U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy resigned suddenly Monday, March 24, just weeks after saying he wanted to leave, but would stay until a successor was named. A major contributor to President Trump’s first bid for the White House, he was named PMG in 2020 by a USPS Board of Governors largely appointed by President Trump.

DeJoy and the USPS have faced increasing criticism from the Trump administration, with the president and Elon Musk calling for its privatization. Democrats say that would violate federal law. President Trump was very unhappy with DeJoy and the USPS for aid voting by mail in the 2020 presidential election.

President Trump has also floated the idea of ending the Postal Service’s independent-agency status and putting it in the Commerce Department.

DeJoy’s “Delivering for America” modernization plan has rankled many USPS employees and major mailers. However, his refusal to give DOGE officials broad access, as reported by The Washington Post, certainly did not sit well with the administration.

The newspaper reports that in recent days, administration officials have met with Jim Cochrane, the chief executive of the Package Shippers Association, a trade group that represents companies including Amazon, DHL and FedEx, about replacing DeJoy. Cochrane is reportedly a leading candidate to replace DeJoy.

The acting Postmaster General now is Doug Tulino, who rose to that position in 2021. He retained the position of Chief Human Resources Officer, to which he was named in November 2020.

Tulino began his career with the USPS as a management associate in Chicago in 1980. His entire career with the Postal Service has been in management.

U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has notified the Postal Service Board of Governors that it should begin looking for his successor. In neither the USPS press release nor his letter to the Governors, was there an indication of when he will leave the post.

DeJoy became PMG in 2020. He is currently in his late 60s, and only 4 years into his “Delivering for America” Plan. “I am confident that with a period of dedicated focus preparing for this change, the Postal Service will be well positioned for future success under the new leadership,” he says in the press release.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada Post to restart operations on December 17 and welcome back employees
Postal service is focused on stabilizing operations to return reliable service to Canadians and businesses

OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 16, 2024 /CNW/ – Canada Post will restart operations tomorrow and begin the process of safely ramping up and stabilizing operations across the country. With a large, integrated network of processing plants, depots and post offices, stabilizing operations will take time and the company asks Canadians for their patience.
Canada Post will continue to keep Canadians updated with information posted on canadapost.ca.

Parcels, Lettermail and Direct Marketing mail

• On a first-in, first-out basis, Canada Post will start working through the mail and parcels trapped in the system since the strike began on November 15, 2024.
• New commercial volumes will not be accepted into the network until Thursday, December 19.
• Service guarantees are suspended as the company ramps up operations.
• Canadians should expect delivery delays through the remainder of 2024 and into January 2025.
• Post office hours of operation may vary as the company works to stabilize operations.

International mail and parcels

• Canada Post will work to process a significant accumulation of international mail and parcels currently queued up to enter the postal system.
• Customers should expect delays into 2025.
• The postal system will start accepting new international mail on December 23.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
USPS Operation Santa Launches Online Catalog Santa’s Gift Shoppe Powered by Toys“R”Us®
New e-commerce option for gift fulfillment makes it easy to shop for and ship the perfect gift

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service is announcing the debut of an online e-commerce catalog for the fulfillment of gifts: Santa’s Gift Shoppe, an online option developed exclusively for USPS Operation Santa letter adopters, powered by Toys“R”Us, just in time for the start of the program’s first day of letter adoption.

The new site offers a streamlined experience, making it easier for participants to shop for the ideal gift and ship it from the comfort of their homes with just a click.

The online catalog boasts a selection of toys and gifts from Toys“R”Us, allowing letter adopters to find something special for each letter writer, while the integration with shipping options from the Postal Service, such as USPS Ground Advantage, helps ensure that gifts are affordable to ship and arrive in time for the holidays.

“USPS Operation Santa has connected communities through holiday goodwill for over a century,” said USPS Marketing Vice President Sheila Holman. “This year, through our collaboration with Toys“R”Us, we’re thrilled to bring an easier way for generous people to make a difference. With the launch of this new e-commerce platform, we’re making it simpler than ever to help fulfill wishes and spread holiday joy.”

