PMG Names New Chief Postal Inspector
PMG Jack Potter has named Guy Cottrell the 38th chief inspector of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. He begins his new assignment Aug. 1.
A 23-year postal employee, Cottrell has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of New Orleans. He most recently served as deputy chief inspector, where he was responsible for USPS national security programs.
In 1987, Cottrell began his postal career as a letter carrier in New Orleans. In 1990, he became a Postal Inspector in the New Orleans Division, where he investigated internal and external mail theft in Louisiana and southern Mississippi. He has held a number of supervisory positions in various major metropolitan areas, including management of the Inspection Service’s Washington field office during much of the 2001 anthrax investigations.
In 2008, Cottrell was named inspector in charge of the Security and Crime Prevention/Communications group. In that position, he guided the Inspection Service toward a risk and management analysis platform and streamlined security-related programs. His group produced several internal and external security and crime prevention publications and videos and also created a new Postal Inspection Service website.
Cottrell also will serve as chairman of the Universal Postal Union’s Postal Security Group.
source: USPS News Link
USPS Positioned For A Strong Finish In FY 2010
Positioned for a strong finish in FY 2010:
USPS focuses on beginning strong in FY 2011
To finish the year strong — and to position USPS for a strong beginning in fiscal year 2011 — employees must continue to focus on controlling workhours and operating expenses without hurting service, according to DPMG and COO Pat Donahoe.
Preliminary quarter 3 figures through May show total mail volume continues to decline — 5.1 percent below the same period last year (SPLY). The good news is that employees have done a great job in adjusting workhours to match workloads. The reduction in workhours (6.8 percent below SPLY) is outpacing the decline in mail volumes.
Reviewing a number of cost-reduction opportunities in this week’s Field Updates segment, Donahoe thanks employees for their tremendous efforts.
With renewed efforts to control overtime, consolidate routes and facilities and manage the assignments of non-career employees, Donahoe says USPS will remain on track to finish strong in FY 2010.
source: USPS News Link
USPS: Privacy Act May Apply When Collecting Personal Info From Customers Or Employees
A brief update on an article posted several months ago regarding the omission of USPS’s Privacy Act on an online survey.
Some USPS managers are requiring all window clerks to answer an online survey regardless of how many hours they work the window. I clicked on the link, https://USPSLSSA.questionpro.com, and didn’t see a valid ‘Privacy Act Notice.’ Specifically, content items b, c, d, and e listed in section 3-2.2.b.1 for a ‘Privacy Act Notice’ are missing. Since the retail clerks have to enter their POS ID, they are personally identifiable and should receive a ‘Privacy Act Notice.’ Did your office approve this online survey?
Don Cheney
Today USPS posted the following message:
NOTICE REQUIRED. If personal information is collected from an employee or customer on a form or survey, the Privacy Act may apply. When personal information maintained in a Privacy Act system of records is collected, a privacy notice must be provided. The notice — or “Privacy Act Statement” — is basic information about why data is being collected, the laws that allow USPS to collect it, and the disclosures that may be made using the information. The Privacy Office is responsible for reviewing and approving all Privacy Act Statements.
USPS Extending the Life of Its Delivery Vehicles
Most of the Postal Service’s 142,000 Long Life Vehicles (LLV) have been in service 20-24 years.
But replacing the fleet is a significant investment. Until the Postal Service decides what kind of vehicles will best serve its growing base of customers — at the lowest cost — USPS is taking a series of steps to extend the lives of its LLVs.
To implement this plan, USPS in February awarded contracts to five companies to develop a battery for an electric-powered light delivery vehicle. These vendors will use LLVs as the base vehicle and convert them to electric power. Prototype vehicles from all five companies are scheduled to arrive in August. The Postal Service will spend the next year testing them in and around the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.
“It’s critical that we invest in vehicles to let our employees efficiently perform their work in a safe and secure manner at the lowest total cost of ownership,” said David Williams, vice president, Engineering.
Williams said vehicle technology continues to evolve, including the use of alternative fuels. In addition to battery power, USPS is evaluating a number of other fuels including compressed natural gas, propane, E-85, diesel and hydrogen fuel cell.
“Any fuel used must have an adequate supply and a fueling infrastructure that will last for the expected life of the vehicle,” said Williams. “There are plenty of options, and finding the best solution will require careful analysis to make sure we select the best alternative for our operations.”
source: USPS News Link
Donahoe:USPS Focus Remains On Reducing Workhours
With the Postal Service facing another challenging year, employees must continue to focus on reducing workhours and operating expenses, according to DPMG and COO Pat Donahoe. And to help USPS achieve its FY 2010 budget, one of the primary goals is to cut 93 million workhours.
Year to date, workhours and expenses, respectively, are 1.2 percent and 1.6 percent over plan, says Donahoe, who asks employees to follow the processes and procedures in place to help reduce costs. Most importantly, this means matching workhours to workload.
