Employees

WANTED

U.S. Postal Inspectors - Only the Exceptional Need Apply

Postal inspectors are federal law enforcement officers with investigative jurisdiction in all criminal matters involving the integrity of the mail and the security of the U.S. Postal Service.

Postal inspectors investigate criminal and civil violations of the Postal Service's laws and protect the Postal Service's revenue and assets. Postal inspectors carry firearms, make arrests, testify in court, serve subpoenas, and write comprehensive reports. It is a demanding position, often requiring frequent and extended travel and absences from . Postal inspectors may work under hazardous conditions, have irregular work hours, and be assigned anywhere in the country.

If you are a U.S. citizen between the ages of 21 and 36, possess a conferred 4-year college degree, are in good physical condition, and meet other specialized requirements set by our agency, you may be one of the exceptional individuals chosen to join our ranks.

We encourage Postal Service career employees to apply and become a member of the Postal Inspection Service family. Your nearest Postal inspector recruiter is standing by ready to help you advance your career goals.

Beginning January 8, 2003, the Postal Inspection Service opened recruitment for college graduates who do not have previous work experience. If you do not meet one of the special requirements listed in Publication 168, Postal Inspector Application, but have either (1) a 4-year college degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or (2) an advanced degree, you may now apply to become a Postal inspector. To apply, submit Publication 168 along with a copy of your college transcript.

You can obtain Publication 168, Postal Inspector Application, by any of the following means:

• Access it online on the Intranet by going to the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on PUBs (the direct URL is www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub168.pdf).

• Access it online on the Internet by going to www.usps.com; click on Postal Inspectors Preserving the Trust, then Recruitment now open for Postal Inspectors, then requirements and an application (the direct URL is www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub168.pdf).

• Write to the following address, ask for the application, provide your mailing address, and we will send the application to you by mail:

US POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE
OFFICE OF RECRUITMENT
9600 NEWBRIDGE DRIVE
POTOMAC MD 20854-4436

• Call 301-983-7400, ask for the application, provide your mailing address, and we will send the application to you by mail.

At this time, the Postal Inspection Service is seeking Postal inspector candidates only; however, we also recruit for these positions:

• Postal police officers

• Forensic scientists

• Information technology specialists

• Security electronic technicians

• Administrative support specialists

For more information about recruitment for the Postal Inspection Service, go to www.usps.com; click on Postal Inspectors Preserving the Trust, then Recruitment now open for Postal Inspectors.

- Congressional and Public Affairs,
Postal Inspection Service, 2-20-03

ELM REVISION

Changes in Eligibility Requirements for Rural Carrier Step Increases

Effective February 3, 2002, the practice of step increase deferment based on unacceptable work performance by rural carriers was eliminated by negotiations incorporated into the interest arbitration opinion and award by John Wells. To reflect this change, the Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM) Sections 421 and 424 are revised.

In addition, Section 425, Postal Nurses Schedule (PNS), and Section 428, Postal Police Officers (PPO) Schedule, of the ELM are revised to include information on work performance previously given in Section 424.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the ELM and also into the next update of the online version available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on Manuals. A summary of the changes is provided below.

Summary of Changes

421.45, Salary Increases, item b, is modified to clarify the definition of step increase.

424.3, Step Increase, is modified to remove the performance requirements for eligibility for step increases for rural carriers.

425, Postal Nurses Schedule, has been divided into subsections, given titles to the subsections, numbered accordingly, and provides information on the Postal Nurses Schedule previously given in Section 424.

428, Postal Police Officers Schedule, has been divided into subsections, given titles to the subsections, numbered accordingly, and provides information on Postal Police Officers Schedule previously given in Section 424.

Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM)

* * * * *

4 Pay Administration

* * * * *

420 Wage Administration Policy for Bargaining Unit Employees

421 General Principles and Terms

* * * * *

421.4 Definitions

* * * * *

421.45 Salary Increases

The types of salary increases are as follows:

* * * * *

[Revise item b to read as follows:]

b. Step increase - an increase that represents advancement from one step to the next within a specific grade of a position dependent on satisfying certain waiting period criteria (see 422.3); also called periodic step increase. To be eligible for a periodic step increase, occupational health nurses and postal police officers must in addition satisfy certain performance criteria (see 425.3 and 428.3). Most prevalent step is a dollar amount determined by calculating the most frequently occurring incremental amount between steps within a grade level. When two amounts occur the same number of times, the higher of the two amounts is designated as the most prevalent step.

