# Ruralinfo.net

> The place on the net for rural carriers


## Posts

- [Some USPS Saturday Delivery History](https://ruralinfo.net/some-usps-saturday-delivery-history/): From the start, letter carriers delivered mail six days a week, usually Monday through Saturday.6 In May and June 1947, Saturday deliveries were temporarily eliminated in some cities due to budget shortfalls. In 1957, Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield decided to end Saturday deliveries nationwide because of a budget crisis. On one Saturday – April 13, 1957 – there was no mail delivery. Public outcries prompted President Dwight D. Eisenhower to sign a bill more fully funding the Post Office Department three days later, and the next Saturday service resumed. In May 1964 the Post Office Department ended Saturday delivery ... Read more
- [Solving the Rural Carrier Relief Identity Crisis](https://ruralinfo.net/solving-the-rural-carrier-relief-identity-crisis/): I wanted to help clear the fog on all of the rural carrier relief designations and titles. Most of today’s rural carrier relief carriers fall under one of these four designations Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs)—(Designation Code 78) – Rural carrier associates are those employees hired from a register or reassigned from rural carrier relief or auxiliary carrier positions, on or after April 11, 1987, without time limitation. Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs)—(Designation Code 74) – Rural carrier associates appointed via Form 50 to serve full time on a vacant route or in the absence of the regular carrier for more than ... Read more
- [L'Enfant Plaza - We have a spontaneous combustion problem](https://ruralinfo.net/lenfant-plaza-we-have-a-spontaneous-combustion-problem/): I have noticed a very disturbing thing in the last few years.  LLV fires – Lots of them..  The aging fleet seems to be becoming a huge problem in regards to the safety of mail carriers.  I looked at only the last year or so and specifically for LLV -Postal owned  vehicle fires and it really is scary how many of these vehicles catch on fire while mail is being delivered. Is the current LLV fleet too old and worn out?  What is causing these fires?  An important note is that in many instances of these fires, the carrier saves ... Read more
- [Step 4 Grievance Settlement on Waiting for Mail that Requires Casing Before Strapping Out](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-grievance-settlement-on-waiting-for-mail-that-requires-casing-before-strapping-out/): Step 4 Grievance Settlement on Waiting for Mail that Requires Casing Before Strapping Out The issue in this grievance concerns waiting for any mail due to late arriving transportation which may or may not include DPS letter mail. The parties agree that when a rural carrier is required to wait for mail due to late arriving transportation that may or may not include DPS letter mail, appropriate compensation will be provided. Waiting time will not begin until all rural carrier duties are completed, to the extent possible, including casing of all available mail that requires casing. Management will determine the ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on Requirement to Case (DPS) Letter Mail during DPS review](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-grievance-settlement-on-requirement-to-case-delivery-point-sequence-dps-letter-mail-during-dps-review/): The issue in this grievance involves management requiring rural carriers to case Delivery Point Sequence (DPS) Letters during a DPS letter formal review request for 12 days. The Parties agree that when rural carriers are required to case DPS letter mail, appropriated compensation will be provided in accordance with Handbook PO-603, Section 541.41. DOWNLOAD via News Info.
- [Step 4 Grievance Settlement on Being Denied LWOP on Saturday](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-grievance-settlement-on-being-denied-lwop-on-saturday/): The issue in this grievance involves management denying LWOP on Saturday due to the unavailability of a leave replacement, when the leave replacement was assigned to express mail and collection runs and is not servicing a route. The Parties agree that a leave replacement assigned duties per Article 30.2.Q., will not be considered unavailable for the purposes of Article 10.4.B., to include annual leave or leave without pay on Saturday. DOWNLOAD via News Info.
- [Step 4 Grievance Settlement on Retrieving DPS Letter Mail When Not Staged by Route](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-grievance-settlement-on-retrieving-dps-letter-mail-when-not-staged-by-route/): The issue in this grievance involves rural carriers retrieving DPS letter mail from conveyances when DPS letter trays are randomly mixed between routes. The Parties agree that when DPS letter mail is not properly staged by separating routes and this requires rural carriers to move trays to retrieve these trays, then additional compensation is appropriate. The Parties further agree that in instances where this occurs on a daily or weekly basis, the route will receive credit in Column 17 during a mail count, for the actual time required to move other routes’ trays in order to locate the DPS letter ... Read more
- [The Neutral Engineer for the Rural Carrier Time Study](https://ruralinfo.net/meet-our-neutral-industrial-engineer-for-the-rural-carrier-time-standard-study/): Dr. Louis A. Martin-Vega is the Dean of Engineering at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. With more than 8,500 students, 700 faculty and staff, and $129 million in annual research expenditures, NC State’s College of Engineering is internationally recognized for the excellence of its research, education and outreach programs. In 2008, the College received an $18.5 million award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish FREEDM, an Engineering Research Center focused on developing the next generation of distribution and management systems for renewable energy sources. Martin-Vega came to NC State in 2006 after spending five years ... Read more
- [Let's talk about the Elephant in the room](https://ruralinfo.net/lets-talk-about-the-elephant-in-the-room/): Elephant in the room” is an English metaphorical idiom for an obvious truth that is either being ignored or going unaddressed. The idiomatic expression also applies to an obvious problem or risk no one wants to discuss.[2] It is based on the idea that an elephant in a room would be impossible to overlook; thus, people in the room who pretend the elephant is not there have chosen to avoid dealing with the looming big issue. Rural carriers just came out of another Christmas Overtime period.  That is basically the only time of year where a rural carrier would be ... Read more
- [The only thing we have to fear is ourselves.](https://ruralinfo.net/the-only-thing-we-have-to-fear-is-ourselves/): I spend a lot of time online and there are a lot of pages on the internet that I look at while scouring for news and information to share with everyone.  I see a lot of crazy things posted by rural carriers, but there is nothing that gets me riled up more than to see a rural carrier post about working off the clock.   A few months ago, we received an arbitration award that cut rural carrier time standards.  A few years before that we had the Wells arbitration that also cut rural carrier time standards. When time standards ... Read more
- [The Evaluated system, the Guarantee period and the Christmas OT period.  What does it all mean and how did we get here?](https://ruralinfo.net/the-evaluated-system-the-guarantee-period-and-the-christmas-ot-period-what-does-it-all-mean-and-how-did-we-get-here/): There are a lot of questions floating around lately about X days, the Guarantee period, and the Christmas Overtime period.   Which is not surprising because the Evaluated system itself is confusing.  I have been a rural carrier for quite a few years and still find things that surprise me once in a while about the evaluated system. Have you ever tried to explain the Evaluated system to someone other than a rural carrier?   Have you ever tried to explain it to a new sub?  And not to mention trying to explain it to a former “clerk” or “city ... Read more
- [The Piece Work Trap](https://ruralinfo.net/the-piece-work-trap/):  An OLDIE BUT GOODIE!! The Piece Work Trap by John Dziubek  former CTRLCA State Steward (written sometime after the Wells arbitration) Since 1896 rural letter carriers have been paid by an evaluated type system. After the wildcat postal strike in 1970, some very important things changed for postal workers. First the Post Office Department, which was a branch of the federal government, was transformed into the United States Postal Service, an independent corporation. Secondly and more importantly to the paychecks of rural carriers, in May of 1974 an act of Congress placed all postal employees under the provisions of the Fair ... Read more
- [Do you ever wonder how the rural pay system was crafted?  A must read for all rural carriers!](https://ruralinfo.net/do-you-ever-wonder-how-the-rural-pay-system-was-crafted-a-must-read-for-all-rural-carriers/): The rural craft is a very special pay system.  We have provisions and rules that do not apply to any other job in this country.  It was a long hard process just to keep the evaluated pay system intact.  If you’ve ever wondered how or why the rural craft is the way it is, then this should answer a lot of questions.  This should be read by all rural carriers because it gives you a background knowledge of our everyday work life!   On May 1st 1974, The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) was amended to include all Postal employees.  ... Read more
- [NRLCA Press Release: NRLCA Elects Jeanette P. Dwyer as First Female National President](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-press-release-nrlca-elects-jeanette-p-dwyer-as-first-female-national-president/): NRLCA Elects Jeanette P. Dwyer as First Female National President – MarketWatch: “Jeanette P. Dwyer, a 30-year career postal employee, has been elected the first female national president in the 108-year history of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA). The election was held during the union’s 107th National Convention in Savannah, GA. Dwyer, a native of Waccamaw, NC, leads a union with more than 106,000 members who serve as post offices on wheels. Rural letter carriers perform the same work as city letter carriers, but in their own vehicles from which they sell postal products. They also work under ... Read more
- [NRLCA STATEMENT ON POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-statement-on-political-contributions/): Recently, criticism has arisen over how the NRLCA-PAC contributes to Congressional campaigns. The NRLCA-PAC works to represent rural carrier issues on Capitol Hill by supporting key Senators and Representatives. Unfortunately, financial support of a campaign does not guarantee the Senator or Representative will support legislation favorable to our issues or positions. The process for selecting which legislators or candidates receive financial support is broken down into three main categories: Assignment to Committees with jurisdiction over issues affecting NRLCA; Favorable position on issues important to NRLCA members; Congressional candidates who could support our causes, if elected. Within these categories, particular legislators ... Read more
- [NRLCA Contributions to Federal Candidates](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-contributions-to-federal-candidates/): Total Receipts $1,297,789 Total Spent (view expenditures) $1,255,141 Begin Cash on Hand $111,817 End Cash on Hand $154,430 Debts $0 Date of last report December 31, 2010 Contributions from this PAC to federal candidates (list recipients)(71% to Democrats, 29% to Republicans) $876,500 Contributions to this PAC from individual donors of $200 or more ( list donors) $316,547 http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/pacgot.php?cmte=C00072025&cycle=2010
- [Do you want to see what 10k of our PAC money bought?](https://ruralinfo.net/do-you-want-to-see-what-10k-of-our-pac-money-bought/): According to Opensecrets, the NRLCA gave Issa 10k to his campaign committee in 2009-2010 election cycle. And what did we get for our money?  One big anti union, anti worker, attack on USPS unions. I could have told you and anyone else that Issa would NEVER be a friend of unions, yet we still gave him 10k? Ah well, anyway, I am ticked right now, but thought everyone would love to see what we are getting for our money.. http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.php?cycle=2010&cid=N00007017&type=I&newmem=N And here is the big steaming pile that is his Postal Reform Act http://oversight.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1359:issa-introduces-postal-reform-act&catid=22:releasesstatements
- [USPS RESPONDS TO NRLCA REQUEST REGARDING NALC FOOD DRIVE](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-responds-to-nrlca-request-regarding-nalc-food-drive/): Over the past several years rural carriers across America have volunteered to join the NALC to collect food in over 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states in an effort to “Stamp out Hunger” for needy families, to include children and the elderly. While the NRLCA fully supports this worthwhile cause and has become a full partner with the NALC, each year there appears to be a misunderstanding on specific situations that occur as a result of the food drive. First and foremost each year we are asked if participation in the food drive by a rural carrier is ... Read more
- [A tale of two realities... Editorial by Ruralinfo.net](https://ruralinfo.net/a-tale-of-two-realities-editorial-by-ruralinfo-net/): I am sure we have all heard of the USPS posting an 8.5 billion dollar loss for 2010. This number just jumps off the page at you doesn’t it? 8.5 billion dollars? How in the world can the USPS survive something like this? This kind of number could make postal employees really wonder about the future of their employer.. and their own livelihoods. Doom and gloom, headline after headline. Words and phrases like dire straits, bankruptcy, running out of money, can’t sustain the losses are every other headline when you read the news these days. If we believe the news, ... Read more
- [Let them Eat Cake... The USPS version..](https://ruralinfo.net/let-them-eat-cake-the-usps-version/):   A trend has developed lately that is very disturbing. It seems that postal employees, and our wages have become the whipping post of USPS management, Congress and the media. They howl and groan that labor costs in the USPS are 80% of USPS expenses. Basically, the public perception of us has been destroyed by our own employer and the media and all of the postal pundits. They all believe a unionized work force should no longer be allowed in the USPS. We have all heard it, “The unions are destroying the USPS”, or USPS employees make (blah $$$ blah) ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on Deviating to Deliver Express Mail](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-deviating-to-deliver-express-mail/): Step 4 Settlement on Deviating to Deliver Express Mail This case involved management requiring rural carriers to deviate from their line of travel to deliver Express Mail before noon regardless of the service guarantee. The parties agree that any management decision to require rural carriers to deviate from the normal line of travel for delivery of Express Mail, should be based on meeting the service guarantee listed on the mail piece. You may view the Step 4 settlement letter here Source: News Info
- [USPS increases SPM scans from 5 to 15 pieces without NRLCA agreement](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-increases-spm-scans-from-5-to-15-pieces-without-nrlca-agreement/): The NRLCA was notified Friday afternoon that the SPM sampling will change from scanning up to 5 pieces to scanning up to 15 pieces effective Saturday February 13th. The NRLCA has requested a meeting to address the lack of advance notice and what the compensation should be. The NRLCA has also heard from several carriers related to additional instructions about writing down the address and requiring the carrier to perform the work order when they reach the address even if the MDD does not alert the carrier. These instructions were not taken into consideration for the time to be compensated. ... Read more
- [NRLCA Reaches Tentative Agreement with USPS for Three-Year Contract](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-reaches-tentative-agreement-with-usps-for-three-year-contract/): NRLCA Reaches Tentative Agreement with USPS for Three-Year Contract The NRLCA and Postal Service have negotiated a tentative agreement to cover the 3-year period from May 21, 2015 to May 20, 2018. In this special edition of The National Rural Letter Carrier, you will find the details of the tentative agreement, including an explanation of proposed changes to the existing contract language. This agreement must be ratified by a majority of the voting membership to become effective. We began meeting with the Postal Service in March 2015 with every intention of trying to reach a negotiated contract settlement before the ... Read more
- [Video: Saying goodbye to a rural carrier gone too soon](https://ruralinfo.net/video-saying-goodbye-to-a-rural-carrier-gone-too-soon/): What an amazing escort to rest.Decarlo Allen worked for the PO in Lithonia, GA since 2005. He was fatally injured on the route when a tree fell onto his LLV on January 24th. Posted by Ruralinfo.net on Sunday, January 31, 2016
- [Progress report on the Rural Route Engineer Study](https://ruralinfo.net/progress-report-on-the-rural-route-engineer-study/): The redesign project cranked into high gear early in 2014 when several new high-profile projects were initiated by the Standards Panel consisting of NRLCA Representative, Ken Mericle, USPS Representative, Don Ratliff and the Neutral Chair, Louis Martin-Vega. The Panel has been working closely with IIE Solutions, a team of industrial engineers from the Institute of Industrial Engineering, on a series of projects to develop engineered standards for various work activities performed by rural carriers.  In 2013, these projects focused primarily on casing and handling parcels.  In 2014, the Panel initiated a project in 144 sites around the country to validate ... Read more
- [Family of rural carrier killed in accident: It really threw us for a loop](https://ruralinfo.net/family-of-rural-carrier-killed-in-accident-it-really-threw-us-for-a-loop/): DeKalb County fire Capt. Eric Jackson said Allen’s vehicle careened off the road, down a short hillside and into another tree. The impact from the falling tree likely caused the postal worker’s death, Jackson said. Wind likely contributed to knocking the tree down, Jackson said, but the snow and ice that blanketed metro Atlanta earlier in the day were not immediately believed to be factors. “It was really a freak accident,” Jackson said. Allen, a DeKalb native, was described as a happy-go-lucky family man who was devoted to his wife and two young children. “It’s hard. There’s no one to ... Read more
- [Postal worker killed after tree hits vehicle at GA golf course](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-worker-killed-after-tree-hits-vehicle-at-ga-golf-course/): A postal worker was killed Saturday after a tree fell onto his vehicle at a DeKalb County golf course. DeKalb County fire Capt. Eric Jackson said the male postal worker was driving on the premises of Lithonia’s Mystery Valley Golf Club when, around 12:30 p.m., a tree “that appeared to be in poor health” fell from the side of the roadway and struck him. The vehicle careened off the road, down a short hillside and into another tree. The impact from the falling tree likely caused the postal worker’s death, Jackson said. Wind likely contributed to knocking the tree down, ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier rescued after vehicle swept away in Georgia flooding](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-rescued-after-vehicle-swept-away-in-georgia-flooding/): An Oglethorpe County mail carrier’s vehicle was swept away by a flooding creek during this week’s torrential rains, but the man was rescued by volunteers and public safety workers after a scary two hours trapped inside as flood waters roared around him. The postal worker’s Jeep Wrangler tumbled about half a mile down Rains Creek on Wednesday when the man tried to drive across the ford where the river crosses Arnold Caldwell Road, said Mitch Slay, an Oglethorpe County man who operates a hunting preserve in the area between Lexington and Elberton. The Wrangler finally stopped tumbling when it wound ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on Compensation When Speaking to a Steward Prior to a Pre-Disciplinary Interview](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-compensation-when-speaking-to-a-steward-prior-to-a-pre-disciplinary-interview/): Step 4 Settlement on Compensation When Speaking to a Steward Prior to a Pre-Disciplinary Interview This case involved management denying compensation to a grievant who requested to talk to their Steward when required to attend a pre-disciplinary interview. The parties agree a grievant is entitled to compensation for a reasonable amount of time to speak with their steward prior to attending a pre-disciplinary interview. The parties previously agreed in a step 4 settlement from Maple Grove, MN dated January 22, 1999 (I-39 in the Quick Reference Guide), that rural carriers are entitled to be compensated for the time involved to ... Read more
- [Step 4 - Being Required to Take DPS Letter Mail to the Street During the Christmas Overtime Period](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-being-required-to-take-dps-letter-mail-to-the-street-during-the-christmas-overtime-period/): This case involved management requiring rural carriers to report late and then requiring carriers to take DPS letter mail directly to the street during Christmas overtime. The parties agree that there are certain situations where rural carriers can be required to take DPS letters directly to the street. Such situations include, but are not limited to, significant delays to the customer’s anticipated delivery window, not returning to the office in time to dispatch collection mail, and exceeding the overall weekly evaluation on a consistent basis. The parties further agree the Christmas overtime period does not directly impact the situations when ... Read more
- [Step 4 - Business Customers Requesting Mail to Be Held on Saturday When Business Is Closed](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-business-customers-requesting-mail-to-be-held-on-saturday-when-business-is-closed/): This case involved management not allowing businesses closed on Saturday to have their mail held if they have a mail receptacle the carrier can deliver the mail to. The parties agree Form 1564-B is used to record customers’ special request for handling of their mail, which includes permanent special orders for businesses that are closed on Saturday. Special orders for businesses that are closed are not dependent on whether or not there is an accessible mail receptacle for delivery. You may view the Step 4 settlement letter here Source: News Info
- [Step 4 Settlement When Costing Rural Delivery versus Contract Delivery](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-when-costing-rural-delivery-versus-contract-delivery/): This case involved management projecting the costing of rural delivery with a government vehicle so that the cost of CDS would show cheaper even though the Postal Service never intended to assign an LLV to the rural route. The parties agree that if management indicates that an Employer provided vehicle would be assigned when costing rural delivery versus contract delivery, the expectation is a vehicle will be available immediately upon conversion to rural delivery. The parties further agree that if a government vehicle will not be immediately available, the cost will be determined by using Equipment Maintenance Allowance. You may ... Read more
- [On October 1, 1896, rural free delivery (RFD) service began](https://ruralinfo.net/on-october-1-1896-rural-free-delivery-rfd-service-began/): On October 1, 1896, rural free delivery (RFD) service began in Charles Town, Halltown, and Uvilla in West Virginia, Postmaster General Wilson’s home state. Within a year, 44 routes were operating in 29 states. Just five days before Christmas in 1899, the Post Office Department decided to experiment with extending RFD across an entire county. Postmaster General Charles Emory Smith ordered that 63 small Post Offices and the routes of 35 star route contractors and mail messengers be discontinued and that rural free delivery be established in their place in Carroll County, Maryland. County-wide delivery proved viable. More history on ... Read more
- [USPS Starts Service Performance Measurement (SPM) Sampling on Rural Routes Starting Saturday, September 19, 2015](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-starts-service-performance-measurement-spm-sampling-on-rural-routes-starting-saturday-september-19-2015/): The NRLCA is aware that many carriers have already been given service talks on the Service Performance Measurement (SPM) over the last couple of weeks. The USPS prematurely put out talks and begin dates prior to the NRLCA and the USPS agreeing on the terms for this new work function. The NRLCA and the USPS have agreed on compensation and the process for compensation for this new work function for the interim period. The USPS will start the functionality of SPM beginning this Saturday September 19, 2015 across the country. Rural carrier will be compensated 50 seconds for each delivery ... Read more
- [Larger mailboxes are not a good thing for rural carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/larger-mailboxes-are-not-a-good-thing-for-rural-carriers/): By Ruralinfo.net You might have seen an article I posted yesterday about the Postal Service approving new larger mailbox standards.  While it will not affect boxes currently on rural routes, (unless a customer voluntarily goes to the larger box) it will NOT be good for the craft as a whole. I hope most of you know by now that the rural carrier evaluation system is currently undergoing an engineer study.  They are measuring everything rural carriers do.  I mean everything.  The new scanners can tell whether you go to the door with a package or not.  When the study is ... Read more
- [U.S. Rural Carrier Killed On The Job In Western Kentucky ](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-rural-carrier-killed-on-the-job-in-western-kentucky/): A U.S. Postal Service mail carrier was killed in a crash in western Kentucky Monday. Kentucky State Police say Paula Brown, 50, was stopped on the shoulder of US-62 outside Princeton in Caldwell County delivering mail when a Chevy Tahoe crashed into her Jeep. EMS took Brown to Caldwell County Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.Police say Dana Sims, 69, was driving the Tahoe. She was treated for minor injuries and released. Source: U.S. Mail Carrier Killed On The Job In Western Kentucky – LEX18.com | Continuous News and StormTracker Weather
- [Iowa Rural mail carrier seriously injured after two-vehicle crash ](https://ruralinfo.net/iowa-rural-mail-carrier-seriously-injured-after-two-vehicle-crash/): A U.S. Postal Service worker from Hartley had to be flown by medial helicopter to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, following a two-vechile crash Wednesday morning. The collision took place at about 9:45 a.m. near the intersection of 250th Street and 100th Avenue, which is southwest of Milford. Deputies said 52-year-old Donald Hutzel of Hartley was northbound in a 2001 Buick Century when his car collided with a westbound 2013 Volvo tractor and trailer driven by 44-year-old Kent Bloomer of Merrill, Wisconsin. Hutzel was ejected from his car and was transported by ambulance to Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake. He ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on National Agency Check with Inquiries - (Fingerprinting)](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-national-agency-check-with-inquiries-fingerprinting/): This case involved management requiring rural carriers, who have already been hired, to complete a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) activities without compensation. The parties agree the NACI activities which includes completing paperwork, obtaining fingerprints and the direct cost of fingerprinting, will be “on the clock.” The NACI process is required for career employment. The parties recognize that although this is required when going from non-career to career status, the Postal Inspection Service went retroactive and required some regular carriers to have the NACI completed also. There is no dispute between the parties where those regular rural carriers were ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on Rural Carriers Providing Their Own Equipment (Containers) to Deliver Mail](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-rural-carriers-providing-their-own-equipment-containers-to-deliver-mail/): This case involved management refusing rural carriers the right to provide their own equipment (containers) to deliver mail in. The parties agreed that while the Postal Service normally provides equipment for the delivery of mail, rural carriers may choose to provide their own equipment. The parties further agree that although the Postal Service maintains the right to determine if the equipment meets safety requirements and operationally efficient, that decision can be challenged in the grievance/arbitration process based on the individual fact circumstances. You may view the Step 4 settlement letter here.
- [Step 4 Settlement on Rural Carriers Being Required to Deliver Parcels beyond the One-Half Mile Rule](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-rural-carriers-being-required-to-deliver-parcels-beyond-the-one-half-mile-rule/): This case involved management requiring rural carriers to make delivery of ordinary parcels beyond the one-half mile rule. Management agreed to pay the carriers mileage and time to deliver. The parties agreed that the PO-603 clearly states in Section 331.21, “you must deliver parcels to any residence or business that is on your line of travel, or within one-half mile of the route and has a passable road leading to it.” The parties further agree these provisions limit the distance rural carriers are required to deviate in order to deliver ordinary parcels. Local management does not have the authority to ... Read more
- [Step 4 for Not Scheduling an (RCA) after Being Involved in an At-Fault Motor Vehicle Accident](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-for-not-scheduling-an-rca-after-being-involved-in-an-at-fault-motor-vehicle-accident/): This case involved management not scheduling an RCA after being involved in a motor vehicle accident and providing no written discipline nor any notification of suspension of driving privileges. The parties agree based on no written notification the employee should have been scheduled for work that he was contractually entitled to perform. You may view the Step 4 settlement letter here. Source: NRLCA.org
- [Step 4 Settlement When Management Back Flows Mail Impacting a Mail Count](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-when-management-back-flows-mail-impacting-a-mail-count/): This case involved management putting out instructions to back flow mail from the office to the plant to put the mail in DPS just prior to a mail count. Immediately following the mail count further instructions went out instructing the offices to no longer back flow mail to the plant. The parties agree that dependent on a number of factors, when not back flowing mail could increase the amount of mail rural carriers are required to process manually. The case has been remanded to step 3 to determine if there was an adverse impact and if so, the appropriate remedy. ... Read more
- [Trial of man accused of killing Coldspring postal worker delayed until Feb. 2016](https://ruralinfo.net/trial-of-man-accused-of-killing-coldspring-postal-worker-delayed-until-feb-2016/): The capital murder trial of the man accused of slaying a Coldspring postal worker in May 2013 has been reset – again. The trial of James Wayne Ham, 38, is scheduled to begin on Feb. 16, barring any last-minute issues with witnesses or experts. Ham is accused of killing Eddie “Marie” Youngblood on May 17, 2013, by shooting her multiple times and then setting her body on fire inside her vehicle. Youngblood was on the phone with one of her two sons at the time of the shooting. A federal affidavit, which was released a couple of days after the ... Read more
- [State Convention and Amazon Stress Test Updates](https://ruralinfo.net/state-convention-and-amazon-stress-test-updates/): These updates were sent to Ruralinfo.net by a trusted source and were confirmed as correct by several other sources.  Please join me in thanking those that want to keep information flowing to rural carriers.  If not for them, thousands of dues paying rural carriers would be left in the dark wondering what might be happening with events that control their livelihoods. Some Stats: Current EMA: 64.5/mile or 25.80/day, whichever is greater. Last Mail Count they counted 38% of routes. Rural side is starting to gain boxes/routes. City Craft lost 10,000 routes. Oldest carrier is 82 – hasn’t missed a day ... Read more
- [Mail carrier dies when lightning rips tree down on truck](https://ruralinfo.net/mail-carrier-dies-when-lightning-rips-tree-down-on-truck/): A 43-year-old postal worker died on her route Saturday when a lightning strike ripped a tree on a North Carolina congressman’s property down on top of her mail truck, officials said. The tree smashed her vehicle and pinned her inside as a storm moved through the area at about 4:45 p.m. in Denver, around 30 miles northwest of Charlotte, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Emergency personnel pronounced the mail carrier dead at the scene on Norman Court off Lakeshore Road North, officials in the sheriff’s office said. The 60-foot oak tree plunged down from a property owned by ... Read more
- [NRLCA Endorses United States Postal Service Shipping Equity Act](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-endorses-united-states-postal-service-shipping-equity-act/): Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA-14) has proposed legislation that would amend title 18, United States Code and title 39, United States Code to allow the USPS to ship alcohol likes its competitors UPS and FedEx. Currently, the Postal Service cannot ship beer, wine, or liquor. The bill would allow USPS to ship alcoholic beverages directly from licensed producers and licensed retailers to consumers over the age of 21. A past Congressional Budget Office study had estimated that the Postal Service would bring in $50 million in new revenue by shipping alcohol. Representative Speier proposed a similar bill in 2013, but it ... Read more
- [Day in the life of a rural mail carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/day-in-the-life-of-a-rural-mail-carrier/): Under sage and other brush all through the long days, it’s wearing me out and I am tired of the job.” — said Charles Nolin, pony mail carrier of the late 1800’s.Those words, penned by John S. McClintock, author of Black Hills: Accurate History and Facts Related by One of the Early Day Pioneers, quoted a conversation he had with a pony mail carrier, who he believed to be Nolin, on the streets of Deadwood.Last week’s article provided history and background on mail delivery services, but how does a Butte County mail carrier typically spend their day?Five contract carriers, two ... Read more
- [Georgia Rural Carrier murdered by husband](https://ruralinfo.net/georgia-rural-carrier-murdered-by-husband/): A Floyd County man has been charged with the death of one woman and serious injury of another following a report of multiple shots fired at a home on Fosters Mill Road Thursday night. Dewayne David Tanner, 45, has been charged with murder, two counts of aggravated battery, two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime as a result of a domestic altercation that occurred around 8:17 p.m. on May 28, 2015. Stephanie Tanner, 41, of 1560 Fosters Mill Road was pronounced dead at the scene by Dr. Garrett Barnes, who is ... Read more
- [NRLCA Resolves Massive Cybersecurity Breach Unfair Labor Practice Case Against U.S. Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-resolves-massive-cybersecurity-breach-unfair-labor-practice-case-against-u-s-postal-service/): On November 19, 2014, the NRLCA filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board against the Postal Service, alleging that the Postal Service violated federal labor law by failing to bargain over and provide information concerning the September 2014 “cyber intrusion” by hackers into the Postal Service’s computer systems. On May 21, 2015, Region 5 of the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) approved a settlement between the Postal Service and the NRLCA that resolves this unfair labor practice case, as well as related unfair labor practice cases filed by three other Postal Service unions. Some time in ... Read more
- [NRLCA and USPS contract negotiations come to an impasse](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-and-usps-contract-negotiations-come-to-an-impasse/): On Wednesday, May 20, 2015, after more than two months of contract talks, the NRLCA and USPS reached impasse over the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement. Early this week it appeared as if the parties were making progress toward a negotiated settlement. However, contract talks stalled and impasse was declared at 6:30 p.m. The NRLCA’s final proposals provide for appropriate and reasonable wage increases, continued cost-of-living adjustments, and the maintenance of core benefits. The parties expect to meet soon to discuss the next steps. We appreciate your support and patience as we continue to fight to improve the ... Read more
- [APWU is not the only contract that ends this week](https://ruralinfo.net/apwu-is-not-the-only-contract-that-ends-this-week/): The rural carrier contract ends on May 20th, 2015.  Just two days from now.  The NRLCA previously announced back in March that they were going into negotiations but we have not received any information.  Will we get any information before it expires, or will be be left wondering what the future holds?  Are they holding back information because they are afraid it might be shared on this website?  If they are, is that really fair to the members? Nobody wants to know specifics in the middle of negotiations, but come on, throw us a bone..  Silence is no kind of ... Read more
- [Remembering a mother, sister and postal worker](https://ruralinfo.net/remembering-a-mother-sister-and-postal-worker/): “We never called each other by our first names. We always called each other sister. It was always hi sister, bye sister, I love you sister. I’m really going to miss that,” said the victim’s sister-in-law Allison Babcock.Allison Babcock says she’ll always remember her sister-in-law Trisha Palmer’s smile.A spokesperson for the United States Postal Service says the 35-year old woman was killed when she ran a stop sign and hit a dump truck. It happened on Township Road 3 near County Road L in Richfield Township.There are the skid marks from the dump truck. It appears the driver tried to ... Read more
- [Two years ago this month the unspeakable happened to one of our own](https://ruralinfo.net/a-year-ago-this-month-the-unspeakable-happened-to-one-of-our-own/): Two years ago this month, specifically May 17th, one of own was brutally murdered by a customer.  If you are not familiar with the story, she was delivering mail and a customer waited for her, shot her and burned her mail vehicle with her body inside.  It feels kind of brutal to describe it like that, but it is what happened and it serves as an example that we all work with the public and we can never know what can happen.  We can never be too vigilant on being aware of our surroundings. She was one of US..  She went ... Read more
- [Postal driver (RCA) killed in Henry County crash](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-driver-rca-killed-in-henry-county-crash/): A Swanton woman was killed Tuesday when the U.S. postal vehicle she drove collided with a dump truck in Henry County’s Richfield Township, sheriff’s deputies said. Trisha Palmer, 35, was northbound on Township Road 3 about 10:30 a.m. and did not stop for a stop sign at County Road L, colliding with the westbound dump truck driven by Jeffrey Halliwell, 47, of Paulding, Ohio. Ms. Palmer, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from her vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said. Mr. Halliwell, who wore a seat belt, was treated at Henry County Hospital. Ms. Palmer ... Read more
- [National Arbitrator Das Issues Award on DPS Flats Implementation Procedures](https://ruralinfo.net/national-arbitrator-das-issues-award-on-dps-flats-implementation-procedures/): National Arbitrator Das Issues Award on DPS Flats Implementation Procedures In September 2011, pursuant to Article 19 of the National Agreement, the Postal Service issued its final DPS flats implementation procedures. These procedures differed significantly from the existing DPS letter implementation procedures and the Union challenged them on grounds that they were not, fair, reasonable and equitable – the standard by which Article 19 changes must be judged. As the case was readied for arbitration. the parties were successful in resolving a number of disputes that were going to be arbitrated. Those disputes and their resolution will be discussed shortly. ... Read more
- [Co-workers, friends remember postal worker (RCA) killed in crash ](https://ruralinfo.net/co-workers-friends-remember-postal-worker-rca-killed-in-crash/): Co-workers and friends of a Greenfield Post Office employee are remembering her after she was killed Sunday afternoon while delivering packages.A spokesperson with the U.S. Postal Service confirms that Melinda Thompson of Spiceland was killed in an accident involving a postal delivery vehicle.Mary Dando of the Postal Service said, “Our hearts and prayers go out to the employee’s family.”Dando went on to say the accident is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service.The vehicle accident happened around noon on Shelby County Road 900 North when it appears the vehicle went off the road, Thompson over ... Read more
- [USPS must bargain with rural letter carriers over cyber breach, NLRB says](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-must-bargain-with-rural-letter-carriers-over-cyber-breach-nlrb-says/): The NRLCA contends that former Postmaster General Pat Donahoe deliberately kept Postal Service employees in the dark about the cyber breach. The delayed notice, it said, made it impossible for employees to immediately safeguard their personal information. The Postal Service admitted in November that at least two months earlier, hackers had accessed more than 800,000 current and former employees’ sensitive information, including their names, Social Security numbers, and addresses. Once news broke, members of Congress came forward to say Postal officials had told them of the breach on two separate occasions before making it public. They also questioned the agency’s ... Read more
- [Updates from the NRLCA Eastern States Conference](https://ruralinfo.net/updates-from-the-nrlca-eastern-states-conference/): The coalition the NRLCA has joined with Apwu/mail-handlers/NALC is very important as we lay aside our differences to fight for 6 day delivery, continued door-to-door delivery, fighting plant closing, and the very survival of the postal service. Although the jury is still out in regard to the new PMG, history and press was made with the first meeting of negotiations with the first ever FEMALE PMG and a female union president. A great deal of time was spent discussing the engineering time study. Basically these three engineers have to gather the data. Then once that is done everything can be ... Read more
- [In federal courtroom, rare death penalty case involves slaying of postal employee](https://ruralinfo.net/in-federal-courtroom-rare-death-penalty-case-involves-slaying-of-postal-employee/): Lawyers for accused postal-worker killer James Wayne Ham say he will agree to “live in a box for the rest of his life” to avoid a death penalty trial, but Justice Department officials say they will continue to pursue a capital case against the San Jacinto County man. The 38-year-old has been awaiting trial for nearly two years to face allegations that he fatally shot rural mail carrier Eddie “Marie” Youngblood as she made deliveries in Coldspring in May 2013. The community is about 60 miles north of Houston. Ham, who appeared in court on Monday during a pretrial conference ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on Disengaging Shoulder Belt When Delivering from a (RHD) Vehicle](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-disengaging-shoulder-belt-when-delivering-from-a-rhd-vehicle/): This grievance concerns management requiring rural carriers to only disengage the shoulder belt when the vehicle is stopped and then must reengage the shoulder belt prior to moving the vehicle. The parties agree rural carriers are not expected to continually unfasten and fasten the shoulder belt when traveling between mailboxes in situations when the shoulder belt prevents their ability to deliver and collect mail. Rural carriers should consider safety conditions before making a determination to leave the shoulder belt disengaged. Step 4 Settlement – E06R-4E-C 09288606.
- [USPS instructs rural routes to take DPS Flats directly to the street after fulfillment of RHD agreement](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-instructs-rural-routes-to-take-dps-flats-directly-to-the-street-after-fulfillment-of-rhd-agreement/): USPS says the MOU-(DPS-Flats-Vehicle-8-11-2014) to allow routes with USPS provided vehicles to case DPS flats is terminated.  They claim they have fulfilled their obligation to put 15000 RHD Employer provided vehicles on rural routes and they will instruct carriers with Employer provided vehicles to cease casing and strapping out DPS flats on March 30th, 2015. Below is the letter notifying the NRLCA that the August 2014 MOU is terminated.  
- [NRLCA: New Texting Capabilities On Mobile Delivery Devices (MDD)](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-new-texting-capabilities-on-mobile-delivery-devices-mdd/): The Postal Service notified the NRLCA recently about new texting functionality on the new scanners Mobile Delivery Devices (MDD). Prior to the NRLCA having the opportunity to discuss several issues related to this new feature, the Postal Service implemented the texting functionality to the field. The NRLCA had an initial meeting with Postal Headquarters to discuss the many issues we have, to include: SAFETY, work rules around texting, description of all texting capabilities to include instruction being given to rural carriers, and the appropriate compensation associated with this new work function. The NRLCA also requested that this new texting functionality ... Read more
- [NRLCA: Wounded Warriors Act Passes House](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-wounded-warriors-act-passes-house/): Wounded Warriors Act Passes House The Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2015 (H.R. 313) was passed in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The NRLCA had previously endorsed the legislation when it was first introduced in January 2015. The bipartisan legislation would allow disabled veterans who enter the federal workforce 104 hours of sick leave for medical visits related to service-related injuries and disabilities in their first year. The bill was endorsed by the Federal Postal Coalition which represents nearly five million postal and federal workers. Jeanette Dwyer, President of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, issued ... Read more
- [NRLCA, APWU, and USPS go to court over who sorts the mail](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-apwu-and-usps-go-to-court-over-who-sorts-the-mail/): Early last fall, the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) filed a labor grievance against the Postal Service concerning who separates and sorts the mail brought back to the post office by rural carriers.  Now the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) has filed a lawsuit against the Postal Service and the APWU over the issue. The case involves work assignments in Jacksonville, Florida, which has over 200 rural routes and 250 rural carriers.  It’s the second largest post office in the country for rural delivery. When rural carriers in Jacksonville return from their routes, they separate and sort the mail ... Read more
- [Part-time rural carriers claim they’re treated like ‘junk mail’](https://ruralinfo.net/part-time-rural-carriers-claim-theyre-treated-like-junk-mail/): Photo: Toby Holder laments the Killeen post office’s treatment of part-time rural carriers. For the last six years, Toby Holder has worked as a part-time, rural carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Killeen. But the contract he signed with USPS turned out to be more than a part-time job, he said, as budget constraints and short staffing created an atmosphere of mistreatment, unsafe conditions and pay issues. “They treat us like junk mail,” Holder said. The choice of phrasing isn’t lost on Holder, as the USPS is becoming increasingly reliant on revenue from catalogs, advertisements and other unsolicited items ... Read more
- [IG: USPS spends far more on city mail carriers than rural carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/ig-usps-spends-far-more-on-city-mail-carriers-than-rural-carriers/): The Postal Service is paying significantly more in costs to supervise city mail carriers than it does for rural carriers, says a Dec. 2 USPS inspector general report. For every 100 employees, supervisory costs – including salary and benefits – for city carriers were about $440,000 on average in fiscal 2013, the report (pdf) says. The supervisory costs of the same number rural carriers came in at about $220,000 on average. Also, the Postal Service paid about $1.2 million for city carrier overtime, per 100 employees. Overtime for rural carriers was only $236,000 per 100 employees. The IG says supervisors have more activities to ... Read more
- [Letter to the Union from over worked and P'd Off RCA »](https://ruralinfo.net/letter-to-the-union-from-over-worked-and-pd-off-rca/): To the NRLCA, Recently, the plan for Amazon Sunday deliveries was put into effect by the USPS. The plan is to have “main” offices as the Hub for these deliveries, not just to that office’s city and rural areas, but also to surrounding areas. This in essence committed “substitute” carriers/RCAs, in that specific office, to deliver amazon parcels to a very large area, on Sundays. Not just during the Christmas Holiday rush, but for the entire year. While this is certainly a good income generating venture for the Postal Service and could possibly help save us, you, as our Union, ... Read more
- [NRLCA: Postmaster General Donahoe to Retire February 2015](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-postmaster-general-donahoe-to-retire-february-2015/): Postmaster General Donahoe to Retire February 2015 The United States Postal Service Board of Governors announced today that Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Patrick R. Donahoe has decided to retire February 1, 2015, after 39 years with the Postal Service. At a public meeting of the Board of Governors this morning, Mickey D. Barnett, Chairman of the Board, called Donahoe a visionary leader who worked tirelessly to move the organization forward during one of its most difficult periods. “Pat was the calm in the financial storm. He ignored the naysayers and went forward with his team and built a ... Read more
- [NRLCA statement on USPS employee Data Breach](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-statement-on-usps-employee-data-breach/): At 9 o’clock this morning, the NRLCA received the following information on the cyber-breach that compromised Postal Service employees’ personal information and employment information just minutes before Stand Up talks on the subject began around the country in Post Offices. President Dwyer did receive a phone call on Sunday night from Postmaster General Donahoe as a “courtesy call” about the incident. NRLCA is currently investigating to determine if other action is necessary. We ask all carriers to monitor this situation on the website.   Notification of Cyber-Intrusion and Employee Data Compromise The Postal Service recently learned of a cyber-intrusion into ... Read more
- [Another rural carrier dies in accident on the route](https://ruralinfo.net/another-rural-carrier-dies-in-accident-on-the-route/): Portage resident Jessica D. Halverson, 22, died Monday after her vehicle rolled over and crashed on Old Highway U in the town of Caledonia, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. Halverson was driving a 2001 Chevy Blazer from the right front passenger seat as part of her employment as a rural route delivery person with the U.S. Postal Service. She was the only person in the car and was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. A 911 call was received at 3:37 p.m. Monday about the crash about one-third of a mile south of Potter Road. Halverson ... Read more
- [RCA rural carrier dies in Illinois crash](https://ruralinfo.net/rca-rural-carrier-dies-illinois-crash/): Will County authorities say a U.S. Postal Service driver has been killed in a crash southwest of Chicago. The county coroner’s office said 48-year-old Daniel McGuire of Channahon died Thursday. A Will County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman says McGuire drove his mail truck off a road and onto the shoulder before crossing the center line and striking a Culligan water truck head-on near Joliet. McGuire was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s office says an autopsy is scheduled. It’s unclear what caused McGuire to lose control of the vehicle via Sheriff: US postal worker dies in Illinois crash – WGEM.com: ... Read more
- [U.S. seeks death penalty in murder of rural carrier Marie Youngblood](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-seeks-death-penalty-in-murder-of-rural-carrier-marie-youngblood/): HOUSTON – The United States has filed a motion of its intent to seek the death penalty upon the conviction of James Wayne Ham for the murder of a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service (USPS), announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Inspector in Charge Robert Wemyss of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and San Jacinto County District Attorney Richard Countiss. A grand jury sitting in Houston returned a two-count indictment against Ham, 37, of Coldspring, on June 13, 2013. He is charged with one count of murder and one count of using a firearm in ... Read more
- [What is the most important form in a rural carrier's work life?](https://ruralinfo.net/what-is-the-most-important-form-in-a-rural-carriers-work-life/): THE PS FORM 4003 This form is to update a route for regular carriers, but it also affects a relief carrier’s paycheck if it is not updated.  RCAs also need to know this information!! The PS Form 4003 contains all the route’s current, active delivery data including an official line of travel, current number of deliveries, miles traveled, authorized dismounts, etc… This form is used to update any changes that occur on a rural route between mail counts. The PM or supervisor must complete Form 4003 for submission to the district at the end of each pay period if there are ... Read more
- [Oklahoma rural carrier killed while delivering mail](https://ruralinfo.net/oklahoma-rural-carrier-killed-while-delivering-mail/): A Ponca City rural mail carrier died of massive injuries at the scene of a two-vehicle collision Tuesday about two miles northwest of Ponca City. Two Ponca City men are also injured in the rural area wreck which happened at 12:57 p.m. in the unmarked intersection at West Tower Road and South W Street. Brandi Torres, 34, died at the scene. She was the driver of a 2013 Honda CRV, one of those involved in the accident, according to a report by Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Malcolm Deming. Her passenger, James Anderson, 31, suffered head and trunk internal injuries. He ... Read more
- [New MOU related to delayed RHD drive deployment and casing DPS Flats](https://ruralinfo.net/new-mou-related-to-delayed-rhd-drive-deployment-and-casing-dps-flats/): The NRLCA and USPS signs MOU related to the delay of the USPS deployment of right-hand drive vehicles and carriers rights to case DPS flats MOU-DPS Flats-Vehicle-8-11-2014 via NRLCA.org.