Reviewing a variety of cost-reduction opportunities in mail processing, customer service, delivery and supervisory/administrative areas in this week’s Field Updates segment, Donahoe thanks employees for their tremendous efforts. But, he adds, continued attention to operating plans and programs is needed to stay on track.
With renewed efforts to control overtime, optimizing the utilization of automation equipment and managing the assignments of non-career employees, Donahoe says USPS will achieve success in FY 2010.
source: USPS News Link
USPS To Hold Public Meeting On Consolidation of Fox Valley and South Surburban Illinois P & DCs
AREA MAIL PROCESSING (AMP) FEASIBILITY STUDY
Fox Valley, IL P&DC to South Suburban, IL P&DC
Date: 5/19/10
Area Mail Processing (AMP) is the consolidation of mail processing operations from one or more postal facilities to other facilities to improve operational efficiency and/or service.
An AMP study was initiated to evaluate the transfer of originating mail processing operations from the Fox Valley, IL Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) with those performed at the South Suburban, IL P&DC. The initial results of this study support the business case for consolidation.
This study, currently in review at United States Postal Service Headquarters and its Area Office, is subject to change.
A public meeting will be held to share the initial results of the study and allow members of the community to ask questions and provide feedback. The public’s input will be considered prior to a final decision.
The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 3, at Waubonsee Community College, Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554 at 7:00 pm.
Below are preliminary highlights from the feasibility study:
1. Business Case:
Proposed annual savings in the draft AMP feasibility study are approximately $1,552,397.
2. Postal Employees:
Due to the consolidation, a net decrease of approximately 40 positions is projected. All
reassignments will be made in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.
3. Local Customer Considerations:
Services that are currently available from the Fox Valley facility will continue to be available to
customers.
• Collection box pick-up times will not change as a result of the AMP.
• Retail services will remain the same.
• Business mail acceptance will remain the same.
• A local postmark will be available for stamped First-Class Mail.
• Delivery of mail to residences and businesses will not change as a result of the AMP.
4. Commercial Mailers:
• Mailers who presort mail will continue to receive applicable postage discounts.
• Mailers who drop ship mailings will continue to deposit them at the Fox Valley facility.
Comments may be sent to:
CONSUMER AFFAIRS MANAGER
CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT
6801 W 73RD ST
BEDFORD PARK IL 60499-9631
All comments must be postmarked by June 18, 2010.
USPS Launches Improved Employee Website
New look, new features — same commitment. USPS has launched a revitalized LiteBlue to help employees stay better informed about the organization, their careers and their benefits.
“LiteBlue is now becoming a destination for all employees,” said Tony Vegliante, executive vice president and chief Human Resources officer. “When we engage our employees online, they have immediate access to career and benefits information.”
The new LiteBlue is more than a makeover. It’s a joint project of three departments — Human Resources, Information Technology and Corporate Communications — to meet the Postal Service’s pledge to provide employees with an easy-to-use, one-stop online resource. And it’s the Postal Service’s response to employee feedback to make information easily accessible 24/7.
“We are pleased to be able to help make LiteBlue more accessible and attractive for our employees,” said Ross Philo, chief information officer and executive vice president. “It’s all about making the information you need easier to find. IT looks forward to delivering additional capabilities in the future that will benefit USPS employees.”
LiteBlue includes more Human Resources information than ever before. Employees can now access a variety of relevant life, health and career options on the new “My HR” tab of the website. Continuing are LiteBlue’s more popular applications, such as eJob bidding, PostalEase and Change of Address. Whether it’s forms, policies or applications, employees will continue to find the latest HR information on LiteBlue.
New features also have been added to the website. Check out Behind the Blue, a behind-the-scenes look to discover “How does USPS do that?” There also are links to Sustainability and Shipping Services updates, area and district news, and information about how everyone can help USPS confront challenges and meet corporate goals.
You’ll need your Employee ID and USPS PIN to check out LiteBlue. No PIN? No problem. Go to LiteBlue’s Log In page, click on “Forget Your PIN?” enter your employee ID number, and request a new one.
LiteBlue is secure, convenient and reliable. Most of all, it’s yours. Check it out and let us know what you think of the website’s new content and format at LiteBlue@usps.gov.
source: USPS News Link
Postalreporter reader: Some things like ePayroll and e-Reassign are harder to find.
USPS Announces Realignment of Shipping, Scanning And Product Tracking Services
DRIVING REVENUE GROWTH
REBLIN, COCHRANE TO LEAD CONSOLIDATED GROUPS
In a strategic organizational shift designed to achieve long-term business objectives, PMG Jack Potter today announced realignments within two groups representing key areas of revenue growth for USPS.