The introduction of Santa’s Gift Shoppe marks the first of what the Postal Service hopes to be several collaborations in expanding its online catalog to include clothing, shoes, books and more.

“Our joint effort with Toys“R”Us is just the beginning. We’re looking to broaden our selection of gifts in the future to help expand the impact of USPS Operation Santa and create even more opportunities for Americans to spread holiday cheer,” said Holman.

Since its inception 112 years ago, USPS Operation Santa has enabled the public to adopt letters to Santa written by children and families. By choosing a letter, participants make a direct impact on their communities, bringing hope, joy and generosity to the holiday season.

The launch of the e-commerce site coincides with the first day of letter adoption for the program’s 2024 holiday season. Supporters are invited to visit the official USPS Operation Santa website to browse letters, choose a child’s wish to fulfill and benefit from the enhanced shopping and shipping options through Santa’s Gift Shoppe to make holiday dreams come true.

“At Toys“R”Us, our mission is to bring joy to children, and what better way than to surprise them with gifts from Santa,” said Gary Haas, vice president of e-commerce at Toys“R”Us. “Through this new e-commerce platform, generous individuals can easily adopt a letter to Santa and help create magical moments for a new generation of Toys“R”Us kids.”

Also this holiday season, USPS Operation Santa will be featured in a new season of “Dear Santa, The Series,” debuting Nov. 24 on all ABC-owned television stations and streaming on Hulu beginning Nov. 29. The series provides a heartwarming, behind-the-scenes look at the impact of the program, showcasing real stories of generosity and the spirit of the holidays as letters are answered and wishes are fulfilled. “Dear Santa, The Series” captures the essence of USPS Operation Santa, highlighting the dedication of the Postal Service, the support of generous Americans and the joy felt by recipients across the nation.

For more information on how to participate in the program, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
CUPW announces national strike that will cause delays for Canadians as holiday shopping season begins
Postal system will shut down during national strike; mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has announced it intends to begin a national strike on Friday, November 15 at 12:01 a.m. ET.

Canada Post’s operations will shut down during a national strike, affecting millions of Canadians and businesses across the country.

Customers should expect delays
Customers will experience delays due to the strike activity. Mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered for the duration of the national strike, and some post offices will be closed. Service guarantees will be impacted for items already in the postal network. No new items will be accepted until the national disruption is over.

All mail and parcels in the postal network will be secured and delivered as quickly as possible on a first-in, first-out basis once operations resume. However, a national strike of any length will impact service to Canadians well after the strike activity ends. Shutting down facilities across the country will affect Canada Post’s entire national network. Processing and delivery may take some time to fully return to normal.

Stay up to date
Visit canadapost.ca/negotiations for the latest information on negotiations and updates on strike activity.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Le STTP annonce une grève nationale qui occasionnera des retards alors que le magasinage des Fêtes commence
Le système postal cessera ses activités pendant la grève nationale; le courrier et les colis ne seront pas traités ni livrés.

OTTAWA, ON, le 15 nov. 2024 /CNW/ – Le Syndicat des travailleurs et travailleuses des postes (STTP) a annoncé son intention de déclencher une grève nationale le vendredi 15 novembre à 00 h 01 (ET).

Postes Canada cessera ses activités pendant une grève nationale, ce qui touchera les entreprises et des millions de personnes au pays.

Il faut s’attendre à des retards
Il y aura des retards en raison de la grève. Le courrier et les colis ne seront ni traités ni livrés durant la grève nationale et certains bureaux de poste seront fermés. Les garanties de service seront touchées pour les articles déjà dans le réseau postal. Aucun nouvel article ne sera accepté jusqu’à la fin de l’arrêt de travail à l’échelle nationale.