- [Some information on the new scanners](https://ruralinfo.net/some-information-on-the-new-scanners/): Some basic information on the new scanners from a rural carrier who just started using it on their route.   The pen attached does not work.. You still have to have the customer sign the 3849. When you deliver something you have to indicate where you left it (in mailbox, at front door, in parcel locker, with individual, with neighbor). The screen is a touch screen, you can use the buttons, or tap on screen like a smart phone. They download every 10 seconds, but the list of scans remain in the scanner and the number of scans can be ... Read more
- [Today in 1912 a rural carrier did this for the first time](https://ruralinfo.net/today-in-1912-a-rural-carrier-did-this-for-the-first-time/): A rural carrier in Bennington County, VT, was the first to deliver mail by car on a rural route today in 1912. — Postal Museum (@PostalMuseum) August 7, 2014 Twitter / PostalMuseum: A rural carrier in Bennington ….   Shortly thereafter rural mail might have been delivered in one of these Rural Free Delivery vehicles.
- [NRLCA Signs Pre-Arbitration Settlement Related to Locked Mail Boxes](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-signs-pre-arbitration-settlement-related-to-locked-mail-boxes/): The issue in this grievance is whether rural carriers are entitled to additional time when they make more than one pass to a locked mail box. The parties agree that a locked mail box should have a slot large enough to accommodate the customer’s normal daily volume of mail. The parties further agree that there may be instances during a mail count when additional time is warranted for making more than one pass to a compliant mailbox dependent on the particular fact circumstances.   via News Info.
- [There is no knowledge without unity](https://ruralinfo.net/there-is-no-knowledge-without-unity/): I am seeing a lot of posts about carriers returning from their state conventions. I would love if someone would put together some highlights I can share with everyone. With the huge growth of this website and our various social networks, surely someone is willing to step up for me..  There have been several in past years that have shared their knowledge with all of us and I hope someone will help me out this year too. Always remember that some of the information you get here is because someone shared it with me. I know carriers are “warned” about ... Read more
- [NRLCA files National Level Step 4 Grievance related to compensation for “National Check with Inquiries (NACI)”](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-files-national-level-step-4-grievance-related-to-compensation-for-national-check-with-inquiries-naci/): NRLCA files National Level Step 4 Grievance related to compensation for “National Check with Inquiries (NACI)” This case involves the Postal Inspection Service taking over the processing of National Check with Inquiries (NACI) investigations for career hires and employees converted to career from the Office of Personnel Management. The process of the NACI started in 2006 based on changes with Homeland Security, but nothing really happened until the process moved to the Postal Inspection Service. This change has caused several issues around the country where carriers being converted to regular must complete the NACI survey, and in some cases are ... Read more
- [Quick update on the NRLCA/USPS Engineering study](https://ruralinfo.net/quick-update-on-the-nrlcausps-engineering-study/):   Thanks for sharing.. DH  Information from union meeting – Main topic of discussion, time study. Seems the USPS has now realized all the unions contracts are expiring in 2015 and they need this time study for negotiations. So the USPS is “now” fully funding the study so that this information can be obtained. There is a engineering group of 3; one USPS, one Union, and one suppose to be unbiased party picked by the 2 of them. To set a time standard for a duty, 80% of the people have to be able to perform at that standard. There ... Read more
- [Highlights from the NRLCA Eastern States Conference](https://ruralinfo.net/highlights-from-the-nrlca-eastern-states-conference/): Huge Thank You going out to Jerri Michelle Gatewood for sharing her information with all of us.  First a couple of major issues: Convention entertainment: It is with great joy that I announce that after seven years of personal grass root efforts and informing others our hard work has paid off.. Jeanette Dwyer has announced no longer will the national office be paying approximately $150,000 of our union money for headline entertainment for the banquet at national convention. We will be having karaoke this year. It is hoped that talented union members will be used at future conventions. But for now ... Read more
- [NRLCA: USPS CONTRACTS FOR NEW SCANNERS (MDDs)](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-usps-contracts-for-new-scanners-mdds/): USPS CONTRACTS FOR NEW SCANNERS (MDDs) After several months of testing and evaluation, including some hands-on device evaluation by rural letter carriers, the USPS has contracted with Honeywell International, Inc. to produce the newest version of a handheld scanning device for rural letter carriers. The Honeywell Dolphin 99EX, called the Mobile Delivery Device (MDD) by USPS, will eventually replace the current IMDs that we are using.  The Honeywell device will also eliminate the need for the cells phones that many carriers have been required to carry with them on the route.  The Dolphin 99EX combines scanning and data transmission in ... Read more
- [NRLCA: Postal Unions Unite in Historic Agreement to Protect America's Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-postal-unions-unite-in-historic-agreement-to-protect-americas-postal-service/): On March 10, 2014 an historic agreement was signed by the Postal Union Presidents representing the Rural Letter Carriers, Mail Handlers, American Postal Workers, and City Letter Carriers. The purpose of the agreement is to show our solidarity, and to protect the invaluable institution that is the United States Postal Service. We call upon our members, and the American Public to join with us in this important endeavor. We stand for a public Postal Service, enhancement and expansion of service and protection of good union jobs in our communities. We stand with the people of our country in defense of their ... Read more
- [Step 4 - Regular carrier's right to a leave replacement assigned to route](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-regular-carriers-right-to-a-leave-replacement-assigned-to-route/): The issue in this grievance concerns a regular carrier’s right to require a leave replacement be assigned to their route in accordance with Article 30.2.A.2. The Parties agree that management has a reasonable period of time after the written request of a regular rural carrier to have a leave replacement assigned to their route, which is defined as 120 days. If management is unsuccessful in filing a leave replacement vacancy on a “K” route during this time period, a part-time flexible (PTF) rural carrier position will be established, provided the PTF will be assigned at least (2) “K” route primary ... Read more
- [Step 4 - Credit when required to scan EVS barcodes](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-credit-when-required-to-scan-evs-barcodes/): The issue in this grievance concerns proper credit during a mail count when management requires carriers to scan EVS barcodes at the time of delivery. The Parties agree that if management requires rural carriers to scan additional mail pieces with barcodes at the time of delivery, such as EVS barcodes without USPS Tracking, appropriate credit will be provided in Column 15, Non-Signature Scan Items. Download Step 4 here via News Info.
- [Step 4 : Using firm sheets when less than 6 pieces](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-using-firm-sheets-when-less-than-6-pieces/): The issue in this grievance concerns the use of firm sheets in situations when there are less than six (6) qualifying pieces. The Parties agree that when an address receives six or more qualifying pieces in one day on an “L” route only, a PS Form 3883 should be used. The Parties further agree that when an address receives five or less qualifying pieces in one day, a PS Form 3849 is utilized and the route will receive individual credit for such pieces. The PO-610 states, “2-3.1 Firm Sheet — Creation PS Form 3849 can link up to five signature ... Read more
- [NRLCA and USPS resolve dispute on Prepaid Event and piece credit during mail count](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-and-usps-resolve-dispute-on-prepaid-event-and-piece-credit-during-mail-count/): The NRLCA and the USPS have been in discussions about appropriate credit during mail count for a Prepaid event and the pieces associated with that event, when accepting/collecting these items at a location other than the established delivery point. The parties have reached a mutual understanding on this issue and a letter is expected to be signed Monday February 24, 2014 and this credit should be applied to the current mail count beginning February 22, 2014. The intent of the Letter of Mutual Understanding is as follows: In those instances when management directs the rural carrier to accept/collect these items ... Read more
- [Delivery Person Dog Shaming](https://ruralinfo.net/delivery-person-dog-shaming/):       “If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow; but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much.” ― Mark Twain Follow Ruralinfo.net’s board Postal/Delivery person Dog Shaming on Pinterest.
- [Guidelines for Acts of God from the NRLCA](https://ruralinfo.net/guidelines-for-acts-of-god-from-the-nrlca/): The Postal Service takes a narrow view on Administrative Leave for Acts of God.  They must be general instead of personal, meaning large groups of employees not being able to make it to work. See more information at the links below: 1.  Click here for Act of God information from the NRLCA 2.  Click here for Act of God information from the ELM
- [Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows the game](https://ruralinfo.net/sometimes-you-want-to-go-where-everybody-knows-the-game/): This is a Ruralinfo.net Editorial. Click here to see all Ruralinfo.net editiorials It never ceases to amaze me when a carrier happens upon Ruralinfo.net and then proceeds to tell us how much they love their job and they wonder why everyone complains so much on my website. They wonder why there is so much negative news shared.  Only thing I can figure is that they work in a small office and have never heard what other carriers go through every day. Rural carriers tend to be spread out a lot and there really are instances where a rural carrier might ... Read more
- [NRLCA Saddened by Carrier Shooting in Landover, MD](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-saddened-by-carrier-shooting-in-landover-md/): The NRLCA expresses its sincere condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of our fellow Postal employee, Tyson Barnette, who was killed this past weekend.  Mr. Barnette, a City Letter Carrier was gunned down while delivering mail in Landover, MD, a suburb of Washington D.C., on the evening of November 23.  He was 26 years old.   We are profoundly saddened any time we lose a member of the Postal family, especially when he is killed while performing the Postal Service’s most essential function: delivering mail.  These tragedies remind us that, every day, Rural Letter Carriers face many serious dangers. ... Read more
- [103- ok 99 - Positive Changes That Our Union Leadership Has Gained](https://ruralinfo.net/103-positive-changes-that-our-union-leadership-has-gained/): By John Amtsfield Former State Steward, New Jersey Some of these are a little bit dated, but still a great list. 1. Creation of PTF rural employees so that some relief personnel are career employees with benefits. 2. No Layoff clause. 3. RCAs earn leave while serving on auxiliary route or on vacant regular route over 90 days. 4. Prohibition from working regular carriers on Sundays. 5. Payment at the overtime rate for rural carriers forced to work their relief days. This is a very controversial provision and USPS officials are claiming they were hogswoggled by the NRLCA with all ... Read more
- [Has your office implemented the Red Line policy?](https://ruralinfo.net/has-your-office-implemented-the-red-line-policy/): If your office has implemented the RED LINE Policy, where you are not allowed, after returning from your route to the office, to take anything across the RED LINE or back to your case. If management is requiring you to do additional duties, that you were not given credit for during last mail count, like waiting to get into office, filling out 1571, PM markup, handling mail extra times, etc. File a grievance to get credit and compensation built into the evaluation of your route.  If you have any questions, call one of the NRLCA District Representative’s. via KYRLCA Home Page.
- [NRLCA Form 30 Required for Worker's Compensation Assistance](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-form-30-required-for-workers-compensation-assistance/): If you have any questions or concerns pertaining to a Worker’s Compensation issue, please contact Devin Cassidy, Director of Worker’s Compensation. To receive assistance, you will first need to submit a NRLCA Form 30. This Form 30 must be received in the National Office before Devin can assist you with your issues. The Form 30 can be downloaded by CLICKING HERE or by contacting Devin at the National Office Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET at 703-684-5545. via News Info.
- [Step 4:Proper Credit for DPS Flats With More Than One Zone](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4proper-credit-for-dps-flats-with-more-than-one-zone/): The issue in this grievance concerns the proper credit during a mail count for DPS flats when a rural route delivers mail to more than one zone. The additional credit is based on a route that crosses between zones more than once. When this occurs the route is credited in column 17 based on the additional minutes per piece for the smaller volume zone(s). The credit has to be done through column 17 as the appropriate DPS flats credit is triggered only by the assignment of a government provided right- hand drive vehicle. Download Step 4 via News Info.
- [Whose fault is it anyway?](https://ruralinfo.net/whose-fault-is-it-anyway/): My previous editorial “The Union Membership” raised some hackles.  Good, that is exactly what I wanted it to do.  Sometimes we have to instigate people to think about things from a different perspective.  If we are only surrounded by those with the exact same opinion, then we might not ever be challenged to look at things in a different way. I am a union supporter.  I always have been.  But that does not mean I support the way they do all things.  I believe my dues buy me the right to criticize actions of my union.  I support them monetarily ... Read more
- [The Union membership.](https://ruralinfo.net/the-union-membership/):   Not sure if most of you know this, but I usually stay on the union “bad” list for the information I share.  I am accused of letting non members have information only meant for union members.  I have heard this accusation since the beginning of this website.  Yes, I do share information that is shared at State Conventions, National Conventions, etc…   I come by this information honestly.   A rural carrier usually sends me the information.  The problems come in when I share it on my website. That is when the accusations begin that I am giving non members ... Read more
- [GMAC - Provider of RLC Vehicle Insurance Plan Becomes National General Insurance](https://ruralinfo.net/gmac-provider-of-rlc-vehicle-insurance-plan-becomes-national-general-insurance/): As the provider of the RLC Vehicle Insurance Plan, GMAC Insurance is pleased to announce that we are now National General Insurance.  We are the same world-class company – powered by the same great people – just with a brand new look and name!    As National General Insurance, we expect a seamless transition for all of our valued NRLCA customers.  Our commitment to provide exceptional service and affordable, specifically-tailored insurance products remains the same.  NRLCA Members can expect to enjoy the same great service from our dedicated sales, service and claims representatives.  After all, we’ve been serving Rural Letter ... Read more
- [Rural Time Standard Engineer Study Update](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-time-standard-engineer-study-update/): A quick update- (Thank you Mike) The 3 time-study engineers are out and about in the field now. They visited several offices in the Greensboro district and even rode with one carrier. All 3 are very impressed with the work that we do and the many tasks we have to perform. This includes the engineer that the USPS chose and reportedly they are not real happy with his reports. Oh well, as one of our arbitrators once said, “It is what it is”. Nice to get some folks who are not under the thumb of either side and can look ... Read more
- [Funeral procession for slain Rural Carrier Marie Youngblood](https://ruralinfo.net/funeral-procession-for-slain-rural-carrier-marie-youngblood/): Over 700 friends, family and co-workers attended the funeral service for Marie Youngblood, the Rural Mail Carrier from Shepherd that was gunned down May 17th as she delivered mail on her route. Her vehicle was then driven to another location and burned with her in it. The service Saturday morning was held at Shepherd United Pentecostal Church. Many friends and even postal customers stood to say a few words on how kind and sweet Ms. Youngblood was. Youngblood, a very religious woman also spread her faith among almost anyone she touched. Marie Youngblood’s funeral procession from the church to Cedar ... Read more
- [A very disturbing trend has appeared among rural carriers…](https://ruralinfo.net/a-very-disturbing-trend-has-appeared-among-rural-carriers/): I have come across a disturbing trend among rural carriers these last couple of months. I hear from so many that this is not the time to worry about our rights as rural carriers.. and that we have bigger things to worry about. While, I certainly understand that the USPS is in dire consequences, this is not a reason to give up our fight for our rights. Sure, we can do what we can to help keep our employer alive, but we have to remember, the state of the USPS is not our doing.. Most rural carriers I know do ... Read more
- [Brief history of the rural craft](https://ruralinfo.net/brief-history-of-the-rural-craft/): The following brief history recap is from Mort on delphi, he has combined his memory of things, along with facts from “A Centennial Portrait” by Lester F. Miller Very interesting read for those of us that were not around back in the 1970s… Thanks Mort.. Here is some history for you youngsters. I was hired before you Leland, (July 1977). Prior to 1969 rural carriers and PM’s were appointed to their positions by the political party that controlled the executive office (US Presidency). Prospective candidates were selected from the top 3 candidates of the elegibility roster, but a political recommendation ... Read more
- [Response from USPS law/ethics department regarding the USPS social media policy](https://ruralinfo.net/response-from-usps-lawethics-department-regarding-the-usps-social-media-policy/): My Question:  Does the new revised social media policy restrict craft employees from engaging with each other on social media sites..  My understanding is that the new policies are that postal employees are not to speak on behalf of the USPS or act like they are in an official capacity..   Can you possibly shed more light on this? Answer from USPS law/ethics dept:  You are correct – the attached Social Media Policy mainly addresses the conduct of Postal Service employees who use social media in their official capacity to communicate with the public or Postal Service employees.  However, it also notes ... Read more
- [United we Stand? Not Quite….](https://ruralinfo.net/united-we-stand-not-quite/): United we stand?? Do we as a union stand united?  Are we all for one and one for all?  In my opinion, no we are not.  We are nothing like the labor unions of the old days.  We really do not have the kind of power they had back then.   The best a postal union can do these days is TRY to persuade the USPS, a mediator, or an arbitrator that we deserve more. And that is what the NRLCA does. But what about the thousands of members out there.  Do you feel you are being represented by the ... Read more
- [I am a fraud, a rural stalker, an IMPOSTER… Oh the horror](https://ruralinfo.net/i-am-a-fraud-a-rural-stalker-an-imposter-oh-the-horror/): Ruralinfo.net note: This is a blast from the past.. Something I wrote a couple of years ago…  Still makes me giggle to this day..  Enjoy! Ok, so, I got word that one certain State Steward is telling carriers in his state that moi (ruralinfo) has been checked out by the NRLCA National Officers and that I am not even a rural carrier or a postal employee… Wow, I knew that posting that petition would piss em off but wow.. So, here is the response I posted on my other message board about this… LMAO Ok, I have been found out.. ... Read more
- [The USPS Double Standard..](https://ruralinfo.net/the-usps-double-standard/): Historical Editorial – Not recent- you will see references to past events The latest GAO report about spending by management just shows that the the USPS recession only affects craft workers. http://www.uspsoig.gov/foia_files/FF-AR-10-025.pdf While craft jobs are being cut management is continuing business as usual.. There is a new VP of “something” about once a month. Plans are in the works to reduce mail service to the American people by closing and consolidations and reducing service to 5 days. There is also a report out there at the PRC where the USPS is quietly closing stations without going through the proper ... Read more
- [History is a painful reminder of just how much HAS NOT changed!! 113 years later…](https://ruralinfo.net/history-is-a-painful-reminder-of-just-how-much-has-not-changed-113-years-later/): The National Postal Museum has an excellent new exhibit on the history of Rural Free Delivery. Rural Free Delivery began on October 1st, 1896. That was 113 years ago. I will add the link to it below, but first, as I was looking at the exhibit, I came across something that jumped out and slapped me in the face. In the 113 years since rural delivery began, it seems not much has changed. Of course, we have made gains in pay, benefits, etc. But look at the quote below from the exhibit and tell me that doesnt speak volumes to ... Read more
- [10 things you might not know about the USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-the-usps/): Presidential Postal Workers Two postmasters became US Presidents later in their careers. Abraham Lincoln and Harry Truman. Truman held the title and signed papers but immediately turned the position and its pay over to an assistant. Lincoln was the only President who had served as a postmaster. Famous Postal Workers Some famous people that were postal workers prior to become famous. Bing Crosby was a clerk in Spokane WA.  Walt Disney was a subsitute carrier in Chicago IL.  Rock Hudson was a letter carrier in Winnetka, IL Postal Savings System The USPS at one time served as a bank.  An ... Read more
- [Route Vehicles and Inequality](https://ruralinfo.net/route-vehicles-and-inequality/): Yesterday, I asked a simple question of my followers on Facebook. I asked them, “How many days of your annual leave or LWOP have you had to sacrifice for the sake of vehicle repairs?” This stirred a lot of rural carriers up BIG TIME. Of course most had used a lot of their annual/vacation days for vehicle repairs, maintenance, etc, and most were upset about it. I don’t know how many others have used, but I had to use about 6 days of my annual leave last year for vehicle repair purposes, maintenance, etc. The numbers of days in the ... Read more
- [What have unions done? Here’s what….](https://ruralinfo.net/what-have-unions-done-heres-what/): I put these facts together because I am really growing tired of all of the anti-union rhetoric and propaganda that seems to be the popular opinion these days. Americans have forgotten that the middle class was built on unions. If you receive paid holidays, thank a union. If you receive vacation time, thank a union. If you receive health insurance, thank a union. If you receive unemployment pay, thank a union. If you work in a safe workplace, thank a union. I could go on and on, but you get the point.   I often hear the cry from various ... Read more
- [Wrong side driving. Does the USPS condone it or not?](https://ruralinfo.net/wrong-side-driving-does-the-usps-condone-it-or-not/): There was an article written in the Roanoke Times this week about rural carriers delivering from the right side while reaching across to the left to use the steering wheel and brake/gas controls. The reporter contacted me a couple of months ago asking if he could post on my message boards to solicit opinions from rural carriers. I told him he could post his questions, and he did, and he got a lot of opinions, but no one wanted their name to be used in the article. In the article he finally ended up flagging a rural carrier down on ... Read more
- [Twas the day after Christmas overtime](https://ruralinfo.net/twas-the-day-after-christmas-overtime/): Its that time again.. I always pull out my Christmas OT poem about this time every year.. I wrote this a few years ago, but nothing ever changes.. Twas the day after Christmas overtime and all around my case were piles and piles of catalogs with not an inch of floor in the place I peered through the piles, looking for “the man” expecting him there with my time sheet in hand But what did my wandering eyes did appear Only a clerk with more piles did appear I started to case as fast as I could Knowing my haste ... Read more
- [On the 12th day of Christmas Overtime the USPS gave to me…](https://ruralinfo.net/on-the-12th-day-of-christmas-overtime-the-usps-gave-to-me/): The 12 days things is going around FB, so I thought I would add our own special touch! On the 12th day of Christmas Overtime the USPS gave to me… 12 Migraine headaches 11 Busted knuckles 10 False directives 9 Letters of Warning 8 Managers freaking 7 Shoulders aching 6 Pre-D discussions Fiiiivvvveeee broken machines 4 Complaining customers 3 Flat tires 2 Late trucks and a PM who won’t stop yelling at meee!
- [15 things your rural carrier wont tell you...](https://ruralinfo.net/15-things-your-rural-carrier-wont-tell-you/): 1. No, you didnt get any mail.  If you had any mail I would have put it in your box. Just because you didnt find any mail in your box DOES NOT mean someone stole your mail. There really are times when you do not get mail. I promise.   2. No, the USPS did NOT buy me this bright shiny new vehicle, I had to buy it to deliver mail. I know, hard to believe.. but true   3. I did shut your mail box, but the big truck that just blew past it at 100 mph blew the ... Read more
- [Social media and Postal Employees](https://ruralinfo.net/social-media-and-postal-employees/): A Ruralinfo.net Editorial Social media and what employees can do and say is kind of a New Frontier.  Basically, with the surge of Facebook, Twitter and all of the other social media websites out there, we are more or less, as a work force, stumbling in the dark.  So what exactly are the rules concerning Postal employees and what they can and can’t say while using social media? I asked the USPS law/ethics department what the regulations are regarding social media and postal employees.  Below is my question and their response: My Question: Does the new revised social media policy ... Read more
- [Rest in Peace Marie Youngblood our fellow rural carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/rest-in-peace-marie-youngblood-our-fellow-rural-carrier/): Obituary for Marie Youngblood – She was laid to rest on Saturday, June 1st, 2013   Marie Youngblood 52; passed away on Friday, May 17, 2013 in Coldspring, Texas. Mrs. Youngblood was born on Thursday January 12, 1961 in Houston, Texas; to Eddie Matthews and Hasteen Matthews. Marie was preceded in death by her father; Eddie Matthews, brothers; Lorenzo Matthews and Dwight Noble Johnson Jr., her sisters; Annie Mae Johnson and Dora Matthews. Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband George Youngblood; two sons; George Elliot Youngblood Jr., and Mark Anthony Youngblood and wife LaTonya Youngblood; two brothers; ... Read more
- [Step 4 Grievance Settlement: City Carriers Assigned to Collect Parcels From Rural Route Customer](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-grievance-settlement-city-carriers-assigned-to-collect-parcels-from-rural-route-customer/): The issue in this grievance concerns city carriers being assigned to collect parcels from a customer on a rural route. The parties agree that collecting parcels from customers on a rural route are generally craft specific duties, unless operational issues exist. Download via News Info.
- [Post Plan - The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing](https://ruralinfo.net/post-plan-the-wolf-in-sheeps-clothing/): A Ruralinfo.net Editorial In July 2011, the Postal Service announced that nearly 3700 post office’s would be studied for closure.  There was major public outcry, especially from small rural communities who did not want to lose their post office.  Public meetings were held, and from the feedback received at these public meetings, the USPS developed a “New” strategy. Enter the Post Plan.. The Post Plan was touted as the way to keep rural post office’s open.. Under the plan, Post Offices may be transitioned to 2-hour, 4-hour or 6-hour periods of operation each day. I work in a rural community and ... Read more
- [Postal Déjà vu](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-deja-vu/): Most people do not think of the job of a Postal worker as being a dangerous job.  In reality, there are a lot of dangers Postal workers face both in the plants and post offices and on the street delivering mail.  This brings me to the Ricin laced letters sent through the mail.  These letters were sent to some important people in this country.  While of course, it was important who they were sent to, much more important in my opinion, are those that handled the letters while they were travelling through the mail stream. I did a search and ... Read more
- [Update on Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS)](https://ruralinfo.net/update-on-rural-route-evaluated-compensation-system-rrecs/): Since the June 23rd, 2018 final report of the panel for the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS) the postal service has had teams developing the software and systems to support RRECS. As we move forward with implementing RRECS, the USPS will conduct an end to end test on 4,205 rural study routes to confirm functionality of the system. A critical component of testing the functionality of internal systems necessary for the implementation of RRECS is Rural Street Database (RSD) mapping and certification. The postal service will begin recertification of the original study routes on February 8, 2019. There will ... Read more
- [Ohio Rural Carrier ejected, killed in crash; collision under investigation](https://ruralinfo.net/ohio-rural-carrier-ejected-killed-in-crash-collision-under-investigation/): WADSWORTH TOWNSHIP, OH (WOIO) – A mailman died tragically when his truck overturned during a violent two-car crash in Wadsworth on Wednesday. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Randy Irwin, 59, of Macedonia, was pulling into traffic on his mail route along SR 94 when he was struck from behind by Danielle Ullman, 31, of Doylestown. Irwin’s truck careened off the road and overturned; he was partially ejected in the collision. Irwin died on scene and was transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s office. Ullman was taken to Wadsworth Rittman Hospital and sustained minor injuries. Alcohol or drugs ... Read more
- [Rural carrier dies in Fresno after getting into altercation during work](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-dies-in-fresno-after-getting-into-altercation-during-work/): FRESNO, California – The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a mail carrier. Officials tell us 63-year-old Fernando Santoya was delivering mail in the 700 block of South Polk Avenue Tuesday afternoon when he got into an altercation with a group of men who were working on a house. The group of men were hired to perform work on the home, officials say. The sheriff’s office says one of the workers had parked his vehicle in front of the mailbox, so he moved it once the mail carrier arrived. Witnesses told detectives Santoya got into an argument ... Read more
- [Body found on Eau Claire's northside now identified as missing rural carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/body-found-on-eau-claires-northside-now-identified-as-missing-rural-carrier/): EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (RELEASE) — On Thursday, December 6, 2018 at approximately 4:15 p.m. investigators with the Buffalo and Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Offices went to a residence on the 2600 block of Seymour Road related to the Toby A. Cleasby missing person investigation. This residence is in the City of Eau Claire. During the course of this investigatory work, the body of an adult male was found inside the residence. The Eau Claire Police Department was contacted and is the lead agency in this death investigation. On Friday, December 7, 2018 the body was transported to the University of Wisconsin ... Read more
- [A 54-year-old rural carrier died Sunday following a crash involving her mail truck](https://ruralinfo.net/a-54-year-old-rural-carrier-died-sunday-following-a-crash-involving-her-mail-truck/): A 54-year-old employee of the U.S. Postal Service died Sunday following a crash Friday night involving her mail truck on Salisbury Road in Midlothian. Chesterfield County police said Beverly L. Sublett, of the 19000 block of Poachers Run, was transported to a local hospital after a crash at 5:40 p.m. Friday near the intersection of Salisbury and Olde Stonegate roads, which is near the Robious Road entrance to the Salisbury neighborhood. Police said their investigation indicates Sublett experienced a medical emergency at the time of the crash. The 1994 U.S. Postal Service mail truck she was driving rolled backwards off ... Read more
- [Step 4 on Scheduling PTF Rural Carriers on Their String Routes](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-on-scheduling-ptf-rural-carriers-on-their-string-routes/): The issue in this grievance is the scheduling of PTF Rural Carriers on their “String” routes. Local management took the position that they could schedule a PTF on any route and bypass the PTF for work on one of their string routes provided the PTF was provided with work equal to the total evaluated hours of the assigned string routes. The parties agreed to the following settlement: In 1999, the PTF rural carrier position was established to provide additional flexibility in the work force and replacement coverage for regular rural carriers. The parties agreed that PTF rural carriers could be ... Read more
- [Step 4 on Adjusting Routes to Level Out the Evaluations](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-on-adjusting-routes-to-level-out-the-evaluations/): The issue in this case involved management adjusting a route that was not overburdened for the stated reason of “leveling out the evaluations of the routes.” The parties agreed that no national interpretive issue is fairly presented in this case. The parties further agree that, though management may provide relief of rural routes as outlined in Handbook M-38, Management of Rural Delivery Services, rural routes should not be adjusted solely for the purpose of creating equitable route evaluations.   Click here to view the Step 4 letter.
- [NRLCA: Step 4 Settlement on Carriers Required to Verify Parcels Outside of Normal Parcel Handling](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-step-4-settlement-on-carriers-required-to-verify-parcels-outside-of-normal-parcel-handling/): The issue in this grievance is whether additional compensation is warranted when local management requires rural carriers to verify parcels are properly sorted to the assigned routes immediately upon completion of parcel distribution. The parties agree that management may require rural carriers to make an additional trip to the parcel hamper in order to verify parcels have been properly distributed. In those situations where the verification is not performed in conjunction with normal and routine handling of the parcels, rural carriers shall be compensated actual time to make an additional round trip to the distribution area and to deposit any ... Read more
- [NRLCA: Step 4 Settlement on Salary Advances](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-step-4-settlement-on-salary-advances/): The issue in the grievance is management refusing to issue an emergency salary advance, claiming that the grievant had been “terminated” when, in fact, the grievant was not. The parties agree that:   “Handbook F-101, Field Accounting Procedures, Section 23-3, Employee Emergency Salary, outlines the authorized and unauthorized conditions for issuance of an emergency salary advance. The parties agree that these provisions shall apply in those instances when a rural carrier requests an emergency salary advance.”   We have attached the relevant pages from Handbook F-101 for your reference. The parties at the national level agree that the word “terminated” as used ... Read more
- [Confessions of a U.S. Postal Worker (RCA): “We deliver Amazon packages until we drop dead.”](https://ruralinfo.net/confessions-of-a-u-s-postal-worker-rca-we-deliver-amazon-packages-until-we-drop-dead/): In mid-October, I spoke with a mail carrier who works at a midsize hub of the U.S. Postal Service in rural New England. As a rural carrier associate, they make just under $18/hour in a continuous, part-time position. During the week, the carrier says that between 75 and 80 percent of the packages they deliver are Amazon packages; on Sundays, when no letters are delivered, they deliver Amazon packages exclusively, the result of a revenue-generating agreement the USPS entered into with the company in 2013. At the time of the Amazon agreement, the USPS was suffering in the wake of misguided budgetary ... Read more
- [NRLCA National Convention Attendees Urged to Complete Health Department Surveys by September 6th](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-national-convention-attendees-urged-to-complete-health-department-surveys-by-september-6th/): The Kent County Health Department has had a good response so far from rural carriers to its survey designed for attendees at the National Convention in Grand Rapids. The survey is for ALL attendees regardless of whether they contracted the flu. We are working with the Health Department and urge those who were in Grand Rapids for the National Convention to fill out the survey by close of business on Thursday. We thank you for your assistance.   The survey is available at the link below and we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to provide answers to the ... Read more
- [Kent County Health Department Survey for NRLCA Convention Attendees](https://ruralinfo.net/kent-county-health-department-survey-for-nrlca-convention-attendees/): The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) in Grand Rapids, Michigan is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to investigate an outbreak of influenza-like illness among attendees of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA) National Convention that took place August 12 through August 17 at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, MI. In an effort to gather as much information as possible about this outbreak, KCHD and MDHHS have designed an on-line survey that is being made available to conference attendees via the NRLCA. The survey is available at the link below and we would greatly appreciate ... Read more
- [Kent County Health Department News Release: Early Cluster of Flu-Like Illnesses Confirmed as H1N1 Strain](https://ruralinfo.net/kent-county-health-department-news-release-early-cluster-of-flu-like-illnesses-confirmed-as-h1n1-strain/): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 24, 2018 For additional information contact: Steve Kelso at (616) 632-7274 or Steve.Kelso@kentcountymi.gov   Early Cluster of Flu-Like Illness Confirmed as H1N1 Strain   GRAND RAPIDS – The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) have identified the strain of influenza that has now sickened approximately 120 people who attended a convention in Grand Rapids. Results obtained from Michigan residents yesterday confirms three positive cases of Influenza A (H1N1). KCHD began receiving phone calls and emails from people in at least 25 states who had attended a convention of ... Read more
- [NRLCA: Influenza Virus Affects National Convention Attendees in Grand Rapids](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-influenza-virus-affects-national-convention-attendees-in-grand-rapids/): At the close of the National Convention in Grand Rapids, we began to receive reports that some attendees were experiencing flu-like symptoms. It is possible that 100 or more convention attendees have been affected. We have been in contact with the Kent County Health Department, which has epidemiologists closely monitoring reports of Influenza A. The Kent County Health Department is also doing specimen testing to learn more about the virus and its possible origins. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing support and resources as well. We are awaiting more information about the Health Department’s data collection ... Read more
- [About 100 fall ill after NRLCA convention in Grand Rapids](https://ruralinfo.net/about-100-fall-ill-after-nrlca-convention-in-grand-rapids/):  GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Approximately 100 people have fallen ill following a convention held at the DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, and the county health department is working to learn more. The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association held their annual convention from August 7th to August 18th. When the event wrapped up and attendees had gone home, more than a handful of people found themselves sick with flu-like symptoms. Steve Kelso, the Kent County Health Department’s communications manager, says the type A flu was spread quickly from person-to-person contact at the event, leaving almost 100 people sick. Those people ... Read more
- [Election Results: 2018-2019 NRLCA National Board](https://ruralinfo.net/election-results-2018-2019-nrlca-national-board/): It is with great pride that the National Rural Letter Carrier’s Association announces its newly-elected National Board for the 2018-2019 Association year: President: Ronnie W. Stutts Vice President: Donald L. Maston Secretary-Treasurer: Clifford D. Dailing Director of Labor Relations: David L. Heather Director of Steward Operations: Susan T. Knapp Executive Committee Chairman: Shirley Baffa Executive Committeeman: Dennis L. Conley Executive Committeeman: Johnny K. Miller Executive Committeeman: Patrick A. Pitts Source: Election Results: 2018-2019 NRLCA National Board
- [RRECS Q and A at the National Convention](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-q-and-a-at-the-national-convention/):   When will the evaluations and intern adjustment become effective? Discussion will be held between the union and the postal service.. Some of what your asking I cannot answer. (Dwyer) Panel laid out procedure that will track the changes and when you get the required bank time you will receive the new evaluation. (Mericle) Are EOR reports going to resolve the flutters issue? We don’t know the answer to that. (Dwyer) Could the counts be randomized on the mini counts? Being discussed-we don’t know. (Dwyer) Does the MDD know when your between boxes and when you are stopped at boxes? ... Read more
- [The New Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System](https://ruralinfo.net/the-new-rural-route-evaluated-compensation-system/): Engineer Study Results Click below to download Click Here
- [North Carolina Rural Carrier killed in accident](https://ruralinfo.net/north-carolina-rural-carrier-killed-in-accident/): See Obituary
- [National Arbitrator Das Confirms Postal Service Must Provide NRLCA with "Final Worksheets" Comparing Rural and CDS Costs Prior to CDS Contract Renewal](https://ruralinfo.net/national-arbitrator-das-confirms-postal-service-must-provide-nrlca-with-final-worksheets-comparing-rural-and-cds-costs-prior-to-cds-contract-renewal/): On June 25, 2018, National Arbitrator Shyam Das issued his award in the long-awaited renewal of contract delivery service case. The Union’s grievance, filed in 2014, concerns the process the parties negotiated related to renewing CDS contracts pursuant to the 2012 Clarke interest arbitration award. The relevant contract language in Article 32 of the 2010-2015 National Agreement is as follows: Section 4. Renewal of Contract Delivery Service (CDS) Routes The Employer and the Union agree that, in those instances in which delivery is provided by contract delivery service routes in offices with only rural delivery, a cost comparison will be ... Read more
- [More Engineer study information](https://ruralinfo.net/more-engineer-study-information/): UNOFFICIAL.. THIS IS JUST CARRIERS SHARING THE INFO THEY LEARNED AT A CONVENTION. RIGHT NOW IT’S ALL WE HAVE.. KEEP IN MIND THIS CAME FROM CONVENTIONS IN DIFFERENT STATES WHERE DIFFERENT NATIONAL OFFICERS WERE GIVING THE INFORMATION SO TAKE IT AS YOU WILL This from Delphi: We were told there will be a briefing the first week of July with the panel of engineers. The report consisted of 160 pages. They will discuss recommendations for negotiation as well as findings which are binding. Parcels “gained” due to the engineers looking at each function necessary to achieve delivery as someone previously ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier State Convention highlights](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-state-convention-highlights/): Skags///Freeloaders///Shame on you for helping rural carriers online/// you are the problem/// if you don’t go to meetings, you don’t deserve the information/// Can anyone guess what all the words and phrases above have in common?  They were words and statements made by some of our National officers at state conventions across the country. Aside from the fact that these people work for us, I am astounded that they stand up and disparage a large amount of their dues paying members in front of an audience. I continue to be blown away by these people that continue to live in ... Read more
- [Compensation for rural carriers required to use satchels](https://ruralinfo.net/compensation-for-rural-carriers-required-to-use-satchels/)
- [Important Information Regarding the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS)](https://ruralinfo.net/important-information-regarding-the-rural-route-evaluated-compensation-system-rrecs/): The engineering panel chaired by Dr. Louis Martin-Vega has shared with the parties most but not all of its final report on the revised Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS). The parties have agreed not to release any details about RRECS until they receive all of the supporting analysis and documentation from the engineering panel. The parties will be receiving a briefing from members of the engineering panel in the coming weeks. At this time, we are hopeful that details will be available by the end of June. Important Information Regarding the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS)
- [MDD Text messages – Severe safety issues only](https://ruralinfo.net/mdd-text-messages-severe-safety-issues-only/)
- [Texas Rural Carrier killed after being struck by 18 wheeler](https://ruralinfo.net/texas-rural-carrier-killed-after-being-struck-by-18-wheeler/): MAJOR WRECK — Dorothy Truelock, a USPS mail courier, was stopped on the improved shoulder of US Hwy 79 just north of CR 329 in a white 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited on Friday afternoon, April 20th, when she was struck by a red 2004 18-wheeler driven by Kevin Banks, age 30. Banks reported that he was distracted and took his eyes off the road when a water bottle fell causing him to drift to the right. Banks abruptly steered back onto the roadway, but his trailer struck the rear of the jeep. Truelock was thrown from her vehicle and it ... Read more
- [NRLCA Statement on Trump's postal task force](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-statement-on-trumps-postal-task-force/): On April 12th, President Trump signed an Executive Order creating a Task Force on the United States Postal Service. The formation of the Task Force is the first official action signaling the White House is going to engage in postal operations. The Executive Order cites the fact that the Postal Service has been unable to meet its financial obligations and declining mail volume as the reason for creating the Task Force. The Executive Order directs the Task Force to report any proposed sweeping overhaul changes within 120 days. The scope of the Task Force will be to build on recommendations ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on Bypassing RCAs to Avoid Overtime](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-bypassing-rcas-to-avoid-overtime/): This case involves management bypassing an RCA to work on a route that is not the primary assignment when scheduling day-to-day to avoid paying overtime. The parties agree Pre-arbitration settlement, G00R-4Q-C 02139495 (M-84 in the Quick Reference Guide) from Willis, TX, addresses the entitlements of overtime when scheduled to your primary assignment on a day-to-day basis. In this case, the parties agree when a leave replacement is being scheduled day-to-day, management may bypass a substitute, RCR, or RCA when making assignments other than their primary route, if such assignment would cause the leave replacement to exceed 40 hours for the ... Read more
- [NRLCA: EEOC Reaches Final Decision in National Reassessment Program Class Action Lawsuit](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-eeoc-reaches-final-decision-in-national-reassessment-program-class-action-lawsuit/): Affected Carriers May File Claims for Relief On March 9, 2018, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a final decision in the class action case challenging the Postal Service’s National Reassessment Program (NRP). Click here to download/view the decision. Affected rural letter carriers and other Postal employees may be entitled to monetary damages or other remedies. If you are an affected employee you should have received a notice in the mail from the Postal Service explaining how to file a claim. An example of the official notice sent by the Postal Service’s legal department can be found here. The notice states that ... Read more
- [In memoriam – Sheila Coffman, RCA, Hot Springs Arkansas](https://ruralinfo.net/in-memoriam-sheila-coffman-rca-hot-springs-arkansas/): Sheila Coffman was a RCA in Hot Springs, AR 71901 and her mother is a Rural Carrier at 71901 – Her Aunts are retired rural carriers from 71901 and 71913. Her cousin is a rural carrier at 71901. She carried her route Saturday and had a medical emergency at home that she did not survive, she was only 43. She has 2 little girls and any donation is greatly appreciated. Fundraiser for Cheri Farmer by Jennifer Olson : Sheila Coffman Memorial Fund
- [RCA dies after being pinned by own vehicle near Ann Arbor](https://ruralinfo.net/rca-dies-after-being-pinned-by-own-vehicle-near-ann-arbor/): LYNDON TOWNSHIP, MI – A woman was pinned by a U.S. Postal Service vehicle against a handrail and died in Lyndon Township Wednesday, March 21, according to authorities. Authorities believe she may have been a postal worker delivering packages, but couldn’t confirm her identity Wednesday. The incident took place in front of a home that sits on a hill. “We don’t know if it rolled or maybe it was in neutral or if the parking brake went out,” Chelsea Area Fire Chief Robert Arbini said. “We have no idea how the person got wedged between this particular vehicle and the ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on Carriers Right to Take Parcels and Odd-Size Pieces to Your Case to Sort and Mark Your Case](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-carriers-right-to-take-parcels-and-odd-size-pieces-to-your-case-to-sort-and-mark-your-case/): These cases involve management not allowing carriers to sequence or mark parcels in the office if they will not make their leaving time for the route or if they would work over 10 hours for the day on their route. The parties agree that section 223.23 of the PO-603 allows the carriers to take parcels and odd-size pieces to their case to sort and mark their case to assist with alerting them on the street they have a parcel for a specific address.   Click here to view the Step 4 settlement letter
- [Engineering Panel Update: Comments Have Now Been Submitted by the Parties](https://ruralinfo.net/engineering-panel-update-comments-have-now-been-submitted-by-the-parties/): Pursuant to the July 3, 2012 MOU on the Evaluated Compensation System Time Standards Project, the NRLCA and the Postal Service have an opportunity to evaluate and comment on the Industrial Engineering Panel’s Final Report on the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (“RRECS”), which it issued on October 31, 2017. Thus, on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, the Union and the Postal Service each submitted detailed comments to the Panel. The NRLCA and Postal Service each put forward over 20 comments that addressed a number of the Panel’s findings and recommended certain adjustments, additional analysis, and other actions for the Panel ... Read more
- [Husband of southern Indiana postal worker who drowned delivering mail says her death was preventable](https://ruralinfo.net/husband-of-southern-indiana-postal-worker-who-drowned-delivering-mail-says-her-death-was-preventable/): JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ind. (WDRB) — Officials in southern Indiana now confirm an accidental drowning killed a postal worker delivering mail in Madison. Teelah Kappeler, 31 died Saturday. Her husband, Mark Kappeler, said her car was found upside down, flipped on its top in a creek off Little Brushy Fork Road. It’s believed she was knocked unconscious before the accidental drowning. The couple had been married 11 years when their life together was cut short. “The road that the accident happened on, it’s a one-lane road. It’s gravel,” Kappeler said. On Saturday, Teelah Kappeler was delivering mail for the U.S. Postal ... Read more
- [Family, friends grieve USPS worker killed on mail route Saturday](https://ruralinfo.net/family-friends-grieve-usps-worker-killed-on-mail-route-saturday/): JEFFERSON COUNTY, IN (WAVE) – Family and friends are mourning a postal worker who died when her car went off the road Saturday night. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department identified her as 31-year-old Teelah Kappeler of Hanover, Indiana. Her car was found overturned in a creek along her postal route off East Little Brushy Fork Road in Jefferson County. “It’s just an unfortunate thing,” said Dave Thomas, Chief Deputy Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. Bright flowers stand out at the spot where 31-year-old Teelah Kappeler died Saturday.  Kappeler drowned Saturday when the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick she was driving went off the road, according to Thomas. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s ... Read more
- [Police say missing southern Indiana postal worker (RCA) found dead in her vehicle](https://ruralinfo.net/police-say-missing-southern-indiana-postal-worker-rca-found-dead-in-her-vehicle/): LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Police in Jefferson County, Indiana, say a missing postal worker has been found dead. This is according to a post made Monday morning on the Jefferson County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department Facebook page. Police say a search began Saturday night for 31-year-old Hanover resident Teelah Kappeler after she did not return from her mail route in eastern Jefferson County. U.S. Postal Service employees say Kappeler made her last delivery Saturday around 3:15 p.m. in Switzerland County, Indiana. Authorities say she was driving a white 1994 Suzuki Sidekick, which was her personal vehicle. Officials conducted a search in ... Read more
- [Notes from the Q and A session at SAC](https://ruralinfo.net/notes-from-the-q-and-a-session-at-sac/): JJ: Joey Johnson JD: Jeanette Dwyer SB: Shirley Baffa RS: Ronnie Stutts Q: IF VOLUME DISAPPEARS DURING MAIL COUNT DOES THE UNION HAVE A PLAN? JD: ONLY IF WE CAN PROVE THEY DID IT DELIBERATELY   Q: When we receive oversize parcels how do we handle team lift ? JD: you do not use team lift on the route only in the office. (basically the end result is you notify)   JD: NO scanner texts are to be acknowledged except for safety’s sake   JD: USPS WANTED UNION TO CALL OFF THE UPCOMING COUNT Q: THEN WHY ARE THEY OPTING ... Read more
- [Body of missing Snohomish rural carrier found](https://ruralinfo.net/body-of-missing-snohomish-rural-carrier-found/): The body of missing Snohomish man Henry Groenveld was found on January 30th around 10 a.m. in the lower Snohomish River at Dagmar’s Landing in Everett, WA. A citizen saw the body floating in the river and called police. Although the name hasn’t officially been released as Henry, his daughter Liz Dickson, who is the administrator of a community facebook page called “Help Find Henry Groenveld”, revealed the news later in the morning. Snohomish county, as well as surrounding counties, banded together shortly after Henry went missing on December 11th, 2017. Search parties were formed from strangers, friends, people who ... Read more
- [Tennessee RCA killed in accident](https://ruralinfo.net/tennessee-rca-killed-in-accident/): A Cookeville woman lost her life in a single vehicle accident early Saturday afternoon. Deborah M. Spriggs, 58, of Cookeville, was declared dead at the scene. According to a report filed by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Spriggs was traveling southbound on Hwy. 96 in a 2002 Nissan Altima around 12:15 p.m. Saturday when she exited the roadway on the right side, overcorrected, crossed the roadway and went off the opposite side, striking a boulder. The vehicle came to rest partially in the roadway. She was not using a seat belt and, in the officer’s opinion, that would have made a ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on PS Form 4232](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-ps-form-4232/): This case involves management requiring carriers to maintain PS Form 4232 for each customer on the route even though the route has 911 addressing. The parties agree only rural carriers that provide service to customers that have Rural Route and box number style addressing are required to maintain a roster of customers. Handbook PO-603, section 231, states is not necessary to include on the roster those customers authorized to use house numbers and street names as their address.   Click here to view the Step 4 settlement letter   Source: NRLCA.ORG
- [Step 4 Settlement on DPS Flats in a Non-Withdrawal Office](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-dps-flats-in-a-non-withdrawal-office/): This case involves management stating that the withdraw of DPS flats in a non-withdrawal office is included in the final hot case pull. The parties agree, in those instances when a rural route is NOT provided the withdrawal allowance, DPS flats MUST be provided to the carrier at their case.   Click here to view the Step 4 settlement letter. Source: NRLCA.ORG
- [NRLCA and USPS Extend Time for Comment on the Revised Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-and-usps-extend-time-for-comment-on-the-revised-rural-route-evaluated-compensation-system/): On October 31, 2017, the parties received the Chairperson’s “recommendation for a Revised Evaluated Compensation System.” Per the MOU creating the ECS time standards project, which was part of the 2012 Clarke Interest Arbitration decision, the parties agreed to a 30-day period for evaluation and comment. However, given the scope of the project, the Chairperson’s almost 80-page report and extensive appendices, the parties mutually agreed to extend the time for evaluation and comment until February 1, 2018. This extension does not change the expectation that the Chairperson will issue the final determination within ninety (90) days of receiving the parties’ ... Read more
- [No, ALL RCAs do not get paid hourly during the Christmas period](https://ruralinfo.net/no-all-rcas-do-not-get-paid-hourly-during-the-christmas-period/): I keep hearing from RCAs that say they are being told by their Postmaster/Supervisor that all RCAs get paid hourly instead of evaluated during the Christmas period. This is NOT correct. Only RCAs that are designation 79 will get paid hourly during the Christmas period.   Most rural carriers hired after 1987 are Designation 78 unless they were officially appointed via Form 50 to either designation 74 or 79 Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs)—(Designation Code 79) – Rural carrier associates appointed via Form 50 after being assigned to the auxiliary route for more than 90 calendar days. Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs)—(Designation Code ... Read more
- [Valparaiso, IN Rural Carrier Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash](https://ruralinfo.net/valparaiso-in-rural-carrier-killed-in-two-vehicle-crash/): A 65 year old Valparaiso man was killed as the result of a two-vehicle crash this afternoon at U.S. 30 and County Road 575 East in Porter County’s Washington Township.  The Porter County Sheriff’s Office reports officers responded to the scene at 2:56pm. An initial investigation shows a vehicle driven by Lee Witters was heading south on County Road 575 East and, for unknown reasons, proceeded through the intersection and was struck on the driver’s side by another vehicle which the Sheriff’s Office reports was unable to avoid the collision. Both vehicles came to rest in the eastbound lanes of ... Read more
- [Arkansas congressman eulogizes longtime rural letter carrier in speech on U.S. House floor](https://ruralinfo.net/arkansas-congressman-eulogizes-longtime-rural-letter-carrier-in-speech-on-u-s-house-floor/): U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman paid tribute to Garland County postal worker Larry Robertson on Wednesday, eulogizing his longtime rural letter carrier during a speech on the House floor. Robertson, who died Friday at age 54, had delivered mail around Fountain Lake and Jessieville for more than three decades. Friends and family members gathered at Mount Tabor Baptist Church west of Jessieville on Wednesday morning for Robertson’s funeral, then headed to Rock Springs Cemetery for the burial. A thousand miles away, on Capitol Hill, Robertson’s congressman was also honoring his memory. “Larry was my mailman for more than 25 years,” the ... Read more
- [Kirk A. Vannausdle, rural carrier, killed in accident on the route](https://ruralinfo.net/kirk-a-vannausdle-rural-carrier-killed-in-accident-on-the-route/): Kirk Alan Vannausdle, age 60, of Elliott, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Kirk was born December 1, 1956 in Red Oak, Iowa the son of Harry and Marilyn (Mellott) Vannausdle. He graduated from Red Oak Community High School in 1975 and attended Iowa State University. Kirk was united in marriage to Cathy Silk in 1976 in Red Oak, Iowa. Two children were born to this union: Evan and Beth. He later was united in marriage to Kelly Williams Ayres on January 30, 1999. He worked for many years ... Read more
- [FYI - Confirmation - Both parties are now in possession of time study results for review](https://ruralinfo.net/fyi-confirmation-both-parties-are-now-in-possession-of-time-study-results-for-review/): Just a quick FYI on the engineer study. Both parties received the study results November 1 they have 30 days to review and take questions and concerns back to the engineers. Note: This info came from a very reliable source, so things are moving on this. We will get there, I promise. It is just a slow painstaking process.
