of Delivery
* * * * *
631.8 Military Installations
* * * * *
631.82 Other Services - Agreement With the Military
Other services are provided to military installations in accordance with Publication 38, Postal Agreement with the Department of Defense, signed on February 22, 1980, reprinted in pertinent part:
* * * * *
[Revise item IV B (1) to read as follows:]
1. Provide postal services for the Armed Forces at locations inside the United States, including the establishment of civilian post offices on military installations and the usual postal finance, mail handling, and carrier delivery and collection with United States postal laws and regulations, normal standards of the Postal Service, and changing military requirements;
* * * * *
Supplemental Postal Agreement: Administrative Details
* * * * *
[Delete item IV A (2) and renumber existing items 3 and 4 as new items 2 and 3, respectively.]
632 Mail Receptacles
* * * * *
632.6 Apartment House Receptacles
* * * * *
632.62 Installation
* * * * *
632.626 Directories
* * * * *
[Revise item c to read as follows:]
c. The directory must be legible, enclosed in a suitable protective frame, and attached to the wall immediately above or to the side of the mail receptacles where it can be easily read. If mailrooms are used, the directory should be placed for the carrier's convenience. If an attendant, such as a telephone operator, doorman, or elevator conductor, is on duty between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M., and the mail is delivered either to apartment house receptacles or in bulk for distribution by employees of the building, the employee on duty in the building may keep the directory to make it available to the carrier on request.
* * * * *
64 City Delivery Service
* * * * *
642 Extensions
* * * * *
642.3 Out-of-Bounds Customers
[Revise 642.3 to read as follows:]
Customers outside the limits of city delivery service may be given delivery service if they erect boxes on the delivery carrier's line of travel. Parcel Post, insured, certified, COD, and registered mail are delivered to the residences or businesses of out-of-bounds customers if the residences or businesses are not more than three blocks from the carrier's line of travel and passable walks are constructed or the street is not impassable. Otherwise, a notice is left in the box requesting that the customer call for the mail. If an ordinary parcel is involved and it can be placed in the box, delivery is made in that manner.
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 67 to read as follows:]
67 Express Mail
DMM D500 provides standards for delivery service objectives, postage guarantees, and refund conditions. The delivery standards vary by service offering and its availability to a particular destination. Express Mail service is available in five basic service offerings (Same Day Airport Service, Custom Designed Service, Next Day Service, Second Day Service, and Express Mail Military Service).
672 Express Mail Same Day Airport Service
[Same Day Airport Service was suspended in 1995 and is not available until further notice.]
A Same Day Airport Service item must be dispatched on the next available transportation to the destination AMF. Upon arrival at the destination AMF, the item must be made available for claim by the addressee by the time determined for the item when accepted at the origin AMF.
673 Express Mail Custom Designed Service
Any Express Mail Custom Designed Service item is delivered only on a scheduled basis between designated postal facilities or other designated locations for mailable matter presented under a service agreement between the Postal Service and the mailer as described in DMM E500.
674 Express Mail Next Day Service
674.1 Post Office to Post Office Service
Any Next Day Post Office to Post Office Service item presented under 137.541 must be available for claim by the addressee at the destination facility by 10 A.M. of the next day that the destination office is open for retail business.
674.2 Post Office to Addressee Service
Any Next Day Post Office to Addressee Service item presented under 137.541 must be delivered to the addressee within the designated delivery area of the destination facility by noon or 3 P.M. of the next day. If an item cannot be delivered on the first attempt, these procedures (unless forwarding or return service is provided) must be followed:
a. The time and date when delivery was attempted and the signature of the employee who attempted delivery must be entered in the "Delivery Attempt" block of Label 11-B (or Label 11-F), Express Mail Post Office to Addressee.
b. PS Form 3849, Delivery Notice/Reminder/Receipt, is left at the delivery address to show that the item is being held for pickup. The name and telephone number of the delivery facility where the item is held must be entered on the form. If the item is transferred to another facility, the first delivery facility must be able to give the customer the appropriate information, such as the name and telephone number of the facility to which the item was transferred. If PS Form 3849 cannot be left for any reason (e.g., no mail receptacle), the addressee should be telephoned and informed (1) that a delivery was attempted, (2) where the item may be picked up, and (3) when the next regular delivery trip is to be made. The date of the telephone attempt or contact must be recorded on Label 11-B (or Label 11-F).
c. If the item is not picked up or the addressee does not request that the item be held for pickup, a second attempt to deliver must be made on the next regular delivery day.
d. If the addressee has requested in writing that Next Day Service items be held for a specified day or number of days under DMM F010.5.0, the time and date when the item was available for delivery and the initials of the employee must be entered in the "Delivery Attempt" block of Label 11-B (or Label 11-F). The item must be delivered on the next regular delivery day after the specified day or number of days that the item is held.
e. If delivery cannot be made after the second attempt to deliver, the item must be held for 5 workdays under DMM F010.5.0 for the addressee to pick up, unless the addressee requests a further attempt to deliver.