Tout le courrier et tous les colis dans le réseau postal seront sécurisés et livrés dès que possible à la reprise des activités selon le principe du premier entré, premier sorti. Toutefois, une grève nationale, peu importe la durée, aura une incidence sur le service bien après la fin des activités de grève. La fermeture d’installations à l’échelle du pays aura des répercussions sur l’ensemble du réseau national de Postes Canada. Cela pourrait prendre un certain temps avant que le traitement et la livraison reviennent à la normale.

Pour ne rien manquer
Allez à postescanada.ca/negociations pour obtenir les dernières nouvelles sur les négociations et la grève.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Announces No Stamp Price Changes for January 2025

• Postmaster General DeJoy’s recommendation not to raise prices for Market Dominant products in January 2025 approved by the Governors of the Postal Service
• Delivering For America plan is a balanced plan that is working to control costs and grow our package business
• Postal Service prices remain among the most affordable in the world

WASHINGTON — A recommendation by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy not to raise prices in January 2025 for Market Dominant products, which includes First-Class Mail, was accepted by the Governors of the United States Postal Service. Accordingly, the price of a stamp to mail a 1-once single-piece First-Class letter will not increase.

The Postal Service’s operational strategies are designed to boost service reliability, cost efficiency, and overall productivity.

“Our strategies are working and projected inflation is declining,” said Postmaster General DeJoy. “Therefore, we will wait until at least July before proposing any increases for market dominant services.”

The Postal Service remains committed to continued cost saving measures and to keeping its products and services affordable. Only a handful of countries have a lower price for a domestic single-piece letter.

Lastly, the Postal Service continues to deliver on the tenets of the Delivering for America 10-year plan, while executing our public service mission — to provide a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week — in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term, just as the U.S. Congress intended and the law requires.

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U.S. Postal Service Proposes Temporary Rate Changes for 2024 Holiday Shipping Season

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service filed notice today with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) regarding a temporary price change for some package services for the 2024 peak holiday season. This temporary price adjustment is to help cover extra handling costs to ensure a successful peak season.

The planned peak-season pricing, which was approved by the governors of the Postal Service on Aug. 8, would affect prices on the following commercial and retail domestic competitive parcels: Priority Mail Express (PME), Priority Mail (PM) and USPS Ground Advantage. No other products or services would be affected.Pending favorable review by the PRC, the temporary rates would go into effect at midnight Central on Oct. 6 and remain in place until midnight Central on Jan. 19, 2025.

This seasonal adjustment will bring prices for the Postal Service’s commercial and retail customers in line with competitive practices.

As a strategic part of the Delivering for America 10-year plan, these temporary changes will support the Postal Service in creating a revitalized organization capable of achieving our public service mission — providing a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week — in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term, just as the U.S. Congress has intended.

The planned price changes include:

Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage: Zone 1-4
Commercial:

• $0.30 cents increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs.
• $0.45 cents increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs.
• $0.75 cents increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
• $3.00 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.

Priority Mail Zone 5-9

• $0.70 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
• $1.25 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
• $2.75 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
• $7.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

USPS Ground Advantage Zone 5-9

• $0.35 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
• $0.75 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
• $1.25 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
• $5.50 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage: Zone 1-4
Retail:

• $0.40 cents increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs.
• $0.55 cents increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs
• $0.95 cents increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
• $4.00 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs

Priority Mail Zone 5-9

• $0.90 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
• $1.45 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
• $3.25 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
• $8.50 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs

USPS Ground Advantage Zone 5-9

• $0.50 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
• $1.00 cents increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
• $2.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
• $5.85 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs

Priority Mail Express:
Commercial:

• $1.00 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs.
• $1.75 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
• $1.50 increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs.
• $3.95 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
• $3.50 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
• $7.50 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
• $8.95 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs
• $13.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

Retail:

• $1.10 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs.
• $2.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.
• $2.00 increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs.
• $4.85 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.
• $3.90 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.
• $9.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.
• $9.75 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs
• $16.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

The PRC will review the proposed prices before they are scheduled to take effect Oct. 6. Complete USPS price filings, with prices for all products, can be found on the PRC website’s Daily Listings section at prc.gov/dockets/daily. Price change tables are also available on the Postal Explorer website at pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index.