- [In memoriam - Humphrey NE RCA Ron Fulsaas (Red)](https://ruralinfo.net/in-memoriam-humphrey-ne-rca-ron-fulsaas-red/): Humphrey, NE. 68642, 68641, 68643, 68629 (cluster) lost one of our RCA’s night before last to a heart attack after being in the hospital for a week with some sort of bad internal infection. His name was Ron Fulsaas we called him “Red”. He was only working for usps for about 8 months. He was a great person & it is just so sad. Anyways,…if you want to I am sure that his family would appreciate some thoughts & prayers. He was only 43 yrs old. Obituary | Ronald Fulsaas | Brockhaus Funeral Home
- [Habersham coroner identifies wreck victim as rural mail carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/habersham-coroner-identifies-wreck-victim-as-rural-mail-carrier/): CLARKESVILLE — A rural postal carrier on her delivery route was the victim of a falling tree in Habersham County Monday afternoon. Zekeiah “Nikki” Cole Hunt, 36, of Mt. Airy, a U.S. Mail carrier for the Clarkesville Post Office, died instantly when a large oak tree fell on the passenger compartment of her Honda Pilot as it traveled north on Buckhorn Road in the Hollywood community just before 1 p.m. Oct. 23, said Habersham County Coroner Kasey McEntire on Tuesday. The Georgia State Patrol investigated the incident. Hunt’s name and occupation were withheld initially pending notification of family members. “She ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier Vehicle Struck On Hwy. 55 in Goldsboro, NC (PHOTO GALLERY)](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-vehicle-struck-on-hwy-55-in-goldsboro-nc-photo-gallery/): Firefighters from Smith Chapel Fire Department and EMS Station 3 responded to a two vehicle accident Monday. The white Chevrolet car driven by postal carrier Bonnie Moody of Mount Olive was rear-ended by a Ford F-150 truck driven by Felipe Ibarra of Dudley just before lunchtime Monday on Highway 55 West between Mount Olive and Smith Chapel. Fire and EMS worked to free Moody from her car in the 1900-block of Highway 55 West of Mount Olive. The postal carrier was apparently slowing down to make a right hand turn into a driveway to deliver some mail when she was ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier (RCA) in Greensboro dies after crossing median, colliding with SUV ](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-rca-in-greensboro-dies-after-crossing-median-colliding-with-suv/): GREENSBORO, N.C. – A man driving a U.S. Postal Service truck in Greensboro died after the truck crossed the center median island and collided with an oncoming SUV. Darryl Jermaine Pleasant, 35, of Greensboro, died from injuries sustained in the crash, according to a Greensboro police press release. Police said it happened as Pleasant was driving the service truck westbound on Burlington Road approaching Interstate 840 at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. The truck crossed the center median island, entered the eastbound travel lanes and collided with an oncoming SUV, according to police. Pleasant was taken to Moses Cone Hospital and ... Read more
- [NRLCA: Death of Former National President Steven R. Smith](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-death-of-former-national-president-steven-r-smith/): It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former National President Steven R. Smith late Sunday evening, October 8, 2017. After returning home to Oklahoma from the 2017 National Convention, Steve had to undergo open heart surgery. With his existing health condition, his body was just not strong enough to recover following the procedure. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Smith family in this time of loss. The family has planned a celebration of Steve’s life. Additional dates and details will be posted when available. Source: NRLCA.ORG
- [USPS mail carrier (RCA) dies in one-vehicle crash in Athens County, Ohio](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-mail-carrier-rca-dies-in-one-vehicle-crash-in-athens-county-ohio/): ATHENS — A 58-year-old postal worker died as a result of a one-vehicle crash Saturday morning according to the Athens division of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. At 11:50 a.m. Saturday, William W. McManis, 58, from Millfield, was traveling eastbound in United State Postal Service vehicle on Angell Road. McManis failed to negotiate a curve going off the right side of the roadway striking a ditch and an utility pole. McManis, who was not wearing a safety belt, succumb to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Athens County Coroner. Lodi Township Fire Department and Athens E.M.S. ... Read more
- [2017 NRLCA National Convention Updates](https://ruralinfo.net/2017-nrlca-national-convention-updates/): Updates from various sources – Let’s all thank them for giving us the information. Engineer Study Panel chair recommends everything turned over by October 31st, 2017.  Parties evaluate and comment by November 30th, 2017.   Chair issues final determination by February 28th, 2018 [embeddoc url=”https://ruralinfo.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2017-National-convention-notes-2-2.pdf” viewer=”google”]     PMG Brennan PMG was present and spontaneously took questions from the crowd.  Below are the main points: Someone asked her about uniforms and the whole room disagreed, LOL She also talked about Amazon and 7 day delivery.  She said they were earning the trust of Amazon so they can get more 7 ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on Applying a Base Hour Change When Ship from Store Location Is Added to a Route](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-applying-a-base-hour-change-when-ship-from-store-location-is-added-to-a-route/): This case involves management requiring a carrier to dismount and go into a business that participates in the Ship from Store program and is required to scan a barcode, without calling the delivery point an official dismount. The parties agree that in those instances when a business participates in the Ship from Store program and management requires a rural carrier to scan a barcode on a daily basis in order to validate collection of outgoing parcels, credit will be as follows: A base hour change will be made to the route by processing PS Form 4003 to add the dismount, ... Read more
- [SC RCA killed on the route Sunday August 13th, 2017](https://ruralinfo.net/sc-rca-killed-on-the-route-sunday-august-13th-2017/): Eun Bu “Euni” Kim, 60, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2017 in Bluffton. Euni is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Chong Se, her son and daughter-in-law, Raymond and Megan, her two grand-daughters, Sophie and Sarah, and her two canine companions, Hana and Azura. She enjoyed over a decade of service at the United States Post Office and cherished the friendships she made there. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the ... Read more
- [New USPS/NRLCA LOU regarding payment for SPM scans](https://ruralinfo.net/new-uspsnrlca-mou-regarding-payment-for-spm-scans/): The NRLCA signs Letter of Mutual Understanding to address outstanding compensation issues for rural carriers while conducting the test of “Service Performance Measurement” (SPM). This letter also addresses the retroactive compensation for SPMs for the period of September 3, 2016 through September 1, 2017. If you have any questions related to this letter, please contact your assigned District Representative or Assistant District Representative.   Click here to view the Letter of Mutual Understanding.  
- [Step 4 Settlement on Adjusting Routes to Have Two “K” Route Assignments for a PTF](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-adjusting-routes-to-have-two-k-route-assignments-for-a-ptf/): This case involved management refusing to consolidate a 21-hour auxiliary route into two “J” routes and one “H” route following a mail count to create two “K” route assignments for a PTF. The parties agree if the number of “K” routes decreases in the office, and the office no longer has two (2) “K” route assignments for a PTF position, management will adjust routes upward as needed to create a “K” route(s) assignment for the PTF, provided there is territory available from overburdened or auxiliary routes. The parties further agree if territory is not available to perform route adjustments, the ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on Compensation When Management Required Rural Carriers to Take a (30) Minute Lunch Break](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-compensation-when-management-required-rural-carriers-to-take-a-30-minute-lunch-break/): This case involves management requiring rural carriers to take a 30 minute lunch break after 6 hours of work even if the carrier did not want to take a lunch break. The parties agree that rural carriers at their option may take a lunch break, provided the time does not exceed (30) minutes per Article 30.1.F. The parties further agree this provision prohibits management from requiring a rural carrier to take a (30) minute lunch break. The parties agree where rural carriers were required to take a (30) minute lunch break other than what was customarily taken will be compensated. ... Read more
- [NRLCA Files National-Level Step 4 Grievance on Tests](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-files-national-level-step-4-grievance-on-tests/): On July 18, the NRLCA filed a Step 4 grievance concerning the Postal Service’s increased use of lengthy “tests” involving new delivery services and other rural carrier functions on rural routes. Despite repeated efforts to determine the Postal Service’s position on the appropriate duration of such tests without building any new duties/functions into rural route evaluations, the Postal Service failed to respond to our several inquiries. Accordingly, the appropriate national-level Step 4 grievance was initiated.  
- [Rural Carriers Beware - Purchasing insurance for your route vehicles.](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carriers-beware-purchasing-insurance-for-your-route-vehicles/): A very important FYI for anyone that uses their personally owned vehicle to deliver mail. Though an insurance company may tell you that your vehicle is covered please do not rely on it. This person had a commercial policy with Progressive.. Also here is some important info from the USPS on tort claims.. https://knowledgebase.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/tort-claim1.pdf Please share this to all rural carriers.. And BTW National General automatically covers rural carriers on the route. http://nrlcainsurance.com/, and yes, you have to be a union member to get it. (Some have said this sounds like an advertisement for National General insurance…  Actually, not at all, this ... Read more
- [Engineer Study update shared at state conventions](https://ruralinfo.net/engineer-study-update-shared-at-state-conventions/): This is a fairly technical overview and I do not know what some of the acronyms and such stand for, but there is still some good info to be had. Status Overview Development of system is complete – Beta version available Testing of system components is almost completed Bug fxes and minor enhancements underway Integrated system testing has begun; some software and data issues have been identifed; eforts are underway to determine causes Development of engineered standards and drive speed standards are complete – Beta version available; TCP’s are complete; unavoidable delay underway; validation of standards in final stages Waiting ... Read more
- [NRLCA Statement on June 14 Shooting in Alexandria, Virginia](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-statement-on-june-14-shooting-in-alexandria-virginia/): This morning, as a group of congressional representatives and staffers practiced baseball in a neighborhood just down the road from the NRLCA’s National Office in Alexandria, Virginia, another senseless tragedy struck. On behalf of our officers, staff, and over 120,000 members, we send heartfelt prayers and wishes to the shooting victims and their families for speedy recoveries from the physical and emotional trauma of today’s events. Thankfully, it appears that all of the victims will, indeed, recover. We also send our sincerest appreciation to the Capitol and local police, first responders, and others who put themselves in harm’s way today ... Read more
- [The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive and rural carriers...](https://ruralinfo.net/the-stamp-out-hunger-food-drive-and-rural-carriers-2/): It is that time again.  Every year the NALC sponsors the Stamp Out Hunger food drive.  In 2010, the NRLCA became an official partner of the food drive.  I am not going to get into whether you should help or not as that is an issue that rears it’s head every year in the world of rural carriers.  What you volunteer to do is your business and your personal choice. I am just going to provide some information… USPS RESPONDS TO NRLCA REQUEST REGARDING NALC FOOD DRIVE Over the past several years rural carriers across America have volunteered to join ... Read more
- [Step 4-Failure to Post a Route in Accordance with Article 12.3.A.2](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-failure-to-post-a-route-in-accordance-with-article-12-3-a-2/): This case involved management failing to post a vacant route within the timeframe outlined in Article 12.3.A.2. The parties agree that management may extend the time frame for posting of a rural route vacancy an additional 60 days to consolidate, adjust, or convert a route(s). The 60 day extension is intended to be used to complete the adjustment package and affect the changes. The parties further agree that should management fail to complete the adjustment package as outlined in the settlement for any reason, the original vacancy will be posted immediately in accordance with Article 12. If a RCA is ... Read more
- [NC Rural Carrier Wins $1 Million On Scratch-Off Ticket](https://ruralinfo.net/nc-rural-carrier-wins-1-million-on-scratch-off-ticket/): RALEIGH, N.C. — Irene Tillman of Goldston has been the mail-woman for Route 24 in Chatham County for over 10 years. So when the number “24” turned out to be the lucky number on a scratch-off ticket that won her $1 million, she simply described it as fate. “When I saw it,” Tillman said, “I thought, ‘This is really meant to be.'” She bought the $30 ticket at the Shalom Gas and Cash Mart on NC 42 in Goldston. “I was so excited, I had to go back into the store and sit down,” said Tillman. Tillman claimed her prize ... Read more
- [Coldspring post office officially renamed for slain rural mail carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/coldspring-post-office-officially-renamed-for-slain-rural-mail-carrier/): The Coldspring rural mail carrier who was murdered in May 2013 while delivering mail now has a post office named in her memory. On Friday morning, March 3, around 250 people, including the family and friends of Eddie Marie Youngblood, her former coworkers and delegation from the National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA) and the U.S. Postal Service, gathered on the grounds of the Coldspring post office for the unveiling of a marker that officially renames the post office as the E. Marie Youngblood Post Office. Making the presentations alongside San Jacinto County Judge John Lovett, Coldspring Postmaster Maneika Shankle ... Read more
- [Coldspring post office to be renamed Friday for slain rural carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/coldspring-post-office-to-be-renamed-friday-for-slain-rural-carrier/): The Coldspring post office will be renamed Friday in honor of slain postal carrier Eddie “Marie” Youngblood, who was shot and killed on May 17, 2013, while delivering mail on her rural route in Coldspring. The renaming ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. Friday on the grounds of the post office, 14231 State Highway 150 W. The public is invited to attend. The bill to rename the post office for Youngblood was written and sponsored by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (TX-08) and supported by the Texas delegation. In a statement on the U.S. House floor on Sept. 20, 2016, ... Read more
- [Notes from SAC - South Atlantic Conference](https://ruralinfo.net/notes-from-sac-south-atlantic-conference/): Submitted by attendee – Thanks for sharing. You know who you are 😉   Work Place Environment – Harassment The first seminar was Saturday evening from 6:30-9:30 pm. It was given by Joey Johnson, Director of Labor Relations, NRLCA, and David Heather, Director of Steward Operations, NRLCA. This seminar focused on the work place environment. Harassment to be exact! They said that the cases of harassment are increasing and they want their members to know what to do. “There is no excuse for and will be no tolerance of harassment!” They went into details of different types of harassment, such ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on Rural Carrier Associates (RCA) Working in Higher Level Assignments](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-rural-carrier-associates-rca-working-in-higher-level-assignments/): This case involved management utilizing a rural carrier associate (RCA) to coordinate work with the delivery of Amazon parcels on Sundays. The parties agree that Article 25 allows only regular rural carriers to be detailed to higher level assignments. The parties further agree that RCAs are not eligible to perform duties or responsibilities that are included in the job description of a Supervisor, Customer Services. You may view the Step 4 settlement letter here Source: Step 4 Settlement on Rural Carrier Associates (RCA) Working in Higher Level Assignments
- [Rural Carrier shot, car stolen in Spring Branch, TX, postal inspector says](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-shot-car-stolen-in-spring-branch-tx-postal-inspector-says/): SPRING BRANCH, Texas – A mail carrier was shot while on her route Saturday morning in Spring Branch, a U.S. Postal Service inspector said. Inspector Michael Martinez said the woman, who is a rural carrier and uses a private vehicle, was shot near Spring Branch and River Way roads about 9:30 a.m. Her vehicle was also stolen but later recovered by authorities. The inspector did not confirm if any mail was stolen. Original Source:www.ksat.com ### More info – Manhunt on for suspects after mail carrier shot – Postal Times Suspects captured, names revealed in mail carrier shooting Postal worker recovering ... Read more
- [Gone too soon - Small town post office in MO loses a long time rural carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/gone-too-soon-small-town-post-office-in-mo-loses-a-long-time-rural-carrier/): Clever, Missouri lost a carrier yesterday. Michael Crane has been a rural carrier in Clever (DUO Republic, Missouri 2012) for over 25 years.
- [Mississippi Rural Carrier killed on her route in murder suicide by her ex husband](https://ruralinfo.net/mississippi-rural-carrier-killed-on-her-route-in-murder-suicide-by-her-ex-husband/): POPE, Miss. — A woman was shot and killed Friday afternoon in Panola County in a murder-suicide, officials said. It happened on Enid Shores Road around 3 p.m., according to the coroner. The coroner identified Pamela Williams, 54, as the victim and said the man who shot her was her ex-husband, Cooper Williams, 52. Williams also shot and killed himself, the coroner said. Neighbors said Pamela Williams was in the process of divorcing him and that he had been violent toward her for a long time. They said she had a restraining order against Cooper Williams. Neighbor and friend Brad ... Read more
- [NRLCA President Dwyer Sends Letter to USPS PMG Brennan Addressing Rural Carriers Working After Dark](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-president-dwyer-sends-letter-to-usps-pmg-brennan-addressing-rural-carriers-working-after-dark/): The National Office has been receiving an alarming number of reports from the field about rural letter carriers being forced to deliver mail well into the evening hours – on some occasions even after midnight. Not surprisingly, these nighttime deliveries have resulted in dangerous conditions and “close calls”, including instances of frightened customers who confront their carriers with firearms. Delivering mail is dangerous enough under normal circumstances and the likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities only increases when the Postal Service cannot ensure that carriers receive their mail in time to hit the streets at a reasonable hour. In an ... Read more
- [2015 - 2018 National Agreement between the USPS and the NRLCA](https://ruralinfo.net/2015-2018-national-agreement-between-the-usps-and-the-nrlca/): This special contract edition of the magazine represents the complete, current National Agreement between the USPS and the NRLCA. It supersedes the provisions of the 2010 USPS-NRLCA National Agreement. This Agreement (referred to as the USPS-NRLCA 2015 National Agreement) is entered into as of April 25, 2016, by and between the United States Postal Service (hereinafter referred to as the “Employer”) and the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (here- inafter referred to as the “Union”) and supersedes the provisions of the 2010 USPS-NRLCA National Agreement. Download 2015-2018 Contract (PDF)
- [NLRB Issues Complaint Against Postal Service for Information Request Violations](https://ruralinfo.net/nlrb-issues-complaint-against-postal-service-for-information-request-violations/): Earlier this year, the NRLCA and NALC filed a series of unfair labor practice (“ULP”) charges against the Postal Service in response to anti-union conduct committed by managers in a number of Houston District post offices, including Katy and Humble, Texas. Supervisors in those offices attempted to discourage rural carriers and stewards from using the grievance process by making threatening comments and refusing to respond to information requests. In response to the charges, Region 16 of the NLRB conducted an investigation that confirmed many of the unions’ allegations. As a result, on October 31, 2016, the Region combined the charges ... Read more
- [Hey Amazon.. Deliverin' ain't easy](https://ruralinfo.net/hey-amazon-deliverin-aint-easy/): A Ruralinfo.net editorial A couple of years ago, Amazon had an epiphany.  They decided they could start their own delivery service to cut out the middle man. (i.e. UPS, Fedex, USPS)  So they went full steam ahead and started hiring people off the street to deliver their parcels.  It started first in the big cities, but now it has moved out to smaller towns across the country. Have you seen them?  The white vans slowly rolling around neighborhoods with a driver looking very confused?  Several have stopped me to ask for directions.  Which is fine.  I understand everyone has to begin somewhere and ... Read more
- [2016 NRLCA National Convention Proceedings Posted](https://ruralinfo.net/2016-nrlca-national-convention-proceedings-posted/): The 2016 National Convention Proceedings issue of the National Rural Letter Carrier magazine has been posted in the “Magazine” section of the website under “Current Issue”. CLICK HERE to be directed to the magazine.
- [Postal worker killed in Sunday crash](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-worker-killed-in-sunday-crash/): This was a rural carrier from Cleburne TX A Sunday head-on collision near the intersection of Texas 174 and Highland Road near Rio Vista resulted in the death of one driver. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and Rio Vista firefighters responded to the scene at about 8:06 a.m. The driver of a Dodge pickup, traveling north on Texas 174, crossed into the northbound lane while passing another vehicle, according to preliminary DPS findings. The driver of a U.S. Postal Service truck in the northbound lane attempted to take evasive action but was unable to avoid a collision. The USPS ... Read more
- [Video: Texas Rep. Kevin Brady honors murdered rural carrier Eddie "Marie" Youngblood](https://ruralinfo.net/video-texas-rep-kevin-brady-honors-murdered-rural-carrier-eddie-marie-youngblood/): On Tuesday, September 20, 2016, U.S. Representative Kevin Brady honored rural letter carrier, Eddie Marie Youngblood on the floor of the U.S. House. The House passed Brady’s bill to name the Coldspring Post Office for her.
- [Texas rural carrier dies in accident on the route.](https://ruralinfo.net/texas-rural-carrier-dies-in-accident-on-the-route/): Another sad day. We have lost another rural carrier on the job. Dawn Marie Price died in an accident on her route on September 19th, 2016.  She left behind a husband and 5 children. Please consider donating to help with funeral expenses if you can.  Sending thoughts of love and peace to this family and coworkers. You can send condolences to the family in care of the Alvarado, Texas Post office The Price Family c/o Alvarado Texas Post office 76009    
- [Step 4 Settlement on Mail Count and the Location Where Mail Is Counted](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-mail-count-and-the-location-where-mail-is-counted/): This case involves proper procedures for counting mail at the facility where the carrier cases mail. The creation of Remotely Managed Post Offices (RMPO’s) has created issues where mail is being counted at the main office and transported to the RMPO. The parties agree that when mail is counted at the main post office and transported to the RMPO, PS Form 4239s must accompany the mail and an individual with the authority to correct any discrepancies at the facility during the period in which the carrier is reviewing and/or casing the counted mail. Download Step 4 (PDF) Source: News Info
- [Step 4 on How Mail Must Be Presented to the Route When the Route Does Not Receive Withdraw Allowance](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-on-how-mail-must-be-presented-to-the-route-when-the-route-does-not-receive-withdraw-allowance/): This case involved how mail is presented to a route when the rout does not receive withdraw allowance. The mail in this case was being presented to the carrier in APC and the carrier was required to withdraw the mail directly from the APC. The parties agree that Section 352.11 and 352.12 of Handbook M-38, requires that letter mail must be placed on the carrier case ledge and flat mail must be placed on, under or near the carrier case and stacked neatly in piles. Download Step 4 (PDF) Source: News Info
- [Texas RCA drowns after Jeep slides into creek](https://ruralinfo.net/texas-rca-drowns-after-jeep-slides-into-creek/): Livingston, TX: A sad day for the local post office.  Mail carrier Dake Goodwin dies on the job.     If anyone would like to send condolences, you can do so in care of the Livingston, Texas Post office: Dake Goodwin family c/o Livingston TX Post office Livingston Tx 77351
- [Highlights of the 2016 NRLCA National Convention](https://ruralinfo.net/highlights-of-the-2016-nrlca-national-convention/): Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee Here is what I know that happened at the convention The 2015-2018 contract hard copy should be available by the end of September The engineer study is in a scale up phase and they anticipate there might be some problems with that because there are factors not accounted for when you go to a larger scale. They “hope” for it to be finished in a year. All National officers were re-elected. A change to add the new ARC position to the NRLCA Constitution –PASSED A change to select future National Convention ... Read more
- [Amazon Fresh “Customized Delivery” information for rural carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/amazon-fresh-customized-delivery-information-for-rural-carriers/): Re: Amazon Fresh “Customized Delivery” The NRLCA is aware that the Postal Service is expanding the Amazon Fresh test which is also known as “Customized Delivery”. The parties have discussed this process of rural carriers delivering groceries and the work functions around that. The parties have agreed at this time, ONLY Leave Replacements will deliver Amazon Groceries and will be compensated actual time for all functions associated with loading and delivering Amazon Fresh which includes any deviation time and miles if in a POV. Regular carriers should not be doing any work associated with the delivery of Amazon Fresh. The ... Read more
- [Brief update on the Rural Carrier engineer study](https://ruralinfo.net/brief-update-on-the-rural-carrier-engineer-study/): The engineers have turned their attention to the three follow-up activities. Activities will continue over the next several months. Engineering panel will be completing work on the amount of personal fatigue and delay allowance time to be included in the standards. Work on the engineered standards is near completion Most of the data to calculate route evaluations is flowing to the cloud where standard time calculations will be performed Progress continues to be made on the software that will be used to capture data on street activities Information obtained from various reports from State Conventions.
- [Vigil was held for rural carrier Hillary Hicks, rural carrier killed on the job in GA](https://ruralinfo.net/vigil-was-held-for-rural-carrier-hillary-hicks-rural-carrier-killed-on-the-job-in-ga/): A vigil was held Wednesday night for a postal worker killed over the weekend in Newton County. Hillary Hicks was thrown from her truck when it was hit from behind as she pulled back onto the road after a delivery. The crash happened on Highway 81 near Booger Hill Road in Oxford around 11:30 Saturday morning. Hicks had worked for the post office for 10 years. At Wednesday night’s vigil, Hicks’ husband said his wife now has a new job. “I think somehow or another, the Lord got mail for her to deliver up there. You know, he’s got work ... Read more
- [Vigil to be held for GA rural carrier killed over weekend](https://ruralinfo.net/vigil-to-be-held-for-ga-rural-carrier-killed-over-weekend/): A postal carrier was killed Saturday on Highway 81 near Booger Hill Road in Oxford. Hillary Hicks was thrown from her truck when she was struck from behind when pulling into the road after a delivery. A candlelight vigil is being held for Hicks at the Post Office Annex at 10721 ByPass Road in Covington at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18. According to Post Master Deborah Kinsey, Hicks had been working at the post office for approximately 10 years. “She was just an outstanding carrier. It’s been pretty emotional. Our carriers are supporting each other, talking about safety every day. ... Read more
- [Postal worker (rural carrier) dies following accident Saturday ](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-worker-rural-carrier-dies-following-accident-saturday/): COVINGTON, GA — A candlelight vigil was scheduled Wednesday night for the postal worker who died Saturday after her USPS truck was hit by another vehicle. The vigil for Hillary Adair Hicks, 59, of Decatur, a nine-year postal service employee, was set to be held at the Covington Carrier Annex on Covington Bypass Road. According to a report from the Georgia State Patrol, around 11 a.m. on May 14, Hicks was traveling north on Ga. Highway 81 near Boogers Hill Road in her postal service vehicle when witnesses said she pulled almost completely onto the east shoulder of the road. ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier killed in wreck with logging truck in Georgia](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-killed-in-wreck-with-logging-truck-in-georgia/): UPDATE:  Georgia State Patrol is still investigating what caused the death of a postal employee on Highway 27 at Collard Valley Road on the Cedartown bypass earlier this afternoon. Polk County deputy coroner Marty Robinson said that officials are still investigating how postal employee Gina W. Jackson, 52, of a Cedartown address, was killed today in a wreck involving a logging truck. Her remains will be taken to the GBI crime lab for an autopsy, Robinson said. Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome said that Highway 27 between Highway 278 and North Main Street will remain closed for an indefinite period ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on Mail Count Credit for Mail Containerized at the Carrier’s Case](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-mail-count-credit-for-mail-containerized-at-the-carriers-case/): This case involves proper credit for mail containerized at the carrier’s case during a mail count. This case involved firm bundles and non-scanned parcels for a closed school. The parties agree the carrier has the option of handling odd-size articles either with flat mail or separately, regardless of how the piece is credited. Should the carrier choose to containerize these pieces of mail for handling convenience to include parcels, appropriate credit is provided for individual mail pieces. If this involves a closed School or Business please refer to the Step 4 from Saint George, UT (E10R-4E-C 13148961) for appropriate credit ... Read more
- [Neighbors speak out about postal worker (RCA) shot on-duty in rural Nevada](https://ruralinfo.net/neighbors-speak-out-about-postal-worker-rca-shot-on-duty-in-rural-nevada/): Sheriff’s deputies investigating the shooting death of a U.S. Postal Service worker in rural Nevada say they don’t consider her husband a suspect in what he originally reported was an accident. Lyon County Sheriff Al McNeil has released few details about Tuesday’s death of 26-year-old Johnie Nichole Shadden at her home in Mason Valley, which is on her mail delivery route about 75 miles southeast of Reno. Sheriff’s spokesman Michael Carlson said Friday investigators have questioned her husband, but that no charges have been filed. He said in an email to The Associated Press the husband — whose name has ... Read more
- [Step 4 : Requirement to Dismount and Deliver on Foot to Portions of Your Route During Inclement Weather](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-requirement-to-dismount-and-deliver-on-foot-to-portions-of-your-route-during-inclement-weather/): This case involved management requiring rural carriers during a snow storm to park their vehicle, dismount and deliver by walking to each box on portions of the route. The parties agree that rural carriers are not required to dismount and provide service on foot when roads or entire blocks, or equally large portions of the route, are impassable or when access to several mailboxes (along a continuous segment of the route) is blocked. You may view the Step 4 settlement letter here. Source: News Info
- [Step 4: Mileage Reimbursement When Limited Duty Employees Assigned to a Temporary Duty Station](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-mileage-reimbursement-when-limited-duty-employees-assigned-to-a-temporary-duty-station/): This case involved management assigning rural carriers on limited duty to work in a different office without mileage reimbursement. The parties agree when rural carriers are required to travel to a temporary duty station within a 50-mile radius of their permanent duty station, the carriers are entitled to mileage reimbursement that exceeds the distance between their home and their permanent duty station. You may view the Step 4 settlement letter here Source: News Info
- [Update: Husband questioned in Nevada postal worker (RCAs) death](https://ruralinfo.net/update-husband-questioned-in-nevada-postal-worker-rcas-death/): The Latest on the shooting death of a U.S. Postal Service delivery worker in rural northern Nevada (all times local): 4:15 p.m. A sheriff’s official says a U.S. Postal Service delivery worker who was killed on the job in northern Nevada was delivering mail to her own home, and her husband first reported her shooting death as an accident. Lyon County sheriff’s spokesman Michael Carlson said Wednesday that 26-year-old Johnie Nicole Shadden’s husband was questioned but not arrested after Shadden was pronounced dead outside the house about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday near Yerington. Carlson says a gun was recovered at the ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier (RCA) shot on-duty in Reno NV](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-rca-shot-on-duty-in-reno-nv/): The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office reports that 26-year-old Johnie Shadden succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained around 11:30 a.m. on March 22, 2016 in Mason Valley. According to officials, Ms. Shadden was on-duty as a postal worker and had stopped at her home as part of her normal route at the time of the incident. The death investigation is being jointly conducted by LCSO, US Postal Service, and the FBI. Sheriff Al McNeil assured citizens tat this is as isolated incident and there is no threat to the community. Source: Postal worker shot on-duty in Mason Valley | News, Weather, ... Read more
- [Postal worker distributes flyer to customers asking them to "ship all you can" during the rural mail count.](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-worker-distributes-flyer-to-customers-asking-them-to-ship-all-you-can-during-the-rural-mail-count/): In the flier distributed this week, the postal worker wrote in part: “During the period of March 12- March 26, 2016, I would really appreciate your help. The USPS “counts” every piece of mail, parcels, etc. that I handle. The purpose of this 2- week sampling is to set my pay, paid time off, etc. for the ensuing year. So please mail, mail, order, order, click and ship all you can…” In the flier, the postal worker goes on to write: “increasing my workload during this “sampling period” might actually get me a paid-day off… What a concept!” In response ... Read more
- [NLRB starts investigation in PA post office after rural carriers file unfair labor practice charge](https://ruralinfo.net/nlrb-starts-investigation-in-pa-post-office-after-rural-carriers-file-unfair-labor-practice-charge/): CRANBERRY TWP — The U.S. Postal Service in the township is being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board for unfair labor practices. An employee, whose name was withheld by the labor board, is accusing the Postal Service of two types of wrongdoings: changes in terms and conditions of employment and refusal to bargain/bad faith bargaining. The complaint, filed Dec. 23, claims that during the previous six months, the Postal Service discriminated against rural mail carriers by “imposing more onerous working conditions and placing the onus on National Rural Letter Carriers Association and its representatives, in order to undermine the ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement on Refueling of Government Vehicles](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-on-refueling-of-government-vehicles/): Step 4 Settlement on Refueling of Government Vehicles This case involved management requiring rural carriers to refuel more frequently than provided in the refueling allowance. The parties agree there may be instances where local policy requires rural carriers to refuel more frequently than provided in the refueling allowance. The parties further agree that in these situations, additional compensation may be warranted. You may view the Step 4 settlement letter here. Source: News Info
- [President's Update on Contract Negotiations, RRECS & RCAs](https://ruralinfo.net/presidents-update-on-contract-negotiations-rrecs-rcas/): NRLCA President Ronnie Stutts provides an update to the membership about the status of contract negotiations with USPS, the implementation of RRECS, and the leave replacement shortage. September 22, 2021.
- [NRLCA News Alert: mail delivery after 8:00 p.m.](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-news-alert-mail-delivery-after-800-p-m/)
- [Georgia rural carrier dies on the route from gunshot](https://ruralinfo.net/georgia-rural-carrier-dies-on-the-route-from-gunshot/): The victim in the early morning shooting has succumbed to his injuries. The victim was a Rural Mail Carrier with the US Postal Service, out delivering mail. The victims name is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin. The Banks County Sheriff’s Office is working diligently alongside Postal Inspectors and the Banks County Coroners Office. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
- [Postal worker (RCA) from Georgetown killed in Libuse crash](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-worker-rca-from-georgetown-killed-in-libuse-crash/): RAPIDES PARISH, La. (KALB) – A postal worker from Georgetown has died following a two-vehicle crash on Philadelphia Road in Libuse on Thursday, August 5. According to Louisiana State Police, Tara Parker, 41, was driving her postal service truck south on Philadelphia Road with another vehicle behind her. That vehicle attempted to pass but Parker shifted over the centerlines causing the vehicle to rear-end. As a result, Parker left the roadway, overturned and was partially ejected from the truck. Parker was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle had minor injuries and was taken to a hospital. ... Read more
- [Cases of COVID-19 Reported After Indiana Rural Letter Carriers’ State Convention](https://ruralinfo.net/cases-of-covid-19-reported-after-indiana-rural-letter-carriers-state-convention/): The NRLCA National Board was recently advised that at least five members who attended the Indiana State Convention have since tested positive for COVID-19.