675 Express Mail Second Day Service
675.1 Post Office to Post Office Service
Any Second Day Post Office to Post Office Service item presented under 137.551 must be available for claim by the addressee at the destination facility by 10 A.M. of the second day that the destination office is open for retail business.
675.2 Post Office to Addressee Service
Any Second Day Post Office to Addressee Service item presented under 137.551 must be delivered to the addressee within the designated delivery area of the destination facility by noon or 3 P.M. of the second day. Instructions for second-attempt delivery are the same as those described in 674.42.
676 Express Mail Military Service
676.1 To APO/FPO
Under Post Office to Addressee Service to APO/FPO destinations, an Express Mail Military Service (EMMS) item presented under 137.561 for an APO/FPO address is available for delivery at the destination APO/FPO facility by 3 P.M. of the second day after mailing unless the APO/FPO facility is closed that day; in such a case, the item is available for delivery on the following business day. An EMMS item presented for 3-day service is available for delivery at the destination APO/FPO facility by 3 P.M. of the third day after mailing unless the APO/FPO facility is closed that day; in such a case, the item is available for delivery on the following business day.
676.2 From APO/FPO
Under Post Office to Addressee Service from an APO/FPO to a U.S. destination, an Express Mail Military Service (EMMS) item presented under 137.561 is delivered to an addressee within the delivery area of the destination facility by 3 P.M. of the second day after mailing. An EMMS item presented for 3-day service is delivered to an addressee within the delivery area of the destination facility by 3 P.M. of the third day after mailing.
* * * * *
68 Undeliverable Mail
* * * * *
682 Forwarding
* * * * *
682.3 Additional Postage for Forwarding
* * * * *
[Revise item e to read as follows:]
e. Forward registered, certified, insured, COD, Delivery Confirmation, and special-handling mail without the payment of additional special service fees. The ordinary forwarding postage charges, if any, must be paid. Do not forward such mail to a foreign country.
* * * * *
682.4 Directory Service
* * * * *
[Delete item i and redesignate existing items j through m as new items i through l, respectively.]
* * * * *
8 Special Services
81 Special Mail Services
* * * * *
813 Certified Mail
* * * * *
813.3 Carrier Controls
813.31 Assignment
* * * * *
[Delete item c.]
* * * * *
813.4 Verified Mailing Receipts
813.41 Individual Mailings
* * * * *
[Revise item d to read as follows:]
d. Make certain that proper Postal Service charges are paid by affixed stamps.
* * * * *
815 Collect on Delivery (COD) Mail
* * * * *
815.3 Special Instructions
815.31 Mail Opening Units
[Delete item a, and redesignate existing items b and c as new items a and b, respectively.]
* * * * *
[Delete subchapter 816 due to the elimination of special delivery service and renumber existing subchapters 817 and 818 as new subchapters 816 and 817.]
* * * * *
82 Supplemental Mail Services
* * * * *
824 Return Receipt for Merchandise
* * * * *
824.7 Carrier Controls
824.71 Assignment
* * * * *
[Delete item c due to the elimination of special delivery service.]
* * * * *
824.8 Acceptance Procedures
824.81 Individual Mailings
* * * * *
[Revise item d to read as follows:]
d. Make sure the proper postal charges are paid by stamps or meter strip affixed.
* * * * *
- Delivery Support,
Delivery and Retail, 6-13-02
PS FORM 5701 REVISION
PS Form 5701, Location Workload Worksheet: Self Service Vending Equipment (which now appears as Exhibit 453.2 in Handbook PO-102, Self Service Vending Operational and Marketing Program), is revised to reflect changes in Handbook PO-102. Specifically, the exhibits referenced in PS Form 5701 need to be updated as follows:
1. In the Note in the upper left-hand corner, revise Exhibits 441.2 and 442 to refer to 451.2 and 452.1e, respectively.
2. In footnote #2, revise Exhibit 442a to refer to 452.1a.
3. In footnote #3, revise Exhibits 442b, 442c, and 442d to refer to 452.1b, 452.1c, and 452.1d, respectively.
We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed versions of PS Form 5701 and Handbook PO-102. We will also incorporate them into the next updates of the online form and the online handbook accessible on the Postal Service PolicyNet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.