Notably, the Postal Service has some of the lowest postage rates in the industrialized world and continues to offer great values in shipping.

VSC Note: Retail customers may find it easier to just go to the USPS Rate Calculator for the latest rates.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New Member Appointed to Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced the appointment of Alicia Cheng, a graphic designer and educator, to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC). Members are appointed to the committee by the postmaster general to provide expertise in business, history, science, technology, art, education, sports and other areas of public interest. Working together, they make recommendations for future stamp subjects.

Cheng is currently head of design at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where she leads the team responsible for designing exhibitions, permanent galleries and communications materials.

Before that, Cheng was a co-design director at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and later went on to become a founding partner of MGMT. design, a collaborative female-owned graphic design studio focusing on exhibition design, museum publications, print, branding and data visualization.

She currently serves as an external critic for the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program at the Rhode Island School of Design, and has taught at Yale University, Maryland Institute College of Art, Barnard College and the Cooper Union School of Art.

A keen student of the early development of communication and distribution systems, Cheng has contributed articles on Victorian photography and public service announcements to The Atlantic magazine and an article on the history of the printed ballot for The New Yorker. In 2020, she published the book “This Is What Democracy Looked Like: A Visual History of the Printed Ballot,” with an accompanying exhibition at the Cooper Union.

She is a member of the Board of Visitors for the Temple University Rome Program and was a past board member of AIGA/NY and the Fine Arts Federation, a design advocacy consortium in New York City.

Cheng attended Barnard College in New York City and received an MFA in graphic design from Yale University with a focus on information design and dance notation systems. She was born in Ann Arbor, MI, and resides in Brooklyn NY with her husband and daughter.

Submitting Stamp Suggestions
Due to the time required for research and approval in the stamp selection process, ideas for stamp subjects should be received at least three years prior to the proposed issuance. Each submission should include pertinent historical information and important dates associated with the subject. Proposals must be in writing and submitted by U.S. Mail. No in-person appeals, phone calls or emails are accepted. Mail your suggestion (one topic per letter) to the address below:

Stamp Development
Attn: Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300
Washington, DC 20260-3501

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] [Photo of Jackson supplied by her]
New Member Appointed to Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced the appointment of marketing executive Trish Jackson to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC). Members are appointed to the committee by the postmaster general to provide expertise in business, history, science, technology, art, education, sports and other areas of public interest. Working together, they make recommendations for future stamp subjects.

Jackson was born in New York City and grew up in Williamsburg, VA, where she first discovered her love and appreciation for American history. She is an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), where she is Molly Stark chapter regent in Manchester, NH. She was an honorary New Hampshire state regent from 2019-2022 and is the national chairman of the DAR Leadership Training Committee. She was recently appointed by Gov. Christopher Sununu to New Hampshire’s America 250! Sesquicentennial Commission.

Jackson has had an extensive career in marketing, focusing on campaign and data analysis. She is currently a marketing campaign analyst for Cigna-Express Scripts. She is a graduate of Colgate University with a double major in political science and international relations.

Jackson lives in New Hampshire with her husband of 32 years, Hans, and has two children, Erin and Connor.

Submitting Stamp Suggestions
Due to the time required for research and approval in the stamp selection process, ideas for stamp subjects should be received at least three years prior to the proposed issuance. Each submission should include pertinent historical information and important dates associated with the subject. Proposals must be in writing and submitted by U.S. Mail. No in-person appeals, phone calls or emails are accepted. Mail your suggestion (one topic per letter) to the address below:

Stamp Development
Attn: Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300
Washington, DC 20260-3501