* * * * *

424 Rural Carriers Schedules

* * * * *

424.3 Step Increase

424.31 Eligibility and Procedure

[Revise 424.31 to read as follows:]

Regular rural carriers and substitute rural carriers with an indefinite appointment and part-time flexible rural carriers are granted step increases in accordance with the provisions of 422.3.

[Revise heading of 424.32 to read as follows:]

424.32 Adjustment in Route Classification

[Add text under 424.32 to read as follows:]

An increase in basic salary because of an increase in route classification is not an equivalent increase. Therefore, a step increase is not withheld because of the increase in route classification.

* * * * *

425 Postal Nurses Schedule

[Replace all of the existing text of 425 with the following:]

The provisions of 422 cited below are made applicable to this salary schedule by reference:

425.1 Salary System

425.11 Salary Schedule

The Postal Nurses Schedule consists of Grade 1.

425.12 Basis of Rates

Rates are established as follows:

a. Annual Rate. The basic annual salaries for full-time occupational health nurses, augmented by general increases provided by the bargaining unit agreement, are established on a full-time basis of 2,080 hours per year.

b. Hourly Rate. Basic hourly rates for occupational health nurses on a part-time flexible schedule are determined by dividing the annual basic rate by 2,000 hours.

425.13 Cost-of-Living Adjustment

[Reserved]

425.14 Setting Salaries

The appointing official has primary responsibility for setting salaries of employees according to the guidelines in 425.2. Salaries are subject to the approval of the appointing official's superior.

425.15 Employee Classifications

See 422.15. The bargaining unit classifications in 432.111 that apply to bargaining unit occupational health nurses are full-time regular and part-time flexible. The bargaining unit classification of part-time regular does not apply.

425.2 Change Action Pay Rules

425.21 Career Appointment

Newly appointed occupational health nurses are to be paid the rate for the first step in the position's salary range, except as specified below:

a. For situations involving reinstatement, prior congressional service, transfer of a function from a federal agency, or veteran preference eligibility, see 422.21.

b. If local conditions for hiring an occupational health nurse require a higher starting salary than that of Step 1, the approving official may authorize a salary at Step 2 or 3 of the salary schedule. If this occurs, any current bargaining unit occupational health nurse at the same facility paid at a lower step than the newly hired occupational health nurse must be placed at the same step as the newly hired occupational health nurse, with an effective date no later than that of the new hire. The current employee begins a new step waiting period when placed in the higher step.

425.22 Additional Appointment

See 422.22.

425.23 Promotion

See 422.23.

425.24 Reassignment

See 422.24.

425.25 Reduction in Grade

See 422.25.

425.3 Step Increases

425.31 Eligibility and Procedure

See 422.3. The lengths of the waiting periods are included in Exhibit 422.3. In addition to the conditions listed in 422.31, the employee must have performed in a satisfactory or outstanding manner during the waiting period, as described below.

a. Performance determinations:

(1) Responsibility. Installation heads and their subordinate supervisors have joint responsibility for understanding the kind of work performance expected of employees. Supervisors must (a) keep informed of the deficiencies and proficiencies of employees and (b) provide appropriate commendation, counseling, or assistance on a continual basis - rather than only at the time of a step increase rating.

(2) Criteria. Performance ratings are based on such job-related factors as reliability, work habits, quantity and quality of work performed, cooperation with other employees, and attendance. Criteria for the three categories of performance ratings follow:

(a) Outstanding (O). Performance and achievement in terms of productive effort, proficiency, and significant contributions to the Postal Service that are well above the established norm.

Note: An outstanding employee may be considered for a quality step increase or Special Achievement Award.

(b) Satisfactory (S). Performance at an acceptable level involving such qualities as reliability, cooperation, and competence in meeting the normal requirements of a position.

Note: This rating applies to the majority of employees whose performance may range from minimum to very good to above average in several respects of their work.

(c) Unsatisfactory (U). Employees who repeatedly and/or continually fail to meet the essential requirements of their position involving such characteristics as lack of cooperation, poor attendance, and failure to produce acceptable work even after they have been counseled on deficiencies.