- [Highway 35 accident claims the life of rural mail carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/highway-35-accident-claims-the-life-of-rural-mail-carrier/):   UPDATE – Authorities have released the identity of a Norfolk woman who was killed in a two-vehicle accident Thursday afternoon. Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger said that Francine Wolff, 57, of Norfolk was pronounced dead at the scene. UPDATE: Victim identified in fatal Stanton County accident | News | norfolkdailynews.com HOSKINS, Neb. — One person is dead after a two-vehicle car accident in Northeast Nebraska. The accident occurred at about 1:50 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 35 and 846th Road south of Hoskins and north of Woodland Park. The Stanton County Sheriff’s Office says the accident appears to have ... Read more
- [2021 NRLCA National Convention Cancelled via NRLCA](https://ruralinfo.net/2021-nrlca-national-convention-cancelled-via-nrlca/): 2021 National Convention Canceled After careful deliberation and consultation with the state presidents, the National… Posted by National Rural Letter Carriers' Association on Sunday, April 11, 2021
- [NRLCA National Board's statement on PMG's "Delivering for America" plan](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-national-boards-statement-on-pmgs-delivering-for-america-plan/): Today the Postal Service announced its 10-year plan to achieve financial sustainability. It is an ambitious multi-faceted plan that seeks to reverse financial losses and clear a path for future financial success. We have reviewed the Delivering for America plan and all of its details and feel confident that the plan addresses many of the major contributors to the Postal Service’s financial woes. We agree that big changes are needed for our future to be bright and the plan appears to be properly targeted to achieve the necessary improvements in how the business functions. Read more
- [Where to go from here](https://ruralinfo.net/where-to-go-from-here/): So, I am sure most of you have noticed that I have changed the way I share articles from the NRLCA. The reason is I have received a certified letter from the NRLCA’s lawyers. From the beginning the NRLCA has been against the Ruralinfo website, but this is the first time they have gone as far as to have the lawyers get involved. I am currently trying to figure out how to respond and what this means for Ruralinfo.net. I will be retiring next year and I am not sure I have this kind of fight still in me. Not ... Read more
- [American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)—Emergency Federal Employee Leave (EFEL)](https://ruralinfo.net/american-rescue-plan-act-arpa-emergency-federal-employee-leave-efel/): The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 signed into law on March 11, 2021, provides an important new leave benefit for letter carriers affected by COVID-19. Effective March 12, it establishes a new category of leave called Emergency Federal Employee Leave (EFEL). EFEL is available to all federal employees if they experience a Covid-19 related absence which qualifies under the provisions of the Act. https://ruralinfo.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/USPS-American-Resuce-Plan-Guidance.pdf
- [NRLCA President’s Opening Statement for 2021 USPS/NRLCA Contract Negotiations](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-presidents-opening-statement-for-2021-usps-nrlca-contract-negotiations/): President’s Opening Statement for 2021 USPS/NRLCA Contract Negotiations Your National Board will continue to work… Posted by National Rural Letter Carriers' Association on Thursday, March 11, 2021
- [IMPORTANT: 2021 State Convention Cancellations & Postponements](https://ruralinfo.net/important-2021-state-convention-cancellations-postponements/): From NRLCA State Convention cancellations and postponements will be posted as each state board reports its decision to the NRLCA National Board. Below is the current list of states that are canceling or postponing their State Conventions for 2021:   Alabama: Canceled Connecticut: Canceled Kentucky: Postponed until October 2021 Minnesota: Canceled (may be rescheduled later in the fall) New Mexico: Canceled New York: Canceled Ohio: Canceled Pennsylvania: Canceled South Carolina: Canceled Texas: Canceled   Last updated: February 26, 2021
- [NRLCA - State Boards Have the Sole Discretion to Hold or Cancel Their 2021 Conferences or Meetings](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-state-boards-have-the-sole-discretion-to-hold-or-cancel-their-2021-conferences-or-meetings/): State Boards Have the Sole Discretion to Hold or Cancel Their 2021 Conferences or Meetings States are not required to… Posted by National Rural Letter Carriers' Association on Wednesday, February 24, 2021
- [2021 Mid-States Conference Canceled](https://ruralinfo.net/2021-mid-states-conference-canceled/): It is so unfortunate due to COVID-19 that the Mid-States Conference scheduled to be held at the Hilton Hotel and the Grand Wayne Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, April 30, May 1 & 2, 2021 has been canceled. The hosts, Indiana Rural Letter Carriers’ Association State Board, has decided to cancel the 2021 Mid-States Conference and we will look forward to the 2022 Mid-States Conference in Iowa if and when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Thank you, Gary Plumer President 2021 Mid-States Conference 2021 Mid-States Conference Canceled
- [NRLCA - Question Box: Acts of God](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-question-box-acts-of-god/): Question Box: Acts of God An Act of God involves community disasters such as fires, floods, or storms. The disaster… Posted by National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association on Thursday, February 18, 2021
- [NRLCA President Stutts' State of the Union Address](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-president-stutts-state-of-the-union-address/): NRLCA President Stutts' State of the Union Address The pandemic has, in so many ways, forced us to do our work… Posted by National Rural Letter Carriers' Association on Tuesday, February 16, 2021
- [NRLCA President Stutts Writes Letter to State Governors Requesting Assistance to Make the COVID-19 Vaccine Available to All Postal Service Employees](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-president-stutts-writes-letter-to-state-governors-requesting-assistance-to-make-the-covid-19-vaccine-available-to-all-postal-service-employees/): I am president of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, which represents over 130,000 rural letter carriers employed by the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) who deliver the mail in rural and suburban communities in your state and throughout the nation. I write to express my concern that rural letter carriers and their fellow USPS employees, who have bravely provided essential services throughout the pandemic, have not yet been given access to the COVID-19 vaccine. https://ruralinfo.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/NRLCA-Governor-Vaccination-Letter-SAMPLE-02-04-2021.pdf
- [NEW LEAVE CODE FOR FULL DAY RURAL UNION LWOP](https://ruralinfo.net/new-leave-code-for-full-day-rural-union-lwop/): (The) USPS is implementing a new DACA Code (Code F) which will be used instead of “L” when a carrier takes a full-day of LWOP for Union business. DACA Code F is used for Full Day Rural Union LWOP. This new process begins pay period 04/2021, (January 30th, 2021). The new code F is applicable to designated “Full Time” Union Officials or when a Regular Rural Carrier (Union Steward or other Union Officer)  is working on official union business for the entire day. This new code should also be used when a carrier requests LWOP for conventions or other union ... Read more
- [2021 Western States Conference (WSC) Canceled](https://ruralinfo.net/2021-western-states-conference-wsc-canceled/): From NRLCAAfter speaking with the California President and talking with the other WSC State Presidents, we have decided to cancel the 2021 Western States Conference in California and will look forward to the 2022 WSC in Idaho if and when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Thank you, Trudy Ewing President, Western States Conference
- [NRLCA President Stutts Writes Letter to President Biden Addressing Postal Employees' Access to the COVID-19 Vaccine](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-president-stutts-writes-letter-to-president-biden-addressing-postal-employees-access-to-the-covid-19-vaccine/): Dear President Biden, As president of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, which represents over 130,000 rural letter carriers employed by the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) who deliver the mail in rural and suburban communities throughout the United States, I write to express my concern that rural letter carriers, and other employees of the United States Postal Service (USPS), are not able to access the COVID-19 vaccine as essential, front line workers according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Phase 1b plan. https://ruralinfo.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Biden-Vaccination-Letter-FINAL-02-02-2021.pdf
- [From NRLCA - Arbitrator Affirms Union Position on Annual Leave](https://ruralinfo.net/from-nrlca-arbitrator-affirms-union-position-on-annual-leave/): From the NRLCA Recently, an Area Arbitrator affirmed the NRLCA’s position and reiterated our rights under Article 10.2 of our Collective Bargaining Agreement. Being able to take our annual leave on the days we want has always been very important to rural carriers. Our contract says that you should be granted annual leave in accordance with your personal wishes, provided a leave replacement is available (meaning not committed to serve another regular rural route). This grievance was filed when the Postal Service denied leave for several rural carriers, declaring that its “operational needs” such as heavy mail volume, increased parcels ... Read more
- [2021 NRLCA Eastern States Conference (ESC) Canceled](https://ruralinfo.net/2021-nrlca-eastern-states-conference-esc-canceled/): The Eastern States Conference (ESC) scheduled to be held at the Holiday Inn in Grantsville, Pennsylvania from March 26-28, 2021 has been canceled. We, the board of the ESC, feel that—with the surging number of COVID-19 cases—we would be remiss not to cancel. We value the health and wellness of our membership and their families. Many of the ESC states are among the hardest hit states. Restrictions in some of these states are suggesting limiting out of state travel to emergency situations only and quarantine upon return. Restrictions still exist on the number of people allowed to gather in some ... Read more
- [Statement of NRLCA President Ronnie Stutts on the January 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol](https://ruralinfo.net/statement-of-nrlca-president-ronnie-stutts-on-the-january-6-attack-on-the-u-s-capitol/): From NRLCA.orgRural letter carriers come from various walks of life, diverse backgrounds, and different places. We are a union of working men and women with different politics and beliefs. But we also share many things in common—among them a pride in serving the people of the United States every day and a love of our country and democracy. Many of us, too, have served in uniform or have family who have, and while we expect to see our men and women in uniform defend us from foreign enemies, the sight of them having to defend against a violent mob of ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Emergency Salary Advance](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-emergency-salary-advance/): It has come to our attention that we have carriers that are not being paid properly and, in some cases, not being paid at all. The manager is then claiming they cannot give the carrier a salary advance and in many cases this is just not true. The rules for a salary advance were addressed in the 2019 Jan-Feb edition of the National Rural Letter Carrier linked below. The Postal Service Forms 1608-Emergency Salary Advance, Salary Advance 101, and PS Form 2240R-Rural Pay or Leave Adjustment Request are also linked below. If you need assistance, please contact your District Representative. ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Overtime Pay Reminder](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-overtime-pay-reminder/): REMINDER: When a regular carrier volunteers to give assistance on a route other than their regularly assigned route in accordance with the current MOU, the regular carrier is paid time and a half for every minute worked on the other route. The time goes straight to the OT block on the PS Form 1314. A regular carrier cannot be required to work another route or to work on Sunday. A relief carrier is paid time and a half for every minute actually worked over 40 hours in a week. There are no exceptions. In accordance with the ELM 432.32: Maximum ... Read more
- [Postal workers KNOW that you need your packages by Christmas](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-workers-know-that-you-need-your-packages-by-christmas/): Imagine working 10-12 hours a day or more working full speed to do your job, only to be disparaged over and over in the news and on social media.  That’s what postal workers are going through right now. We are working non stop to get your Christmas packages delivered, but it is an uphill battle. Here are a few things we wish the public understood. We are in the middle of a pandemic. Nothing is ordinary in the world right now. Everything is out of whack.   The Postal service has over 15k people in quarantine and out for COVID ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Second Trips During the Christmas Overtime Period](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-second-trips-during-the-christmas-overtime-period/): From NRLCA It has come to the attention of the NRLCA that some managers are requiring regular rural carriers to deliver parcels prior to casing the mail for the route. This issue is the subject of a grievance GATS # G15R-4G-C 18190733 that was appealed to Step 4 on April 11, 2019. As always when a Step 4 is awaiting adjudication any additional violation is grieved and held in abeyance at Step 2 awaiting the final outcome of the representative case. In the meantime, in accordance with pre-arbitration decision Q95R-4Q C 99245966, during the Christmas Period regular carriers and substitute ... Read more
- [MDD Communications: Messaging To Rural Carriers On The Route](https://ruralinfo.net/mdd-communications-messaging-to-rural-carriers-on-the-route/): From NRLCA The NRLCA has received calls from carriers that indicate management has been using the carriers’ personal cell phone to communicate service directions while the carrier is delivering the mail. Until such time as the USPS provides cellphones, pays for cellphone service, and includes the use of cellphones in the evaluated system this is inappropriate. In addition, some managers are using the MDD (scanner) to communicate non-safety related directives to carriers. This is in violation of their own directive. On March 20, 2015 postal service headquarters sent the following message to the field regarding text messaging to rural carriers ... Read more
- [Mail carrier (RCA) killed in single-vehicle accident](https://ruralinfo.net/mail-carrier-rca-killed-in-single-vehicle-accident/):   Hopkinsville, KY – A U.S. Postal Service mail carrier was killed in a single-vehicle accident Saturday afternoon on Herndon-Oak Grove Road. Christian County Coroner Scott Daniel identified the victim as 48-year old Robin Jean Kennedy of Clarksville, who was employed as a carrier for the Oak Grove post office. She had been headed east toward Oak Grove in the 14000 block of Herndon-Oak Grove Road a few minutes before 2:30 when her vehicle went off the right side of the road, according to Christian County Sheriff’s Major Jason Newby, who says Kennedy was ejected when her automobile overturned. Kennedy ... Read more
- [Postal worker (RCA) dies in crash in Milan Township, MI](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-worker-rca-dies-in-crash-in-milan-township-mi/): MONROE COUNTY, Mich. — Troopers from the Monroe Post of the Michigan State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Toledo man Thursday. Troopers say Robert Golde, 69, of Toledo was driving a United States Postal Service truck that was involved in the crash with a black Camaro driven by a 19-year-old man from Monroe. The Camaro was traveling southbound on Ann Arbor Road approaching Ostrander Road when it collided with the truck driven by Golde. The truck was turning onto Ann Arbor Road from Ostrander Road when it was struck by the Camaro. Golde ... Read more
- [Appointment of Dwyer to Fill Miller Seat on NRLCA National Board](https://ruralinfo.net/appointment-of-dwyer-to-fill-miller-seat-on-nrlca-national-board/): from NRLCA.org   As you may be aware, Committeeman Johnny Miller has been dealing with some serious health issues recently. In order to prioritize his treatment and recovery, he resigned his position on the National Board effective November 16, 2020. In accordance with the National Constitution, when there is a vacancy on the National Board, the NRLCA president must appoint a replacement. Article V. Section 8. B. states that, in such cases: “the President shall appoint a successor, subject to the approval of the National Board. In the event the vacancy occurs within sixty days preceding the National Convention, the ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Plans To Hire Temporary Help As Online Orders Stress Rural Letter Carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-plans-to-hire-temporary-help-as-online-orders-stress-rural-letter-carriers/): The surge in online shopping is helping the U.S. Postal Service stay afloat financially, but the influx of packages is straining rural letter carriers across the country. An increase in online orders is projected to help the postal service run until September 2021. Ronnie Stutts, the president of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, says while the increase in mail is good, they are facing a worker shortage because a large percentage rural carriers are still on leave. “It’s really created a stress on the people that are working,” Stutts says. “They’re working a lot more hours, they’re splitting routes, ... Read more
- [Clarification from NRLCA on Collecting Ballots](https://ruralinfo.net/clarification-from-nrlca-on-collecting-ballots/): The Stand-Up Talk linked below went out to the field from USPS Headquarters. This is a change to a previous directive that mandated carriers to stop at all delivery points on October 29-31. As you will read, rural carriers should continue to stop and collect mail at all boxes with the flag raised, as usual. No other requirements should be placed on rural carriers. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your steward or assigned District Representative. https://ruralinfo.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Standup-talk-Election-Mail-Extraordinary-Measures.pdf
- [2021 NRLCA Southwest Area Conference (SWAC) Canceled](https://ruralinfo.net/2021-nrlca-southwest-area-conference-swac-canceled/): Due to the rise in COVID-19 numbers, your SWAC board has made the decision to cancel the 2021 conference. This decision was based on the rising numbers of the virus in most states and our concern for the safety and well-being of you, our fellow members and families. This decision will not cost us the incentive we were granted by the Visit Bentonville foundation, that incentive will carry over into the 2022 conference. We will be returning to Bentonville for the 2022 conference. We would like to thank you for your continued support of SWAC. Until we meet again, keep ... Read more
- [2021 South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Canceled](https://ruralinfo.net/2021-south-atlantic-conference-sac-canceled/): The South Atlantic Conference (SAC) which was to be held in January 2021 has been canceled. Covid restrictions on the hotel and guests played a major part in the cancellation decision. While the date is several months away, planning the conference is done months in advance. Your SAC Board based this decision on the health and safety of our people. Our wish is for everyone to stay well and safe. Kim Harrell President, South Atlantic Conference
- [Key takeaways on OIG recommendations for package delivery in rural areas](https://ruralinfo.net/key-takeaways-on-oig-recommendations-for-package-delivery-in-rural-areas/): Lots of info here but it is interesting the way they are already planning a way to combat the time we will get for parcels to the door in RRECS Note: Sixty-one percent of routes USPS defines as “Rural” are in areas the OIG has classified as Medium Density. In 2004, the city and rural carrier unions and the Postal Service agreed that Rural Routes in areas that have been fully developed need not be converted to City Routes just because of their urban or suburban characteristics. The Low Density category captures parts of the country where the houses are ... Read more
- [Rural Carriers May Now Request Scheduled Leave Through the Enterprise Leave Request Application (eLRA) on LiteBlue](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carriers-may-now-request-scheduled-leave-through-the-enterprise-leave-request-application-elra-on-liteblue/): Rural carriers will now be able to request scheduled leave through the eLRA on LiteBlue. Use of the eLRA system is NOT required for scheduled leave. Carriers may continue to request scheduled leave using a hard-copy 3971, as always. Nothing has changed in this process. Rural Carriers MAY use the system to request scheduled leave If they request scheduled leave via eLRA, they will be given a printed 3971 by local manager. Again, nothing has changed in the procedure or the policies. Carrier still has a right to a 3971 returned as approved or disapproved in a timely manner. If ... Read more
- [NRLCA Partners With USPS to Establish Local Election Mail Task Forces](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-partners-with-usps-to-establish-local-election-mail-task-forces/): The Postal Service has consistently been rated as the most trusted government agency. However, due to recent changes in operations and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Postal Service has come under close scrutiny by Congress and the media regarding its ability to deliver mail in a timely manner — especially mail-in ballots for the 2020 election. On September 3, the Postal Service, the NRLCA, and the other postal unions and management associations created the National Election Task Force to prepare for the expected increase in vote-by-mail ballots and to show the Postal Service can still perform at the highest levels. President ... Read more
- [One dead following Madison County car crash](https://ruralinfo.net/one-dead-following-madison-county-car-crash/): Christina Nichole Bustamante was an RCA in Toney, Alabama HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – Authorities have identified a woman who was killed in car wreck near Huntsville Tuesday morning. A two-vehicle crash occurred at 9:30 a.m. on September 22, claiming the life of an Ardmore woman. Christina Nichole Bustamante, 40, was killed when the 1992 Jeep Cherokee she was driving was struck by a 2000 Peterbilt dump truck. Bustamante was not using a seatbelt, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Peterbilt was not injured. The crash occurred on Toney School Road, 8 miles north of Huntsville. ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Overpayment of Retroactive Supplemental Pay (8127 Time) Adjustments to Appear on October 16, 2020 Paychecks](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-overpayment-of-retroactive-supplemental-pay-8127-time-adjustments-to-appear-on-october-16-2020-paychecks/): We have been notified that 3910 regular rural carriers were overpaid as part of their retro-active contractual payments received on May 15, 2020. The error occurred in the calculation of retroactive increases to be applied to supplemental pay (8127 time) received by regular carriers during the retro-active back-pay period of PP19-2018 though PP17-2019. Instead of calculating the retro pay based on the difference between the old and new hourly rate, the system actually paid out the total number of minutes of 8127 time entered multiplied by the full new hourly rate. The error does not apply if you were paid ... Read more
- [NRLCA - A Note on Presidential Endorsements](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-a-note-on-presidential-endorsements/): As the November election draws closer, members have been contacting the national office asking if the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association has endorsed a candidate in the presidential election. Our members come from all walks of life, working in nearly every corner of rural and suburban America. The NRLCA has never endorsed a candidate during a presidential election, and in continuing with tradition, does not plan to endorse one during the 2020 election. The NRLCA will continue to work with politicians on both sides of the aisle in a bipartisan manner. The National Board looks forward to working with every administration on ... Read more
- [Message from President Stutts: We Will Deliver for the 2020 Election (And Beyond)](https://ruralinfo.net/message-from-president-stutts-we-will-deliver-for-the-2020-election-and-beyond/): Let There Be No Doubt: We Will Deliver for the 2020 Election (And Beyond) It is an understatement to say that this year has brought unprecedented challenges for rural carriers, as individuals and as a craft. Even in “normal times”, the transition to a new Postmaster General can cause anxiety and uncertainty as we learn about and try to work with different leadership to advance and protect rural carriers’ rights and ensure the future of the Postal Service. Add to that the COVID-19 pandemic, an election year in an extremely contentious political environment, and the fact that our National Agreement ... Read more
- [Response from NRLCA leadership to some questions asked RRECS and parcels](https://ruralinfo.net/response-from-nrlca-leadership-to-some-questions-asked-rrecs-and-parcels/): 1) Carrier’s submitted pictures of their route/ride/PO flooded with packages. 2) The pictures were compiled into calendars. 3) I sent the calendars, along with a letter and my contact info, to the NRLCA officers and the PMG. 4) I’m all out of calendars, but if any stragglers want one, I’ll happily acquire more and distribute If you want to read the full saga, see this thread https://www.ruralmailtalk.com/threads/packages-in-pictures-free-stuff Topic underlined My Questions in bold The Union Response not bold   RRECS 1) When Will RRECS be implemented? a) RRECS will be implemented as soon as all of the routes can be ... Read more
- [NRLCA issues guidance for rural carriers concerning Expedited to Street/Afternoon Sortation (ESAS)](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-issues-guidance-for-rural-carriers-concerning-expedited-to-street-afternoon-sortation-esas/): The documents linked below went to the field last week. The postal service is testing their new program called Expedited to Street/Afternoon Sortation (ESAS). The stated purpose of this test is to determine if the current Expedited Preferential Mail (EPM) Delivery Program can be enhanced to assist in reducing the morning office time for city letter carriers by enabling them to get on the street earlier to better serve customers and provide for more consistent delivery times. The test is scheduled to begin on July 25, 2020 and will continue for approximately 30 to 60 days. The test will be ... Read more
- [Albany, Oregon RCA victim in fatal crash near Corvallis](https://ruralinfo.net/albany-oregon-rca-victim-in-fatal-crash-near-corvallis/): The victim in a fatal crash south of Corvallis on Monday has been identified as Ashley Kropf of Albany. Kropf, 23, was working as a rural letter carrier at the time of the crash, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. She was delivering mail a few minutes after 2 p.m. when the private vehicle she was driving went off the side of Llewellyn Road about a mile west of Highway 99W and overturned, the Sheriff’s Office said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Kropf’s family was notified by sheriff’s personnel, and the U.S. Postal Service retrieved the undelivered ... Read more
- [Regular Carriers Working Saturday, July 4, 2020](https://ruralinfo.net/regular-carriers-working-saturday-july-4-2020/): There is NO agreement between the NRLCA and USPS pertaining to regular rural carriers volunteering or being required to work on the upcoming holiday, Saturday, July 4, 2020. There is no proper contractual method to compensate regular carriers for working their own route or any other route or providing any sort of package delivery on this holiday. Any manager requiring regular carriers to work or allowing regular carriers to volunteer to work on Saturday, July 4, 2020 is in violation of the National Agreement and a grievance will be filed and pursued by this union. Your NRLCA National Board
- [Step 4 Grievance Filed for failure to provide adequate relief for rural carriers during pandemic](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-grievance-filed-for-failure-to-provide-adequate-relief-for-rural-carriers-during-pandemic/): We continue to live in unprecedented times. While the novel coronavirus has not gone away, many states are moving through the various phases of “reopening” and we hope that process does not cause a dangerous spike in positive COVID-19 cases or worse yet, a “second wave.” As I mentioned to you in my last message, it is critical we all continue to exercise good judgment and follow the public health guidance from the CDC and Postal Service. We have seen an increase in rural carriers who have tested positive for the virus and the number of cases, week over week, ... Read more
- [Any NRLCA Member May Call for a Local Steward Election in July of 2020](https://ruralinfo.net/any-nrlca-member-may-call-for-a-local-steward-election-in-july-of-2020/): The NRLCA Constitution, Article IX, Section 7.B.l, states in part, “Where a Local Steward is in place, any member may call for an election in the month of July of every fourth year.” The fourth year referenced in this section is 2020. NRLCA Constitution, Article IX, Section 7. Local Stewards: A. Local Stewards shall be responsible to the District Representative and have no authority until certified. B. Selection: Any Bargaining Unit Member with the exception of Assistant Rural Carriers (ARCs Designation 70-5), in a local office or a delivery unit maybe elected Local Steward and shall serve until a successor ... Read more
- [NRLCA: Farewell Postmaster General Brennan](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-farewell-postmaster-general-brennan/): Friday, June 12 will be Postmaster General Megan Brennan’s final day as head of the Postal Service. This morning, she released a statement marking the occasion in which she applauds the men and women of the USPS for their hard work and dedication, saying “[postal employees] are America at its best, and this shines through when you help the nation in its toughest moments.” The NRLCA would like to thank Postmaster Brennan for her tireless efforts to better the Postal Service for both its customers and its employees alike. She always had an open-door policy and made herself available to ... Read more
- [NRLCA and USPS Sign MOU Allowing Regular Carriers to Work Their Designated Holiday on Monday, May 25, 2020](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-and-usps-sign-mou-allowing-regular-carriers-to-work-their-designated-holiday-on-monday-may-25-2020/): The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) linked below was just signed agreeing to allow regular carriers to work on their designated holiday on Monday, May 25, 2020. Compensation will be at the overtime rate and recorded in the same manner as the MOU on regulars performing auxiliary assistance on other routes. Regulars with Monday relief days are excluded because May 25th is technically still their relief day and not their designated holiday. Regular carriers who work their designated holiday on May 25th will receive the normal holiday pay in addition to the overtime for any hours actually worked. As always, regular ... Read more
- [Assignment of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Vehicles (COTS)](https://ruralinfo.net/assignment-of-commercial-off-the-shelf-vehicles-cots/): The Postal Service has determined that the Mercedes Metris has proven to be an effective delivery vehicle. As you will see, the vehicle is equipped with air conditioning and some needed safety features. These were tested by rural carriers who normally use their POV on the route and the feedback was very favorable. Two contracts have been awarded by the Postal Service to purchase and deploy additional Metris COTS right-hand drive vehicles. The first contract will deploy approximately 17,310 vehicles over the next three years, beginning in May 2020 and continuing through September 2022. These vehicles will be assigned to ... Read more
- [Former NRLCA National Executive Committeeman Steve Traylor Passes Away](https://ruralinfo.net/former-nrlca-national-executive-committeeman-steve-traylor-passes-away/): UPDATE: Mr. Traylor’s funeral will be held on Thursday, May 21 at 11:00 am at the Waveland Cemetery in Hillsboro, IL. Please click here to view his obituary and other information on the funeral home website. Sympathy cards may be sent to his family at the address below: Steve Traylor Family 409 19th Street Hillsboro, IL 62049-1640 ——————————————————————————————————————- The NRLCA has been notified of the passing of Past NRLCA National Executive Committeeman Steve Traylor from Illinois. Steve’s passing came the morning of Friday, May 15, 2020 at his home in Illinois. Steve’s faithful pet dog Tess had just passed away the ... Read more
- [NRLCA President Ronnie Stutts Welcomes Newly Appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-president-ronnie-stutts-welcomes-newly-appointed-postmaster-general-louis-dejoy/): On behalf of the NRLCA’s more than 130,000 rural letter carrier members, I would like to welcome Louis DeJoy as the new Postmaster General. I hope to sit down with Mr. DeJoy soon to discuss the myriad of issues we face as employees and as part of an agency that provides an essential service to the American people. Mr. DeJoy takes the reins at a challenging time which calls for strong and smart leadership, free from partisan politics. It is a time when the country has asked Postal Service employees to serve on the front lines of a pandemic, at ... Read more
- [NRLCA Board Cancels 2020 National Convention](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-board-cancels-2020-national-convention/): Less than two months ago, the world as we knew it changed. For the first time in our lives, we are facing a global pandemic. Your National Board has worked day and night to stay on top of rapidly changing information about COVID-19 and its impact on the Postal Service and our bargaining unit, conferring with Postal headquarters, and keeping the field informed about changes to work rules and procedures. Unfortunately, the state convention season never got started. Every state association made the difficult decision to cancel its state convention. We fully supported these decisions. For many weeks now, we ... Read more
- [Business closed--hold mail extended through May 30, 2020](https://ruralinfo.net/business-closed-hold-mail-extended-through-may-30-2020/): Business closed–hold mail extended through May 30, 2020 April 30, 2020 The USPS has issued the below Mandatory Stand-Up Talk for employees. —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–   The Postal Service is committed to assisting businesses impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In an effort to best serve our business customers, we are continuing to temporarily modify how we handle mail that must be returned to the delivery office due to a full box or a business not being open to receive delivery for an extended period. Current postal policy during the pandemic is to return the mail to the delivery office ... Read more
- [State RLCA Meeting Cancellations (Updated April 29, 2020)](https://ruralinfo.net/state-rlca-meeting-cancellations-updated-april-29-2020/): The National Board of the NRLCA has reached out to the officers of each state association in an effort to compile an ongoing list of state-level, in-person meeting cancellations. This list will be posted and updated on the NRLCA.ORG website and broadcast across the NRLCA’s social media feeds. We will continue to keep you updated as further meeting cancellations are confirmed. If you have any question or concerns, please contact your local or state officers. We thank you for your patience as we work through confirming the important details you need to know. State RLCA Meeting Cancellations (Updated April 30, ... Read more
- [Rural Route Inspections Temporarily Suspended](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-route-inspections-temporarily-suspended/): With the COVID-19 potential health threat, effective immediately the USPS will temporarily suspend physical inspections of rural routes. At this time they are planning to resume inspection activities on Saturday, May 2, 2020. During this period, management should continue to ensure Edit Books and 4003s are kept updated as needed to enhance preparedness for RRECS mapping. If you have any issues with this please contact your appropriate NSS steward.
- [2018-2021 Special Contract Issue of National Rural Letter Carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/2018-2021-special-contract-issue-of-national-rural-letter-carrier/): Please be advised that the 2018-2021 Special Contract Issue of The National Rural Letter Carrier has been posted and can be viewed and downloaded in its entirety
- [New Scan-Out for Redelivery](https://ruralinfo.net/new-scan-out-for-redelivery/): We have been notified by USPS HQ that a new scan has been established for parcels that have been attempted and the customer has requested redelivery. At this time, this has been established as a carrier scan. When a customer requests redelivery of a parcel, the clerk is to pull the parcel and hand off to the carrier informing them of the redelivery request. Prior to loading, the carrier is to enter the “Out for Redelivery” scan of the parcel. After meeting with USPS Labor Relations today, it was determined that, for now, rural carriers should record these additional scans ... Read more
- [RRECS mapping Information](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-mapping-information/): Information shared in the Wisconsin State paper.  Great info and news we all need to know. https://ruralinfo.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/RRECS-Newsletter.pdf Full newsletter   Also: Delivery Point Manager User Guide: https://ruralinfo.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/RSD_DPM_User_Guide_1-1.pdf
- [Back pay delayed again - Step 4 Grievance Filed](https://ruralinfo.net/back-pay-delayed-again-step-4-grievance-filed/): On February 21, 2020, the Postal Service notified the NRLCA that the contractual retro payment would be delayed once again due to programming issues within the system. This delay would cause the retro payment to be processed and paid on May 15, 2020. The National Agreement was ratified on August 6, 2019. This latest delay would cause rural carriers to wait some forty weeks before receiving the retro payment. This delay is inexcusable, excessive, unreasonable, and unprecedented. Rural carriers have been harmed by being deprived of these required retro payments. The Postal Service has unjustly enjoyed an interest windfall as ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier killed in car accident on the way to work](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-killed-in-car-accident-on-the-way-to-work/): WOOD COUNTY (WAOW)- One person is dead after a two car crash in the Village of Auburndale Saturday morning. In a press release from the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, 57-year-old Mark Smith was driving a van west bound on USH 10 when he collided with a pick up truck which was north bound on Cty Rd P. Smith was pronounced dead on scene and the driver of the pick up truck was transported to Marshfield Medical Center for treatment. The crash is under investigation at this time. One dead after two car accident in Wood County Obituary
- [Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS) Update](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-route-evaluated-compensation-system-rrecs-update/): February 10, 2020 The NRLCA and the USPS have agreed to move forward with the new mapping program that has been developed and tested. Pilot offices in eight different districts are being mapped now and the process will expand shortly with a goal of getting all rural routes mapped in the next few months. The mapping process is accomplished in two stages. The first stage is plotting the delivery points. This is done with the carrier assigned to the route working with a management or union facilitator. Every delivery address has four points associated with it that must be plotted ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier dies due to injuries from accident on route](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-dies-due-to-injuries-from-accident-on-route/): UPDATE: Rural Carrier Shelly Andress died due to injuries Two people were seriously injured in a crash that shut down Route 42 for nearly 51/2 hours Saturday afternoon, police say. Mail carrier Shelly Andress, 58, Millville, was crossing the intersection of Perry Avenue and Route 42 from Sunken Heights when she was struck by a van, according to Montour Township Police Chief Terry Eckart. Witnesses say the blue van, driven by John Coch, 71, Pottsville, was heading south on Route 42 and had run the red light. Coch hit the front left corner of Andress’ Jeep, which is the passenger’s ... Read more
- [In memoriam - SC Rural Carrier loses his life on the route](https://ruralinfo.net/in-memoriam-sc-rural-carrier-loses-his-life-on-the-route/): Obituary | Ryan Mark Powell of Johnsonville, South Carolina | Morris Funeral Home Coroner identifies victim killed in Pamplico crash | WBTW
- [Rural Carrier dies a week after Attala County shooting](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-dies-a-week-after-attala-county-shooting/): KOSCIUSKO, Miss. (WTVA) – A postal worker died more than a week after being shot in the head. Sherry Ingold died Friday night, Postal Inspector Tony Robinson confirmed. Mugshot of Roland Dampeer released on January 17, 2020. The man charged with shooting her, Roland Dampeer, remains in federal custody. The shooting happened on Jan. 16. Attala County Sheriff Tim Nail said Dampeer first tried to kidnap a woman from the Sunflower Grocery Store in Kosciusko, but that woman managed to escape. Dampeer later encountered a second woman. The second woman, Ingold, was delivering mail along Highway 35 North when she ... Read more
- [Step Four Grievance Settlement - DPS Rebuild After Review and Reclassification](https://ruralinfo.net/step-four-grievance-settlement-dps-rebuild-after-review-and-reclassification/): The issue in this grievance is whether there is a requirement to rebuild a rural route following the reclassification of the route as a result of a DPS letter mail formal review. The parties mutually agree that the following will constitute a full and complete settlement in this grievance. When a rural route that is reclassified as a result of a DPS letter mail formal review is subsequently evaluated using the appropriate DPS letter mail standard, the route will be rebuilt the equivalent of the DPS letter mail impact in accordance with the DPS Letter Mail Implementation Procedures. Click here ... Read more
- [Mississippi rural carrier shot on the route](https://ruralinfo.net/mississippi-rural-carrier-shot-on-the-route/): UPDATE: Sadly Sherry has passed.  My thoughts are with her family at this time. Kristy Ingold Rural postal worker shot in Attala County JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Attala County’s sheriff said a man shot a rural postal worker in the head Thursday. Sheriff Tim Nail said the man first tried to kidnap a woman from the Sunflower Grocery Store near Kosciusko, but that woman managed to escape. Read more   Man accused of shooting Miss. postal worker now in federal custody ATTALA COUNTY, Miss. (WLBT) – The man accused of shooting a rural postal worker in the head Thursday is ... Read more
- [In memoriam - Sheila G. Rackley - Rural Carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/in-memoriam-sheila-g-rackley-rural-carrier/):   GUN PLAIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Authorities have identified a postal worker who died Monday after her vehicle was hit while delivering mail Monday. Sheila Gay Rackley, 55, was delivering mail to a home when her Postal Service vehicle was hit by a truck going south on 10th Street. The crash sent her vehicle into the ditch and caused it to catch fire. Read more   Obituary Sheila passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 6, 2020 in Plainwell. She was born September 10, 1964 in Allegan the daughter of Howard and Pricilla (Oisten) Pegg. Sheila was a 1982 Allegan High School ... Read more
- [In memoriam: Tammy Berry, RCA, Chatsworth, GA](https://ruralinfo.net/in-memoriam-tammy-berry-rca-chatsworth-ga/): Tammy Berry Obituary – Chatsworth, Georgia
- [Important update on RRECS - Engineer Study](https://ruralinfo.net/important-update-on-rrecs-engineer-study/): In January, rural carriers will start doing all of the RRECS scans and all information will start to be recorded with the scanners for 12 months.  All routes will also be mapped in 2020. This will involve the new Zebra scanners and a base hour change to all routes for additional scans. They still haven’t come to an agreement on the single box time standards, but continue to discuss. January 2021 is a tentative start date for RRECS using information gathered in 2020 from the scanners. (pending agreement on single box time standards) All carriers need to be aware of ... Read more
- [Step 4 Grievance Settlement -  Friday/Saturday Rotating Relief Day](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-grievance-settlement-friday-saturday-rotating-relief-day/): The issue in this grievance concerns Friday/Saturday rotating relief days in formula offices. During our discussion, we mutually agreed the following will constitute full and complete settlement of the grievance: Article 9.2.C.5.c. states, “The Employer will not require a single non-Saturday relief day to be assigned to more routes than a Saturday relief day. A Friday/Saturday rotating relief day or any pair of Friday/Saturday rotating relief days equates to one Friday relief day.” In formula offices, non-Saturday relief days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, which includes Friday/Saturday. Management determines which non-Saturday relief days will benefit the office. It ... Read more
- [NRLCA statement on the retirement of Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-statement-on-the-retirement-of-postmaster-general-megan-j-brennan/): The United States Postal Service yesterday announced that Megan J. Brennan, Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer, is retiring effective January 31, 2020. “Megan Brennan is a devoted public servant who has helped lead the United States Postal Service through some very challenging circumstances,” said Robert M. Duncan, Chairman of the Board of Governors. “The Governors greatly appreciate her leadership and devotion to the Postal Service.” “It’s been a pleasure working with Postmaster General Brennan throughout the years. Her stewardship of the Postal Service during these challenging times has been a great service to all of us at the National ... Read more
- [2019 National Convention Proceedings Posted](https://ruralinfo.net/2019-national-convention-proceedings-posted/): The 2019 National Convention Proceedings are now available to download. CLICK HERE to be directed to the magazine.   To request a printed copy of the National Convention Proceedings, please complete and return the “Request for Convention Proceedings and Other Special Editions of The National Rural Letter Carrier magazine” form available here.    If you have previously submitted a request to receive special editions, you do NOT need to submit another request. The request will stay in effect unless otherwise notified by the member or in the case of a lapse in membership.
- [SC rural carrier killed while on delivery route](https://ruralinfo.net/sc-rural-carrier-killed-while-on-delivery-route/): WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) – Authorities are searching for a suspect in the murder of a Williamsburg County mail carrier. Coroner Harrison McKnight says the victim, Irene Pressley, was found shot to death Monday afternoon in her SUV on Morrisville Road. United States Postal Inspection Service spokesperson Jessica Adams says Pressley was on her mail delivery route when she was killed. Neither the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office nor the Postal Inspection Service would say if any suspects have been identified or a possible motive for the murder. Adams says when the person is caught and if convicted, that person could ... Read more
- [Step 4 - Use of Wire Cages for Loading](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-use-of-wire-cages-for-loading/): The issue in this grievance concerns the use of rolling equipment (e.g., wire containers, post cons, etc.) as a conveyance in rural delivery operations. After discussion of this case with the National Board and Legal Counsel we determined that our best course of action on these cases is to pursue each of the individual circumstances to Area Arbitration on their own merits. Accordingly, the grievance was settled as follows: After reviewing this matter, we mutually agreed that no national interpretive issue is fairly presented in this case. The parties agree that whether the use of rolling equipment poses a safety ... Read more
- [Important Information Pertaining to Safety Ambassador/Safety Captain Program](https://ruralinfo.net/important-information-pertaining-to-safety-ambassador-safety-captain-program/): Since 1974, this union has endorsed Article 14 of our contract and our members’ participation in the Safety Captain program. The USPS has “rebranded” the position of Safety Captain as Safety Ambassador, effectively eliminating the Safety Captain position. Unfortunately, the USPS has included duties for the Safety Ambassador position such as observing and reporting safety infractions by rural carriers. Obviously, this would cross the line of what this union has long defined as management work and would subject the member to the restrictions imposed on those performing management duties as defined in our Constitution. The National Board realizes that there ... Read more
- [NRLCA: Important Update Concerning the National Auxiliary](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-important-update-concerning-the-national-auxiliary/): The NRLCA National Board has made every effort to determine whether the Auxiliary and Juniors will hold their conventions in conjunction with our National Convention. As no definite determination has been communicated, the NRLCA National Board can not coordinate any activities with the Auxiliary or Junior Associations at the 2019 Grapevine National Convention. Be advised that the NRLCA will provide no activities or child care for Juniors at the National Convention. Any questions should be directed to your State or National Auxiliary Officers.   Regretfully, your National Board
- [Step 4 Grievance Settlement - (E15R-4E-C 17354013) Requiring Carriers to Case DPS Letters Last](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-grievance-settlement-e15r-4e-c-17354013-requiring-carriers-to-case-dps-letters-last/): The issue in this grievance concerns whether management can mandate rural carriers, who have the option to case DPS letter mail in lieu of taking it directly to the street, the order in which they must case DPS letters. Handbook PO-603, Rural Carrier Duties and Responsibilities, Section 226, Delivery Point Sequence (OPS) Mail, provides the rural carrier the option to case DPS letters in accordance with Section 15, Schedules. The parties established, in case number J00R-4J-C 08208190 (Greenwood, IN), that management has the right to require rural carriers to case DPS letter mail before other size mail when carriers opt ... Read more
- [UPDATE: Funeral Services Scheduled for Former National Committeeman Francis J. Raimer](https://ruralinfo.net/update-funeral-services-scheduled-for-former-national-committeeman-francis-j-raimer/): Funeral services for former National Committeeman Francis J. Raimer are scheduled to begin at noon on Monday, June 17th in the Berkeley Memorial Chapel at Saint Columba’s Cemetary in Middletown, Rhode Island: Saint Columba’s Berkeley Memorial Chapel 55 Vaucluse Avenue Middletown, Rhode Island 02842-5742 401-847-5571 stcolumbaschapel.org   Sympathy cards and condolences may be sent to Francis’ surviving wife Laurie at the address below: Laurie Raimer 128 Barbs Hill Road Greene, Rhode Island 02827-1800 UPDATE: Funeral Services Scheduled for Former National Committeeman Francis J. Raimer
- [Family and friends remember Pittsylvania County mother and rural RCA, Brittany Cioffa, at vigil](https://ruralinfo.net/family-and-friends-remember-pittsylvania-county-mother-and-rural-rca-brittany-cioffa-at-vigil/): Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a concerned party asking for a well-being check on a friend at 17133 Callands Road in Axton. Just after 1:10 a.m. Monday morning, deputies forced their way into the home after not receiving an answer and found a Brittany and Thomas. A firearm was discovered near the bodies. Investigators believe the two were home alone at the time of their deaths. With the reality of Brittany’s death still sinking in, dozens of her friends and family members came together to remember her life. “She was very understanding, there wasn’t anything that you ... Read more
- [National Pre-Arbitration Settlement: (B06R-4B-C 11378189) - Backwards DPS Flats](https://ruralinfo.net/national-pre-arbitration-settlement-b06r-4b-c-11378189-backwards-dps-flats/): The NRLCA and the USPS have reached the attached settlement in the case referenced above. The issue in this grievance concerns additional compensation for rural carriers when delivery point sequence (DPS) flats are received backwards. The parties agree that additional credit will be provided during a mail count for flats received backwards in the DPS flats tray. During the mail count, the route will receive credit for one additional DPS flat for every two DPS flats that are received backwards. The appropriate credit will be added to Column 5, DPS Flats, by rounding down to the nearest whole number. Grievances that ... Read more
- [Putnam County rural mail carrier killed in accident](https://ruralinfo.net/putnam-county-rural-mail-carrier-killed-in-accident/): EATONTON, Ga. — A mail carrier died Tuesday in Putnam County after a single-vehicle accident. According to Sheriff Howard Sills, it happened around 1 p.m. on Lakeview Estates Drive. He says evidence shows 39-year-old Latonja Reese was working when she ran off the road and overcorrected when she got back on. When she overcorrected, the pick-up truck she was driving flipped over. Reese was ejected from the vehicle. Sills says she did not have a seat belt on, but Georgia law doesn’t require mail carriers to wear one. They do not suspect foul play. Putnam County Coroner Gary McElhenney says ... Read more
- [Ruralinfo tips – Did you know – Bank Time](https://ruralinfo.net/ruralinfo-tips-did-you-know-bank-time/)
- [Rural Carrier Garland R. Bland Jr., 41, of North Chesterfield, VA killed in accident on the route](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-garland-r-bland-jr-41-of-north-chesterfield-va-killed-in-accident-on-the-route/): Authorities have charged a Midlothian woman with reckless driving in a crash Thursday that killed the driver of a mail carrier truck in Henrico County. The Virginia State Police were summoned about 6:15 p.m. Thursday to the scene of a two-vehicle crash along northbound Interstate 295 just south of Woodman Road. According to a preliminary investigation, a U.S. Postal Service truck driven by Garland R. Bland Jr., 41, of North Chesterfield, was traveling north on I-295 in the center lane when he was struck in the rear by a 2015 Mazda 6 driven by Lauren E. Colognori, 30. The impact ... Read more
- [Ruralinfo tips – Did you know – Partial Trip Served](https://ruralinfo.net/ruralinfo-tips-did-you-know-partial-trip-served/): What happens if you can’t complete your route the day?  
- [National Pre-Arbitration Settlement Reached on Compensation for Retroactive Relief Days Worked](https://ruralinfo.net/national-pre-arbitration-settlement-reached-on-compensation-for-retroactive-relief-days-worked/): The issue in this grievance concerns the proper compensation for rural carriers when rural routes are adjusted retroactively, increasing the actual standard hours and consequently changing the route classification to one with more relief days. Specifically, the parties’ dispute is whether rural carriers are entitled to additional premium compensation in accordance with Articles 8.5 and 9.2.C.5, for scheduled work days that are retroactively changed to relief days. There are two instances in which the dispute is at issue: A route is evaluated and scheduled as a J route and is later retroactively adjusted to a K route. A route is ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Death of Former National Committeeman Francis J. Raimer](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-death-of-former-national-committeeman-francis-j-raimer/): It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former National Committeeman Francis J. Raimer on Monday, April 1st due to health complications. Mr. Raimer served on the NRLCA National Board from 1997 to 2007. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Raimer family in this time of loss. Sympathy cards and condolences may be sent to Francis’ surviving wife Laurie at the address below: Laurie Raimer 128 Barbs Hill Road Greene, Rhode Island 02827-1800 Visitation and funeral service dates and details will be posted as they become available.