The Expedited Shipping and Ground Shipping groups have merged into a single Shipping Services group. Potter has named Gary Reblin, formerly vice president, Expedited Shipping, to lead the unified group as vice president, Shipping Services.
Also, USPS has formed the Product Visibility and Operational Performance group to develop a world-class customer information platform through scanning technologies and product tracking services. Potter named Jim Cochrane, formerly vice president, Ground Shipping, to lead the new group as vice president, Product Visibility and Operational Performance.
In his expanded role, Reblin will be responsible for all shipping products and services and customer service improvements, including product solutions, marketing, promotions and revenue in both market-dominant and competitive product classifications.
In his new group, Cochrane will lead the development of innovations in scanning technologies and tracking systems, including the Intelligent Mail barcode, and the implementation of product scanning improvements. His team will focus on operational performance, product intelligence and technology development. Cochrane will report to the Intelligent Mail and Address Quality senior vice president.
“Gary and Jim have solid track records in building our shipping services business,” said Potter. “Their proven leadership is critical to continued growth in our shipping business and the implementation of technology-driven solutions that match the needs of a rapidly evolving mailing industry.”
Potter also said the new internal structures will result in more competitive package products and scanning visibility information for customers without creating additional staffing.
source: USPS News Link
USPS Tightens Policy On Non-Postal Collection Box Use
The Postal Service’s iconic collection box symbolizes the trust Americans have in the Postal Service. Because it’s closely associated with the security and privacy of the mail, USPS has maintained tight control over who can use de-commissioned boxes for non-postal purposes.
In the past, loans to other federal agencies have been approved by the Postal Inspection Service. But now, even this exception to the rule is ending.
USPS and the Postal Inspection Service are tightening the policy. The April 22 edition of Postal Bulletin has details on the upcoming change. “It’s difficult to enforce our policy if the public sees old collection boxes in use for some other purpose,” says Chief Postal Inspector Bill Gilligan. “A clearer, more uniform policy is easier to enforce.”
The Postal Service has used its public mail collection box design since 1908. It’s part of the American landscape — a favorite, for example, of movie producers who want to include a bit of Americana on their sets.
Largely for security reasons, the Postal Service has restricted use of its blue boxes, denying dozens of requests each year for out-of-service boxes. Street collection boxes cannot be sold or loaned to the public, to businesses or to local and state governments. They must be destroyed and sold as scrap.
In rare instances, collection boxes may be loaned to other federal agencies — with prior approval from the Inspection Service. For example, a blue collection box is part of a display at the Smithsonian Museum. But the loan required a signed agreement detailing how the box is to be used, the duration of the loan and a specific audit trail.
Gilligan says he doesn’t want old collection boxes to be mistaken for the real thing. “The sight of a collection box, even if the color is changed, still signals to many Americans that it’s the receptacle for the mail,” he says. “Even when the requester has the best of intentions, once the box leaves the Postal Service, it makes it very difficult for us to control where it goes and how it’s used.”
see the latest Postal Bulletin: Handbook AS-701 Revision: Changes to Disposal of USPS Collection Boxes
source: USPS News Link
USPS To Mailers: Shipping Is the Key To Our Future
Speaking this week at National Postal Forum in Nashville, Vice President of Expedited Shipping Gary Reblin told mailers the Postal Service is in the shipping business and that shipping is key to its future.
“We want USPS to be known as much for shipping as it is for mailing,” said Reblin. “With the boom in online ordering, shipping will be an important part of the Postal Service’s business plan for the future.”
In large part because of the successful advertising campaign promoting Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes, the Postal Service has gained market share and experienced double-digit growth in flat-rate shipping. Equally important, innovations in pricing and product design have been popular with customers.
New cubic pricing, an industry first, was introduced in January and bases shipping prices on the size of the box, not on the weight. This groundbreaking strategy has been well received by businesses and the mailing industry. To date, more than two dozen very large shippers have signed on. Cubic pricing allows shippers to reduce shipping costs and lower their carbon footprint through the use of smaller packaging.
“Just a few years ago, we had only one pricing table for all Priority Mail,” explained Reblin. “Today, we offer channel discounts, volume discounts, contracts and now cubic pricing. We will continue to innovate, continue to grow and — most importantly — continue to provide the best possible value and pricing for our customers.”
Other innovations include the Priority Mail Gift Card Envelope, which was introduced on a trial basis for the winter holiday season. It has been expanded nationwide just in time for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, summer weddings and school graduations. In addition, Customized Packaging — which allows customers to create boxes, envelopes, cohesive packaging and address labels that are tailored to meet a customer’s specific needs — has helped the Postal Service bring in new business.
“We believe we are the best business-to-consumer solution,” added Reblin. “Through product innovations and enhanced technology, the Postal Service will continue to deliver better value at a lower cost.”
source: USPS News Link