Note: When an advance written notice of charges has been given to an employee on account of unsatisfactory service, any step increase otherwise normally due must be withheld pending a final decision on the merits of the charges.

b. Processing a step increase:

(1) Notification of Increase. At least 45 days prior to the effective date, the Eagan Accounting Service Center (ASC) provides installations with two copies of a report listing those employees who have completed the required waiting period for advancement to the next step. LWOP hours, when sufficient to require withholding of a step increase (see 422.3), are printed on the listing.

(2) Supervisor's Appraisal. When supervisors receive the step increase notice, they must:

(a) Evaluate the employee against performance criteria (see 425.31a(2)) and make a judgment about the employee's service during the waiting period.

(b) Check the appropriate performance code (O, S, or U), write the effective date, and sign each line.

(3) Approved Increase. Employees whose step increase is approved receive a copy of a PS Form 50, Notification of Personnel Action, and a notification on PS Form 1223-A, Earnings Statement, and PS Form 1223-B, Earnings Statement - Net to Bank, for the pay period in which the increase is effective. The effective date of the increase is the beginning of the first pay period following completion of the waiting period.

(4) Withheld Increase. Employees whose step increase is withheld will receive a written advance notice from the installation head or her or his designee. Employees will receive a copy of a PS Form 50 at a later date, confirming that the step increase was withheld.

Notes: Withholding of a step increase should not be used as punishment for overt acts that should be handled under the disciplinary procedures.

(a) In cases of excessive LWOP, the revised effective date depends on the amount of LWOP. (See 422.33 for deferral periods.)

(b) In cases of unsatisfactory performance, a 7-pay period redetermination period follows the date of withholding. During this period, the supervisor should encourage and assist the employee to overcome the deficiencies, provide needed training, consider reassignment to more suitable work, and/or other appropriate personnel action. The Eagan ASC includes the employee's name on a listing 45 days in advance of the revised effective date.

(i) If the employee's service is satisfactory at the end of the additional waiting period, the step increase is approved (see 425.31b(3)).

(ii) If the employee's service is not satisfactory at the end of the additional waiting period, the step increase may be withheld for another redetermination period, or disciplinary measures under the collective bargaining agreement may be taken.

425.32 Creditable Service

See 422.32.

425.33 Leave Without Pay

See 422.33.

425.34 Simultaneous Personnel Actions

See 422.34.

425.4 Higher Level Assignments

425.41 Definitions

See 422.41.

425.42 Written Management Order

See 422.42.

425.43 Rate of Pay

See 422.43.

425.44 Adjustments and Increases

See. 422.44.

425.45 Benefits

See 422.45.

425.5 Dual (Multiple) Employment

425.51 Explanation

See 422.51.

425.52 Salary Determination

See 422.52.

425.53 Documentation

See 421.53

425.54 Step Increases

See. 422.54.

425.55 Leave

See 422.55.

425.56 Reassignment

See 422.56.

425.57 Promotion

See 422.57.

* * * * *

428 Postal Police Officers Schedule

[Replace all of the existing text of 428 with the following:]

The provisions of 422 cited below are made applicable to this salary schedule by reference.

428.1 Salary System

428.11 Salary Schedule

The Postal Police Officers (PPO) schedule consists of Grade 6.

428.12 Basis of Rates

See 422.12

428.13 Cost-of-Living Adjustment

[Reserved]

428.14 Setting Salaries

See 422.14.

428.15 Employee Classifications

There are two categories of employees in the Postal Police Officers' bargaining unit:

a. Full-time.

b. Part-time.

428.2 Change Action Pay Rules

428.21 Career Appointment

See 422.21.

428.22 Additional Appointment

See 422.22.

428.23 Promotion

See 422.23.

428.24 Reassignment

See 422.24.

428.25 Reduction in Grade

See 422.25.

428.3 Step Increases

428.31 Eligibility and Procedure

See 422.3. The lengths of the waiting periods are included in Exhibit 422.3. In addition to the conditions listed in 422.31, the employee must have performed in a satisfactory or outstanding manner during the waiting period, as described below.

a. Performance determinations:

(1) Responsibility. Inspectors in charge and their subordinate supervisors have joint responsibility for understanding the kind of work performance expected of postal police officers. Supervisors must (a) keep informed of the deficiencies and proficiencies of postal police officers and (b) provide appropriate commendation, counseling, or assistance on a continual basis - rather than only at the time of a step increase rating.