- [Rural Route Digitization Program](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-route-digitization-program/): On March 25, 2019, the NRLCA was notified that USPS will begin a 6-week “rural route digitization” program. Starting March 28, 2019, USPS will utilize the GPS “breadcrumb” information collected by the MDD (Scanner) to plot the line of travel for each rural route. The route mileage obtained from this information will be compared to the paid mileage for the route and the official line of travel on PS Form 4003. Rural Carrier work methods will NOT be altered in any way by this data collection. However, in anticipation of questions from the field, we have prepared the following Q and A: ... Read more
- [Pre-Arbitration Settlement: National Arbitration (B10R-4B-C 14186310) - Suspension of Driving Privileges](https://ruralinfo.net/pre-arbitration-settlement-national-arbitration-b10r-4b-c-14186310-suspension-of-driving-privileges/): Attached you will find the Pre-Arbitration Settlement in the above-referenced case. The issue in this grievance concerns whether the Postal Service must provide rural carrier craft employees non-driving duties or paid administrative leave when their driving privileges have been suspended following a review of the on-duty record after a vehicle accident. The parties agree that Article 29 and Handbook EL-804, Safe Driver Program, must be followed when management is considering suspension of driving privileges. Article 29 addresses the administrative action of suspension or revocation of driving privileges due to the on-duty record; while Handbook EL-804 requires the assessment of the ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement - (E06R-4E-C 13052545) Riverton, UT Change of Relief Days](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-e06r-4e-c-13052545-riverton-ut-change-of-relief-days/): The issue in this grievance concerns the reassignment of relief days in a formula office, to include those situations when a route changes classification from a J to a K route. This would also include the situation when a junior regular carrier is awarded a route with Saturday relief day though the bidding process. Once an office has implemented the formula, there are only two situations which may prompt changes to relief days. The first situation involves a recalculation of the formula which will be conducted when the following circumstances occur in a formula office: A change in the number ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement - (F06R-4F-C 11289402) Victorville, CA Employee Witnesses](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-f06r-4f-c-11289402-victorville-ca-employee-witnesses/): The above grievance concerns compensation for employees who appear as witnesses at arbitration hearings during regular work hours. After reviewing this matter, the parties mutually agreed no national interpretive issue is fairly presented in this case. The parties agree that Article 15.5.D specifies that employee witnesses shall be on employer time when appearing at a hearing, provided the time spent as a witness is part of the employee’s regular working hours. Normally, rural carriers in a work status will perform their daily duties until their testimony is needed.   Click here to view the Step 4 settlement letter Step 4 Settlement – ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement - (Q10R-4Q-C 16106590) Act of God on Relief Day](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-q10r-4q-c-16106590-act-of-god-on-relief-day/): The issue in this grievance concerns compensation for regular rural carriers that are scheduled to work their relief day but are prevented from reporting due to an act of God. Handbook F-21 , Time and Attendance, section 582.3 addresses the appropriate compensation for rural carriers due to an act of God. The parties agree if a rural carrier reports to work on the relief day, but is not able to complete their normal duties due to an act of God, a full day’s compensation is provided, to include equipment maintenance allowance, if applicable. For example, if a decision is made ... Read more
- [Step 4 Settlement - (Q15R-4Q-C 18112722) MDD Loading Initiative](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-settlement-q15r-4q-c-18112722-mdd-loading-initiative/): The issue in this grievance concerns rural carriers utilizing the load truck feature on the MDD when loading an Employer provided vehicle. After reviewing this matter, we mutually agree that no national interpretive issue is fairly presented in this case. Handbook PO-603, section 223.23, is instructive regarding how rural carriers handle parcels that do not fit in the case separations. Specifically, a letter may be reversed or some other method may be used to alert carriers there is a parcel that cannot be cased for that address. The parties agree that management may require rural craft employees who are being ... Read more
- [Ruralinfo tips - Did you know -Lunch Breaks - Feb 20th, 2019](https://ruralinfo.net/ruralinfo-tips-did-you-know-feb-20th-2019/): Daily breaks – Did you know? Did you know that management cannot require you to take a break? The parties agree that rural carriers at their option may take a lunch break, provided the time does not exceed (30) minutes per Article 30.1.F. The parties further agree this provision prohibits management from requiring a rural carrier to take a (30) minute lunch break.   Click here to read more
- [Tragedy takes local rural mail carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/tragedy-takes-local-rural-mail-carrier/): Sarah Hartman, 30, worked as a rural mail carrier in Strafford, MO A Seymour woman died last week in a tragic two-vehicle, work-related accident on Evergreen Road, about two miles east of Strafford. Sarah K. Hartman, 30, who lives just east of Seymour, was working her route as a rural mail carrier east of Strafford at 12:45 p.m. last Tuesday, Feb. 5, when she was fatally injured on the rural two-lane road. Trooper Z.C. Dudley of the Missouri State Highway Patrol said Hartman was westbound in a 1999 Ford Explorer when the crash occurred. “(Hartman) traveled off the right side ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier Dies After Suffering Medical Emergency, Crashing Mail Truck Into Porch](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-dies-after-suffering-medical-emergency-crashing-mail-truck-into-porch/): IRWIN, Pa. (KDKA) — A mail carrier has died after crashing his mail truck over a hillside, hitting the front porch of a home in Irwin. The crash happened after 10 a.m. on Main Street. The mail carrier apparently suffered some sort of medical emergency behind the wheel, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. Richardson says that first responders were on the scene within minutes. “They got to him as quick as they could, got him out of the vehicle,” said Richardson. The driver was taken to the hospital for treatment. But officials now say he has died. ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier dies after suffering cardiac arrest on the route](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-dies-after-suffering-cardiac-arrest-on-the-route/): A “strict no unnecessary travel” advisory was put in place by the county sheriff’s office in those areas hit hardest by heavy snowfall. County residents were asked to stay home and off the roads to give emergency services personnel and snowplows the access they needed to clear the roads. In Lewis County, the sheriff’s department closed a section of Route 177 between state Route 12 and the Jefferson County line at about 11 a.m. for almost five hours because of “zero visibility and multiple vehicles off the road,” according to a county dispatcher. The road reopened at 3:45 p.m. The ... Read more
- [Man convicted in crash that killed rural mail carrier in Texas](https://ruralinfo.net/man-convicted-in-crash-that-kill-rural-mail-carrier-in-texas/): https://www.postaltimes.com/postalnews/wichita-falls-man-charged-in-april-2018-crash-that-killed-a-rural-texas-mail-carrier/ Related: Texas Rural Carrier killed after being struck by 18 wheeler
- [Submitting your edit book DOES NOT update your pay](https://ruralinfo.net/submitting-your-edit-book-does-not-update-your-pay/): The most important form in a rural carrier’s work life- The PS Form 4003 The PS Form 4003 contains all the route’s current, active delivery data including an official line of travel, current number of deliveries, miles traveled, authorized dismounts, etc… This form is used to update any changes that occur on a rural route between mail counts. The PM or supervisor must complete Form 4003 for submission to the district at the end of each pay period if there are ANY changes. The effective date for each 4003 should be the first day of the PP which will always be ... Read more
- [Alert: More fraudulent activity occurring on Liteblue](https://ruralinfo.net/alert-more-fraudulent-activity-occurring-on-liteblue/): USPS officials have informed NALC of additional fraudulent activity against the LiteBlue application. The Postal Service is reporting that this new activity appears to be more sophisticated than the previous infiltration of USPS systems. This breach is compromising the Multifactor Authentication (MFA) one-time passcode feature that was added earlier this year, after the previous compromise, to provide an extra layer of security to LiteBlue. As a result of these recent incidents, the Postal Service has once again temporarily disabled the ability for employees to make allotment and net-to-bank changes online while this fraudulent activity is investigated. USPS states that employees ... Read more
- [PS Form 3227-R Revision: Rural or Highway Contract Route Carrier Stamp Purchase Order Form](https://ruralinfo.net/ps-form-3227-r-revision-rural-or-highway-contract-route-carrier-stamp-purchase-order-form/): Effective July 2023, the Postal Service™ revised PS Form 3227-R, Rural or Highway Contract Route Carrier Stamp Purchase Order Form, to update the information based on the recent rate increase. The revised edition is dated July 2023. All previous editions of PS Form 3227-R are obsolete and must be recycled. The July 2023 edition of PS Form 3227-R is available from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) in Topeka, KS. USPS® facilities can order the revised PS Form 3227-R through the MDC eBuy+ catalog using the following information: PSIN: PS 3227-R PSN: 7530-01-000-9885 Unit of Issue: EA Minimum Order Quantity: 100 Quick Pick Number: 164 Price*: $0.0478 Edition Date: 7/23 * ... Read more
- [Pennsylvania RCA dies on the route](https://ruralinfo.net/pennsylvania-rca-dies-on-the-route/): In Felton, PA, a small rural town south of Red Lion in southern York County, Dale Andy Fantom, a 25-year veteran RCA, who went by Andy to those that knew him, passed away while on the job. A customer found him unresponsive inside his POV in their driveway. As he was able to pull safely off the road, it’s believed that he had a heart attack and knew something wasn’t right.
- [USPS Sending Out Mailer To Employees On The Postal Service Health Benefits Plan](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-sending-out-mailer-to-employees-on-the-postal-service-health-benefits-plan/): These trifold brochures will be mailed to all USPS employees and retirees on July 1, 2023. These provide information on Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) for employees and annuitants.
- [Rural Carrier worried about mail piling up alerts authorities](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-worried-about-mail-piling-up-alerts-authorities/): Shelley Ponton, a rural carrier in Ashkum, IL, was recently making deliveries when she grew concerned about an older customer whose mail was piling up unusually. Ponton asked Postmaster Julia Holohan to alert authorities about the woman, who lived alone and had no family members except a brother 75 miles away. Emergency responders found the customer deceased. “Had it not been for Shelley’s attention to her loyal customers, the woman could have been left unnoticed for some time,” Holohan said. “Sometimes Shelley may be the only person a customer talks to all week. She goes above and beyond with customer ... Read more
- [Attacks on rural letter carriers the beginning of devastating restructuring of the US Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/attacks-on-rural-letter-carriers-the-beginning-of-devastating-restructuring-of-the-us-postal-service/): Work at USPS? Tell us what you think about the impact of RRECS and the proposed cuts under “Delivering for America.” All submissions will be kept anonymous. More than 90,000 rural letter carriers for the United States Postal Service (USPS) are battling changes to their compensation which have led to massive pay cuts and longer workweeks. The replacement of the pre-existing method of calculating rural carriers’ hours and wages has resulted in wage cuts as high as $20,000 a year in some cases. Rural carriers’ attempts to challenge and prove any discrepancies between their actual work and what is calculated by the new system ... Read more
- [Man Gets Life Sentence for Killing Rural Carrier Who Refused to Deliver Marijuana Package](https://ruralinfo.net/man-gets-life-sentence-for-killing-rural-carrier-who-refused-to-deliver-marijuana-package/): COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A man was sentenced to life in prison Thursday after being convicted of killing a mail carrier who instead of delivering a large package of marijuana to his home left a note in the mailbox requiring him to come to a South Carolina post office to pick it up.
- [RCA at the center of the Supreme Court religious case reacts](https://ruralinfo.net/rca-at-the-center-of-the-supreme-court-religious-case-reacts/): (29 Jun 2023) The Supreme Court is using the case of a Christian mailman who didn’t want to work Sundays to solidify protections for workers who are religious. The mailman at the center of the case spoke to The Associated Press shortly after the ruling. (June 29)
- [Supreme Court sides with Christian ex-mailman who sought to avoid Sunday shifts](https://ruralinfo.net/supreme-court-sides-with-christian-ex-mailman-who-sought-to-avoid-sunday-shifts/): The Supreme Court on Thursday sided with a Christian former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier who sued after he was denied accommodations to avoid work on the Sabbath. The high court held that “Title VII requires an employer that denies a religious accommodation to show that the burden of granting an accommodation would result in substantial increased costs in relation to the conduct of its particular business.”
- [COVID-19 Parcels Arbitration Award - No compensation for increased parcels during Covid-19 pandemic](https://ruralinfo.net/covid-19-parcels-arbitration-award-no-compensation-for-increased-parcels-during-covid-19-pandemic/): National Arbitrator Rules that the National Agreement Does Not Require the Postal Service to Provide Additional Compensation to Rural Letter Carriers for Increase in Parcels During COVID-19 Pandemic via NRLCA.org On June 27, 2023, the parties’ National Arbitrator issued a decision in the “COVID-19 Parcels” case. While the Arbitrator appeared to agree with the Union on the merits of the case, she denied the grievance, holding that the National Agreement did not mandate the remedies that the NRLCA was seeking. Download Analysis
- [Atlanta Postal Credit Union Files Notice of Recent Data Breach Following Ransomware Attack](https://ruralinfo.net/atlanta-postal-credit-union-files-notice-of-recent-data-breach-following-ransomware-attack/): On June 22, 2023, Atlanta Postal Credit Union (“APCU”) filed a notice of data breach with the Attorney General of Montana after learning that a recent ransomware attack compromised the confidential information of some bank customers. Based on the company’s official filing, the incident resulted in an unauthorized party gaining access to consumers’ names, Social Security numbers and financial account information.
- [FSA update - Postal employees should check their paychecks for erroneous deductions](https://ruralinfo.net/fsa-update-postal-employees-should-check-their-paychecks-for-erroneous-deductions/): Postal Service employees enrolled in the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) should review their pay stub for erroneous deductions. A recent cyber incident caused a deduction increase that affected some USPS employees. FSAFEDS is aware of the issue and has taken steps to resolve it. Employees who have an erroneous deduction should call FSAFEDS at 877-372-3337. Do not contact the USPS Accounting Service Center. For information regarding FSA approved items, claims and frequently asked questions, go to fsafeds.com. For questions regarding wellness, email the USPS Wellness team.
- [Supreme Court ruling on religious RCA working Sunday expected next week](https://ruralinfo.net/supreme-court-ruling-on-religious-rca-working-sunday-expected-next-week/): The U.S. Supreme Court adjourned mid-morning with several highly-anticipated rulings left on the table. Among those rulings, the high court will decide whether the U.S. Postal Service had the right to require a Lancaster County mail carrier to work Sundays despite his religious conviction that Sunday should be a day of rest. Gerald Groff, of Providence Township, clashed with the Postal Service when it began scheduling Quarryville post office employees on Sundays to deliver Amazon packages. The Evangelical Christian postal worker transferred to Holtwood to avoid Sunday shifts, but Holtwood eventually was also tasked with delivering the packages. Groff skipped ... Read more
- [Carrier hit by train was an RCA in Durant OK](https://ruralinfo.net/carrier-hit-by-train-was-an-rca-in-durant-ok/): DURANT, Okla. (KXII) – A Kingston woman is dead after her vehicle got struck by a train Saturday afternoon in Bryan County. Oklahoma Highway Patrol said it happened on S Loan Oak Road and Caddo Highway intersection, about 3 miles north of Durant. Troopers said 35-year-old Eva Backenstoes was attempting to cross an unguarded set of railroad tracks and did not make it across before getting struck by the train. Troopers said she was partially ejected. Backenstoes was pronounced dead on the scene.  
- [USPS mum on plan to merge rural mail delivery hubs in Snohomish County](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-mum-on-plan-to-merge-rural-mail-delivery-hubs-in-snohomish-county/): Small cities could soon see their mail delivered from Everett, workers say. The Postal Service declined to comment directly.
- [More rural postal workers in the US speak out about thousands in lost wages due to new compensation formula](https://ruralinfo.net/more-rural-postal-workers-in-the-us-speak-out-about-thousands-in-lost-wages-due-to-new-compensation-formula/): On May 31, the WSWS published an initial article on the new Rural Route Evaluation Compensation System for rural letter carriers in the US Post Office. This new pay system, based not on hours worked but on an “evaluation” based on the amount of mail delivered and difficulty in delivering it, is completely opaque and has resulted in drastic cuts to annual compensation, in some cases up to five figures. Since then, the WSWS has received an overwhelming response from letter carriers, eager to share with the world the scope and impact of these cuts.
- [Compensation for Additional Trips](https://ruralinfo.net/compensation-for-additional-trips/): On June 2, 2023, the USPS and NRLCA agreed to modify two pre-arbitration settlements, specifically case #C95R-4C-C 98023318, which involves compensation for rural carriers when required to perform an additional trip to the street due to mail that could not be accommodated on the first trip, either due to the volume of mail or the physical size of the parcels, or both; and case #Q95R-4Q-C 99245966, which involves compensation for rural carriers when required to make deliveries after returning from the standard street duties, such as delivering Priority Mail Express. Click here
- [Rural mail carriers worried about dramatic pay cuts](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-mail-carriers-worried-about-dramatic-pay-cuts/): CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Some rural mail carriers in the Lowcountry are concerned about a dramatic pay cut that recently went into effect. They believe the cut in pay means issues with mail not being delivered for days due to a lack of available employees could get even worse. “A lot of carriers have lost tens of thousands of dollars every year, which really impacts their lives,” said one local postal worker who did not want to be identified.
- [USPS rural carriers frustrated with new pay system leading to pay cuts on most routes](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-rural-carriers-frustrated-with-new-pay-system-leading-to-pay-cuts-on-most-routes/): The Postal Service is telling lawmakers that rural carriers have the resources they need to ensure fair compensation under a new pay system that’s been in the works for more than a decade. But Senate Democrats and rural carriers facing pay cuts say USPS and its union have given them insufficient training on the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS) that went into effect last month. About two-thirds of rural carriers nationwide are facing substantial pay cuts under the RRECS system. Many carriers have been told their pay will be cut by several thousand dollars annually, while delivering mail and packages on ... Read more
- [RRECS articles in the news today](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-articles-in-the-news-today/): Here are a couple of articles I came across today about RRECS and rural carriers  
- [Rep. Stansbury Grills Postmaster DeJoy on Rural Mail Carrier Pay and Services](https://ruralinfo.net/rep-stansbury-grills-postmaster-dejoy-on-rural-mail-carrier-pay-and-services/): During a House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee hearing, Rep. Stansbury asked Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on lack of communication and consultation with rank and file postal workers.
- [Rural Mail Carriers Face Pay Cuts That Could Worsen Service Woes for Vermonters](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-mail-carriers-face-pay-cuts-that-could-worsen-service-woes-for-vermonters/): The U.S. Postal Service has imposed big pay cuts on some Vermont workers in rural areas, leading to fears that carriers will quit and leave the postal service less able to provide reliable mail delivery. The pay reductions are the result of a new system the postal service has adopted to calculate the salaries paid to rural mail carriers. Nationwide, two-thirds of those carriers will make less money.
- [USPS MAIL CARRIERS PUSHING BACK AGAINST PLANNED PAY CUTS](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-mail-carriers-pushing-back-against-planned-pay-cuts/): Rural letter carriers across United States, including in Oklahoma, are dealing with a new work structure that they say affects their hours and pay. After significant pushback and delay, rural mail carriers will see their first severely cut paycheck on May 26. The union protecting those carriers, The National Rural Letter Carriers Association , has filed a level four class-action lawsuit, but the planned pay cuts are still scheduled.
- [Bill introduced to Rename Interlachen Post Office In Honor Of Pamela “Pam” Rock](https://ruralinfo.net/bill-introduced-to-rename-interlachen-post-office-in-honor-of-pamela-pam-rock/): WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) and Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) introduced legislation to rename the Interlachen, Florida, post office in honor of U.S. Postal Service carrier Pamela “Pam” Rock who was tragically killed last year while delivering mail in northeast Florida. Rock, 61, was fatally attacked by a pack of vicious dogs when her USPS vehicle broke down the morning of August 21, 2022, in Putnam County. According to the US Postal Service, more than 5,400 postal employees were attacked by dogs in the United States in 2021. Florida was one of the top 10 states for dog bites, with 201 reported incidents ... Read more
- [UPDATE to Second Trip Compensation via NRLCA](https://ruralinfo.net/update-to-second-trip-compensation-via-nrlca/): UPDATE to Second Trip Compensation:  All loading time for second trips will be done on the scanner; the only additional pay connected to the Second Trip will be the newly agreed to  three (3) minutes per mile and any additional EMA if you drive a POV  (effective May 6, 2023).
- [Johnson Co. rural mail carrier says new pay system cuts salary by thousands](https://ruralinfo.net/johnson-co-rural-mail-carrier-says-new-pay-system-cuts-salary-by-thousands/): JOHNSON COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – A rural mail carrier who works in Johnson County says she’s facing more work for less pay under a new system. On May 6, the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS) went into effect. The change affects rural letter carriers across the country, and has been put into effect as the Postal Service sees fewer people using mail for letters, bills, and publications. The mail carrier who spoke to TV9 about how the RRECS impacted her did so on the condition of anonymity, afraid sharing her identity would lead to retaliation. However, despite her worries, ... Read more
- [Loneliest Mail Carrier In The Nation: Tebra Morris' Daily 300-Mile Remote Wyoming Route](https://ruralinfo.net/loneliest-mail-carrier-in-the-nation-tebra-morris-daily-300-mile-remote-wyoming-route/): Morris, a native of tiny Bairoil, Wyoming, runs one of the longest mail routes in the nation. The typical mail carrier in the United States covers about 8-10 miles driving, half that if walking. It’s a six- to eight-hour day for most. Then there are those like Morris, called rural route carriers. They’re hired by the USPS as independent contractors to cover more remote areas out in the sticks. Many use their own vehicles and are paid a flat rate determined by bid every year. The average rural route carrier in the United States covers 45 miles a day. Morris ... Read more
- [USPS, Postal Inspection Service Roll Out Expanded Crime Prevention Measures To Crack Down on Mail Theft, Enhance Employee Safety and Strengthen Consumer Protections](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-postal-inspection-service-roll-out-expanded-crime-prevention-measures-to-crack-down-on-mail-theft-enhance-employee-safety-and-strengthen-consumer-protections/): The United States Postal Service (Postal Service) and United States Postal Inspection Service (Postal Inspection Service) announced expanded actions to protect Postal employees and the security of the nation’s mail and packages as threats and attacks on letter carriers and mail fraud incidents have escalated concurrently with a national rise in crime. The Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service held a joint briefing for Congress members and staff on these efforts on May 11, 2023. “As crime rises, so do the threats against our public servants,” said Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Louis DeJoy. “The men and women of ... Read more
- [Pay Cuts Have Rural Letter Carriers ‘Scared’ and ‘Outraged’](https://ruralinfo.net/pay-cuts-have-rural-letter-carriers-scared-and-outraged/): Thousands of letter carriers at the U.S. Postal Service are starting to see new schedules that have reduced their hours and cut their pay, causing significant anxiety within the workforce. The changes are part of a revamping of the pay structure for rural employees, a process that has been years in the making and subject to a series of delays. The new work schedules were slated to go into effect last month, but were repeatedly pushed back as the Postal Service sought to iron out kinks. The National Rural Letter Carriers Association has filed a national grievance on the plan, saying USPS ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier dies in crash hours before retirement](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-dies-in-crash-hours-before-retirement/): On April 21, during one of the season’s last winter storms, Ken Anderson was out working his final day of carrying mail before retiring. During his route, he hit slush on the road, rolled his jeep into the ditch and was ejected. He was alive long enough to call 911, but all the dispatch heard was him saying, “help me.” Coworkers left flowers and a flag at the scene to remember him. “He enjoyed his job, that’s for sure,” Judy Anderson said. “I figure that he had four hours left in his shift, (before retiring),” Judy Anderson said
- [Group of Senators urge the USPS to delay RRECS implementation](https://ruralinfo.net/group-of-senators-urge-the-usps-to-delay-rrecs-implementation/): The senators — Democrats Ron Wyden Elizabeth Warren, Sherrod Brown, Ed Markey and John Fetterman and independent Bernie Sanders — in a letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said the automated Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System should not be used “until the system’s serious flaws are rectified.”  
- [NRLCA statement on Groff v. DeJoy: United States Supreme Court Oral Argument](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-statement-on-groff-v-dejoy-united-states-supreme-court-oral-argument/): The NRLCA, National Postal Mail Handlers Union, and National Association of Letter Carriers filed a joint amicus brief with the Supreme Court arguing that the Court should not overrule Hardison and that burdens on co-workers can satisfy the “undue burden” test. The NRLCA also argued that it would be an “undue burden” if the Postal Service had to violate a CBA or MOU provision to accommodate Groff’s religious practice. In addition, the NRLCA argued that, to the extent that the factual record from the lower courts was unclear, the Court should send the case back to the trial court to better develop the facts as ... Read more
- [NRLCA posts information on the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-posts-information-on-the-new-postal-service-health-benefits-pshb-program/): The NRLCA has been working with the Postal Service, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and the other postal unions and postal stakeholders to help answer frequently asked questions that members may have.  The new PSHB will continue to be administered by OPM, and coverage for rural letter carriers and annuitants will become effective January 1, 2025.
- [How to file a grievance](https://ruralinfo.net/how-to-file-a-grievance/): 1. Approach your immediate supervisor with the problem and try to resolve the issue through a discussion. You must discuss the issue. Your local steward may accompany you. 2. If no resolution, ask management for a PS Form 8191 (Joint Grievance Form).  
- [USPS delays rollout of new pay system after data shows pay cuts for rural carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-delays-rollout-of-new-pay-system-after-data-shows-pay-cuts-for-rural-carriers/): The Postal Service is delaying the implementation of a new pay system that would currently lead to many rural carriers seeing significant pay cuts. The National Rural Letter Carriers Association announced last Friday it reached an agreement with USPS to postpone the new pay system, the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS). Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino told the union in a memo Friday that USPS now plans to push the launch of RRECS from April 22 to May 6.
- [RRECS Opinion poll](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-opinion-poll/): Loading…
- [10 Reasons RRECS is not ready to go live](https://ruralinfo.net/10-reasons-rrecs-is-not-ready-to-go-live/): While of course, I am no longer in the game, I still care what happens to the rural craft and I haven’t been out long enough to not know what’s happening. I understand there are those who went up that want their money NOW.   I fully understand that.  The problem is next time it could be your route that has zeros in boxes that should have data.  It could be you pulling up your radar report with data missing. This thing should have been 100% vetted and tested before it went live.  The should have created a way for carriers ... Read more
- [Rural Letter Carriers Complain About Dramatically Reduced Pay](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-letter-carriers-complain-about-dramatically-reduced-pay/): After a new evaluation system is implemented, some workers could lose $8,000 per year or more. Threats to quit have been widespread.
- [Rural Iowa mail carriers express concern over how compensation is determined](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-iowa-mail-carriers-express-concern-over-how-compensation-is-determined/): DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) – Rural mail carriers in Iowa are voicing concerns at the Capitol about how their compensation is determined.
- [Letter of Understanding Signed to Delay RRECS Implementation Until May 6](https://ruralinfo.net/letter-of-understanding-signed-to-delay-rrecs-implementation-until-may-6/): On April 21, 2023, the NRLCA and USPS reached an agreement to delay the implementation of the initial rural route evaluations under the revised Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS), until Saturday, May 6, 2023. The parties are agreeing to this delay to allow for further review of the data underlying these new rural route evaluations.  The parties will also use this delay to finalize a dispute resolution process specific to the rural route evaluation data.  
- [RRECS article on Vice.com](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-article-on-vice-com/): Two-thirds of rural mail carriers nationwide are scheduled to be hit with a pay cut of thousands of dollars annually and may also be assigned more work days, due to the implementation of a new algorithm that determines their salary and work schedule.
- [Few People Know West Virginia Was Home To The First Rural Free Delivery Service In America](https://ruralinfo.net/few-people-know-west-virginia-was-home-to-the-first-rural-free-delivery-service-in-america/): Rural free delivery, a United States service providing free mail delivery to residents of rural areas, was first introduced as an official offering of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 1896.
- ['Justice for Pam' petition calls for continued investigation into fatal Interlachen dog attack](https://ruralinfo.net/justice-for-pam-petition-calls-for-continued-investigation-into-fatal-interlachen-dog-attack/): INTERLACHEN, Fla. – The family of a 61-year-old woman killed by dogs in Interlachen last August is asking people to sign a petition that calls on the State Attorney and Putnam County officials to continue to investigate her death. Pamela Rock was brutally killed during the incident. Earlier this year, the State Attorney’s Office decided not to press charges against the owner of the dogs, Edgar Jowers, Jr., because records showed he tried to surrender his pets to Putnam County Animal Services multiple times before the attack. ‘Hold accountable those individuals or offices culpable under the law,” reads the petition. “This would be justice because ... Read more
- [Further Update on The Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS) from NRLCA](https://ruralinfo.net/further-update-on-the-rural-route-evaluated-compensation-system-rrecs-from-nrlca/): Please find attached correspondence from USPS operations with information pertaining to updated 4241As, 4241Ms, implementation of RRECS, and route adjustments. You will note that the USPS intends to implement the RRECS effective April 22, 2023. As you are aware the NRLCA filed a step 4 grievance requesting data and a 60-day time- period from the date of receipt of data that we requested, to analyze the data prior to implementation of RRECS. The USPS has refused our request. We know and the USPS knows that there are errors that need to be corrected. The USPS’s position is to implement and correct ... Read more
- [Wrecked by RRECS protest - Washington, DC - April 16th](https://ruralinfo.net/wrecked-by-rrecs-protest-washington-dc-april-16th/)
- [The Post Office fired me for honoring the Lord's Day. Supreme Court must make this right](https://ruralinfo.net/the-post-office-fired-me-for-honoring-the-lords-day-supreme-court-must-make-this-right/): Linked below is an op-ed on Fox News by former RCA Gerald Groff who has taken his religious freedom case to the Supreme Court, which will be heard on Tuesday April 18th, 2023
- [USPS workers claim they are seeing pay cuts in the tens of thousands, reduced hours](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-workers-claim-they-are-seeing-pay-cuts-in-the-tens-of-thousands-reduced-hours/): Shelon Williams, a carrier for USPS, said she is going from 46 hours over a five-day week to 37 hours over six days, meaning fewer hours, days off and less pay. CEDAR PARK, Texas — Some U.S. Postal Service (USPS) carriers nationwide are seeing major pay cuts, losing anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 a year in some cases, after a fight between the postal service and unions.
- [NRLCA Files Amicus Brief With Supreme Court On Religious Accommodation Case Involving RCA](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-files-amicus-brief-with-supreme-court-on-religion-accommodation-case-involving-rca/): U.S. Supreme Court, petitioner Gerald Groff, who worked as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service (USPS), challenges USPS’s denial of his requested religious accommodation to not work Sundays. In 2013, the USPS contracted with an online retailer to perform Sunday package deliveries. Groff informed USPS that his religious beliefs prohibited him from working on Sundays. USPS tried to find other carriers to cover Groff’s Sunday shifts, but because of a shortage of rural carriers, it often failed. Groff requested that USPS exempt him from Sunday work, but USPS declined, stating that his requested accommodation would lead ... Read more
- [RRECS Evaluation Poll Results](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-evaluation-poll/)
- [RRECS updated timeline](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-updated-timeline/): The message to our HQ: This message was sent to the District Managers this afternoon at 6:46 PM.    The NRLCA had no input other than to receive it. Subject: RRECs District Managers, As we work towards our first National RRECS implementation, based on recommendations from our CIO group, we will use this week to review the logic of the system. Therefore, in partnership with the NRLCA, we have decided to adjust our timelines as follows: 4/1: PS 4241A forms available to provide to carrier 4/8: First RRECS pay period (Pay Period 9) begins 4/21: First RRECS pay period (Pay Period ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Letters of Demand Being Issued for Exceeding 2240](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-letters-of-demand-being-issued-for-exceeding-2240/): Carriers, please be aware that the Postal Service is sending out invoices for carriers that exceeded 2240.  Do  NOT pay these invoices. Per the Step 4,  E95R-4E-C 01267089, if the carriers exceeded 2240 through no fault of their own, the Letters of Demand would be waived. These invoices say that they are for information only but there may be managers who still issue the Letter of Demand.
- [DELAY IN RRECS IMPLEMENTATION](https://ruralinfo.net/delay-in-rrecs-implementation/): At approximately 5:00 P.M. today, Monday, March 20, the NRLCA was notified that because of system issues, the PS Forms 4241-A could not be generated. This will cause a delay in RRECS implementation until at least April 8, 2023
- [Family of mail carrier killed in dog attack speaks out, demands accountability](https://ruralinfo.net/family-of-mail-carrier-killed-in-dog-attack-speaks-out-demands-accountability/): Pamela Rock fatally attacked by dogs in Putnam County Pamela Rock was airlifted to a trauma center, where her brother Tom Rock rushed to her side. “She had lost one arm and part of another leg,” he said. “Her face was mauled. Her face was mauled, ear was torn up, all of the horrible things that would happen if you were attacked by wild animals.” Pamela Rock died the next day. Her siblings are determined to get accountability. “How dare someone just blow this off and say, this isn’t important, this wasn’t really preventable? And it was, and it is, but ... Read more
- [Investigators find no wrongdoing after rural carrier Pamela Rock dies in dog attack](https://ruralinfo.net/investigators-find-no-wrongdoing-after-rural-carrier-pamela-rock-dies-in-dog-attack/): Pamela Rock was mauled by five dogs that got out of a fenced-in yard after the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said the postal worker’s mail truck had broken down on a dirt road. The I-TEAM has learned that federal and local investigations didn’t find wrongdoing by Rock’s employer or the dogs’ owner, respectively.
- [Mrs. Mamie Thomas, first female rural mail carrier delivered in Vicksburg](https://ruralinfo.net/mrs-mamie-thomas-first-female-rural-mail-carrier-delivered-in-vicksburg/): Born in 1873 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Mamie Thomas grew up in a time when women’s opportunities were limited. However, she was determined to make a difference and break through the barriers that kept her and other women from achieving their goals. After marrying John Thomas, she moved to the small community of Beechwood, Mississippi, where she began her pioneering career as a rural mail carrier.
- [From NRLCA: New DACA Code G: Annual Leave in Lieu of Holiday Pay](https://ruralinfo.net/from-nrlca-new-daca-code-g-annual-leave-in-lieu-of-holiday-pay/): Per the 2021-2024 Agreement between the NRLCA and USPS: Effective the Presidents’ Day 2023 holiday, regular rural carriers who work their holiday, at their option, may elect to have their annual leave balance credited with one day of annual leave in lieu of holiday pay. DACA Code G has been established for this purpose and will be valid beginning in PP 05/2023. s”]
- [NLRB says NRLCA Steward Didn’t Threaten Rural Mail Carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/nlrb-says-nrlca-steward-didnt-threaten-rural-mail-carrier/): A National Rural Letter Carriers Association steward did not threaten an Oregon member by backing a U.S. Postal Service manager who scolded the worker for complaining about added work.
- [Kansas rural carrier killed in car-train accident near Burlingame](https://ruralinfo.net/kansas-rural-carrier-killed-in-car-train-accident-near-burlingame/): The Kansas Highway Patrol has reported that Ronald R. Neilson, 62, of Scranton, Kan., was killed Thursday morning when his vehicle was struck by a train at a crossing on 189th Street, south of Burlingame, Kan. KHP reported the accident happened about 10:05 a.m. Feb. 9, 2023, at a location about 1/3 mile east of state Highway 31 on 189th Street in Osage County. KHP said Neilson was driving a 2021 Subaru Forester westbound on the road, started to cross the railroad tracks, and for an unknown reason, failed to yield to the oncoming BNSF train, and the vehicle was struck ... Read more
- [Where’s the longest rural postal route in Louisiana?](https://ruralinfo.net/wheres-the-longest-rural-postal-route-in-louisiana/): NATCHITOCHES PARISH (KTAL/KMSS) – One postal worker in Louisiana really has her work cut out for her. Her route covers a whopping 153 miles through rural areas in Natchitoches Parish, the longest route in the state.
- [South Carolina Man Convicted of Murdering Rural Carrier is Sentenced to Life in Prison](https://ruralinfo.net/south-carolina-man-convicted-of-murdering-rural-carrier-has-been-sentenced-to-life-in-prison/): CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA —- Trevor Raekwon Seward, 25, of Andrews, SC, was convicted following a multi-day jury trial of all five counts charged: murder of a federal employee in the course of her duties; use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; robbery; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute marijuana. Evidence presented by the Government at trial in the case established that on September 23, 2019, Seward was anticipating the delivery of two pounds of marijuana that had been shipped from California through the United ... Read more
- [SWAC, RRECS and the Mini Mail Survey](https://ruralinfo.net/swac-rrecs-and-the-mini-mail-survey/): The Southwest Area Conference (SWAC) was held in Dallas TX from January 13th – January 16th, 2023.   Rural carriers from the Southwest Area assemble at a SWAC every year in January. Below are highlights of information I’ve received by rural carriers that were present. Remember, Ruralinfo.net is not affiliated in any way with the NRLCA or the USPS.  If you have questions you will have to reach out to your local union. GENERAL RRECS INFORMATION The one thing I have heard from everyone that was there is that RRECS will be implemented on March 25th.  There will be no more ... Read more
- [2018 Engineer's Final Report on RRECS obtained through FOIA](https://ruralinfo.net/2018-engineers-final-report-on-rrecs-obtained-through-foia/): This was obtained using the FOIA through the USPS.  It has a lot of info redacted.  Below is an overview of what is in the report by C$$ on my Rural Mail Talk forum.  Some of C$$’s comments are also included..  If you want to see the original posting or join the conversation go to this link. Begin C$$ overview The document has been **heavily** redacted, but there is still some good information. Here are my thoughts as I read through. They are ordered by corresponding page number in the report. 2) *Panel’s Report of October 31, 2017* looks to ... Read more
- [2022 NRLCA National Convention Proceedings are now available](https://ruralinfo.net/2022-nrlca-national-convention-proceedings-are-now-available/): The 2022 National Convention Proceedings are now available. Members can view and download here: https://t.co/dbf6gFgfiL. Happy reading! — National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (@NRLCA) October 27, 2022
- [A letter to the Postmaster General from rural carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/a-letter-to-the-postmaster-general-from-rural-carriers/): Sent to Ruralinfo from a rural carrier Dear Postmaster General, We hear your words about the changes and how we need to be patient as you transform us into a better, more efficient, organization. I know that I am not alone when I say our patience has turned into frustration. Over the years, our patience has been challenged on many levels; I would like to point out several. We have been asked to do more and more each year with less compensation. In 2012, during arbitration, the arbitrator made the ruling that an engineering study should be done to determine ... Read more
- [How to request your copy of 2022 National Convention verbatim transcript](https://ruralinfo.net/how-to-request-your-copy-of-2022-national-convention-verbatim-transcript/): The verbatim transcript of the 2022 National Convention is available by request in hard copy to all NRLCA members. Find the form here to request your copy today: https://t.co/4YqcXUtalj — National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (@NRLCA) September 28, 2022
- [NEW: Update on Retro Pay Adjustment](https://ruralinfo.net/new-update-on-retro-pay-adjustment/): As you know, the Postal Service (USPS) and National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) ratified and signed a new collective bargaining agreement on March 23, 2022, approximately 6 months ago. The new ratified agreement covers the period May 21, 2021 through May 20, 2024, and provides much-deserved general wage increases and cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments for rural letter carriers, including retroactive general wage increases dating back to August 2021 and COLA adjustments for July 2021 and January 2022. We were advised by USPS officials that due to antiquated USPS software issues, the retro payments due and owing to rural carriers would ... Read more
- [Video: NRLCA Members of the Year 2021-2022](https://ruralinfo.net/video-nrlca-members-of-the-year-2021-2022/): Congratulations to the 2021-2022 NRLCA Members of the Year!
- [Step 4 Grievance on Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-grievance-on-rural-route-evaluated-compensation-system/): On May 31, 2022, the NRLCA filed a Step 4 grievance regarding the Postal Service’s action to begin data collection and implementation of the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS) on May 21, 2022.
- [Election Results: 2022-2023 NRLCA National Board](https://ruralinfo.net/election-results-2022-2023-nrlca-national-board/): It is with great pride that the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association announces its newly-elected National Board for the 2022-2023 Association year: President: Ronnie W. Stutts Vice President: Donald L. Maston Secretary-Treasurer: Thomas K. Turner Director of Labor Relations: Bridget Boseak Director of Steward Operations: Shirley Baffa Executive Committeeman, 4-year term: John Adams Executive Committeeman, 3-year unexpired term: Jeanette Dwyer Executive Committeeman, 2-year unexpired term: Patrick Pitts Executive Committeeman: 1-year unexpired term: Nicky Phillips Election Results: 2022-2023 NRLCA National Board
- [The Joint Opening Session of the 116th NRLCA National Convention](https://ruralinfo.net/the-joint-opening-session-of-the-116th-nrlca-national-convention/)
- [RRECS Implementation Postponed](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-implementation-postponed/): Today, the NRLCA and the Postal Service agreed to postpone the implementation of the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System. The Mini Mail Survey scheduled to begin September 10, 2022 has been cancelled. The reason for the postponement is simple. The Postal Service has failed to provide this Union will the data necessary to validate the RRECS system’s data collection and route evaluation calculations. This validation was mandated to be accomplished to the satisfaction of both parties by the Engineering Panel, before RRECS is implemented. Despite the Union’s filing of a Step 4 Grievance on May 23, 2022 insisting that the ... Read more
- [Postal carrier killed in Interlachen by dog attack identified as 61-year-old RCA Pam Rock](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-carrier-killed-in-interlachen-by-dog-attack-identified-as-61-year-old-rca-pam-rock/): JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A postal worker who died at the hospital after being attacked by five dogs Sunday in Interlachen, Florida, has been identified by family as 61-year-old Pam Rock. Several neighbors rushed to help by attempting to pull the dogs off of her and one neighbor shot a rifle into the ground to scare the animals, according to the news release. First Coast News talked the neighbor who said he fired the shots. He too, asked to remain anonymous. He described the 61-year-old mail carrier as sweet; she would leave apples in the mailbox for horses. Rock was reported ... Read more
- [Texas RCA, Robin Detrick Morrison dies on the route in an accident](https://ruralinfo.net/texas-rca-dies-on-the-route-in-an-accident/): ALBANY – An Albany resident died in a one-vehicle crash early Saturday afternoon 11 miles north of here in Shackelford County. Robin Detrick Morrison, 51, was pronounced dead at the scene by Shackleford County Judge Robert Skelton. According to a Department of Public Safety report issued late Monday afternoon, Morrison was driving a 2022 Chevrolet SUV northbound on U.S. Highway 283 and crossed the center stripe about 1 p.m. Saturday. The driver attempted to correct the SUV’s path but lost control going to the right. The SUV went off the road, into a skid and overturned, ejecting the driver, the ... Read more
- [NRLCA files Step 4 Grievance Over Postal Service's Delay in Paying Retroactive Salary Adjustments](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-files-step-4-grievance-over-postal-services-delay-in-paying-retroactive-salary-adjustments/): Today, the NRLCA National Board filed a National Step 4 Grievance over the Postal Service’s continued delays in paying the retroactive salary adjustments due to rural carriers under the 2021-2024 National Agreement.
- [MOU Signed on Rural Route Territorial Adjustments](https://ruralinfo.net/mou-signed-on-rural-route-territorial-adjustments/): On August 1, 2022, the USPS and NRLCA signed an MOU on Rural Route Territorial Adjustments. The parties recognize that there is potential impact to rural route evaluations resulting from the implementation of the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS). To limit this impact and ensure that routes are evaluated accurately during the first year of RRECS implementation, the parties agree to temporarily modify the following contractual provisions
- [USPS Headquarters delays rural route adjustments until after RRECS implementation](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-headquarters-delays-rural-route-adjustments-until-after-rrecs-implementation/): As of today, we have successfully mapped over 97% of our rural routes in the new RRECS system. As we are working to implement RRECS with a mini mail survey in September, we are now at a point where we need to pause work on rural route adjustments and overburdened routes. Every time we adjust a route, it will have to be sent to AMS to be adjusted and then remapped in RRECS. Since we are so close to implementation, we need to stop any adjustments now so we do not have anything interfere with the system. If an adjustment ... Read more
- [RRECS Activity Scans: Update/Clarification on 2nd Trips/Loading Scans](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-activity-scans-update-clarification-on-2nd-trips-loading-scans/): Effective immediately, when carriers are performing 2nd  trips, they must also utilize the Hotkey 6 STARTLOADVEH and Hotkey 7 ENDLOADVEH to capture the load time associated with the 2nd  trip.  This will ensure proper compensation when RRECS is implemented.  In addition, 2nd trips are to continue to be compensated per Handbook F-21 563 and documented on the PS Form 4240. Please see attached steps to take when carrier is performing a Second Trip on their route: PMCASING  PMCASING “stops the clock for end of shift activities” PMCASING is only for use after the RETURN2DU keystroke is made The time between RETURN2DU and CLOCKOUT ... Read more
- [City carriers are beginning the process of evaluations from their scanners](https://ruralinfo.net/city-carriers-are-beginning-the-process-of-evaluations-from-their-scanners/): The article linked below was released in May 2022 Also came across this on Reddit – It will be interesting to see how it goes for them
- [NRLCA REQUESTS POSTPONEMENT OF RRECS DATA COLLECTION](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-requests-postponement-of-rrecs-data-collection/): The NRLCA has officially requested that the Postal Service temporarily postpone the data collection period for the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS). Collection of data began on April 23, 2022; however, the NRLCA has identified many critical issues that must be resolved before the system can go “live.” We have apprised the Postal Service of these issues, but many of them remain unresolved. For example: 1. USPS has not adequately trained all rural carriers in the new RRECS Activity Scans. Many carriers received NO training, and some “training” has consisted only of being handed a “cheat sheet.” 2. Management ... Read more
- [NOTICE TO ALL RURAL CARRIERS REGARDING RRECS SCANS](https://ruralinfo.net/notice-to-all-rural-carriers-regarding-rrecs-scans/): Every rural carrier should have received training on the new RRECS MDD scans from their supervisor or manager. Every rural carrier needs to be using these new entries daily.