You may use the January 1999 version of the form until that stock is depleted.
- Self Service and Access Management,
Delivery and Retail, 6-13-02
NOTICE
The convenience of PC PostageTM service for online shipping labels is now available on www.usps.com. Customers can print shipping labels with PC Postage service on their personal computers and charge the postage to their credit card. Customers choosing the PC Postage service or address book options must register on the Web site. Customers will also have the option of printing a shipping label without postage, an online feature that has been available since August 2001.
Online shipping labels are available with or without postage for the following services:
• Express MailŽ service.
• Global Express GuaranteedTM service.
• Global Express MailTM service.
• Priority MailŽ with electronic option Delivery ConfirmationTM service.
• Priority Mail with electronic option Signature ConfirmationTM service.
Each barcoded label printed is assigned a unique Track and Confirm number. Delivery status for all of these articles can be checked on the Track and Confirm Web site at www.usps.com; click on Track/Confirm. Information on the use of single-ply online Express Mail labels was previously provided in Postal Bulletin 22053 (6-28-01, page 23).
Detailed information for all these products and services is available at www.usps.com; click Shipping, then Ship. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) and details for ordering supplies and scheduling on-call pickup are also available on the Web site.
Customers using the online shipping label with PC Postage service meet the Postal Service aviation security "known shipper" requirements and, therefore, can give their article to a delivery employee or drop it off at any Post Office or in any collection box.
Refunds for unused PC Postage service for online shipping labels can be requested only on the Shipping center Web site at www.usps.com; click Shipping, then Ship.
- Product Information Requirements,
Product Development, 6-13-02
Ready for new rates Just a reminder that the new rate change point-of-purchase (POP) elements will arrive in all postal retail units beginning June 17. Since all locations will automatically receive new U.S. Shipping and Extra Services Menuboards, as well as Extra Services Writing Table Decals, Money Order Counter Cards, and New Rates Counter Cards, there is no need to call the Retail Merchandise and Point-of-Purchase Center (RMPC) to place orders. Select locations will receive a variety of additional elements.
See the special May 9 edition of the Postal Bulletin for more details.
Check your scans Be sure to use care when scanning Postal Store packaged stamps that have a barcode on front. There is a possibility that the barcode on the selvage of the stamp could be read instead. Definitive and semipostal stamp sheets have a single stamp value printed on the selvage. Commemoratives usually have the full value of the sheet printed on the selvage.
We recommend that retail associates get in the habit of covering the barcode on the stamp with their finger so the only barcode being read is the correct barcode on the front of the package. It's impossible during the packaging of the stamps to put the package barcode over the stamp barcode because the stamp barcode changes position on the selvage based on the position in the stamp-printing process.
Pay attention to the price that is scanning!
Get hooked All Postmark Gallery offices must use approved slatwall chrome hooks to hang framed art. The chrome hook (MDI-0172) is available at no charge, in bags of 50, through the RMPC. Call the RMPC at 800-711-0428.
Lower rates/better value New phone cards with new lower prices are being distributed to FIRSTCLASS PHONECARDŽ offices. They feature break-off plastic packaging, new minute denominations, and new pricing that is less expensive than phone cards sold in many grocery and drug stores - with rates as low as 10 cents per minute. The size and format of the new cards are similar to the previous version so they'll fit perfectly into the current acrylic counter merchandisers.
Introducing the new FIRSTCLASS PHONECARDS:
• $8/50 minutes (99860001) Statue of Liberty
• $15/100 minutes (99870001) Capitol Dome
• $30/300 minutes (9985001) United We Stand/American Flag
It's a more competitive product and a better value for our customers!
The following FIRSTCLASS PHONECARDS have been selected for destruction and will not activate after July 1:
• $8/30 minutes (99800002) Statue of Liberty
• $15/60 minutes (99810002) Capitol Dome
• $15/60 minutes (99810001) Love Letter
• $27/120 minutes (99820001) Washington Monument
• $27/120 minutes (546) Wood Duck
• $53/240 minutes (99830002) George Washington Bust
These cards must be removed from all sales areas by July 1 and destroyed according to the inventory destruction instructions included in the Summer Drive Period launch shipment.