(2) Criteria. Performance ratings are based on such job-related factors as reliability, work habits, quantity and quality of work performed, cooperation with other employees, and attendance. Criteria for the three categories of performance ratings follow:

(a) Outstanding (O). Performance and achievement in terms of productive effort, proficiency, and significant contributions to the Postal Service that are well above the established norm.

Note: An outstanding postal police officer may be considered for a quality step increase or Special Achievement Award.

(b) Satisfactory (S). Performance at an acceptable level involving such qualities as reliability, cooperation, and competence in meeting the normal requirements of a position.

Note: This rating applies to the majority of postal police officers whose performance may range from minimum to very good to above average in several respects of their work.

(c) Unsatisfactory (U). Postal police officers who repeatedly and/or continually fail to meet the essential requirements of their position involving such characteristics as lack of cooperation, poor attendance, and failure to produce acceptable work even after they have been counseled on deficiencies.

Note: When an advance written notice of charges has been given to a postal police officer on account of unsatisfactory service, any step increase otherwise normally due must be withheld pending a final decision on the merits of the charges.

b. Processing a step increase:

(1) Notification of Increase. At least 45 days prior to the effective date, the Eagan Accounting Service Center (ASC) provides Inspection Service divisions with two copies of a report listing those postal police officers who have completed the required waiting period for advancement to the next step. LWOP hours, when sufficient to require withholding of a step increase (see 422.3), are printed on the listing.

(2) Supervisor's Appraisal. When supervisors receive the step increase notice, they must:

(a) Evaluate the postal police officer against performance criteria (see 428.31a(2)) and make a judgment about the postal police officer's service during the waiting period.

(b) Check the appropriate performance code (O, S, or U), write the effective date, and sign each line.

(3) Approved Increase. Postal police officers whose step increase is approved receive a copy of PS Form 50, Notification of Personnel Action, Earnings Statement, and a notification on PS Forms 1223-A, Notification of Personnel Action, Earnings Statement, and 1223-B, Earnings Statement - Net to Bank, for the pay period in which the increase is effective. The effective date of the increase is the beginning of the first pay period following completion of the waiting period.

(4) Withheld Increase. Postal police officers whose step increase is withheld will receive a written advance notice from the installation head or her or his designee. Postal police officers will receive a copy of a PS Form 50 at a later date, confirming that the step increase was withheld.

Notes: Withholding of a step increase should not be used as punishment for overt acts that should be handled under the disciplinary procedures.

(a) In cases of excessive LWOP, the revised effective date depends on the amount of LWOP. (See 422.33 for deferral periods.)

(b) In cases of unsatisfactory performance, a 7-pay period redetermination period follows the date of withholding. During this period, the supervisor should encourage and assist the postal police officer to overcome the deficiencies, provide needed training, consider reassignment to more suitable work, and/or other appropriate personnel action. The Eagan ASC includes the postal police officer's name on a listing 45 days in advance of the revised effective date.

(i) If the postal police officer's service is satisfactory at the end of the additional waiting period, the step increase is approved (see 428.31b(3)).

(ii) If the postal police officer's service is not satisfactory at the end of the additional waiting period, the step increase may be withheld for another redetermination period, or disciplinary measures under the collective bargaining agreement may be taken.

428.32 Creditable Service

See 422.32.

428.33 Leave Without Pay

See 422.33.

428.34 Simultaneous Personnel Actions

See 422.34.

428.4 Higher Level Assignments

428.41 Definitions

See 422.4. The following provisions apply:

a. The rules in 422.4 also apply to postal police officers, except that where the text in 422.4 reads "installation heads," substitute "inspectors in charge" for postal police officers.

b. Where the text reads "installations," substitute "Inspection Service divisions" for postal police officers.

428.42 Written Management Order

See 422.42.

428.43 Rate of Pay

See 422.43.

428.44 Adjustments and Increases

See. 422.44.

428.45 Benefits

See 422.45.

428.5 Dual (Multiple) Employment

428.51 Explanation

See 422.51.

428.52 Salary Determination

See 422.52.

428.53 Documentation

See 422.53

428.54 Step Increases

See. 422.54.

428.55 Leave

See 422.55.

428.56 Reassignment

See 422.56.

428.57 Promotion

See 422.57.

428.6 Change From Rural Carrier Schedules

See 422.6.

* * * * *

- Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 2-20-03

NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES

THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN FACT SHEET

Percentage returns released December 4, 2002, by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board

*Rates of return for May (inception of S and I Funds) through December 2001.