- [Rural Carrier Sherry Ingold's killer found not guilty due to insanity](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-sherry-ingolds-killer-found-not-guilty-due-to-insanity/): Much to the disappointment and anger of the family and friends of Sherry Ingold, her killer, Roland Mitchell Dampeer, has been found not guilty by reason of insanity following a 40-minute non-jury criminal trial in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Mississippi. The trial was held in an Oxford, MS, federal courtroom on the morning of Friday, April 22. Dampeer stood trial for the shooting death of United States Postal Service worker Sherry Ingold who was killed while delivering mail along Highway 35 in Hesterville on Jan. 16, 2020. Read full article
- [MDD Update for RRECS CARRIERPU](https://ruralinfo.net/mdd-update-for-rrecs-carrierpu/): The document below outlines the recent MDD update (version 7.53) which allows carriers to enter Zero parcels picked up at a Carrier Pickup Request location and also to enter a CARRIERPU when none of the parcels collected has a barcode.
- [RRECS DATA COLLECTION DELAYED: NRLCA AND USPS SIGN RRECS IMPLEMENTATION MOU](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-data-collection-delayed-nrlca-and-usps-sign-rrecs-implementation-mou/): This morning, NRLCA President Ronnie Stutts signed an MOU with the USPS establishing the final timeline for implementation of the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System. The MOU establishes that data collection for the new RRECS Activity Scans, introduced on February 26, 2022, will be delayed until April 23, 2022.
- [Large percentage of rural carriers are not consistently performing the new RRECS Activity Scans/Entries](https://ruralinfo.net/large-percentage-of-rural-carriers-are-not-consistently-performing-the-new-rrecs-activity-scans-entries/)
- [New RRECS Overview Slide Presentation and other RRECS Resources](https://ruralinfo.net/new-rrecs-overview-slide-presentation-and-other-rrecs-resources/): The following Slide Presentation provides a brief overview of the history and development of the RRECS System and its importance to the future of rural carriers and the evaluated system. Further updates and explanatory presentations will be coming soon. Other RRECS resources: NRLCA RRECS MDD Activity Scan Entry Training NRLCA RRECS MDD Activity Scan Entry Quick Guide NRLCA Comprehensive Guide to the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS) REVISED 4/22 RRECS Q and A
- [Past NRLCA National President Gus Baffa passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2022](https://ruralinfo.net/past-nrlca-national-president-gus-baffa-passed-away-on-sunday-march-6-2022/): Past NRLCA National President Gus Baffa passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 6, 2022. A proud native of Brooklyn, NY, Gus Baffa served in the U.S. Navy in the late 1950s and early ‘60s prior to his postal career. After his military service, he became an 18-wheeler trucker hauling specialty items, including explosives. Even in his early employment, Gus was a strong supporter of unions. He also served as a shop steward for his local Teamsters union. Gus Baffa began his postal career as a Designation 73 substitute for three years, then served 22 years as a regular carrier, 15 ... Read more
- [NC Rural Carrier, Melanie Shultz dies in accident on the job](https://ruralinfo.net/nc-rural-carrier-dies-in-accident-on-the-job/): The carrier, Melanie Shultz (age 46, married with 2 kids) was delivering from her Catawba, NC post office when she was hit by another vehicle. The other person’s vehicle was traveling at approximately 77 mph when it hit her. The other driver is believed to have been suffering from a medical condition…either in a diabetic coma or a seizure. Melanie Sherrill Shultz Obituary – Visitation & Funeral Information
- [NEW: Additional Time to Familiarize With New RRECS Activity Scans](https://ruralinfo.net/new-additional-time-to-familiarize-with-new-rrecs-activity-scans/)
- [IMPORTANT: New RRECS Activity Scans Delayed](https://ruralinfo.net/important-new-rrecs-activity-scans-delayed/):    
- [Rural Carriers - USPS OIG wants your opinions on POV routes vs USPS vehicle routes](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carriers-usps-oig-wants-your-opinions-on-pov-routes-vs-usps-vehicle-routes/): The U.S. Postal Service has almost 80,000 rural delivery routes serviced by some 133,000 rural letter carriers. For some of those routes, USPS provides the vehicle; for others, the carrier uses a private vehicle and receives a maintenance allowance from the Postal Service for wear and tear. In fiscal year (FY) 2020, the Postal Service paid out nearly $583 million in maintenance allowances — a rise of $71 million, or 13 percent, over FY 2015. Not long ago, the Postal Service started converting some private-vehicle rural routes to USPS-vehicle routes, estimating the change would save $888 million over six years. ... Read more
- [Early morning accident claims life of Dublin, TX postal worker, Mindi House](https://ruralinfo.net/early-morning-accident-claims-life-of-dublin-tx-postal-worker/): A two-vehicle accident shortly before 7 a.m. Tuesday has claimed the life of 39-year-old Mindi House. Captain James Gresham with the Stephenville Police Department told Beneath the Surface News that House was traveling east on Washington Street and attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Wolfe Nursery Road when her vehicle was struck by a Dodge Ram 2500 pickup headed westbound. The man driving the pickup was not injured. “He has been cooperative and is distraught,” Gresham said. “The accident wasn’t his fault.” House worked as a mail carrier for the Dublin Post Office and was driving her delivery jeep ... Read more
- [USPS OIG Report on Replacement of Privately Owned Delivery Vehicles](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-oig-report-on-replacement-of-privately-owned-delivery-vehicles/): Background In fiscal year (FY) 2020, the U.S. Postal Service had about 133,000 rural letter carriers and associates delivering mail on over 79,500 rural routes. A rural route can be a government owned vehicle (GOV) route where the Postal Service provides the delivery vehicle, or an equipment maintenance allowance (EMA) route where the carrier provides the vehicle and receives fuel and maintenance reimbursement. That same year, the Postal Service paid rural letter carriers almost $583 million for more than 36,900 EMA routes. What We Did Our objective was to assess the Postal Service’s strategy for assigning GOVs to EMA routes. ... Read more
- [ALERT: SAC CONFERENCE IS CANCELED](https://ruralinfo.net/alert-sac-conference-is-canceled/)
- [RCA passed away following a vehicle accident while on the route in December](https://ruralinfo.net/rca-passed-away-following-a-vehicle-accident-while-on-the-route-in-december/): I somehow missed getting this in my “in Memoriam” page in December.  May he and his family find peace   Randal Mosby Jr. passed away following a vehicle accident while on the route. Randal was a new RCA in Collinsville, IL and was 19 years old. He will truly be missed by his family, friends, and co-workers.
- [NRLCA Steward Unlawfully Threatened Worker, NLRB Judge Says](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-steward-unlawfully-threatened-worker-nlrb-judge-says/): A mail carriers union steward violated federal labor law by threatening a U.S. Postal Service worker who raised complaints about poor working conditions at an Oregon postal facility, an NLRB judge ruled, saying the union acted in bad faith. National Labor Relations Board Administrative Law Judge Gerald M. Etchingham said in a decision Friday that the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association violated the National Labor Relations Act by threatening USPS worker Tamara Newboles with discipline if she continued to complain about workplace conditions.Judge Etchingham said union steward Carrie Firman-Berry and former supervisor Marsha Pickles engaged in “invidious intent and bad faith conduct” when they ... Read more
- [Illinois RCA killed on the route](https://ruralinfo.net/illinois-rca-killed-on-the-route/): QUINCY (WGEM) – Adams County Sheriff’s deputies have identified the victim of a fatal mail truck rollover crash Saturday night. Deputies said they responded to a single vehicle rollover accident on Herleman Road, south of Deer Road in Quincy around at 6:34 p.m.. They said the driver, 59-year-old USPS employee and Quincy resident Brian Vahlkamp, died as a result of his injuries. Deputies said he was wearing a seatbelt. There has been no information on what caused the crash. One dead after Adams County mail truck crash Also see: Quincy man dies when USPS mail truck rolls over on Herleman ... Read more
- [The Postal Service’s “Plan B” for Peak Season: Important Information, Please Read!](https://ruralinfo.net/the-postal-services-plan-b-for-peak-season-important-information-please-read/): The NRLCA has recently received correspondence from USPS announcing their “Plan B” for peak season parcels. We have had some discussions with Labor Relations at HQ and clarified the intent of the Plan B. Please read the article from Director of Labor Relations David Heather here.
- [PA Rural Carrier in Greene County hit by vehicle, killed](https://ruralinfo.net/pa-rural-carrier-in-greene-county-hit-by-vehicle-killed/): MORRIS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A mail carrier in Greene County was hit by a vehicle and killed on Monday afternoon, the coroner confirmed. Greene County Coroner Gene Rush said the mail carrier, 49-year-old Chad E. Varner of Spraggs, was hit after exiting his vehicle to deliver a package. The coroner said this happened at 180 Andrews Road in Morris Township, Greene County. Rush said no further information is available pending the results of an autopsy and the investigation by the Greene County Regional Police Department. No arrests have been announced. Mail carrier in Greene County hit by vehicle, killed
- [NRLCA AND USPS SIGN AGREEMENT ON EFFORTS TO HIRE RCAS](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-and-usps-sign-agreement-on-efforts-to-hire-rcas/):    
- [NRLCA Release Comprehensive Guide to the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS)](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-release-comprehensive-guide-to-the-rural-route-evaluated-compensation-system-rrecs/):    
- [USPS reminds employees of zero-tolerance policy](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-reminds-employees-of-zero-tolerance-policy/): The Postal Service is reminding employees that it has a zero-tolerance policy regarding workplace threats and violence. The organization is committed to cultivating a positive and safe work environment that’s free of threats, intimidation, bullying and violence for all employees. To help fulfill this commitment, a threat assessment team is available to respond to threats, assaults and potential violence at all postal locations. These teams are located at district and area offices and USPS headquarters in Washington, DC. Team members are trained to assess the potential of danger or harm, whether implied or direct. The goals are to reduce risks ... Read more
- [This rural carrier provided first aid to an injured customer on her rural route](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-provided-first-aid-to-an-injured-customer-on-her-rural-route/): Rural Carrier Deborah Cummins was delivering mail in a remote area of Fort Dodge, IA, when she encountered a farmer who needed medical help. The man, who had injured his hand, was bleeding profusely. Cummins called 911 and rendered first aid to stop the bleeding and reduce swelling. She stayed until paramedics arrived to take the customer to a nearby hospital. His wife later thanked Cummins and told her the man had recovered. “Without Deborah calling 911, rendering first aid and waiting for the ambulance, the customer would not have survived. She is very truly a hero,” said local Customer ... Read more
- [This carrier located and reunited a lost, disoriented customer with his family](https://ruralinfo.net/this-carrier-located-and-reunited-a-lost-disoriented-customer-with-his-family/): Rural Carrier Chasity Lowe was making deliveries last month in Murfreesboro, TN, when a distressed customer approached her. The woman, Lucille Reynolds, said her husband, James, had gone missing from their home about a half-hour earlier. Because he has a medical condition, Lucille said she feared for his well-being. Lowe said she would keep an eye out for James — and about an hour later, she spotted him sitting on steps outside a church. He appeared weak and disoriented. The Postal Service employee called Lucille and waited with James until she arrived with other relieved family members to take him ... Read more
- [NRLCA releases Collective Bargaining video update](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-releases-collective-bargaining-video-update/): NEW VIDEO: Please visit NRLCA.ORG to view the latest Collective Bargaining video update: www.nrlca.org/News/1640
- [She found $10K in cash — and turned it in](https://ruralinfo.net/she-found-10k-in-cash-and-turned-it-in/): Rural Carrier Carolyn Norton was driving to work at the McKinney, TX, Post Office one morning last September when she saw $20 bills flying around. Norton pulled over and safely collected as much of the money as possible, then called 911. Police arrived and helped gather the rest of the money, which totaled nearly $10,000. An investigation determined the cash belonged to a local homeless Vietnam War veteran who doesn’t trust keeping his money in a bank. It was returned to the man. “I would not keep one dime because I would want someone to do that for me,” Norton told the ... Read more
- [Who ya gonna call? USPS rural carrier delivers mail in Ghostbusters ambulance](https://ruralinfo.net/who-ya-gonna-call-usps-rural-carrier-delivers-mail-in-ghostbusters-ambulance/): WELLSBORO — Households outside Wellsboro were surprised last Wednesday to see their mail delivered in a Ghostbusters van. Rural carrier Christopher Neal purchased the 1996 Nissan Caravan to deliver mail to households along his 65-mile route serving the Hills Creek area. Rural carriers, said Neal, must provide their own vehicle. The Wellsboro Post Office has four government vehicles and uses six personal vehicles. Because mailboxes are located on the edge of the road, it is easier to operate a vehicle with a right hand drive, meaning the driver is sitting on the right side of the vehicle instead of the ... Read more
- [NRLCA Supports H.R. 7629: The Protect Our Letter Carriers Act](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-supports-h-r-7629-the-protect-our-letter-carriers-act/): Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH) introduced the Protect Our Letter Carriers’ Act. This bipartisan legislation will provide the necessary resources to protect letter carriers and prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law. The legislation will appropriate $1.4 billion to replace the arrow keys with electronic versions that will deny criminals access to the mailbox if stolen. The legislation also requires U.S. attorneys to appoint an assistant U.S. attorney to prosecute crimes against postal employees, as well as reviews sentencing guidelines for crimes against postal employees. The NRLCA is proud to endorse this legislation, ... Read more
- [Iowa RCA employee: ‘treat me like a human being’](https://ruralinfo.net/iowa-rca-employee-treat-me-like-a-human-being/): He said that “something completely different” encompasses a lot of interconnected problems, one of which is an agency that’s understaffed. “They haven’t kept up with the times in hiring people…And when they do hire—they spend a lot of money training people, but then they don’t treat them very well and they don’t stay. And so their turnover is very high.” The carrier said the lack of people leads to an overwhelming amount of work for those who handle your mail. “There’s offices that are so short-staffed that they can’t get all the mail out every day.” This carrier is a ... Read more
- [OPM Releases List of Conditionally Approved Postal Service Health Benefits Program Carrier Applicants for New Centralized System](https://ruralinfo.net/opm-releases-list-of-conditionally-approved-postal-service-health-benefits-program-carrier-applicants-for-new-centralized-system/): Postal Services Health Benefits Program Will Provide a Customer Friendly System Covering Nearly Two Million USPS Employees, Annuitants, and Family Members Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a list of conditionally approved carrier applicants today to participate in OPM’s new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program for U.S. Postal Employees and their families. The Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 requires that OPM establish this new health care program, which will provide coverage for 1.9 million employees, annuitants, and their eligible family members beginning January 1, 2025. “The Postal Service Health Benefits Program will offer robust health ... Read more
- [NEW VIDEO: NRLCA Signs MOU Allowing Regular Rural Carriers to Volunteer to Work on Sundays](https://ruralinfo.net/new-video-nrlca-signs-mou-allowing-regular-rural-carriers-to-volunteer-to-work-on-sundays/): In this video, NRLCA President Don Maston explains the recently signed MOU that allows regular rural carriers to volunteer to work on Sunday to deliver packages and also volunteer to provide service on rural routes other than their assigned routes in the office.
- [Rural carrier retires after 43 years of service](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-retires-after-43-years-of-service/): MOUNT OLIVET — Randol Thomas, a carrier at the United States Postal Office in Mount Olivet, recently retired after 43 years of service. “After 43 years at the Mount Olivet post office, it’s time to say goodbye,” Thomas began. According to Thomas, he has lived in Mount Olivet his entire life. He graduated from Deming High School in June of 1981 and began working at the post office in August of that same year. Thomas noted that he worked as a sub on his postal route until 1989. Since then, he has been full-time on route two in Mount Olivet. ... Read more
- [Daylight saving time begins this weekend](https://ruralinfo.net/daylight-saving-time-begins-this-weekend/): Daylight saving time returns Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m. In areas where the change is observed, clocks should be set ahead one hour Saturday, March 9, at bedtime. Standard time will resume Sunday, Nov. 3, at 2 a.m.
- [Opening Statement of President Don Maston During Opening Session of 2024 NRLCA/USPS Contract Negotiations](https://ruralinfo.net/opening-statement-of-president-don-maston-during-opening-session-of-2024-nrlca-usps-contract-negotiations/):      
- [This rural carrier saved a driver and her passenger from a vehicle fire](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-saved-a-driver-and-her-passenger-from-a-vehicle-fire/): Rural Carrier Keri VanEtta was driving along her Newman, IL, route in December when another vehicle passed her, leaving a trail of black smoke. The driver appeared to be unaware of the problem, so VanEtta safely caught up with the vehicle and motioned for her to pull over. VanEtta also stopped, called 911 and helped the driver and her passenger exit the vehicle. After VanEtta and the two women moved a safe distance, they watched as the car became engulfed in flames. “I think you just saved my life,” the driver told VanEtta. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze. Employees ... Read more
- [Popular rural carrier articles this week](https://ruralinfo.net/popular-rural-carrier-articles-this-week/): These are the articles you cared the most about this week [tptn_list how_old=”10″]
- [Calls for increased rural postal service staffing grow louder](https://ruralinfo.net/calls-for-increased-rural-postal-service-staffing-grow-louder/): Across the country, and especially in rural parts of Missouri, staffing shortages at the U.S. Postal Service are being blamed by some for delays in mail delivery. Some postal carriers say the lack of staffing hampers the ability to split overloaded routes and is at the heart of the issue affecting prompt mail delivery. Bryce Shanklin, a rural letter carrier for the Postal Service, said he understands that initially, the workload can be daunting, working seven days a week with low starting pay. However, he does not understand why more people do not stay on and commit to a longer-term ... Read more
- [This rural carrier heard her name being called by a customer who had fallen in his yard](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-heard-her-name-being-called-by-a-customer-who-had-fallen-in-his-yard/): Rural Carrier Sandra “Marlene” Faulknor was delivering mail recently at a home in Dalton, GA, when she heard screaming. The cries were indecipherable at first, but she soon realized she was being called by name: “Marlene, help me, please!” The Postal Service employee followed the voice down the home’s driveway and found the older customer on the ground in the yard. One of his legs was twisted at a painful angle. He told her he missed one of the two steps on his porch the previous evening and fell on his hip. He had been calling for help — for ... Read more
- [From NRLCA - Error Concerning Accumulated Sick Leave for Des/Act 79-0 RCAs](https://ruralinfo.net/from-nrlca-error-concerning-accumulated-sick-leave-for-des-act-79-0-rcas/): The NRLCA was notified this afternoon that at the start of the new leave year, some sick leave tracking fields were not reset for Des/Act 79-0 RCAs.  This resulted in the SL balance in PP 03 including the total amount of SL earned in 2023.  The error was discovered and IT corrected the tracking fields over this past weekend for PP 04. Therefore, pay checks received this week should display the correct information.
- [Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Five-Part Educational Video Series](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-health-benefits-pshb-five-part-educational-video-series/): Video 1 – Intro to PSHB and Medicare Video 1 gives background on the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (PSRA) which created the PSHB Program, a new, separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Video 1 also covers how the PSHB Program integrates with Medicare Part B, and enrollment such as open season and the one-time PSHB Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Video 2 – Intro to Medicare Video 2 gives background on what Medicare is, as well as a high-level overview of the different parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D). Video 3 – Medicare Part A Video ... Read more
- [Postal Service to end evening collection at thousands of post offices](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-to-end-evening-collection-at-thousands-of-post-offices/): Imagine if the Postal Service announced that it would continue providing 6-day delivery to urban areas but could no longer afford to do the same for rural communities because their relatively low mail volumes don’t justify the costs. People living in these communities would undoubtedly complain that the plan was unfair, and elected officials who represent states and districts that are largely rural would be certain to object. Yet the Postal Service has begun implementing a plan that discriminates against rural areas in much the same way, and it’s all happening under the radar.
- [You can now sign up for daily alerts](https://ruralinfo.net/you-can-now-sign-up-for-daily-alerts/): Do you want to stay on top of rural carriers news?  We just activated a way to do that.  You can now get daily alerts to your email IF there are updates.  Stay on top of everything and sign up below:
- [Florida House panel puts muzzle on dangerous dogs after ‘gruesome’ attack on RCA Pam Rock](https://ruralinfo.net/florida-house-panel-puts-muzzle-on-dangerous-dogs-after-gruesome-attack-on-rca-pam-rock/): Rep. Bobby Payne’s measure (HB 873) advanced unanimously by the Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, would impose new parameters on how the state handles so-called dangerous dogs. He noted Virginia and Pennsylvania already have similar laws. The bill requires the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to create a statewide Dangerous Dog Registry, which would rely on information provided by local animal control agencies. Owners of potentially dangerous dogs would have to preemptively confine the dog in a fenced yard or a kennel to protect the public. The legislation would also mandate that dogs being investigated be seized by the local ... Read more
- [McKinney, TX rural carrier helps reconnect homeless Vietnam vet with nearly $10K in lost cash](https://ruralinfo.net/mckinney-tx-rural-carrier-helps-reconnect-homeless-vietnam-vet-with-nearly-10k-in-lost-cash/): MCKINNEY, Texas – A McKinney mail carrier is being celebrated for doing the right thing when she saw what ended up being $10,000 cash on the side of the road. It took months for police to figure out who all the cash belonged to, but now it is back in the hands of its owner. The story started on September 5 at 6:40 in the morning. Carolyn Norton was on her way to work at the post office, when she saw hundreds of $20 bills flying around the service road to North Central Expressway.
- [RCA helped a couple in need on a highway](https://ruralinfo.net/rca-helped-a-couple-in-need-on-a-highway/): Rural Carrier Associate Bryan Boyd was recently driving along his Bath, NC, route when he saw a couple near a vehicle parked on the side of a road. The woman was crying and the man was searching for something on the ground. Boyd pulled over and approached the couple. He learned that the woman had recently been discharged from a medical facility, was experiencing confusion and had thrown the car keys onto the ground. The Postal Service employee called 911 and continued to talk to the couple until police arrived. Officers took a statement from Boyd and assisted the couple. ... Read more
- [RCA delivers a bit of history](https://ruralinfo.net/rca-delivers-a-bit-of-history/): A rural carrier associate made a special delivery on Jan. 17 when he dropped a greeting card adorned with last year’s Black Heritage stamp into a residential mailbox in Chester, CT. The card was addressed to the current owners of a house that Constance Baker Motley — the legal pioneer who will be featured on this year’s Black Heritage stamp — used as a seasonal home for 40 years. The card was mailed by employees at the Chester Post Office to help promote the Black Heritage series. “I am excited about the new stamp coming out,” said Jaysen Tyrseck, the rural ... Read more
- [The next RRECS Mini Mail Survey will be held February 24-March 8, 2024](https://ruralinfo.net/the-next-rrecs-mini-mail-survey-will-be-held-february-24-march-8-2024/): Mark your calendars! The next RRECS Mini Mail Survey will be held February 24-March 8, 2024. Additional details and updated forms will be added as soon as they are received. Check out the 2024 Mini Mail Survey page under the RRECS Resources tab on the NRLCA website for more information.
- [USPS to Launch New MyHR Website](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-to-launch-new-myhr-website/): The Postal Service launched MyHR, a new human resources website, on Jan. 23. The site centralizes all USPS human resources information and applications, including tools to enroll in benefits, update Thrift Savings Plan accounts and prepare for retirement. All employees can access the site by going to Blue or LiteBlue on a computer or mobile device and selecting the MyHR link. MyHR offers enhanced search features and links to the latest USPS human resources news and events. Employees can personalize their MyHR homepage by displaying frequently used applications and recently viewed pages. The site is part of the Postal Service’s effort to ... Read more
- [Rural mail carriers a special breed](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-mail-carriers-a-special-breed/): Having worked for the Postal Service many years gives me perspective on the duties of employees in many of the craft areas. In the eyes of the public, it may appear to be an easy cushy kind of job that any idiot can do. But, they do not see all the work of so many to get one of their letters or packages to its destination. Sometimes, postal employees are treated somewhere between being a child and a slave,  are always expected to have a high level of expertise, be willing to sacrifice personal time with commitment, have the ability ... Read more
- [Rural Mail Carrier mauled by dogs in Bulloch County, GA](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-mail-carrier-mauled-by-dogs-in-bulloch-county-ga/): A rural mail carrier has been life flighted to a regional trauma center after being mauled by dogs Friday evening January 19, 2024. Bulloch County 911 operators, at 6:49 pm, dispatched Bulloch County EMS, Bulloch County Sheriff’s Deputies and Bulloch County Animal Control to a lady being attacked by dogs. The attack occurred at a home in the 1500 block of Anderson Road in the Nevils community in Bulloch County. According to public safety officials, when first responders arrived on the scene they discovered the victim was a rural mail carrier who worked out of the Statesboro Post Office.  The ... Read more
- [January rural carrier heroes](https://ruralinfo.net/january-rural-carrier-heroes/): Rural carriers recognized as going above and beyond for their customers
- [Fake NRLCA website](https://ruralinfo.net/fake-nrlca-website/): From our National NRO Kirby Rickets- All, I am not sure if you are aware of this, but someone just made us aware of this fake website purporting to be the NRLCA: https://www.nrlca-hq.org/ The National Office is looking into what can be done, but for now please warn all the carriers that you can. Thanks Kirby D. Ricketts NRLCA Executive Committeeman Central Area
- [Rural carrier saves a customer’s canines from a house fire](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-saves-a-customers-canines-from-a-house-fire/): Rural Carrier Gary Sherman saw smoke coming from a home in Warsaw, NY, while he was delivering mail recently. The Postal Service employee, who is also a volunteer firefighter, called 911 and headed to the residence to warn anyone inside. No one was home, but Sherman could hear the customer’s dogs. He found an unlocked door and got the hounds out. Firefighters were able to control the blaze and save the home. The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined. The customer later called the Post Office to say how grateful he was to Sherman for saving his companions. “Thanks ... Read more
- [Kansas City Rural Letter Carriers’ Association Past President David Troutman died in a car crash on his route yesterday.](https://ruralinfo.net/kansas-city-rural-letter-carriers-association-past-president-david-troutman-died-in-a-car-crash-on-his-route-yesterday/): On Friday, Jan. 12, at 4:21 p.m., Sumner County Sheriff deputies were dispatched to the 100 block of East 60th Ave. for a vehicle lying on its top, submerged in a creek. When they arrived, they found a person in the vehicle and removed him from the water. David Troutman of Wellington was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the sheriff’s press release, the investigation revealed that Troutman was traveling eastbound on 60th Ave. when he left the roadway and continued east through the south ditch. His vehicle passed over a creek and struck the bank on the east ... Read more
- [Mail carrier rescued from flash flood waters in Virginia](https://ruralinfo.net/mail-carrier-rescued-from-flash-flood-waters-in-virginia/): The reason the man was trying to drive down that road, wasn’t because he lived there, but because he worked for the postal service and he had mail to deliver. “He was working on delivering the mail. It was the mail carrier and he was trying to make some mail deliveries and I believe the car came into an area where he was trying to turn around and wasn’t able to before his vehicle became immobilized,” Appomattox Volunteer Fire Chief Jonathan Garrett said. Authorities said the postman managed to get out of his car, but couldn’t get to safety on ... Read more
- [NRLCA President Maston's remarks in article on Minnesota delivery problems](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-president-mastons-remarks-in-article-on-minnesota-delivery-problems/): Don Maston, president of the National Rural Carriers Association, which represents about 2,530 postal workers in Minnesota, said delivery problems across the nation “are all driven by the same issue – a lack of staffing.” “There’s a need for better wages, and the job is just not attractive for many,” Maston said in an interview with MinnPost. The pay for the carriers his union represents is determined in large part by the volume of the mail delivered in each route. “While mail volume declines, parcel volume is increasing,” Maston said. So, carriers have a “love-hate” relationship with Amazon and other ... Read more
- [Rural carrier helps customer found in road](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-helps-customer-found-in-road/): Rural Carrier Associate Allison Bundy was recently delivering mail in Throckmorton, TX, when she spotted an older customer lying face down in the middle of a road. Bundy pulled over and checked on the woman, whom she recognized. She helped the woman get back on her feet and to safety. The customer, whose face was injured, declined Bundy’s offer to call 911. She asked that a nearby friend be contacted instead. The Postal Service employee made the call and stayed on the scene until the friend arrived and drove the woman to a hospital. Bundy later learned that the woman ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier makes lifesaving tourniquet](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-makes-lifesaving-tourniquet/): Rural Carrier Associate Katherine Duvall recently put her emergency medical training to good use at the Pulaski Post Office in Tennessee. A driver had accidentally sliced his radial artery with a box cutter, which had slipped while he attempted to open a package while stopped at a red light near the Post Office. The man pulled into the Post Office’s parking lot and sought help from Duvall and Assistant Rural Carrier Steven Carrico, who were loading packages into a postal vehicle. When the driver got out of his vehicle, Carrico saw that the man was bleeding heavily. Carrico alerted Duvall, ... Read more
- [Rep. Pete Stauber calls USPS letter response on problems in Bemidji 'dismissive' and 'extremely disappointing'](https://ruralinfo.net/rep-pete-stauber-calls-usps-letter-response-on-problems-in-bemidji-dismissive-and-extremely-disappointing/): BEMIDJI — U.S. Congressman Pete Stauber, who represents Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District, has weighed in on the ongoing issues with the postal service that have been reported in Bemidji. His office also shared a letter it received from the U.S. Postal Service responding to his questions. Concerns have been growing in Bemidji for several weeks regarding mail delivery and the working conditions of postal carriers, starting in November with a symbolic picket staged by rural carriers and eventually leading to a listening session on Dec. 5 hosted by the offices of U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar. Stauber, who has also been receiving ... Read more
- [The Christmas Holiday Season is hard for Postal Families](https://ruralinfo.net/the-christmas-holiday-season-is-hard-for-postal-families/): The Christmas Holiday Season is hard for Postal Families. They work long, hard hours in order to ensure that those treasured packages arrive before that big day of celebration and feasts. People that do not work for the Postal Service take for granted the incredible service and time that is provided in order for millions of packages to arrive safely and correctly. Yes they do make mistakes because they are human, and yes sometimes weather and breakdowns happen and cause delays. Clerks, Carriers, Mailhanders, Maintenance, VMF workers, Truck Drivers,Supervisors, and all of those positions not named, miss out on alot ... Read more
- [Rural carrier union demands USPS pay ‘harsh penalties’ if payroll problems persist](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-union-demands-usps-pay-harsh-penalties-if-payroll-problems-persist/): Two separate payroll errors at the Postal Service over the past few months kept thousands of rural letter carriers from getting their full paychecks on time. Now the union is demanding USPS modernize its payroll system, and that the agency pay “harsh penalties” to compensate rural carriers if these problems persist. The National Rural Letter Carriers Association filed a national-level grievance this week over the Postal Service’s “repeated failure to pay rural carriers correctly and on time.” USPS in September experienced a programming issue with its payroll system that caused more than 52,000 rural letter carriers to miss their regular paycheck, or ... Read more
- [Departing Bemidji postal worker documents overwhelming package volume](https://ruralinfo.net/departing-bemidji-postal-worker-documents-overwhelming-package-volume/): BEMIDJI, Minn. (FOX 9) – Long, unpaid hours and a toxic work environment are crushing employees at the Bemidji post office, according to a longtime carrier who quit last week. With his help, FOX 9 got a rare peek inside the Bemidji office to see the conditions for workers this holiday season. Dennis Nelson said he hit his breaking point after several weeks of working more than 12 hours a day, six days a week, since adding Amazon deliveries to his regular route. But he says adding Amazon packages in November forced him and his fellow carriers to work at least 12 hours a day. ... Read more
- [Rural mail carrier union prez says USPS needs to up wages](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-mail-carrier-union-prez-says-usps-needs-to-up-wages/): The head of the union representing rural mail carriers nationwide says the number of unfilled positions at the U.S. Postal Service is at an all-time high and low wages are the main culprit. “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen in my career,” said Don Maston, the president of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, when asked about the number of open jobs. “They’re just not paying enough money. It’s by far our No. 1 issue.” Maston said that with the challenging labor market that the country is in right now, employees are incentivized to pick and choose which job suits ... Read more
- ['Worked to death': Postal employees in Missoula say workplace is in crisis](https://ruralinfo.net/worked-to-death-postal-employees-in-missoula-say-workplace-is-in-crisis/): Employees of the U.S. Postal Service in Missoula have been dealing with serious issues this year, including not getting paychecks on time, inadequate staffing levels that essentially force many to work six or more days a week, poor workplace morale, absence requests being denied and high staff turnover at both the administrative and lower levels. The issue is leading to severe mail delays in the area, with local residents complaining that important health, tax and business documents are not getting delivered on time. The Missoulian spoke separately with three employees of the Postal Service in Missoula who described an extremely ... Read more
- [Audio: Amazon promises convenience for customers, but it's crushing some rural mail carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/audio-amazon-promises-convenience-for-customers-but-its-crushing-some-rural-mail-carriers/): Last month — as Fox 13 reported — residents in San Juan County began complaining that Amazon packages were causing a major backup at post offices and delaying regular mail delivery. People reported going days without receiving some bills, letters, and packages. And they weren’t alone — around the same time in November, at a post office in rural Minnesota, the number of Amazon deliveries ramped up, causing chaos for local mail carriers. “From talking to postal workers in Bemidji [Minnesota], it sounds like they had been told for a few years that Amazon was coming that someday they would get this ... Read more
- [The NRLCA files a national level grievance over the Postal Service's repeated failure to pay rural carriers correctly and on time](https://ruralinfo.net/the-nrlca-files-a-national-level-grievance-over-the-postal-services-repeated-failure-to-pay-rural-carriers-correctly-and-on-time/)
- [Postal Service refutes claims of Bemidji mail delays, Amazon prioritization](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-refutes-claims-of-bemidji-mail-delays-amazon-prioritization/): BEMIDJI — A U.S. Postal Service official says mail is being delivered daily in Bemidji and elsewhere and blamed media misinformation for misconceptions about package delivery and working conditions for postal carriers. The Tuesday, Dec. 5, response comes after a November letter from U.S. Sen. Tina Smith to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, demanding answers to problems identified with rural mail delivery in Bemidji and elsewhere. Michael Gordon, USPS Midwestern regional director and director of government relations, pushed back on claims of prioritization of Amazon packages leading to delivery delays of bills, prescriptions and other mail. “Let me begin by stating unequivocally that ... Read more
- [Working conditions at Bemidji Post Office cause another rural carrier to hit their breaking point](https://ruralinfo.net/working-conditions-at-bemidji-post-office-cause-another-rural-carrier-to-hit-their-breaking-point/): BEMIDJI — Dennis Nelson had wanted to see the fight for better working conditions at the Bemidji Post Office to the end, but after weeks of arduous 12-hour shifts and an increasingly toxic and hostile work environment, even he’s hit a breaking point. Nelson, who helped organize the initial picket by rural carriers in November that led to national attention, officially turned in his resignation on Thursday after 20 years. “I hate leaving it, I hate not being a part of it anymore. I started this fight, and I hate not seeing it to the end,” he said. But he hit the point of ... Read more
- [Rural mail carriers warned not to blame mail delays on Amazon](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-mail-carriers-warned-not-to-blame-mail-delays-on-amazon/): Directive comes after Minn. postal workers protested the heavy workloads caused by the sudden arrival of thousands of Amazon packages Mail carriers in a rural Minnesota post office overwhelmed by Amazon packages say they’ve been warned not to use the word “Amazon,” including when customers ask why the mail is delayed. “We are not to mention the word ‘Amazon’ to anyone,” said a mail carrier who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect their job. “If asked, they’re to be referred to as ‘Delivery Partners’ or ‘Distributors,’” said a second carrier. “It’s ridiculous.” The directive, passed down Monday morning ... Read more
- [A rural post office was told to prioritize Amazon packages. Chaos ensued.](https://ruralinfo.net/a-rural-post-office-was-told-to-prioritize-amazon-packages-chaos-ensued/): BEMIDJI, Minn. — When Delbert Mikelson’s mail started showing up late — and sometimes not showing up at all — he blamed it on the opening of deer season. “I thought my carrier was out hunting,” Mikelson said over a breakfast of eggs and pancakes at Raphael’s Bakery Cafe in downtown Bemidji. But it wasn’t the buck hunt delaying the mail in Bemidji, a tiny town 100 miles south of the Canadian border where welcome signs are written in both English and Ojibwe and statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox tower in downtown. Since early November, Bemidji has ... Read more
- [USPS updates ethics document on outside employment](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-updates-ethics-document-on-outside-employment/): A federal ethics document for USPS employees was revised recently for the first time since its introduction in 1995. The revisions took effect Sept. 7. Many guidelines in the Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the United States Postal Service address outside employment and business activities. Some rules have been eased. Employees may now: • Work with a manufacturer of postal uniforms or other postal-related products, and • Transport mail under USPS contracts within the same delivery area. However, prior approval from the USPS Ethics and Legal Compliance team may be required. Some rules have not changed. Employees may not: ... Read more
- [Rural Carriers in Bemidji protest unsustainable working conditions, Amazon prioritization](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carriers-in-bemidji-protest-unsustainable-working-conditions-amazon-prioritization/): BEMIDJI — Used to early mornings, rural mail carriers stood outside of the Bemidji Post Office before sunrise Monday and Tuesday carrying signs and protesting what they describe as unsustainable working conditions and the prioritization of Amazon deliveries over actual mail. “We’re being forced to work 12-hour days, six days a week. All of our days off have been canceled by the district manager. They’ve even gone so far as to say they will not honor sick leave,” shared Dennis Nelson, who’s worked for the post office for 20 years. “On top of that, we’ve been told Amazon is now ... Read more
- [History: Rural Free Delivery](https://ruralinfo.net/history-rural-free-delivery/): The RFD is a government mail service, where mail carriers travel rural routes to deliver and pickup mail from roadside mail boxes. As of 2022, the USPS has around 133,000 mail carriers serving around 80,000 rural mail routes. Many people even today have rural free mail delivery rather than paying a monthly fee for a post office box and driving long distances to pick up the mail or mail a letter. The rural free delivery, or RFD, was started in 1902. The US Post Office Department began to experiment with the concept as early as 1890, but the implementation was ... Read more
- [Weeding collapse prompts carrier’s concern](https://ruralinfo.net/weeding-collapse-prompts-carriers-concern/): Rural Carrier Associate Tabitha Kendle was delivering mail in Excelsior Springs, MO, in the summer when she noticed a customer’s mail piling up. Kendle also saw that the man’s normally closed garage door was open. She grew concerned and called the police, asking for someone to check on him. Responders found him passed out in his backyard, where he had been weeding. Temperatures in the area had been near 100 degrees for several days. The customer was taken to a hospital, where he recovered. Police officers credited Kendle with saving the man’s life.
- [RRECS Activities MDD Menu Redesign: Guided Menu, Comprehensive Menu & Activity Summary](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-activities-mdd-menu-redesign-guided-menu-comprehensive-menu-activity-summary/): On November 18, 2023, “Rural Activity Scans” will change to “RRECS Activities” on the mobile delivery device (MDD). Additional features will be introduced including: a guided menu, a comprehensive menu, and a summary for RRECS Activities. These enhancements are intended to help reduce errors when making selections on the MDD.
- [Are you a Veteran eligible for Wounded Warriors leave?](https://ruralinfo.net/are-you-a-veteran-eligible-for-wounded-warriors-leave/): Wounded Warriors Leave is an authorized absence from the Postal Service to undergo medical treatment for a service-connected disability rated at 30 percent or more. It is a separate leave category, distinct from sick leave. Treatment is an in-person visit to a health care provider, as specified in Section 513.364 of the Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM), and includes the course of action prescribed by a health care provider. Treatment includes but is not limited to examination for and evaluations of the health condition that has caused the disability rating. Health Care Provider is the employee’s attending physician or ... Read more
- [Labor Dept launches USPS investigation following payroll error impacting more than 50K rural carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/labor-dept-launches-usps-investigation-following-payroll-error-impacting-more-than-50k-rural-carriers/): The Postal Service is telling members of Congress that most of the rural letter carriers who missed a paycheck or received a partial paycheck last month are no longer waiting on back pay. USPS says many of the more than 50,000 impacted rural carriers have been made whole, and that, “with limited exceptions,” it paid carriers what they were owed within one or two pay periods. But affected carriers tell Federal News Network that USPS still hasn’t paid them the correct amounts, and that not receiving their paycheck on time led to overdraft fees from their banks. The situation marked ... Read more
- [My short-lived career as a United States Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/my-short-lived-career-as-a-united-states-postal-service-usps-mail-carrier/): Language alert – Do not click to read the article if bad language offends you.  So one day when I stopped by the local post office and saw a big banner that read, “We’re Hiring,” I thought, hey, why not? Being a Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) didn’t sound half bad to me. I remember thinking how great it would be to spend my days working outside in the Florida sun, a warm breeze ruffling my hair as I delivered the mail from home to rural home. Just me and my truck on a scenic country road. Too bad for me, it wasn’t like ... Read more
- [U.S. Senator Bob Casey to USPS: Fix Payroll Disruption Affecting Rural Pennsylvania](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-senator-bob-casey-to-usps-fix-payroll-disruption-affecting-rural-pennsylvania/): Payroll glitch delayed, disrupted paychecks for more than 50,000 rural mail carriers nationwide Some Pennsylvania carriers reported problems had not been resolved even weeks after the disruption occurred Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) sent a letter to United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to express concern for rural mail carriers who missed or partially received their September 1 paychecks due to a payroll error. While USPS has since indicated the problem has been resolved, Casey has heard from Pennsylvanians who received incomplete, erroneous, or delayed paychecks in the weeks that followed. “Pennsylvania is home to ... Read more
- [Rural letter carriers in the US speak out after latest mail count continues massive wage cuts](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-letter-carriers-in-the-us-speak-out-after-latest-mail-count-continues-massive-wage-cuts/): The article posted last week on the World Socialist Web Site on the results of the latest route evaluations at the US Postal Service has evoked a wide response from rural letter carriers. The evaluations, which ended last week, confirmed massive cuts in pay for the vast majority of rural carriers, many of whom lost over $10,000 in annual wages earlier this year under the new Rural Route Evaluation Compensation System (RRECS). Ruralinfo.net note: Yes I realize what website this is on.  I share this because they are the only ones keeping the conversation going with rural carrier about RRECS.
