Would the US Postal Service stop during a shutdown?

A government shutdown will not affect the mail, meaning even if Congress does not pass a funding plan, holiday gifts still out for delivery should arrive. Congress has until midnight Saturday to avoid a government shutdown. If it misses the deadline, several agencies would not have the funds to continue operating, meaning some services would be delayed or … Read more

USPS OIG – Network Changes: Local Transportation Optimization

Background The U.S. Postal Service began deploying a major change to operations in October 2023 with the implementation of the Local Transportation Optimization (LTO) initiative in the Richmond, VA, region followed by 14 additional regions across the nation through August 2024. The initiative is generally designed to reduce the number of transportation trips to and … Read more

The Constitution and the Postal System

President-elect Donald Trump has revived talk from his previous term of moving to privatize the United States Postal System. To be sure, such a process would be complicated and would likely require an act of Congress. The Constitution in Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the ability “to establish Post Offices and post Roads,” including the power … Read more

Hometown Hero: Rural Carrier Christy French

LEWISBURG, Ky. (WBKO) – Life in Christy French’s hometown of Lewisburg is more than just routine — it’s about family, community, and a deep-seated desire to make a difference. Born in Russellville and raised in the quiet streets of Lewisburg, French grew up surrounded by a sense of safety and togetherness. Today, she works to … Read more

Bill to repeal windfall elimination provision clears a key Senate hurdle

The Senate voted 73-27 to invoke cloture on the Social Security Fairness Act, clearing the way for a final vote to pass the bill later this week. The Senate on Wednesday voted 73-27 to limit debate on legislation to repeal a controversial pair of tax provisions that impact the retirement benefits of some federal workers … Read more

NEW VIDEO: From the NRLCA President’s Desk, December Holiday Message

In this new video message, President Don Maston reflects on the challenges the NRLCA has faced, the progress we’ve made, and the road ahead for our Association in the coming year. For rural carriers, peak season is not a time that brings joy. The happiest day for us is the day the last parcel is delivered, … Read more

USPS announces more 2025 stamps

The Postal Service has announced more stamp releases for 2025: • Freshwater Fishing Lures, five stamps that will feature brightly detailed photographs of five lures; • Battlefields of the American Revolution, a pane of 15 stamps that will mark the 250th anniversary of the start of the revolution; • Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture, four stamps that will … Read more

Senate scheduled to vote on H.R. 82 next week; please call your senators

Via NALC – The Senate is scheduled to begin consideration of the Social Security Fairness Act (H. R. 82) next week. The addition to the schedule comes after Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced at a labor-led rally that he would bring the bill to the floor for a vote. The Senate will begin with procedural … Read more

RCA delivers the 1 billionth holiday mailpiece in a city carrier uniform

When the Postal Service delivered its 1 billionth piece of peak season mail, it fittingly went to the “chief elf” in Santa Claus, IN. Danni Fulkerson, a rural carrier associate, delivered the package to Patricia Koch at the Santa Claus Museum on Nov. 29. Koch, 93, the founder of the museum, heads its Letters to … Read more