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. Discard/recycle all previous notices.

International Mail

IMM AND PUBLICATION 51 REVISION

Changes in Mailing Items to Norway

Effective February 28, 2003, the Postal Service's European delivery agent, General Logistics Systems (GLS), will no longer deliver airmail parcel post in Norway. Rather, the postal administration of Norway (Norway Post) will deliver airmail parcel post for the Postal Service in Norway. This change affects weight and size limits for parcel post, the availability of insurance, and return receipt service. Additionally, airmail parcel post may be addressed to post office box addresses in Norway. We are also updating the prohibitions, restrictions, and observations listed in the Individual Country Listing for Norway in the International Mail Manual (IMM).

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of IMM 29 and into the next printed version of Publication 51, and also into the online versions of the IMM and Publication 51, both of which can be accessed via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

International Mail Manual (IMM)

* * * * *

2 Conditions for Mailing

* * * * *

280 Parcel Post

* * * * *

283 Weight and Size Limits

* * * * *

283.2 Size Limits

* * * * *

283.23 Exceptional Size Limits

The maximum size limit for rectangular-shaped parcels of 42 inches in maximum length and 79 inches in maximum length and girth combined applies to all countries except as follows:

* * * * *

b. Maximum length: 79 inches

Maximum length and girth combined: 108 inches

[In the list of countries in item "b," delete Norway.]

* * * * *

Individual Country Listings

* * * * *

Norway

Country Conditions for Mailing

Prohibitions (130)

[Revise the Prohibitions to read as follows:]

Firing caps, loaded metal cartridges for portable firearms, non-explosive elements of artillery fuses and matches.

Radioactive materials.

Substances considered explosive; inflammable or dangerous.

Restrictions

[Revise the Restrictions to read as follows:]

Cosmetics (perfumes, cosmetics, and sanitary products containing alcohol) must be approved by the Technical Alcohol committee.

Importation of radio and telecommunications equipment (equipment like radio remote controls or other wireless systems including walkie-talkies, remote controls, and wireless telephones) is prohibited without the authorization of the Norwegian Telecommunication Regulatory Authority, Olso. Ordinary TV and radio receivers are exempt from the regulation. Any imported dutiable equipment must be reported to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation by the importer.

Medicaments and other products used for medical treatment require authorization by the Ministry of Health. Serum, vaccines, and other bacteriological and serological preparations may be imported by labs and institutes approved by the Norwegian State.

Norwegian bank notes and coins and Norwegian and foreign securities of all kinds require authorization of the national Bank of Norway. Bills for exchange and bank drafts in payment of goods exported from Norway may be imported without prior authorization.

Products of animal origin intended for consumption/use by humans or pet animals are subject to authorization by the Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture in addition to customs clearance permission. Exception is made for some products. A list can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture in Norway.

The importation of firearms, ammunition, and parts of such and other military equipment is subject to the authorization of the Norwegian Police.

Observations

[Revise the Observations to read as follows:]

A commercial invoice in duplicate is required for customs clearance of all commercial items.

* * * * *

Size Limits

[Revise the Size Limits to read as follows:]

Letter-post: see 243.2

Parcel Post

Maximum length: 42 inches

Maximum length and girth combined: 79 inches

* * * * *

Airmail

Parcel Post Rates

[In the Airmail Parcel Post Rates table, revise the last line to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."; and revise the table by removing the entries for 67, 68, 69, and 70 pounds.]

* * * * *

Economy Mail

Parcel Post Rates

[In the Economy Mail Parcel Post Rates table, revise the last line to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."; And revise the table by adding weight/rate entries for 56 pounds through 66 pounds to read as follows:]

* * * * *

[Revise the Insurance entry to read as follows:]

Insurance (320) NOT Available

* * * * *

[Revise the Return Receipt entry to read as follows:]

Return Receipt (340) Fee: $1.75

Available for Registered Mail.

* * * * *

Publication 51, International Postal Rates and Fees

* * * * *

Mail Preparation

* * * * *

Size Limits - Parcel Post

[Delete Norway from the list of countries in the "Exceptions" paragraph.]