- [USPS IS FALSIFYING SAFETY DOCS AS ITS WORKERS DIE OF HEAT](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-is-falsifying-safety-docs-as-its-workers-die-of-heat/): Through interviews and union surveys completed in writing by individual Dallas mail carriers and obtained by the Texas Observer, we found that in the months following Gates’ death, USPS seems to have gone back to business as usual. Mail carriers report that management is still pressuring them to speed up, work overtime hours, and forego breaks. USPS continues to violate the standards of its own Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP)—some mail carriers say they have not yet completed training for this program, which would violate the standards of the USPS own HIPP. What’s more, the agency is alleged to have covered ... Read more
- [Latest round of rural carrier route evaluations maintains attack on US postal workers’ pay](https://ruralinfo.net/latest-round-of-rural-carrier-route-evaluations-maintains-attack-on-us-postal-workers-pay/): The United States Postal Service (USPS) completed its second round of route counts under its new Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS) last week. The hated compensation system was first launched this spring to disastrous effects for rural letter carriers, resulting in massive pay cuts for around two-thirds of the rural workforce, in some cases by $10,000 or even $20,000 a year. Rural letter carriers at USPS work under a de facto piece rate system. Instead of being paid by the number of hours worked, the post office periodically “evaluates” the workload for every route, which it then uses to ... Read more
- [Rural Letter Carriers Receive New Route Changes](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-letter-carriers-receive-new-route-changes/): Some saw gains. Others saw further cuts. But the rural letter carriers are still frustrated by the lack of transparency over the data creating new routes. On September 30, rural letter carriers were notified of the latest changes to their weekly routes under the controversial new Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS), which will go into effect October 7. Unlike the first round of evaluations under RRECS, the route hour cuts and lost wages were not as drastic, signaling a correction from the RRECS algorithm. While some rural carriers saw continued losses, others recovered hours lost in previous evaluations. Jamie King, a ... Read more
- [OIG Report - Address Management System for Rural Routes](https://ruralinfo.net/oig-report-address-management-system-for-rural-routes/): Background The U.S. Postal Service utilizes Address Management System (AMS) data to correctly deliver mail to approximately 49 million rural addresses nationwide. The nation relies on the Postal Service to maintain accurate addresses to enable effective commerce and ensure customers receive quality service. It is critical to have correct and current address information so mail can be processed through automation to reduce delivery costs and to ensure rural carriers are provided with accurate route information to expedite the delivery of mail to customers. Carriers help maintain address quality by observing address changes on their routes, noting them in their edit ... Read more
- [Want to Know More About Postal Service Health Benefit Plan Options for pre-career employees?](https://ruralinfo.net/want-to-know-more-about-postal-service-health-benefit-plan-options-for-pre-career-employees/): The United States Postal Service® (USPS®) is committed to providing quality healthcare options for pre-career employees. The USPS Health Benefit (HB) Plan is administered by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and is available to eligible pre-career employees When you enroll in the USPS HB Plan, the Postal Service™ provides a contribution each pay period towards your premium to help reduce the cost of your health coverage. How do you know if you are eligible for the plan? You are eligible if you are a pre-career employee or a casual employee averaging 30 paid hours per week. However, if you are an assistant rural ... Read more
- [APWU Members Paint a Stark Picture of Toxic Workplaces](https://ruralinfo.net/apwu-members-paint-a-stark-picture-of-toxic-workplaces/): Ruralinfo note: I know it’s not rural but I am sure there are many rural carriers working in these same offices. An APWU workplace survey of more than ten thousand APWU members has painted a stark picture of hostile work environments, low morale, and understaffing, overseen by poorly trained, ineffective, and disrespectful managers.
- [Fundraising event planned for USPS rural carrier injured in carjacking](https://ruralinfo.net/fundraising-event-planned-for-usps-rural-carrier-injured-in-carjacking/): Authorities said Ramsay was carjacked and shot on Sept. 5 during her mail route in a neighborhood. Jaden Isaiah Garay, 23, was arrested in Burke County Tuesday in the stolen postal vehicle following a high-speed chase and a search. Madison County officials say Garay has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and given a $2 million bond. His next court date is Oct. 9.
- [USPS rural carriers ‘still waiting to get paid’ as payroll errors hit another paycheck](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-rural-carriers-still-waiting-to-get-paid-as-payroll-errors-hit-another-paycheck/): Postal Service rural mail carriers who missed a paycheck, or received a partial paycheck, two weeks ago because of a USPS payroll error are still waiting to get paid — and in some cases, are seeing the same problems persistent for another payday. More than half a dozen rural carriers across the country told Federal News Network they received an incomplete paycheck for the second pay period in a row this Friday, or are still waiting on their Sept. 1 paycheck. Rural carriers requested anonymity to discuss their circumstances. A rural carrier in Missouri said that none of his coworkers have received ... Read more
- [Tracking Work Hours - Overview of 2080/2240](https://ruralinfo.net/tracking-work-hours-overview-of-2080-2240/)
- [Postal workers respond to founding statement of USPS rank-and-file committee](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-workers-respond-to-founding-statement-of-usps-rank-and-file-committee/): The founding statement of the USPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee has been read by tens of thousands of postal workers. Dozens of workers have submitted comments to the World Socialist Web Site detailing their work experiences and their thoughts on the state of the USPS in general. We are reproducing a selection of these below. If you work at USPS, join the conversation! Tell us your thoughts by filling out the form below. All submissions will be kept anonymous.
- [Today marks the 120th birthday of the NRLCA](https://ruralinfo.net/today-marks-the-120th-birthday-of-the-nrlca/): Today marks the 120th birthday of the NRLCA! On September 12, 1903, approximately 100 rural carriers from 14 states (early records differ on the exact number) met in Chicago, IL and organized the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association during the first National Convention.
- [$20K raised for rural carrier shot in carjacking](https://ruralinfo.net/20k-raised-for-rural-carrier-shot-in-carjacking/): Ramsay’s daughter, Scarlet Ramsay, started a GoFundMe page to help with the medical costs associated with Ramsay’s injury. On the page, Scarlet Ramsay also detailed the injuries sustained by her mother. She said her mother underwent surgery Sept. 8 to remove her left eye and perform facial reconstruction, saying “her surgery went well,” and that doctors removed her breathing tube. “She is slowly waking up and becoming aware of her surroundings,” Scarlet Ramsay said Sept. 8 via the GoFundMe page
- [Pre-Career Employees Now Eligible for Dental and Vision Benefits through FEDVIP](https://ruralinfo.net/pre-career-employees-now-eligible-for-dental-and-vision-benefits-through-fedvip/): USPS pre-career employees (RCAs, ARCs, and RCRs) are now eligible for the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) during a special enrollment period that has been extended through October 10, 2023. After that date, you will only be able to enroll during the annual benefits open season or within 60 days of a qualifying life event. To enroll, go to www.benefeds.com or call 1-877-888-FEDS. The TTY number is 1-877-889-5680. To stay informed about pre-career benefits, you can sign up for text message updates by texting “PRECAREER” to 39369. Standard rates may apply.  
- [US Postal Service workers found rank-and-file committee](https://ruralinfo.net/us-postal-service-workers-found-rank-and-file-committee/): Fellow USPS workers, Rural letter carriers have seen their wages plummet under the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS), city carriers are working without a contract, and mail handlers, clerks and other crafts see their jobs threatened as US Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s “Deliver for America” plan aims to close a third of post offices in the coming years. Within weeks of implementing RRECS in May, the majority of rural carriers reported a marked decline in wages, in many cases between $10,000-20,000 per worker. Six US senators wrote DeJoy to say that 66 percent of rural carriers had seen their ... Read more
- [After Hefty Algorithmic Pay Cut, Rural Mail Carriers Are Getting 'a Huge Slap In the Face' From Union](https://ruralinfo.net/after-hefty-algorithmic-pay-cut-rural-mail-carriers-are-getting-a-huge-slap-in-the-face-from-union/): Maston is adamant that the decertification effort reflects a vocal but unrepresentative minority, giving little credence to the idea that any of their grievances are legitimate. “We just came back from our national convention that was in Grand Rapids, Michigan,” Maston said, “and there were well over 1,100 delegates there, probably close to 2,000 rural carriers. And it was not angry people shouting about RRECS.” I asked him if perhaps the people who spent money to attend the union convention might not be a representative sample of unionwide sentiment. “I wouldn’t say that,” he replied. “I would say the people ... Read more
- [Traffic crash claims life of local U. S. Rural Carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/traffic-crash-claims-life-of-local-u-s-rural-carrier/): According to River Falls Police Chief Kyle Adams, on Friday, September 8th, 2023, at approximately 09:57 AM, the River Falls Alabama Police Department responded to a two-vehicle collision along Alabama Highway 55 North, about a mile north of the U. S. Hwy. 84 intersections. Collaborating closely with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Troopers, our department is diligently pursuing an ongoing investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that both vehicles were traveling southbound on Alabama Highway 55 when the accident unfolded tragically. We regret to report that Hannah Denae Lindsey (32), the driver of a 1998 Chevrolet Lumina and ... Read more
- [Carrier attacked in carjacking was a rural carrier associate](https://ruralinfo.net/carrier-attacked-in-carjacking-was-a-rural-carrier-associate/): The U.S. Postal Service confirmed Teresa Ramsay was the mail carrier attacked on the job. “We are deeply saddened by the recent attack on our colleague in Mars Hill,” North Carolina District Manager Roselle Murrell said. “[Teresa] has been a dedicated team member since she joined the postal service. Our thoughts are with [Teresa] and her family, and we are praying for a speedy recovery. We are grateful for the quick actions by first responders and the coordination by all the law enforcement agencies involved.” Garay was caught on a neighbor’s security camera fleeing in Ramsay’s Jeep with law enforcement ... Read more
- [Rural carrier shot in carjacking in North Carolina](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-shot-in-carjacking-in-north-carolina/): A carjacking left a person severely injured Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred on Spring Drive just off South Main Street in Mars Hill. Shortly before 3:30 p.m., Sheriff Buddy Harwood posted a photo of the vehicle, a Jeep with “U.S. Mail” and “Frequent stops” listed on the back of the vehicle. The suspect allegedly walked up to a female US Postal worker and shot her in the head then stole the vehicle. Although shot in the head, the victim is still alive and was talking with investigators. The only motive at this time was armed robbery. Mars Hill University and ... Read more
- [“It is beyond toxic. The morale is so low”: Texas rural letter carrier speaks out on terrible working conditions, massive pay cuts](https://ruralinfo.net/it-is-beyond-toxic-the-morale-is-so-low-texas-rural-letter-carrier-speaks-out-on-terrible-working-conditions-massive-pay-cuts/): A massive assault on the United States Postal Service is currently underway. Under a new restructuring program, post office management is taking aim at tens of thousands of jobs, and slashing wages for tens of thousands of rural carriers, reducing them to poverty. With a new “evaluation period” beginning last week for tens of thousands of rural letter carriers, which is used to determine their pay for the next six months, even deeper cuts to their pay are on the horizon.
- [USPS preps pay workaround for 45,000 rural carriers impacted by payroll error](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-preps-pay-workaround-for-45000-rural-carriers-impacted-by-payroll-error/): USPS spokesman David Partenheimer said in a statement Thursday that the agency “identified a programming issue within its payroll system” that impacted some rural carriers’ paychecks scheduled to go out on Sept. 1. “We have taken immediate steps to ensure employees will be paid through a salary advance in the form of a money order,” Partenheimer said. “The programming issue has been identified and remediated.” NRLCA said impacted carriers will receive 65% of their gross pay via money order this Friday. That figure is a rough estimate of a rural carrier’s average take-home pay. The union said impacted rural carriers ... Read more
- [45,000 USPS Workers Aren't Getting Paid This Week Amidst Union Decertification Push](https://ruralinfo.net/45000-usps-workers-arent-getting-paid-this-week-amidst-union-decertification-push/): The USPS missed payroll for more than 45,000 rural postal workers this week due what their union called “an egregious payroll error.” Workers will instead have the option of effectively taking out a loan via money order. The timing is not the most auspicious as it comes during a push by some rural carriers to decertify their union, which is seen by many workers as not doing enough to protect their interests after more than two-thirds of them took a pay cut determined by an algorithm earlier this year.
- [From NRLCA - What happens if the NRLCA is decertified?](https://ruralinfo.net/from-nrlca-what-happens-if-the-nrlca-is-decertified/): The NRLCA National Board is aware of the efforts to decertify the NRLCA. We are providing the attached one-page document to the field to offer additional facts and information as to what would be at risk if the NRLCA is decertified. We take any and all attacks against this union seriously and we will not sit idly by to see what happens.   Please share this document widely with your state boards and fellow union members. It is time to bring awareness to our membership as there is a lot at risk.
- [Yalobusha man charged in fatal shooting of Batesville postal carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/yalobusha-man-charged-in-fatal-shooting-of-batesville-postal-carrier/): An arrest was made within hours of a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a Coffeeville woman on Thursday morning, Aug. 17. Tallahatchie County Coroner Ginger Meriwether told the North Mississippi Herald that Hallie Mae Sapp Robertson, 42, was found deceased around 3:30 a.m. Robertson resided at 9509 County Road 212. She was employed as a full-time postal carrier in Panola County for three years, and had been a substitute carrier for several years before. Her mother, Linda Sapp, has worked at the Batesville Post Office for almost 20 years.
- [USPS rural carriers union says members have more to lose than gain in decertification push](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-rural-carriers-union-says-members-have-more-to-lose-than-gain-in-decertification-push/): NRLCA National President Don Maston said in an interview Friday that the union had “gone to extreme measures” by repeatedly delaying the implementation of the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS). “I understand that they’re angry, those that have lost hours, and they’re angry at the system,” Maston  said. But Maston said those delays also exacerbated the shock rural carriers felt with RRECS finally went into effect in May. Prior to the RRECS rollout, rural carriers were paid based on a five-year-old snapshot of mail volume data, which didn’t account for a persistent decline in mail volume over the years.
- [USPS rural carriers seek to decertify union after most members see pay cuts](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-rural-carriers-seek-to-decertify-union-after-most-members-see-pay-cuts/): Ruralinfo Note: Sharing of this article does not imply that Ruralinfo.net agrees with decertification or does not agree.  I no longer have a dog in the fight, but I do believe rural carriers need all of the information.  Several thousand Postal Service rural carriers say they’re in favor of decertifying their union, after USPS implemented a new pay system that led to significant pay cuts for two-thirds of the rural carrier workforce. A grassroots network of rural carriers across the country is collecting signatures from their coworkers in the hopes of joining a new, non-postal union. Rural carriers have until the ... Read more
- [2023-2024 National Board Elected at 2023 NRLCA National Convention](https://ruralinfo.net/2023-2024-national-board-elected-at-2023-nrlca-national-convention/): The 2023-2024 National Board was elected at the 2023 National Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Friday, August 18. National Board: President Don Maston Vice President Patrick Pitts Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Turner Director of Labor Relations Bridget Boseak Director of Steward Operations Shirley Baffa Executive Committee Chair Nicky Phillips Executive Committeeman Jeanette Dwyer Executive Committeeman John Adams Executive Committeeman Kirby Ricketts NOTE: The National Chaplain will remain Gary W. Wilder, TN.  He can be reached at tel: 615-888-6156  (CST).
- [RCA found shot to death on gravel road](https://ruralinfo.net/rca-found-shot-to-death-on-gravel-road/): OAKLAND — Law enforcement agencies in Tallahatchie and Yalobusha counties are pursuing leads in the death of a Coffeeville woman who was found shot to death on a gravel road near here early Thursday. Tallahatchie County Coroner Ginger Meriwether identified the victim as Hallie Mae Sapp Robertson, 42, of 9509 County Road 212. “It appears she was shot one time in the head,” said Meriwether, who noted that the death “is being treated as a homicide” and that an autopsy will be conducted at the Mississippi Forensics Laboratory in Pearl. Tallahatchie County Sheriff Jimmy Fly said Robertson’s fully-clothed body was discovered shortly before 4 a.m. by deputies ... Read more
- [ATTENTION RURAL CARRIERS: RADAR Report Must Be Pulled and Posted Daily](https://ruralinfo.net/attention-rural-carriers-radar-report-must-be-pulled-and-posteddaily/): Attention Rural Carriers: Management must pull and post the RADAR Report daily. The requirement is daily, not just during the Mini Mail Survey but every day.  If management doesn’t pull and post the report, notify your DR or ADR.
- [2023 National Convention Updates](https://ruralinfo.net/2023-national-convention-updates/): Intro I am summarizing information here.  I am not including any of the technical details, awards or introductions, etc. If you want to see that, please go to the NRLCA website and see their daily convention newsletters.Bookmark this as I will try to update daily with any new information. RRECS Dr. Ken Mericle, the lead engineer on RRECS gave a presentation on the difficulty of the task that was mandated by arbitrator Clark in 2012 to adopt a new compensation system for rural carriers.He talked about problems that surfaced after RRECS implementation. He said there were many things that could ... Read more
- [NRLCA releases LOU on Step 4 Closed Business or School](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-releases-lou-on-step-4-closed-business-or-school/): The NRLCA was approached to discuss the Step 4 in reference to the closed business or school.  In that Step 4, if a business/school closed hold contained 8 or more DPS letters, the carrier would receive a parcel during the Evaluated Compensations System (ECS) mail count.  After entering the RRECS environment, this agreement no longer made sense to the parties. We reviewed the numbers and although it may be looked at as the loss of a unscanned parcel, if you receive 8 pieces of DPS or more, where you used to get a parcel under ECS, but you will receive ... Read more
- [GoFundMe set up for RCA killed in Bloomington crash](https://ruralinfo.net/gofundme-set-up-for-rca-killed-in-bloomington-crash/): PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A online fundraising site for the family of a postal worker killed in a traffic crash Monday morning has been set up, says a family member. The GoFundMe page is for Ronald W. Bethard, Jr., of Pontiac, who died Monday after his U.S. Postal Service delivery truck was in a traffic crash, states he had been on the job delivering mail in rural Bloomington for four years.
- [SUV driver charged with meth possession after crash that killed postal carrier Ronald Bethard JR](https://ruralinfo.net/suv-driver-charged-with-meth-possession-after-crash-that-killed-postal-carrier-ronald-bethard-jr/): MCLEAN COUNTY (25News Now) – The driver of a sport utility vehicle involved in a crash that killed a postal carrier in southwest Bloomington earlier this week was allegedly in possession of methamphetamine, but it’s not known yet if he was under the influence of the drug when the crash happened. The McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office on Tuesday charged Jeremy Williams, 43, from McLean with possession of less than five grams of meth, which is a felony. Williams was also cited for failing to reduce speed to avoid the accident that happened about 10:30 a.m. Monday near the intersection ... Read more
- [MOU Signed on Hiring Rural Carrier Annuitants as Holiday Assistant Rural Carriers (HARCs)](https://ruralinfo.net/mou-signed-on-hiring-rural-carrier-annuitants-as-holiday-assistant-rural-carriers-harcs/): The US Postal Service and the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association have signed an MOU to rehire rural carrier annuitants as holiday assistant rural carriers (HARCs). These individuals will be used to deliver packages up to seven (7) days per week between November 4, 2023, through January 26, 2024. In accordance with the regulations outlined in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annuities of these HARCs will not be impacted by their work in the rural carrier craft.   Letters have been sent to all rural carriers who have retired within the last five (5) years and to those who ... Read more
- [RCA dies in accident in Bloomington, IL](https://ruralinfo.net/rca-dies-in-accident-in-bloomington-il/): Ronald Bethard Obituary, Death Cause – In a tragic incident that unfolded on a Monday morning in Bloomington, a 36-year-old U.S. Postal Service worker’s life was abruptly cut short in a two-vehicle collision. The McLean County Coroner, Kathy Yoder, has officially identified the victim as Ronald Bethard, Jr., hailing from Pontiac, Illinois. The circumstances surrounding his untimely demise have cast a somber shadow over the community. Ronald Bethard, Jr., a dedicated U.S. Postal Service worker, had been going about his daily responsibilities when tragedy struck. The collision occurred on a seemingly ordinary Monday morning, sending shockwaves through the community and leaving ... Read more
- [RRECS carrier impacts - Submissions so far](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-carrier-impacts-submissions-so-far/): Click below to see what has been submitted from our RRECS Impact post so far.  It will be updated with new entries as they come in.
- [Tell us how RRECS has affected you and your route](https://ruralinfo.net/tell-us-how-rrecs-has-affected-you-and-your-route/): It’s been a couple of months since RRECS evaluations took effect.   Everyone knows how I feel about RRECS.  It never should have been implemented until every single carrier was able to see every little thing that goes into their route evaluation.  I wrote about that back in April. I would like to give rural carriers a chance to tell everyone how they have personally been affected. I am going to call it the RRECS Impact Series.  You can do it anonymously if you would like. I just need a US State as a way to tally responses. Is there something ... Read more
- [Carriers Working Over the Evaluated Hours on Overburdened 48K Routes](https://ruralinfo.net/carriers-working-over-the-evaluated-hours-on-overburdened-48k-routes/): If you are assigned to a 48K (57:00 to 57:36 hours), and your actual hours exceed 48 actual work hours, you may be entitled to auxiliary assistance. Temporary relief is covered in the EL-902-The USPS- NRLCA National Agreement, the M-38, and the F-21. USPS Operations is developing a plan to adjust overburdened routes, but in the meantime, you may be entitled to assistance. If you are exceeding the evaluation on an overburdened route and not receiving assistance, please contact your DR or ADR. Article 9.2.C.8 8. Overburdened Routes a. Definition A route is considered overburdened when: (1) The standard hours ... Read more
- [Rural mail carrier speaks on Post Office cuts, deteriorating conditions in West Virginia](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-mail-carrier-speaks-on-post-office-cuts-deteriorating-conditions-in-west-virginia/): Some 50,000 rural carriers for the United States Postal Service are facing layoffs and thousands more confront wage cuts of up to $20,000 under a new compensation scheme. Local post offices around the country are targeted for closure as USPS is dismantled as a public service. The effective privatization of the USPS and its subordination to Amazon and other private, for-profit capitalist entities has led to a ratcheting up of the exploitation of postal workers.
- [Rural letter carrier in the US discusses management attack on workers](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-letter-carrier-in-the-us-discusses-management-attack-on-workers/): The cuts to rural carriers’ wages are part of a vast restructuring of the Post Office under Postmaster Louis DeJoy, who intends to close thousands of local post offices and lay off 50,000 employees to transform the public corporation into a profitable Amazon-style delivery system.
- [LiteBlue Net-to-Bank, Direct Deposit Restored](https://ruralinfo.net/liteblue-net-to-bank-direct-deposit-restored/): Late last week the Postal Service shared with the APWU that LiteBlue was experiencing issues and that direct deposit and net to bank functionalities had been deactivated once again. The APWU was notified that these functions were reactivated on Monday July 17.
- [Rural carrier whose wages were cut by $20,000 speaks out on slashed pay, harsh working conditions](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-whose-wages-were-cut-by-20000-speaks-out-on-slashed-pay-harsh-working-conditions/): The WSWS recently spoke with a rural letter carrier for the United States Postal Service about working conditions following the implementation of the new Rural Routes Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS) method of calculating wages. Since its deployment roughly two-thirds of rural letter carriers have reported steep cuts in pay. The RRECS system is an arbitrary evaluation system based on how long a route is determined to take. Workers are expected to scan every item for tracking and delivery, and they are given a specific amount of time for each type of parcel to deliver it. If workers fall behind on the allotted ... Read more
- [Senate Companion Bill Introduced for the USPS Shipping Equity Act via NRLCA](https://ruralinfo.net/senate-companion-bill-introduced-for-the-usps-shipping-equity-act-via-nrlca/): On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced S. 5069, the Senate companion bill to H.R. 3721, the USPS Shipping Equity Act. Currently, private shipping companies like FedEx can ship alcohol, but the USPS cannot. The USPS Shipping Equity Act allows USPS to ship alcoholic beverages directly from licensed producers and retailers to consumers over the age of 21, in accordance with state and local shipping regulations. The bill gives USPS two years to develop regulations and implement the law, ensuring USPS is ready to safely deliver alcoholic beverages to adult consumers with appropriate identification checks ... Read more
- [Sen. Ossoff proposes appointment changes, term limits for US postmaster general in new bill](https://ruralinfo.net/sen-ossoff-proposes-appointment-changes-term-limits-for-us-postmaster-general-in-new-bill/): ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff held a news conference on Wednesday to announce “major legislation” that would change how U.S. postmaster generals are appointed and how long they serve. Titled the “Postmaster General Reform Act of 2024,” the congressional bill would make the postmaster general a presidentially appointed position instead of a board-appointed position. The postmaster general would also have a term limit of five years, which may be renewed for another five years. Currently, the postmaster general has no fixed term. “Postal workers are out there every day, working their hearts out to deliver ... Read more
- [USPS Operation Santa is now accepting letters](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-operation-santa-is-now-accepting-letters/): Every year, thousands of families send letters to Santa at the North Pole. The USPS Operation Santa® program makes it possible for people to adopt and respond to these letters, fulfilling the holiday wishes of children and families across the country. Letters addressed to Santa’s official address are sorted, read and published on the USPS Operation Santa® website with personal information redacted. Adopters are then able to browse and select letters they love and respond with a gift and a note. Learn more about the letters, including tips for writing and mailing a letter to Santa to have a wish fulfilled, here. And be sure ... Read more
- [After decades delivering the mail, Carroll hangs up his mail bag](https://ruralinfo.net/after-decades-delivering-the-mail-carroll-hangs-up-his-mail-bag/): Delivering mail is the career McKinley Carroll, affectionately known as “Mac,” had always dreamed of doing, even during the farming days of his youth in Sampson County. Over 40 years later, he’s hanging up his mail back, thankful for decades of doing a job he has always loved. Carroll spent all those years as a mailman for the US Postal Service in Clinton where he’s driven the same route since he took the job in 1982. These days, good ol’ Mac, now over 70 years old, said he would still be loading up his truck for delivers if he could. ... Read more
- [This rural carrier came to the aid of an unsupervised child](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-came-to-the-aid-of-an-unsupervised-child/): Rural Carrier Candace Rogge was parked recently in Rupert, ID, when a 5-year-old came up to her vehicle. “My grandpa’s not home. I don’t know where to go,” the child told Rogge. After finding out where the child’s mother worked, Rogge was able to contact her. The mother arrived immediately to pick up the child.
- [Happy 121st birthday to the NRLCA](https://ruralinfo.net/happy-121st-birthday-to-the-nrlca/): September 12, 1903 is a historic date for the NRLCA. It was on that day that a Constitution and bylaws were adopted and the first officers were elected at the first NRLCA National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
- [Mrs. Mamie Thomas, first female rural mail carrier delivered in Vicksburg](https://ruralinfo.net/mrs-mamie-thomas-first-female-rural-mail-carrier-delivered-in-vicksburg-2/): In 1914, Mrs. Mamie Thomas made history when she became the first female rural mail carrier in the United States. Using a buggy to deliver mail to the area southeast of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Mrs. Thomas paved the way for future generations of women to enter the male-dominated field of mail delivery. Born in 1873 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Mamie Thomas grew up in a time when women’s opportunities were limited. However, she was determined to make a difference and break through the barriers that kept her and other women from achieving their goals. After marrying John Thomas, she moved to the ... Read more
- [Few People Know West Virginia Was Home To The First Rural Free Delivery Service In America](https://ruralinfo.net/few-people-know-west-virginia-was-home-to-the-first-rural-free-delivery-service-in-america-2/): Here’s a fun piece of historical trivia that you might not have known about West Virginia: our state was home to the first five rural free mail delivery routes offered by the US Postal Service in the nation. Rural free delivery, a United States service providing free mail delivery to residents of rural areas, was first introduced as an official offering of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 1896.
- [USPS’ long-awaited new mail truck makes its debut to rave reviews from carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-long-awaited-new-mail-truck-makes-its-debut-to-rave-reviews-from-carriers/): ATHENS, Ga. — (AP) — The Postal Service’s new delivery vehicles aren’t going to win a beauty contest. They’re tall and ungainly. The windshields are vast. Their hoods resemble a duck bill. Their bumpers are enormous. “You can tell that (the designers) didn’t have appearance in mind,” postal worker Avis Stonum said. Odd appearance aside, the first handful of Next Generation Delivery Vehicles that rolled onto postal routes in August in Athens, Georgia, are getting rave reviews from letter carriers accustomed to cantankerous older vehicles that lack modern safety features and are prone to breaking down — and even catching ... Read more
- [Stamp Out Hunger brought in 44 million pounds of food](https://ruralinfo.net/stamp-out-hunger-brought-in-44-million-pounds-of-food/): Postal Service employees collected 44 million pounds of food during this year’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive, which was held May 11. The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) leads the annual one-day drive, with help from USPS and other organizations. “Letter carriers showed up again for their communities and helped ensure that the needs of the hungry are met in every city and town in the United States,” said NALC President Brian Renfroe. The drive helps to relieve shortages that food pantries experience in spring and summer after holiday donations have been depleted. Most school meal programs are not ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Gordon Hartogensis Nominated to be a Governor of the USPS Board of Governors](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-gordon-hartogensis-nominated-to-be-a-governor-of-the-usps-board-of-governors/): The White House has nominated Gordon Hartogensis to be a Republican nominee for the USPS Board of Governors. Gordon Hartogensis is an entrepreneur, investor, and government official who recently completed a five-year term as the Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) from 2019-2024. Hartogensis left an early career on Wall Street in 1993 to build a startup software company called Petrolsoft Corporation – a supply chain and logistics company that was later acquired by Aspen Technology. He served in a leadership role at Aspen until June 2002. Shortly after his departure from Aspen Technology, he founded Auric Technology, ... Read more
- [Fly postal flags at half-staff to honor 9/11 terrorist attack victims](https://ruralinfo.net/fly-postal-flags-at-half-staff-to-honor-9-11-terrorist-attack-victims/): President Joe Biden has ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff Wednesday, Sept. 11, to honor victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. USPS facilities are required to fly the flag at half-staff this day, also known as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day. For additional information, refer to the Postal Service’s Administrative Support Manual, which explains the organization’s guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance.
- [Postal Service Honors Vonore Rural Carrier Connie Bivens for 34 Years of Dedicated Service](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-honors-vonore-rural-carrier-connie-bivens-for-34-years-of-dedicated-service/): VONORE, TN — As part of the United States Postal Service’s “For the Long Haul” initiative, we are proud to celebrate Connie Bivens, a dedicated rural carrier who has faithfully served the Vonore community for over 34 years and 26 of those years on the same route. Connie’s unwavering commitment and exceptional service have made her a beloved figure in the neighborhood she serves. “For the Long Haul” is an initiative designed to honor the remarkable dedication of long-serving letter carriers like Connie, who have become integral parts of their communities.  Over the years, Connie has developed lasting relationships with ... Read more
- [What Americans think about labor unions and their effects](https://ruralinfo.net/what-americans-think-about-labor-unions-and-their-effects/): Labor unions are popular among Americans — especially for occupations such as firefighters, nurses, and construction workers, a new survey finds. Even the most unpopular form of union in the poll — a union of university instructors — is viewed more favorably than unfavorably. While some believe that unions result in more frequent strikes and higher consumer costs, larger shares say that they have positive effects, including increasing worker salaries and giving workers more power and job satisfaction. 15% of Americans are either a union member or share a household with someone who is. 37% personally know someone — including themselves, ... Read more
- [Mail carrier killed in accident on the route in Mississippi was an RCA](https://ruralinfo.net/mail-carrier-killed-in-accident-on-the-route-in-mississippi-was-an-rca/): GRENADA COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – A Mississippi woman was killed during a two-vehicle crash in Grenada County. Officials with the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) said the crash occurred on Highway 7 just after 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 7. According to MHP, a 2002 Toyota Sequoia was traveling north on the highway when the vehicle collided with a Mercedes van that was also traveling north. The driver of the Mercedes, 53-year-old Loretta Hopkins, of Winona, died at the scene. This crash remains under investigation by MHP.
- [Mail by hearse: Pender County postal carrier explains her morbid ride](https://ruralinfo.net/mail-by-hearse-pender-county-postal-carrier-explains-her-morbid-ride/): ROCKY POINT, NC (WWAY) — On most days, you’ll find Jennifer Chesson cruising Pender County in a 2003 Cadillac hearse.   No, she’s not a funeral director, and she’s not making deliveries to the departed. She’s actually hauling mail.  “I’ll be at mailboxes, and then cars will start going slow past me and then I’ll look over and there’s a phone. Or people come running out of their houses with their phones. I’ve gone through neighborhoods and little kids will do like that little truck horn thing for me to blast my horn as I go past,” Chesson said.  Chesson works ... Read more
- [2024 National Convention Photos](https://ruralinfo.net/2024-national-convention-photos/): The link below is a collection of photos from the NRLCA National Convention in Reno, NV
- [U.S. Postal Service Proposes Temporary Rate Changes for 2024 Holiday Shipping Season](https://ruralinfo.net/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 ... Read more
- [Postal Service Honors Blakely Rural Carrier Kerry Waller Smith for 46 Years of Dedicated Service](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-honors-blakely-rural-carrier-kerry-waller-smith-for-46-years-of-dedicated-service/): BLAKELY, GA — As part of the United States Postal Service’s “For the Long Haul” initiative, we are proud to celebrate Kerry Waller Smith, a dedicated rural carrier who has faithfully served the Blakely community for over 46 years and 35 of those years on the same route. Kerry’s unwavering commitment and exceptional service have made her a beloved figure in the neighborhood she serves. “For the Long Haul” is an initiative designed to honor the remarkable dedication of long-serving letter carriers like Kerry, who have become integral parts of their communities.  Over the years, Kerry has developed lasting relationships ... Read more
- [Video - Rural Carrier Explains the Need for Change](https://ruralinfo.net/video-rural-carrier-explains-the-need-for-change/)
- [Your 2024-2025 NRLCA National Board](https://ruralinfo.net/your-2024-2025-nrlca-national-board/): Your 2024-2025 NRLCA National Board: President Don Maston Vice President Patrick Pitts Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Turner Director of Labor Relations John Adams Director of Steward Operations Nicky Phillips Executive Committee Chair Jeanette Dwyer Executive Committeeman Michael Merola Executive Committeeman Kirby Ricketts Executive Committeeman Bethany Small
- [New Ad free browsing available on Ruralinfo.net](https://ruralinfo.net/new-ad-free-browsing-available-on-ruralinfo-net/): Hey everyone.  I have received a few complaints about the ads on the website.  I understand they can sometimes be bothersome. The thing is that they keep this website up and running.  I have added something new that some of you might be interested in. I have added an ad free subscription.  That means you can browse the site without any ads if you want to do that.  That would also be a way for you to contribute towards keeping this website up and running. I have tried to keep the price of it affordable. I also have some ideas ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service employees rally in Reno, Nev. for better protections](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-employees-rally-in-reno-nev-for-better-protections/): Since 2020, there have been over 2,000 reported cases of assaults, robberies and even murders against mail carriers across the country. On Monday, mail carriers from across the country gathered in downtown Reno to raise awareness about the harms that these essential workers face daily. Around 150 people rallied at the Believe sign in support of the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act, a bipartisan bill that would invest in postal service infrastructure, increase prosecution rates and implement harsher sentences for those who assault postal carriers. Rural and City mail carriers from across the country were able to join the local ... Read more
- [Rural mail carriers inform WSWS of mail volume drop during RRECS route evaluation](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-mail-carriers-inform-wsws-of-mail-volume-drop-during-rrecs-route-evaluation/): The fourth two-week route evaluation, or “mini mail survey,” under the detested Rural Route Evaluation and Compensation System (RRECS), began August 23 and extends until September 6. Despite intrusive monitoring year-round under RRECS, routes and compensation are only adjusted twice a year based on these mail surveys, and rural carriers are once again writing to the WSWS and posting online that mail volumes are artificially low, guaranteeing that their work will be undercounted and wages suppressed for the coming six months RRECS was signed by the leadership of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA) in 2012 and introduced in ... Read more
- [USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to speak in Reno at NRLCA convention](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-postmaster-general-louis-dejoy-to-speak-in-reno-at-nrlca-convention/): RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is slated to speak at the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association’s convention in Reno this week. The annual convention is happening at the Peppermill Resort Hotel starting August 27 and running through August 30. Melissa Ray with the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association confirmed DeJoy would be speaking but said the proceedings at their convention are not open to the public or media. It is unclear what day DeJoy will speak. On Monday evening, hundreds of rural letter carriers from across the U.S. plan ... Read more
- [Postal Service considers rural mail slowdown after election](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-considers-rural-mail-slowdown-after-election/): Top U.S. Postal Service officials are considering plans to allow slower mail delivery in the coming months for long-distance and rural service to cut costs at the financially troubled agency — but not until after the election. The changes would give customers within 50 miles of the Postal Service’s largest processing facilities faster delivery service, which accounts for the vast majority of mail and packages, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told The Washington Post. But the agency cannot afford to maintain the same model for deliveries into far-flung areas, he said. That could add an additional day to current delivery timetables, ... Read more
- [Use Email to Access LiteBlue? You’ll Need to Make a Change](https://ruralinfo.net/use-email-to-access-liteblue-youll-need-to-make-a-change/): Postal Service™ employees who use the email multifactor security option to access LiteBlue® will have to choose a different method soon. The verify-by-email option is being retired on Thursday, August 29, 2024. To ensure continued secure access to LiteBlue (liteblue.usps.gov), USPS® recommends affected employees choose either Google Authenticator or Okta Verify as a replacement. One-time codes sent by text message or a phone call are also available options. Employees who already use one of the other methods are not affected by this change. To update your MFA settings, go to your Self-Service Profile (liteblue.usps.gov/lite-blue/self-service-profile.htm). The Postal Service instituted a multifactor authentication, known as MFA, ... Read more
- [Virginia RCA dies in crash on the route](https://ruralinfo.net/virginia-rca-dies-in-crash-on-the-route/): AMELIA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia State Police is investigating a crash that killed a U.S. Postal Service carrier in Amelia County. Saturday, Aug. 17, at approximately 3:17 p.m., state police responded to a single-car crash that took place on Westbound on Patrick Henry Highway .25 miles east of Greenfield Lane. According to state police, a 1993 Chevrolet S-10, US Postal Truck was driving westbound on Patrick Henry Highway/Route 360 when the truck ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected, crossing over all lanes and hit trees on the left side. The car was driven by 61-year-old ... Read more
- [The Melrose, FL Post Office to be Dedicated to Pamela Jane Rock](https://ruralinfo.net/the-melrose-fl-post-office-to-be-dedicated-to-pamela-jane-rock/): NORTH FLORIDA — The Post Office in Melrose, FL will soon bear the name of one of its own. In a 10 a.m. ceremony to be held Aug. 26, 2024, at the office at 859 North State Road 21, the building will be dedicated as the Pamela Jane Rock Post Office. Rock was a letter carrier who died in 2022 after being attacked by dogs while delivering mail in Interlachen, FL. The event is free and open to the public. In May, President Joe Biden signed into law a bill sponsored by Rep. Aaron Bean and Rep. Kat Cammack to ... Read more
- [Postal Service Honors Argos Rural Carrier Tim Overmyer for 32 Years of Dedicated Service](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-honors-argos-rural-carrier-tim-overmyer-for-32-years-of-dedicated-service/): ARGOS, IN – As part of the United States Postal Service “For the Long Haul” initiative, we are proud to celebrate Tim Overmyer, a dedicated rural carrier who has faithfully served the Argos community for 32 years. Tim’s unwavering commitment and exceptional service have made him a beloved figure in the neighborhoods he serves. “For the Long Haul” is an initiative designed to honor the remarkable dedication of long-serving employees like Tim, who have become integral parts of their communities. Over the years, Tim has developed lasting relationships with residents, going above and beyond to ensure their mail is delivered with ... Read more
- [Postal Service Ignoring Heat Risks to Mail Carriers, Investigation Finds](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-ignoring-heat-risks-to-mail-carriers-investigation-finds/): Internal records show the U.S. Postal Service has tried to get workers out of air-conditioned offices. The allegations come one year after the agency was accused of falsifying heat-training records CLIMATEWIRE | The email went out shortly after a dangerous heat dome in July had smothered upstate New York. A U.S. Postal Service manager in Buffalo, New York, was angry that letter carriers appeared to be lingering in air-conditioned post offices and told local supervisors to “get this time back.” “Turn A/C off and drive them out,” the manager ordered in a July 2 email obtained by POLITICO’s E&E News. “We ... Read more
- [Congressman Greg Casar Leads 75+ Members of Congress to Demand USPS Protect Workers from Extreme Heat](https://ruralinfo.net/congressman-greg-casar-leads-75-members-of-congress-to-demand-usps-protect-workers-from-extreme-heat/): WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35), U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28), and 74 other Members of Congress are calling on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to immediately implement the nation’s first-ever federal heat rule, recently proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Letter carriers have reported systemic heat illness issues, resulting in multiple deaths:  July 6, 2018, Woodland Hills, CA: Peggy Frank died in a non-air-conditioned mail truck. The temperature hit a record-setting high of 115. July 22, 2020, Washington, DC: Louise Franklin died in a non-air-conditioned vehicle. The high temperature was 94 degrees, and the heat index was 104. ... Read more
- [NRLCA President Maston's Interview with Fox 5 News DC on the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-president-mastons-interview-with-fox-5-news-dc-on-the-protect-our-letter-carriers-act/): Don Maston, President of the National Rural Letter Carrier Association, emphasized the urgency of modernizing postal security measures. “The arrow keys are just old-school technology, and we’re living in a new environment these days,” Maston said. He highlighted a recent audit by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which found that more than half of the robberies involving letter carriers were linked to the theft of their arrow keys. FOX 5 has reported on several such incidents occurring in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas, underscoring the need for stronger protections. “Our carriers are out there by themselves. If someone comes ... Read more
- [A carrier helped a motorist with a flat tire — then received praise on social media](https://ruralinfo.net/a-carrier-helped-a-motorist-with-a-flat-tire-then-received-praise-on-social-media/): Rural Carrier Dennis Bergsbaken was driving recently in Pulaski, WI, when he spotted a car with a flat tire. He safely pulled over to assist the motorist and then went on his way. Later, the driver took to a local Facebook page to thank the Postal Service employee for going “above and beyond to help.” “There are still good people out there,” the customer wrote. Postmaster Laura Weier learned of Bergsbaken’s actions when she read the social media post. The comments from the community “were just wonderful and made me proud,” she said.
- [Postal Service Honors Crawfordsville Rural Carrier Douglas Horlacher for over 25 Years of Dedicated Service](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-honors-crawfordsville-rural-carrier-douglas-horlacher-for-over-25-years-of-dedicated-service/): CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN – As part of the United States Postal Service “For the Long Haul” initiative, we are proud to celebrate Douglas Horlacher, a dedicated rural carrier who has faithfully served the Crawfordsville community for over 25 years. Doug’s unwavering commitment and exceptional service have made him a beloved figure in the neighborhoods he serves. “For the Long Haul” is an initiative designed to honor the remarkable dedication of long-serving employees like Doug, who have become integral parts of their communities. Over the years, Doug has developed lasting relationships with residents, going above and beyond to ensure their mail is delivered ... Read more
- [Mail carriers find job security, social satisfaction with their work](https://ruralinfo.net/mail-carriers-find-job-security-social-satisfaction-with-their-work/): Both Bryce Shanklin and Sherry Bowland are dog people, so the old trope about dogs having it out for the mail carrier does not necessarily apply. The pair work at the United States Postal Service Brentwood Carrier Annex, Shanklin full-time and Bowland as a rural carrier assistant. In fact, seeing the animals is Bowland’s favorite part of the job. She started the position in September 2023, searching for job security when her previous workplace started implementing layoffs. As it turns out, working for the United States Postal Service can provide just that. Bowland does not have an assigned route, but ... Read more
- [Take a look at the Postal Service’s new fleet](https://ruralinfo.net/take-a-look-at-the-postal-services-new-fleet/): In a new video, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy discusses the Postal Service’s upgraded delivery fleet, which begins rolling out this year. The video also features comments from Jocelyn Freitas, senior fleet operations specialist; Michael Bacon, the Atlanta Vehicle Maintenance Facility manager; Atlanta Postmaster Falonda Woods; and letter carriers Yoaly Munguia and Adrienne Wiley. The new vehicles’ improved safety features and the role the upgraded fleet plays in the Postal Service’s sustainability strategy are also addressed. The five-minute video is the third installment in “The Plan in Action,” a five-part series on Delivering for America that will be released throughout the ... Read more
- [This rural carrier relies on a ferry to deliver part of his route](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-relies-on-a-ferry-to-deliver-part-of-his-route/): My name is Larry Wilson and I’m a rural carrier in Tompkinsville, KY. After I pick up mail and packages from the local Post Office and load my postal vehicle, I board the Cumberland River Ferry to reach 43 of the 465 delivery points on my route. I ride almost daily, between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. The ferry is state-operated and runs 24 hours a day. I have gotten to know the boat’s captain well. I also get to enjoy the beauty of the river and its wildlife. The part of the Cumberland River that I travel rarely floods. The ... Read more
- [Postal Pulse survey begins](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-pulse-survey-begins/): The next Postal Pulse employee survey will run from Tuesday, Aug. 6, through Friday, Sept. 13. The annual survey allows employees to share observations about their work environments, providing the organization with valuable feedback to make improvements. This year’s survey is being administered by a new vendor, Perceptyx. Beginning Aug. 6, employees with a USPS email address will receive a link to the survey website. The email address will be donotreply@perceptyx.com and the name will be Perceptyx. Bargaining unit employees will receive a paper survey at their work location and time on the clock to complete it. Survey participation is ... Read more
- [USPS seeks employees to appear in holiday ads](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-seeks-employees-to-appear-in-holiday-ads/): The Postal Service is inviting employees to audition for this year’s holiday advertising campaign. Employees who are selected to participate could be featured in TV commercials, print ads and more. No prior acting experience is required. The USPS Employee Casting website has instructions on creating and submitting audition videos and uploading a current headshot. Employees who have trouble accessing the site from a postal computer should try using a personal device or a home computer. Filming for this year’s holiday commercials is expected to start in late summer. Employees who have questions should email uspscastingsupport@mrm.com.
