The law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service is reportedly aiding federal immigration efforts to find people in the U.S. illegally. According to the Washington Post, the Postal Inspection Service has joined a Department of Homeland Security task force. The PIS may provide photographs of the outsides of envelopes and packages, account data and IP addresses, among other information.

The Postal Inspection Service normally is responsible for maintaining the safety of the mail system. On its website, the agency says “The Postal Inspection Service enforces over 200 federal statutes related to crimes that involve the postal system, its employees, and its customers.” Sources tell the Post that USPS officials agreed to participate in the program because they were afraid the Trump administration could seize control of the USPS.

Postal inspectors participated in a recent drug enforcement and immigration raid in Colorado Springs, according to video posted on social media, X. An image from that video is shown above.

The USPS did not comment to the Washington Post, but in a statement, a senior Homeland Security official said collaboration with the Postal Inspection Service was “a key part of ensuring law enforcement has the resources they need to fulfill President Trump’s promise to the American people to remove violent criminals from our streets, dismantle drug and human trafficking operations and make America safe again.”

“The Inspection Service is very, very nervous about this,” one of the people familiar with the matter told the newspaper. “They seem to be trying to placate Trump by getting involved with things they think he’d like.”

“This is the Postal Service,” the person said. “Why are they involved in deporting people?”

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Celebrates 250 Years
A new eagle takes flight to commemorate the milestone

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service is celebrating 250 years of continuous and reliable delivery to the American people.

Before the invention of telegraphs, telephones and televisions, the Postal Service was created and has evolved to serve the nation through decades of technological, cultural and economic changes. As the organization’s anniversary approaches, USPS honors its past while focusing on delivering now and into the future.

“The founders of our great nation saw the intrinsic need of postal services as the United States was born — even before the country itself was formed. Since that time, our universal mail system has strengthened the bonds of friendship, family and community,” said acting U.S. Postmaster General Doug Tulino. “The Postal Service remains a great organization connecting our nation and helping power our economy. We are proud to help set the stage for the 250th anniversary of the United States next year, and we look forward to continuing to serve the American public for another 250 years.”

The bald eagle has been featured on the official USPS seal since 1970, when the Postal Reorganization Act was signed into law. The eagle encompasses everything USPS stands for and embraces the symbol the nation’s founders chose to represent America’s strength and freedom. That symbolism was carried over into the creation of the current Postal Service “sonic eagle” logo in 1993 and now has been evolved further in honor of the 250th anniversary.

The new Eagle in Flight symbol was created in collaboration with the Turner Duckworth agency to showcase the iconic and unique role of connecting the nation through the past, present and future. The face of the Eagle in Flight honors the Postal Service’s roots while amplifying the notion of delivering into the future through the wings. As it takes flight, its wings show confidence and purpose, while the vibrant colors exude a spirit of celebration. The Eagle in Flight does not replace the sonic eagle logo but will be used to help celebrate throughout 2025.

In addition to unveiling the Eagle in Flight symbol, USPS will commemorate this historic milestone with several exciting events and releases throughout the year, including:

• Commemorative stamps;
• A USPS-licensed coffee table book;
• A 250th anniversary edition of “The United States Postal Service: An American History,” available online and in print;
• Assorted branded merchandise;
• A special episode of the “Mail with Mr. ZIP” YouTube series that will focus on the 250th anniversary;
• Special advertising campaigns using the “Delivering since 1775” theme;
• Social media, podcasts and blog posts to commemorate the milestone; and
• Other exciting events to be announced as the anniversary approaches.

News and updates of the U.S. Postal Service’s 250th anniversary activities can be found at usps.com/news or by using the hashtag #USPS250 on social media.

These rates were approved July 3^rd

“Put another nickel in…. ”

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Recommends New Prices for July

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service today filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of mailing services price changes to take effect July 13. The new rates include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents.

The proposed adjustments, approved by the governors of the Postal Service, would raise mailing services product prices approximately 7.4 percent. If favorably reviewed by the commission, the price changes would include:

The Postal Service is also seeking price adjustments for the Special Services products. Notably, the Postal Service will apply a price reduction of 12 percent for postal insurance when mailing an item.

As changes in the mailing and shipping marketplace continue, these price adjustments are needed to achieve the financial stability sought by the organization’s Delivering for America 10-year plan. USPS prices remain among the most affordable in the world.

Following a directive from the PRC, the Postal Service is filing two sets of prices for Marketing Mail and Package Services products. While only one set of rates will go into effect on July 13, these prices address the pending proposal to eliminate Bound Printed Matter and expand Marketing Mail, pending the commission’s approval. USPS will release additional communications to address price changes in these categories.

The PRC will review the changes before they are scheduled to take effect. The complete Postal Service price filing, with prices for all products, can be found on the commission’s website under the Daily Listings section. The Mailing Services filing is Docket No. R2025-1. The price tables are also available on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website at pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index.

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.