* * * * *

Country Listing

[In the Country Listing, revise the entry for Norway to read as follows (showing revisions in the "Parcel Post Max. Weight Limit (lb.)" column and the "Parcel Post Insurance Indemnity Limit ($)" column):]

* * * * *

- International Marketing,
International Business, 2-20-03

NEW EDITION

International Mail Manual Issue 28

Copies of International Mail Manual (IMM) Issue 28 (dated January 2003) were recently shipped to all Postal Service installations. All previous issues of the IMM are obsolete, so please discard/recycle them immediately.

Postal installations that require additional copies of the printed version of IMM 28 (beyond their automatic distribution) must requisition them from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 800-332-0317, and please listen carefully to the message, as the prompts have changed.

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 using F3Fill), 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

The relevant ordering information for IMM 28 is as follows:

PSN: 7610-02-000-9904
PSIN: IMMISSUE
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: 032
Bulk Pack Quantity: 12
Price: $2.38 each
Edition Date: 01/03

IMM 28 is available on the web at three different locations: the Postal Explorer site, the Internet, and the corporate intranet:

• Postal Explorer: at http://pe.usps.gov, click on International Mail Manual (IMM).

• Internet: at www.usps.com, click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Browse All Periodicals and Publications, then Manuals, and then International Mail Manual (IMM).

• Corporate intranet on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site: at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on Manuals, and then International Mail Manual (IMM).

All web sites also have links to 508-compliant text-only files.

We update the IMM online version as often as every 2 weeks to reflect any changes in the most recent issue of the Postal Bulletin. The online version is always more current than the existing printed version, so if you have web access, and if practicable, you should check the online version when responding to customer inquiries about international mail issues.

- International Marketing,
International Business, 2-20-03

INTERNATIONAL MAIL SERVICES STAND-UP TALK

Your Window of Opportunity - Global Priority Mail Service

This is the third in a series of stand-up talks that managers should give to retail associates about international mail services. Other talks will appear in upcoming issues of the Postal Bulletin.

Global Priority Mail Service

This is the third in a series of standup talks about international mail services.

The objective of these talks is to understand and serve our international customers. Each year international customers generate more than $1.4 billion in revenue for the U.S. Postal Service - that is a sizeable contribution to the bottom line. Therefore, we want to be sure to keep our international customers satisfied and interested in our service selection. That is what this series is all about.

Do customers rely on you to help them decide how to send their international shipments?

Global Priority MailŪ service is one of the most popular international services with Postal Service customers. Why? It provides great value. If your customer wants fast service at an inexpensive rate, Global Priority Mail service offers simple options.

Global Priority Mail service is available to 51 countries that provide priority delivery service. It is designed to deliver items in 4 to 6 business days, depending on origin and destination.

Global Priority Mail service has a 4-pound weight limit.

There are several ways to package items for Global Priority Mail service (all supplies are available from the Postal Service):

• Flat-rate envelopes. Two sizes are available:

- Small (6" x 10") - $4.00 to Canada and Mexico; $5.00 to Europe, Asia-Pacific, and all other countries.

- Large (9 1/2" x 12 1/2") - $7.00 to Canada and Mexico; $9.00 to Europe, Asia-Pacific, and all other countries.

• Variable weight, TyvekŪ envelopes and 8" x 12" x 3" boxes. Postage rates range from $6.00 for a half- pound item to $31.00 for a 4-pound item, depending on destination.

• Variable weight stickers showing the internationally recognized Exprés logo. Customers can apply these stickers to their own packaging (rather than using the envelopes or boxes available from the Postal Service).

Customers will appreciate using Global Priority Mail service for sending correspondence, documents, and light- weight merchandise.

• They can experience confidence in its fast (4 to 6 business days), reliable service.

• Attention-getting envelopes tell recipients that they are special.

• Last, and very important - the price is reasonable!

Many of your preferred business customers have already found out the great value of Global Priority Mail service. They enjoy the priority handling in foreign countries at reasonable prices, and the special flat-rate envelopes and packaging make a big impression on their customers, potential customers, and suppliers - and your customers understand that making a good impression is very important in the competitive marketplace.

Customers can obtain prestamped Global Priority Mail flat-size envelopes by calling 800-222-1811.

Customers can learn all about Global Priority Mail service by visiting the Postal Service Web site at www.usps.com. Just click on Send Mail & Packages, then International Delivery Options, then Go under either "Send Mail" or "Send Packages," and then Global Priority Mail.

Future talks will explore other services in detail. Global Express MailTM service will be the subject of our next talk.