All shipments will be received no later than June 15.
Follow HAZMAT procedures All Post Offices are reminded to follow the HAZMAT procedures and ask customers the mandatory question: "Does the parcel (item, article) contain anything liquid, fragile, perishable, or potentially hazardous?" This question is required for all parcels and any mailpiece where there is suspicion of HAZMAT materials.
Did You Know? Priority MailŽ service...
• rates start at $3.50 ($3.85 as of June 30) for up to 1 pound.
• averages 2-3 days delivery.
• price is up to 50 percent less than what other shippers charge.
• is the lowest published price for average 2-3 day delivery in the industry.
• is delivered to every address and Post Office box in the U.S. and every military address.
• has no surchage for Saturday and residential delivery.
Delivery ConfirmationTM service...
• is available at a low cost of 40 cents (45 cents as of June 30) with Priority Mail service.
• can verify delivery of Priority Mail service online at www.usps.com.
• provides date, ZIP Code, and time the article was delivered.
And remember...
• business customers can think savings with Priority Mail service.
• the Shipping center at www.usps.com enables customers to print Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation shipping labels from their or office.
• if a Priority Mail delivery was attempted, the customer will get the date and time of the attempted delivery with Delivery Confirmation service.
• Delivery Confirmation is available for Priority Mail, Package Services, and Standard Mail parcels.
Feedback Send comments and questions to:
WHATS IN STORE
US POSTAL SERVICE
1735 N LYNN STREET RM 6042
ARLINGTON VA 22209-6057
Retail Coaches
Corner
This month's edition has information regarding the retail calendar, helpful reminders for the rate case, and a question of the month.
1) Keep sufficient stamp stock inventory on hand in all applicable denominations.
2) Sell stamps in combinations to make the new rate rather than destroy existing stock. For example: 34-cent and 3-cent stamps is one recommended combination to sell.
3) Use lobby directors to eliminate long lines.
4) Be prepared to answer customer questions regarding new rates and mailing and shipping options.
5) Make sure vending equipment is in full service and fully stocked.
6) Make sure you order Stamps By MailŽ forms with new rate information.
Are international postage rates changing on June 30, 2002?
Answer: No
International postage rates will not change, but some international fees will change June 30, 2002. Most International special services fees are changing - for example, the recorded delivery fee.
International fees that are not changing are the international money order fees and parcel post insurance fees for countries other than Canada. (See details in this Postal Bulletin.)
Is your Employee Mailbox posted? Review the information with retail associates.
Your new retail drive period is June 15 through August 10.
The focus for the Summer Drive Period is "Real People Real Success." Our focus is on small business accounts. Our small business customers account for 73 percent of the Postal Service's retail revenue.
Products and services that small business customers find useful are as follows.
Express MailŽ service ensures next-day delivery by 12 noon to most destinations. It is for documents that have an urgent nature.
Global Express MailTM service is an expedited international delivery service.
Signature ConfirmationTM with Priority MailŽ service provides online access to the date, time of delivery, and name of recipient. Customers can obtain signature proof that their package has arrived.
Customers receive delivery information for First-Class MailŽ and, with purchase of return receipt, receive proof of delivery.
Also, look for your new Business Solution brochures in the summer point-of-purchase (POP) kit. The brochures will be provided to most locations during the Summer Drive Period.
• What topics would you like to read about in the upcoming Coaches Corner?
• Share your success stories and assist other retail units. Send us a message.
The site can be found at: http://rpsweb.usps.gov/coaches/.asp.
Questions or comments? Submit them via e-mail to: Retail Coaches Corner.
The GPO distributes the Postal Bulletin for the Postal Service to all postal facilities except classified stations and branches, contract postal units, and detached mail units, which receive copies from their administrative post office. The Postal Bulletin is also available online at http://www.usps.com (click on Info, then Postal Periodicals and Publications).
If your postal facility has access to cc:Mail, you may send a request for a new subscription order, an address and/or quantity change, or a subscription query to the cc:Mail address POSTAL BULLETIN. If you are using another email product, you can use the Internet emailaddress pbulleti@email.usps.gov.
If you do not have access to email, you may complete the order form and mail it to:
ATTN POSTAL BULLETIN
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5540
WASHINGTON DC 20260-5540
Either way you send it, please include the "PO0"subscription number from your address label.