- International Marketing,
International Business, 2-20-03

ICM UPDATES/CORRECTION

International Customized Mail

The article "ICM Updates: International Customized Mail" in Postal Bulletin 22095 (2-6-03, pages 30-31) was incorrect. The correct version appears here.

On January 7, 2003, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2003.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: Australia and Japan.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to:

1. Furnish the Mailer with the postal equipment and postal supplies required for the use of Qualifying Mail.

2. Provide the Mailer with any training necessary to prepare mail shipments in conformity with the requirements of Qualifying Mail.

3. Perform on-call and scheduled pick-up service.

4. Arrange with carriers to transport Qualifying Mail to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authority.

5. Provide a system that includes a computer workstation, in-line scale, printers, and manifesting software.

6. Provide the mailer with an Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) Mailing Statement at the end of each Postal Accounting Period.

e. Minimum revenue commitment: The Mailer has agreed to meet a minimum volume commitment of at least 1,000 pieces of Qualifying Mail.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Pay postage to the Postal Service, either directly or through a mailing agent(s), for Global Express Mail (EMS), through an EMCA accounting to the terms of DMM P500.2.

2. Include a manifest with each mailing.

3. Properly label and apply a Customs form to each mailpiece.

4. Tender qualifying mail at the Mailer's plant in accordance with instructions the Postal Service provides.

5. Provide the Postal Service with a schedule of mailings, including the date of tender, weight, volume, and location where mail will originate in accordance with Postal Service instructions.

g. Rates: The Mailer will receive a ten (10) percent discount off non-discounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing for EMS Qualifying Mail. In the event that the costs the Postal Service incurs in the fulfillment of this Agreement increase in excess of five (5) percent the Postal Service shall modify the discount upon giving the Mailer a sixty (60) day notification.

- International Business, 2-20-03

ICM UPDATES

International Customized Mail

We have combined ICM updates into one Postal Bulletin article to save space and paper. 17 ICM updates appear here.

On January 16, 2003, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: January 30, 2003, through January 29, 2004.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum of 3,000 pieces of EMS or $60,000 in postage for EMS.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at twelve (12) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On January 16, 2003, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: January 30, 2003, through January 29, 2004.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum of 1,000 pieces of EMS.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at ten (10) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On January 16, 2003, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a qualifying mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: June 1, 2003, through November 30, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Domestic Products and Services and International Products and Services. Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: United States and its territories.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to:

1. Participate with Mailer in the development and execution of a joint commercial business plan.

2. Participate with Mailer in a joint management team to monitor service performance of the Qualifying Mail.

3. Participate with Mailer in joint marketing and sales efforts for the purpose of maximizing sales.

4. Provide the Mailer Express Mail and Priority Mail packaging materials at a location the Mailer designates within the continental United States.

5. Provide Mailer training necessary to prepare Qualifying Mail at a site within the continental United States.

6. Return undeliverable Qualifying Mail to Mailer at an address within the continental United States in accordance with DMM.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to tender a minimum of $2 million in postage for Qualifying Mail on an annualized basis for each year the Agreement is in effect.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Pay postage for Qualifying Mail in accordance with the applicable rates as published by the Postal Service at the time of tender.

2. Obtain necessary Customs clearances for Qualifying Mail before tendering to the Postal Service.

3. Tender all Qualifying Mail at sites mutually agreed upon by both the Mailer and the Postal Service.

4. Provide the Postal Service with schedules of mailings to include the intended date and site of tender, and anticipated weight, and volume.

5. Use the ICM program for all mailable items intended for delivery within the Territory during the term of this Agreement except as specified in this Agreement.

6. Participate with the Postal Service in a joint management team to monitor service performance.

7. Participate with the Postal Service in joint marketing and sales efforts for the purpose of maximizing sales.

8. Maintain postage manifest systems which meet the approval of the USPS and use the systems for all mailings.

9. Pay for telephone communications associated with the manifest system

10 Comply with all applicable laws and regulations pertaining to or governing the activities of the Mailer in the countries where the Mailer conducts business and from which Qualifying Mail originates.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage for Qualifying Mail in accordance with the applicable rates as published by the Postal Service at the time of tender.

On December 17, 2002, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: December 31, 2002, through December 30, 2003.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum of 1,000 pieces of EMS.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at ten (10) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On January 27, 2003, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: February 10, 2003, through February 9, 2004.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $20,000 in postage for EMS.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at ten (10) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1