- [This rural carrier aided a customer who had tripped over her flowerpots](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-aided-a-customer-who-had-tripped-over-her-flowerpots/): Rural Carrier Forrest Carrillo was delivering mail to a home in Yountville, CA, when he encountered an older customer on the ground in her garden. The woman, who was unable to lift herself, called out for help when she saw the Postal Service employee. The customer told Carrillo she had tripped over her flowerpots. While a neighbor called 911, Carrillo calmed the woman and safely got her back on her feet. He stayed with her until paramedics arrived and took her to a hospital. The customer had multiple injuries and is recovering in a nursing home. Employees featured in “Heroes” ... Read more
- [More information on the RRECS activity editing](https://ruralinfo.net/more-information-on-the-rrecs-activity-editing/):  
- [Revillo rural carrier gets a big stamp of approval](https://ruralinfo.net/revillo-rural-carrier-gets-a-big-stamp-of-approval/): Brian Sime of Revillo spent his birthday Monday doing what he loves: Driving around the countryside delivering the mail to his friends and neighbors. Sime is the reigning South Dakota’s Rural Letter Carrier of the Year. He has driven his mail route around Revillo for more than 35 years. Before that, it was his father who drove the route, making it more than 70 years that the route has been in the family. Sime’s route includes about 165 families and covers about 145 miles, most on gravel roads. After spending about 1½ hours at the Revillo post office, he takes ... Read more
- [Amazon working on quicker deliveries in rural U.S. to rely less on postal service](https://ruralinfo.net/amazon-working-on-quicker-deliveries-in-rural-u-s-to-rely-less-on-postal-service/): Amazon.com appears to be expanding its one- to two-day delivery capabilities throughout the U.S. in a move to boost sales in the remote regions of the country and eliminate its reliance on the postal service for parcel delivery in rural areas, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. To reach deeper into rural America, the company is using hyper-efficient warehouses, contracted drivers, and mom-and-pop shops, according to the report. The company isn’t trying to deliver itself to 100% of its customers in the U.S., but as of now, it is targeting around 90%, people familiar with its plans told WSJ. ... Read more
- [This rural carrier’s call to 911 saved a pet caught in a home blaze](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carriers-call-to-911-saved-a-pet-caught-in-a-home-blaze/): Rural Carrier Richard Bremini was delivering mail in Gainesville, VA, recently when he spotted smoke coming from a residence. Bremini called 911 and waited. Firefighters found no one inside except a dog, which was rescued. The blaze had started in the attic, causing major damage. According to Gainesville Postmaster Laura Haas, the house sits away from the nearest road and the smoke may have not been visible to neighbors. “Richard’s perfect timing, alertness and readiness to act were instrumental in saving the life of the family pet,” she said. Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster ... Read more
- [2024 NRLCA National Convention Parking Update](https://ruralinfo.net/2024-nrlca-national-convention-parking-update/): Guests who are staying at the Peppermill Resort during National Convention may have received an email concerning parking for Burning Man, a camping and arts event that takes place an hour outside of Reno. Please note that Burning Man event parking will have zero impact on parking for NRLCA convention attendees. The Peppermill offers two full parking garages that can accommodate up to 1,200 vehicles as well as a significant amount of surface level parking. Attendees with oversized vehicles can park in the South Lot located next to the Tuscany Ballroom (see map, below).  
- [PS Form 3227-R Revision: Rural or Highway Contract Route Carrier Stamp Purchase Order Form](https://ruralinfo.net/ps-form-3227-r-revision-rural-or-highway-contract-route-carrier-stamp-purchase-order-form-2/): Effective July 2024, the Postal Service™ revised PS Form 3227-R, Rural or Highway Contract Route Carrier Stamp Purchase Order Form, to update the information based on the recent rate increase. The revised edition is dated July 2024. All previous editions of PS Form 3227-R are obsolete and must be recycled. The July 2024 edition of PS Form 3227-R is available from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) in Topeka, KS. USPS® facilities can order the revised PS Form 3227-R through the MDC eBuyPlus catalog using the following information: PSIN: PS 3227-R PSN: 7530-01-000-9885 Unit of Issue: EA Minimum Order Quantity: 100 Quick Pick Number: 164 Price*: $0.05 Edition Date: 7/24 * ... Read more
- [A new video looks at USPS sorting and delivery centers](https://ruralinfo.net/a-new-video-looks-at-usps-sorting-and-delivery-centers/): Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s latest video message focuses on the Postal Service’s new sorting and delivery centers. The centers, also known as S&DCs, combine several delivery units into a single large facility that serves multiple ZIP Codes in a geographic area. S&DCs support the new USPS operational model and are part of the broader Delivery for America plan to achieve financial sustainability and service excellence. The video also features comments from Postal Service employees, including a distribution clerk, custodian and customer services supervisor. The four-minute video is the second installment in “The Plan in Action,” a five-part series on Delivering ... Read more
- [What’s at stake in the contract for US rural letter carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/whats-at-stake-in-the-contract-for-us-rural-letter-carriers/): At midnight on May 20, the contract between the National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA) and United States Postal Service (USPS) expired. The three-year span of that agreement saw historic sellouts by the union bureaucracy to USPS administrators and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. As part of the sweeping Delivering for America restructuring plan (DFA), a new Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS) slashed wages by thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars for most rural carriers. The next contract, covering nearly 130,000 workers, is an opportunity for rural carriers to mobilize a rank-and-file rebellion to fight the destruction of the ... Read more
- [Walnutport, PA rural carrier reflects on 45 years](https://ruralinfo.net/walnutport-pa-rural-carrier-reflects-on-45-years/): David Redline had only been out of high school for a year when he learned that the Walnutport Post Office was secking a letter carrier. Redline took the Civil Service exam, a requirement at the time, and soon received a job offer. He accepted. That was more than 45 years ago. “My dad (the late William Redline) was probably never so proud of me as the day I was hired by the post office,” he said. “It was kind of a big deal.” Redline started as a part-time employee but was soon hired full-time. Since Day 1, his mail deliveries ... Read more
- [FSAFEDS Online Enrollment Functions Temporarily Disabled](https://ruralinfo.net/fsafeds-online-enrollment-functions-temporarily-disabled/): The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) has temporarily disabled the enrollment function on its platform because of recent fraudulent activity. FSAFEDS identified a limited number of unauthorized enrollments in health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, leading to unauthorized and unexpected deductions from affected employees’ pay. Current participants are still able to submit claims for reimbursement while the enrollment functionality is disabled, and qualifying life events can be retroactively adjusted once the enrollment functionality resumes.   **The Postal Service is urging all employees to continuously monitor pay stubs for erroneous deductions, even if employees are not enrolled in ... Read more
- [An rural carrier came to the aid of a woman who pulled her car over, got out and collapsed](https://ruralinfo.net/an-rural-carrier-came-to-the-aid-of-a-woman-who-pulled-her-car-over-got-out-and-collapsed/): Rural Carrier Associate Richard “Rich” Retig Jr. was delivering mail recently in Umatilla, OR, when he saw a customer pull over on the side of a road. The woman got out of her car to spread grass clippings in a nearby field and then collapsed. Retig ran to check on her. He found that she wasn’t breathing and had injured her head, so he called 911. The Postal Service employee was about to begin CPR when the woman regained consciousness. He then bandaged her wound to stop the bleeding. Paramedics soon arrived and took the woman to a nearby hospital. ... Read more
- [On this day in 1971 the first union contracts were signed with USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/on-this-day-in-1971-the-first-union-contracts-were-signed-with-usps/): On this day in 1971, the NRLCA and other postal unions entered into our first-ever contract with the US Postal Service, just days after the USPS formed as a result of the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970. Check out these historic pages from the National Rural Letter Carrier magazine that summer! #postalhistory
- [NRLCA releases 2080/2240 tracking tool](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-releases-2080-2240-tracking-tool/): The NRLCA has posted an easy-to-use 2080/2240 tracking tool for rural carriers to keep track of their work hours. It can be updated each year by simply updating the date in yellow to the first day of the guarantee year.
- [A rural carrier celebrates Independence Day](https://ruralinfo.net/a-rural-carrier-celebrates-independence-day/): Rural Carrier Associate Lucas Wight really got into the spirit of Independence Day. Wight arrived for a shadow day with Maple Falls, WA, Postmaster Michael Hinkle dressed as George Washington, complete with powdered wig. “He surprised us,” Hinkle said of the unexpected uniform. “None of us knew.” Luckily for Wight, the weather cooperated, topping out at around 75 degrees in the small Washington burg. “After that, it heated up to 90,” the postmaster said. Hinkle appreciated the lighthearted touch Wight brought to the day, adding, “he’s a character.” Indeed.
- [Mail carrier dies after West Pullman shooting in Chicago](https://ruralinfo.net/mail-carrier-dies-after-west-pullman-shooting-in-chicago/): A mail carrier was shot in her chest and has died Friday on the city’s Far South Side, fire officials said. Octavia Redmond, 48 and of the Loop neighborhood, has died, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. The “unfortunate” attack left the postal worker shot in the chest while in the 12100 block of South Harvard Avenue, about 11:40 a.m., said Chicago Fire Department spokesperson Larry Merritt. Redmond was in front a residence when an unknown assailant fired at her. The shooter jumped in vehicle and sped away westbound on 121st Street, police said. Redmond suffered several gunshot ... Read more
- [RRECS Activity Editing Pilot Tests](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-activity-editing-pilot-tests/): The NRLCA was notified by the Postal Service of their intent to conduct two (2) isolated pilot tests involving RRECS Activity Editing. One in the CO-WY district involving 233 routes and one in the TX-2 district involving 565 routes. There will be NO CHANGE to RRECS evaluations as a result of the pilot tests. The Union is in ongoing discussions with the employer and reviewing its options under Article 19 of the National Agreement. The employer’s stated purpose of the RRECS Activity Editing Pilot test is to improve the accuracy of RRECS activities scan data. Any edits will be documented ... Read more
- [NEW RRECS Resources: Route Resequencing FAQ, Training, and More](https://ruralinfo.net/new-rrecs-resources-route-resequencing-faq-training-and-more/): Updated documents are now available under the RRECS Resources tab on our website concerning Route Resequencing: What to Look for in a Route Adjustment or Realignment.
- [A rural carrier spotted a man in a puddle who needed medical help](https://ruralinfo.net/a-rural-carrier-spotted-a-man-in-a-puddle-who-needed-medical-help/): Rural Carrier Derek Nelson was delivering mail recently in Winthrop, ME, during stormy weather when he came upon an unresponsive man in a puddle, exposed to wind and rain. Nelson attempted to call for help but did not have a cellphone signal. However, local Postmaster Scott Allarie, who lives in the area, happened to pass by. Nelson asked Allarie to call 911. Paramedics soon arrived and treated the man for a medical emergency. Paramedics later told Nelson that the man would not have survived if the Postal Service employee hadn’t stopped to help. The man has since recovered.
- [The state of USPS management](https://ruralinfo.net/the-state-of-usps-management/):   Postal management at the local level has always been hit-and-miss. Over my long career, I have had a few excellent managers and a lot of terrible ones. The good ones almost break your heart when they end up leaving your office, as most ultimately do. A bad manager can severely alter the work environment. People often ask why the relationship between craft postal workers and management is so adversarial. A lot of that happens due to craft workers having a union contract that holds management’s feet to the fire to follow a contract. But it also happens because, every ... Read more
- [New MDD Scanner Changes: July 1, 2024](https://ruralinfo.net/new-mdd-scanner-changes-july-1-2024/): Please see the documentation linked below for information on the latest MDD release to familiarize yourself with the latest scanner changes. Pilot: 06/17/2024 National: 07/01/2024 •TMK for EAS •Event 60 Update •Quick Login •CPMS Audit for Updated Coordinates •Smart Locker Package Intercept •eArrow Lock Enhancement: Collection Box ID •Revert Front Desk/Mail Room/Reception Attributes  
- [A rural carrier aided a feline in distress](https://ruralinfo.net/a-rural-carrier-aided-a-feline-in-distress/): Rural Carrier Matt Tripp was delivering mail in Morganfield, KY, recently when he came upon a cat with her head stuck in a tin can. Tripp was unable to safely remove the can, so he called animal control and stayed with the cat until officers arrived. She was taken to a shelter, where the can was safely removed. Shelter employees determined that her head had been stuck in the can for almost 24 hours. She was treated for dehydration. The cat, whose name is Jasper, was reunited with her owners. “I suspect the cat would not have lived had Matt ... Read more
- [NRLCA and USPS Sign MOU Concerning Annual Leave Carryover for Leave Year 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-and-usps-sign-mou-concerning-annual-leave-carryover-for-leave-year-2025/): The NRLCA and USPS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing that for leave year 2025, regular work force career employees covered by the USPS-NRLCA Agreement may carry over 520 hours of accumulated annual leave from leave year 2024 to leave year 2025. In all other respects, the ELM provisions for payment of accumulated leave are not changed because of this Memorandum. This MOU will expire with the conclusion of the 2025 leave year.
- [OSHA Heat Standard Heads to White House for Review](https://ruralinfo.net/osha-heat-standard-heads-to-white-house-for-review/): OSHA has been working a proposed standard for indoor and outdoor heat illness since 2021. This month the proposed standard has been sent to the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review. While the language of the proposed standard has not be released, the rule is expected to include temperatures that trigger requirements under the rule such as mandatory rest breaks. OSHA has previously stated the rules to protect workers from heat illness would be followed after the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit. After OIRA reviews the rule, OSHA will publish the standard in the Federal ... Read more
- [This rural carrier aided a customer stranded outdoors after falling and breaking her leg](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-aided-a-customer-stranded-outdoors-after-falling-and-breaking-her-leg/): Rural Carrier Debra Mericle was delivering mail in Paulding, OH, in January when she heard a cry for help. She found an older customer on the ground, in pain, near the foot of the steps to the woman’s home. The customer said she’d slipped on ice while trying to feed her cats and had been stranded in the cold for hours. The Postal Service employee called 911 and the woman’s children, who live nearby. She stayed with the customer until paramedics arrived. The woman was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was treated for a broken femur and had ... Read more
- [40 Years a Rural Carrier: Bellevue’s Denny Walagmuth retires after four decades](https://ruralinfo.net/40-years-a-rural-carrier-bellevues-denny-walagmuth-retires-after-four-decades/): Denny Walgamuth delivered his last round of mail to local folks last week, as the longtime rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service officially retired after 40 years on the job. Walgamuth, who graduated from Bellevue High School (PS1) in 1979, started as a part-timer for the postal service in February of 1984, serving as a substituie for the rural routes in and around Bellevue. At that time, Roy Brinker was the Postmaster.
- [USPS OIG - After-Action Review of Unauthorized Access to USPS Employee Self-Service Portal (LiteBlue)](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-oig-after-action-review-of-unauthorized-access-to-usps-employee-self-service-portal-liteblue/): Background The U.S. Postal Service is the second largest employer in the United States with over 640,000 employees and $2.15 billion in bi-weekly salaries. To provide employees with convenient access to their payroll, benefits, and personnel data, the Postal Service uses the LiteBlue portal. This web-based portal contains several human resources (HR) applications, including PostalEASE, which allows employees to establish direct deposits, create or modify payroll allotments, and update retirement and health benefits information. In October 2022, some employees entered their login credentials into several fake LiteBlue websites, allowing bad actors to obtain their login credentials and fraudulently reroute employees’ ... Read more
- [First NGDVs Delivered to the Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/first-ngdvs-delivered-to-the-postal-service/): The first Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDVs) were delivered to the United States Postal Service by Oshkosh Defense on May 31, 2024. These vehicles are the result of more than a decade of planning and testing, and have been deployed to the Athens, GA, S&DC (Sorting and Delivery Center) to replace the current fleet of Long Life Vehicles (LLVs). The NGDV’s design was determined in part by the feedback of a group of rural letter carriers from across the country who reviewed, tested, and drove the vehicle during multiple site visits in Oshkosh, WI, in July 2021. Some of those ... Read more
- [Stauber Introduces MAIL Act to Force USPS to Better Support Rural Postal Workers](https://ruralinfo.net/stauber-introduces-mail-act-to-force-usps-to-better-support-rural-postal-workers/): WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced the Modifying Allocations to Improve Local Service (MAIL) Act, legislation to improve mail operations in Minnesota by requiring the United States Postal Service (USPS) to redistribute the $3 billion in funding originally appropriated for their acquisition of a new fleet of electric vehicles to support the hiring and retention of rural postal employees. These funds were made available through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. “Recently, I’ve heard concerning local reports of mail not being delivered because carriers are spending the majority of their day delivering third-party packages, carriers not being paid ... Read more
- [Durbin, Rounds Introduce Legislation To Protect Rural Postal Processing Facilities](https://ruralinfo.net/durbin-rounds-introduce-legislation-to-protect-rural-postal-processing-facilities/): In A Response To Threats Of Closing Four Mail Processing Centers In Illinois, Durbin Introduced The Bipartisan Postal Processing Protection Act WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) today introduced legislation that would require the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to protect mail processing centers in rural communities by mandating a study on the consequences of downsizing or closing these facilities, which is already required before the closure of a storefront post office, but not for Processing and Distribution Centers (P&DCs).  The Postal Processing Protection Act would ensure that efficient service is not interrupted by ... Read more
- [eOPF access restored for postal employees](https://ruralinfo.net/eopf-access-restored-for-postal-employees/): Access to an employee’s Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) has been restored. To view your eOPF, log into LiteBlue (liteblue.usps.gov). From the Apps tab, click on eOPF.
- [Out for delivery in Scappoose: At work with a rural mail carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/out-for-delivery-in-scappoose-at-work-with-a-rural-mail-carrier/): Have you ever wondered what a day at work is like for the people who fill up your mailbox? For the latest installment of our At Work With series, we delivered on a listener suggestion and spent the day with rural letter carrier Connie Gunn in Scappoose.  
- [U.S. Postal Service Releases Dog Bite National Rankings](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-releases-dog-bite-national-rankings/): WASHINGTON — Incidents involving dog attacks on Postal Service employees rose to more than 5,800 cases last year. As part of the USPS 2024 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, the organization is offering crucial information on how dog owners can be good stewards for safe mail delivery and ensure the safety of our employees. The campaign begins Sunday, June 2, and runs through Sunday, June 9. This year’s theme is “Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you.” Spread the news of the campaign with the hashtag #dogbiteawareness. “Letter carriers are exposed to potential hazards every day, none more prevalent ... Read more
- [Robberies and Other Crimes Against Postal Service Workers Are Up—What’s Being Done About It?](https://ruralinfo.net/robberies-and-other-crimes-against-postal-service-workers-are-up-whats-being-done-about-it/): Many of us have been the victims of porch piracy—the theft of packages and mail left at our door. But you may be surprised to hear that U.S. Postal Service workers themselves, as well as USPS buildings, are also targeted for theft. Serious crimes, including robberies against Postal Service letter carriers, have increased in recent years, raising concerns about delivery workers’ safety as well as the security of the mail they carry. Click below for full article
- [Rural mail carrier recognized for 35+ year service to Revillo community](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-mail-carrier-recognized-for-35-year-service-to-revillo-community/): Brian Sime was recently named South Dakota’s Rural Letter Carrier of the Year. Sime has driven his mail route around Revillo, South Dakota, for 35 years. Before that, his father drove the route, so the route has been in his family for 70 years. He joins “In the Moment” to talk about staying safe on the job, driving 145 miles every day and why some packages start cheeping every spring. Plus, we talk about taking care of our neighbors and assisting with emergencies, big and small.
- [United States Postal Service and National Rural Letter Carriers' Association Continue Contract Negotiations](https://ruralinfo.net/united-states-postal-service-and-national-rural-letter-carriers-association-continue-contract-negotiations/): ALEXANDRIA, VA— The United States Postal Service and the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) have agreed to extend contract negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement. Although the contract with the NRLCA expired at midnight on Monday, May 20th, the Postal Service and the NRLCA have mutually decided to extend the negotiations. Meanwhile, the 2021-2024 National Agreement remains in full force and effect.    
- [Mailbox Improvement Week is here](https://ruralinfo.net/mailbox-improvement-week-is-here/): The Postal Service is encouraging customers to spruce up their mailboxes during Mailbox Improvement Week, which begins Sunday, May 19. Mailboxes should be fully operational, able to protect mail from the weather, safe to use, conveniently located and neat in appearance. They should also be large enough to support the customer’s daily mail and package volume — within allowable size limits — and be of a design approved by the postmaster general. In addition to aiding the Postal Service, mailbox improvement adds to an area’s aesthetics. USPS holds Mailbox Improvement Week each year during the third week of May. Postal ... Read more
- [A rural carrier asked police to check on a customer whose life was in danger](https://ruralinfo.net/a-rural-carrier-asked-police-to-check-on-a-customer-whose-life-was-in-danger/): Rural Carrier Danny Lara Jr. was delivering mail recently in Waterford, CA, when he noticed a customer’s mail piling up. The Postal Service employee asked the local sheriff’s department to check on the 91-year-old woman. Officers found the customer unconscious in her chair. She was treated for an infection that had led to elevated blood sugar. The woman’s nephew later mailed a letter to the Waterford Post Office to thank Lara for making the call. “Danny is much more than a mail carrier to my aunt and family,” he wrote. “Danny has served his community beyond just delivering the mail.” ... Read more
- [Senate Introduces S. 4356, Companion Bill to the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act](https://ruralinfo.net/senate-introduces-s-4356-companion-bill-to-the-protect-our-letter-carriers-act/): UPDATE: On May 17, 2024, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced S. 4356, the Senate companion bill to the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act. The NRLCA thanks Senators Gillibrand and Hawley for introducing this important bill. Click here to read the NRLCA press release and here to read the Congressional press release with a quote from President Maston.
- [NEW VIDEO: NRLCA Legislative Update](https://ruralinfo.net/new-video-nrlca-legislative-update/): On March 13, 2024, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH) introduced the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act. This bipartisan legislation will provide the necessary resources to protect letter carriers and prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law. The legislation will appropriate $1.4 billion over fiscal years 2025-2029 to replace arrow keys with safer electronic versions and install high security collection boxes. The legislation also requires U.S. attorneys to appoint an assistant U.S. attorney to prosecute crimes against postal employees, as well as reviews sentencing guidelines for crimes against postal employees. The NRLCA is proud to endorse this ... Read more
- [US Postal Service Will Delay Processing Network Consolidation Plans](https://ruralinfo.net/us-postal-service-will-delay-processing-network-consolidation-plans/): WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has agreed to pause planned further consolidation of the postal service’s processing network after a bipartisan group of senators raised concerns about the impact on mail deliveries. In a letter to Senator Gary Peters made public on Monday, DeJoy said he would pause the consolidation of processing facility operations until at least January 2025. DeJoy said the change would delay USPS cost savings of $133 million to $177 million. Peters said he would keep pushing DeJoy and the USPS board of governors “for a plan that won’t interfere with critical mail service.” ... Read more
- [USPS Must Post NLRB Notice After Failing to Provide Information in the Possession of the OIG to NRLCA](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-must-post-nlrb-notice-after-failing-to-provide-information-in-the-possession-of-the-oig-to-nrlca/): On July 5, 2022, the NRLCA filed an unfair labor practice charge against the Postal Service with Region 9 of the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”). The charge alleged that the Postal Service violated the National Labor Relations Act by withholding information that the Union requested in order to process a grievance. The grievance involved a rural letter carrier who was suspended and then removed based upon an OIG investigation and allegations of stealing gift cards. The Postal Service took the position that it had no obligation to provide USPS-OIG investigators’ notes, copies of the gift cards and other information ... Read more
- [Putnam County postal office to be renamed to memorialize life of rural mail carrier fatally attacked by dogs](https://ruralinfo.net/putnam-county-postal-office-to-be-renamed-to-memorialize-life-of-rural-mail-carrier-fatally-attacked-by-dogs/): MELROSE, Fla. – A postal office in Melrose will be renamed to honor the life of a mail carrier who was fatally mauled by a pack of dogs in Putnam County in 2022. When Pam Rock’s postal car broke down on Aug. 21, 2022, while she was delivering mail on a dirt road, five dogs escaped their fenced-in yard and attacked her. The dogs’ owner had previously tried unsuccessfully to surrender them to animal control. She was 61 years old. H.R. 3947 was signed into legislation Thursday and will change the name of the United States Postal Facility on 859 North State Road ... Read more
- [NEW Resources: Updated Labor Relations Presentations from NRLCA](https://ruralinfo.net/new-resources-updated-labor-relations-presentations-from-nrlca/): Note: You will have to Log in to NRLCA website Below, please find two Labor Relations presentations that you may find helpful: The PS Form 4241-A and 4241-M: Their Relationship and Their Role in RRECS NRLCA Excessing Overview  xxx  
- [NRLCA Files National Level Grievance on Interim Adjustments](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-files-national-level-grievance-on-interim-adjustments/): The NRLCA has been in discussions with the Postal Service to increase route evaluations based on growth between Mini Mail Surveys (MMS), per the contractual provisions in Article 9.2.C.10. Postal Headquarters presented your National Board with the worksheet approximately 7 months ago. The National Board, and several specialized teams, reviewed and vetted the Interim Adjustment Worksheet and approved it. Management has yet to start using it in the field and rural carriers will no longer wait for management to make the decision to pay carriers for the growth between evaluations. The text of the Step 4 appears below: **** Pursuant to Article 15, Section 4(D) of the parties National Agreement, the NRLCA submits this ... Read more
- [Rural Americans Are Losing Their Mail. You Could Be Next.](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-americans-are-losing-their-mail-you-could-be-next/): Four years in, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has had one of the most controversial and high-profile tenures in the office’s history. DeJoy was put in place by a Trump appointee-led Board of Governors in 2020 while under scrutiny for securing lucrative contracts for his former transportation company XPO Logistics, as well as for his investments in 14 companies with financial ties to USPS. During the COVID pandemic in 2020, DeJoy’s cost-cutting slashed the number of mail sorting machines and restricted postal workers’ ability to make extra trips, which a federal judge later found hurt both the Postal Service and states and localities by “impeding their ability ... Read more
- [SPECIAL DELIVERY: Port Charlotte rural carrier delivers 93-year-old’s final wish](https://ruralinfo.net/special-delivery-port-charlotte-rural-carrier-delivers-93-year-olds-final-wish/): PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — A mail carrier in Port Charlotte formed an unlikely friendship with a 93-year-old widow that will take the pair to the Philippines. Theresa Fenelon has been delivering mail for around 10 years and said she always looks out for the residents on her routes. “The joke is that we know more about you than you think we know,” said Fenelon. So, in late 2023, when Fenelon noticed 93-year-old Remedios (Remy) Ortiz Canque wasn’t getting her mail from the mailbox at her apartment, she checked in on her. “I went to her and figured out she had ... Read more
- [Video - NRLCA President Maston Addresses Crowd at Baltimore Rally](https://ruralinfo.net/video-nrlca-president-maston-addresses-crowd-at-baltimore-rally/): NRLCA President Don Maston addresses the Protect Our Letter Carriers Rally in Baltimore, MD on April 30, 2024.
- [Mailbox Improvement Week will be May 19–25, 2024](https://ruralinfo.net/mailbox-improvement-week-will-be-may-19-25-2024/): Each year, the Postal Service™ designates the third full week of May as “Mailbox Improvement Week” to encourage customers on city motorized, rural, or contract delivery service routes (formerly highway contract box delivery routes) to examine and, where necessary, improve the appearance of their mailboxes. Neat, attractive mailboxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of the countryside and streets in suburban areas. Mailbox Improvement Week calls attention to the need for providing mailboxes that are: 1. Approved by the Postmaster General®. 2. Fully operational. 3. Designed to protect the mail from weather. 4. Safe to use. 5. Conveniently located. 6. Neat ... Read more
- [A rural carrier helped a customer who was stranded after a fall](https://ruralinfo.net/a-rural-carrier-helped-a-customer-who-was-stranded-after-a-fall/): Rural Carrier John Kooyenga was delivering mail in Clifton, IL, on a bitterly cold day in January when he saw a customer on the ground near a residence. The 85-year-old man, who lives in a remote area, had been stranded for more than an hour after taking a tumble and losing his cellphone in a snowbank. He was unable to stand on his own. Kooyenga helped the customer get inside and warm up. The man declined medical treatment, but he contacted the local newspaper, which published a story about the rescue — much to the surprise of Kooyenga’s co-workers. “John ... Read more
- [Help postal workers and communities in the hardest hit tornado areas](https://ruralinfo.net/help-postal-workers-and-communities-in-the-hardest-hit-tornado-areas/)
- [USPS has established an anti-harassment info line](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-has-established-an-anti-harassment-info-line/): The toll-free number is a resource for employees on steps to take: The Postal Service has established a toll-free phone number for employees and managers seeking guidance on what actions to take in the event of an incident of alleged harassment. The number is 877-521-4272. Harassment is unwelcome behavior that an individual finds offensive and harmful, and that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile or abusive. Such behavior is prohibited by the Postal Service and may also violate federal antidiscrimination laws. Workplace harassment may include offensive or derogatory comments, names or slurs; engaging in negative stereotyping; circulating or displaying ... Read more
- [RCA dies in accident on the route in Texas](https://ruralinfo.net/rca-dies-in-accident-on-the-route-in-texas/): Miranda Suzanne Mathis Fry, born on August 30, 1985, in Conroe, TX, left this world on April 23, 2024. Miranda was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose presence touched the lives of many. Miranda was a devoted employee of the United States Postal Service, where she served diligently. However, her true passion lay in spending time with her cherished family, traveling to new places, and enjoying the peaceful moments of fishing with her loved ones. Miranda’s kind and compassionate nature, along with her positive outlook on life, made her an extraordinary individual who valued her family above ... Read more
- [Yakima County man sentenced in 2019 crash that killed rural mail carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/yakima-county-man-sentenced-in-2019-crash-that-killed-rural-mail-carrier/): Howard Eugene Woods was driving his rural mail route late in the afternoon of March 15, 2019, when Andrew Michael Schilperoort ran a stop sign at the intersection of two Lower Yakima Valley roads. Airbag control module data indicated Schilperoort was driving 86 miles per hour when his vehicle T-boned Woods’ car at the intersection of Harrah and Progressive roads around 4:50 p.m. The collision tore Woods’ Subaru in half. The front half of Woods’ car continued northbound and the back half hit a power pole, ejecting the 53-year-old Wapato resident before hitting a brick wall. It was “a terrible, unnecessary accident that could have been avoided,” ... Read more
- [Rural carrier responded to a customer who fell in a barn](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-responded-to-a-customer-who-fell-in-a-barn/): Rural Carrier Associate Hayden Dale was delivering mail recently in Wilmington, OH, when he heard shouts coming from a barn. Dale found a customer on the barn floor who had fallen off a ladder, hitting his head and sustaining other injuries. Dale ran to the man’s residence to alert his wife, who called 911 while the Postal Service employee went back and comforted him until paramedics arrived. The customer was treated for injuries that included a broken ankle. He later wrote to the Wilmington Post Office to praise Dale: “Hayden got me the help I needed. It was a complete ... Read more
- [Man that attacked rural carrier Teresa Ramsay pleads guilty](https://ruralinfo.net/man-that-killed-rural-carrier-teresa-ramsay-pleads-guilty/): According to authorities, Garay broke into a home on Spring Drive, where he encountered the homeowner. He took her cell phone from her and according to law enforcement, “stomped on the cell phone and tried to break it but was unable to do so.” Garay threatened to shoot the homeowner’s dog and told her to get on her knees. She refused and told Garay, “that if he wanted to shoot her, he would have to shoot her standing up.” Garay went into the garage and unsuccessfully tried to steal the car. He left the house and continued to walk through ... Read more
- [Rural mail carrier killed in Litchfield, Maine crash](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-mail-carrier-killed-in-litchfield-maine-crash/): LITCHFIELD — A woman working as a rural mail carrier died of injuries suffered after her mail truck apparently rolled over in a crash Saturday morning, officials said. Alicia Bubier, 48, of Wales had been southbound on Huntington Hill road before leaving the roadway, where the vehicle rolled several times according to an initial investigation. Bubier was partially ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle had rolled over onto its side and the woman was extricated by Gardiner Ambulance Service and taken to the hospital with significant injuries, according to Rick Sieberg, Gardiner fire chief. She later died at the hospital. ... Read more
- [NRLCA Releases Information on Coverage Factor for Rural Routes](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-releases-information-on-coverage-factor-for-rural-routes/): The coverage factor established for a rural route has a direct impact on the RRECS evaluation of the route.
- [Happy Birthday to us - Ruralinfo.net is 19 years old](https://ruralinfo.net/happy-birthday-to-us-ruralinfo-net-is-19-years-old/): Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash Our Story: Not totally sure of the exact date I started Ruralinfo.net. The domain creation date was April 4th, 2007. I ran the website for about 2 years on a free Google website.. So this website is AT LEAST 19 years old.. You have probably heard many things about this website and most of them are probably not true. I am NOT anti union. Yes, I AM a union member. Yes, I really was a rural carrier. I did the job every single day just like you do. I retired in October 2022. I ... Read more
- [NEW: USPS-NRLCA Joint Rural Contract Administration Manual (RCAM) Now Available](https://ruralinfo.net/new-usps-nrlca-joint-rural-contract-administration-manual-rcam-now-available/): The USPS-NRLCA Joint Rural Contract Administration Manual (RCAM) is being posted on the Postal Service MyHR web page and the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) website. This documentation is designed as a resource for the administration of the National Agreement. Jointly prepared by the NRLCA and the Postal Service, this manual provides a mutually agreed upon explanation on how the contract should be applied to the issues addressed in the document. When a dispute arises, the parties should first go to the RCAM to determine if the issue in dispute is addressed. If it is, the parties are required ... Read more
- [Trump may cancel U.S. Postal Service electric mail truck contract](https://ruralinfo.net/trump-may-cancel-u-s-postal-service-electric-mail-truck-contract/): Donald Trump’s transition team is considering canceling the United States Postal Service’s contracts to electrify its delivery fleet, as part of a broader suite of executive orders targeting electric vehicles, according to three Reuters sources familiar with the plans. The move, which could be unveiled in the early days of Trump’s administration that begins on Jan. 20, is in line with Trump’s campaign promises to roll back President Joe Biden’s efforts to decarbonize U.S. transportation to fight climate change – an agenda Trump has said is unnecessary and potentially damaging to the economy. Reuters has previously reported that Trump is planning to kill a $7,500 consumer tax credit for ... Read more
- [GOP senator to DeJoy: I will ‘kill’ your plan to reform USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/gop-senator-to-dejoy-i-will-kill-your-plan-to-reform-usps/): A Republican senator told the head of the U.S. Postal Service on Thursday that he would do everything he could to prevent the agency leader from instituting one of his key reforms, setting up a key divide between Congress and USPS. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy faced bipartisan pushback from members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, with multiple exchanges turning testy. DeJoy vehemently defended his efforts and said the senators standing in his way would bring about the end of the Postal Service. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., became angry with DeJoy when discussing his plan to slow down ... Read more
- [PMG Dejoy did not have a good day at yesterday's Oversight hearing](https://ruralinfo.net/pmg-dejoy-did-not-have-a-good-day-at-yesterdays-oversight-hearing/): Oversight of the United States Postal Service: Understanding Proposed Service Changes
- [For Winnsboro rural route carrier, retirement is bittersweet](https://ruralinfo.net/for-winnsboro-rural-route-carrier-retirement-is-bittersweet/): WINNSBORO – Before Barbara Jackson hired on at the Winnsboro post office in December, 1989, she says she didn’t even know where the post office was located. When she retired last month, she says it was like leaving family – not only those she worked with at the post office, but those she delivered the mail to as well. “I was working part time at the Northeast Columbia post office when my boss, who was from Winnsboro, was transferred to the Winnsboro post office. He thought I was a good worker and asked me if I’d like to transfer to ... Read more
- [Lower flags for Pearl Harbor Day on Saturday, Dec. 7](https://ruralinfo.net/lower-flags-for-pearl-harbor-day-on-saturday-dec-7/): National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, an annual commemoration of the 1941 attack, will be observed Saturday, Dec. 7. Postal Service facilities are required to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff this day. To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day. The USPS Administrative Support Manual has additional guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance.
- [Comer Announces Hearing on Oversight of the U.S. Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/comer-announces-hearing-on-oversight-of-the-u-s-postal-service/): WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) today announced an upcoming hearing titled, “Oversight of the U.S. Postal Service.” The hearing will examine the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) finances, performance, and ongoing efforts to modernize operations. In addition, Oversight Committee members will receive an update from United States Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on the Postal Service’s plan to improve savings, efficiency, and service to the American people. “The United States Postal Service is truly one of our prized national assets and so many Americans rely on it for paychecks, medications, news, e-commerce, and correspondence with loved ones. While the ... Read more
- [The USPS unlawfully threatened and interrogated a mail carrier after he asserted his right not to work more than 60 hours a week](https://ruralinfo.net/the-usps-unlawfully-threatened-and-interrogated-a-mail-carrier-after-he-asserted-his-right-not-to-work-more-than-60-hours-a-week/): The U.S. Postal Service unlawfully threatened and interrogated a mail carrier after he asserted his contractual right not to work more than 60 hours in a workweek, resulting in a constructive discharge in the form of a resignation, in violation of the NLRA. The NLRB upheld the findings of the administrative law judge that the US Postal Service not only failed to recognize the mai carrier’s contractual rights in terms of working hours but also threatened him with discipline, discharge and criminal prosecution after his refusal to work more hours during the week.
- [The U.S. Postal Service recently lost at least 1,936 brand new barcode scanners](https://ruralinfo.net/the-u-s-postal-service-recently-lost-at-least-1936-brand-new-barcode-scanners/): Topline: The U.S. Postal Service recently lost at least 1,936 brand new barcode scanners, and likely many more. Employees are not following proper procedures for reporting missing scanners and are not checking their inventory frequently enough, according to a new audit from the agency’s inspector general. How much money were the lost scanners worth? The Postal Service isn’t saying — but they may have accidentally revealed the “commercially sensitive” information. Key facts: In 2019, the Postal Service upgraded its handheld scanners with 291,938 new “Mobile Delivery Device Technology Refresh” tools, or MDD-TRs.
- [North Carolina rural carrier dies in accident on the route on the day after Thanksgiving](https://ruralinfo.net/north-carolina-rural-carrier-dies-in-accident-on-the-route-on-the-day-after-thanksgiving/):        
- [Expect Delays: Postal Service downgrades service performance targets](https://ruralinfo.net/expect-delays-postal-service-downgrades-service-performance-targets/): On Friday last week, the Postal Service shared its FY 2025 performance targets with the Postal Regulatory Commission. Over the past several years, the Postal Service has had a difficult time meeting these goals, and it has apparently decided that the best way to achieve targets is to lower them. In other words, expect things to get worse before they get any better. The performance targets are the Postal Service’s goals for the percent of the mail delivered on time with respect to service standards. They are not supposedly to be merely aspirational. The PRC is obligated to determine if ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Releases 2024 Post-Election Analysis Report](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-releases-2024-post-election-analysis-report/): More than 99 Million Ballots Processed During 2024 General Election On Average, Ballots Were Delivered from Voters to Election Officials Within One Day WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the United States Postal Service released its 2024 Post-Election Analysis Report, outlining the agency’s steps to process more than 99.22 million ballots in the 2024 general election. The full report can be read here: 2024 Post-Election Analysis Report. “In 2024, the Postal Service once again admirably performed our role of efficiently and effectively delivering the nation’s ballots,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. “As we continue to transform the nation’s postal network to better meet ... Read more
- [This rural carrier came to the aid of a man who was passed out in a driveway](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-came-to-the-aid-of-a-man-who-was-passed-out-in-a-driveway/): Rural Carrier Associate Christopher Williams was recently delivering mail in Lewisburg, KY, when he saw an older man passed out in a driveway. The customer’s pacemaker had malfunctioned, and his wife was in the house unaware of what had happened. Williams revived the man and propped him up against a car. The Postal Service employee then alerted the customer’s wife and called 911. “Christopher is an all-around good guy and would do anything to help anyone,” said Dawn Ward, the local postmaster. The customer spent six days in the hospital before returning home. Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of ... Read more
- [Postal Service Found in Violation of Federal Labor Law for Constructive Discharge and Employee Threats](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-found-in-violation-of-federal-labor-law-for-constructive-discharge-and-employee-threats/): Greensburg, Pa.— The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ruled that the United States Postal Service (USPS) violated federal labor law by constructively discharging a letter carrier, Nicolas Montross, after he invoked his contractual rights under a collective bargaining agreement. The ruling, issued November 27, orders the USPS to reinstate Montross, compensate him for lost earnings, and remove all records related to the incident from his file. The case, originating from a May 2021 dispute at the USPS facility in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, centered on Montross’ invocation of the “12/60 Rule.” The rule, part of the collective bargaining agreement between USPS and ... Read more
- [USPS halts mail and package delivery to Canada due to an ongoing strike at Canada Post](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-halts-mail-and-package-delivery-to-canada-due-to-an-ongoing-strike-at-canada-post/): USPS has suspended acceptance of mail and packages bound for Canada as a result of an ongoing strike at Canada Post, that country’s designated postal operator. Canada Post is no longer accepting inbound mail and there is no movement of mail within Canada because of the strike, which began Nov. 15. USPS customers who have recently mailed items to Canada should expect delays.
- [Postal employees can receive discounts from Ottawa University](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-employees-can-receive-discounts-from-ottawa-university/): Ottawa University is offering Postal Service employees a 25 percent tuition reduction on most associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and credential programs. Employees are also eligible for a 12 percent tuition reduction on most graduate programs. Ottawa University, based in Ottawa, KS, offers a variety of online programs. The university’s website has more information.
- [Nebraska rural carrier ejected from vehicle after crash involving semi](https://ruralinfo.net/nebraska-rural-carrier-ejected-from-vehicle-after-crash-involving-semi/): NORFOLK, Neb. (KTIV) – One man was sent to the hospital after a crash in Northeast Nebraska where authorities say a mail carrier van was struck by a semi. The Stanton County Sheriff’s Office says the crash happened on Tuesday, Nov. 26, on Highway 275, about two miles east of Norfolk, Nebraska. According to the sheriff’s office, a mini-van and a semi pulling an unloaded flatbed were going eastbound on the highway. At around 2:35 p.m., authorities say the semi struck the mini-van, which was a vehicle used to deliver rural mail. The impact caused the van to leave the ... Read more
- [Thanksgiving is this week](https://ruralinfo.net/thanksgiving-is-this-week/): Thanksgiving, a federal holiday, will be observed on Thursday, Nov. 28, this year. The holiday began as a day of giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and is celebrated in various forms around the world. Brazil, Canada, Germany and the Philippines are among the countries that celebrate Thanksgiving. In America, the first Thanksgiving occurred in November 1621 when colonists and Native Americans gathered for a three-day feast. Celebrations continued throughout the Colonies and during the early years of the United States. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation of Thanksgiving, marking the beginning of the holiday’s national ... Read more
- [Yes, It ‘Looks Like a Duck,’ but Carriers Like the New Mail Truck](https://ruralinfo.net/yes-it-looks-like-a-duck-but-carriers-like-the-new-mail-truck/): For 19 years, Richard Burton, a letter carrier in Athens, Ga., drove the classic boxy mail truck, with only a fan on the dashboard to keep the cabin cool in the sweltering summer months. A second fan plugged into the cigarette lighter didn’t make much of a difference, he said. But about two months ago, Mr. Burton, 46, became one of the first letter carriers in the United States to get a long-awaited upgrade: a new electric mail truck with air-conditioning, a 360-degreee camera and a sliding cargo door on the side that allows the unloading of packages directly onto ... Read more
- [DeJoy’s changes will give USPS its best holiday season performance ever, officials say](https://ruralinfo.net/dejoys-changes-will-give-usps-its-best-holiday-season-performance-ever-officials-say/): The U.S. Postal Service said it is well positioned to handle a blitz of mail and packages ahead of the holiday season, though it will confront its busiest time of the year after once again hiring fewer seasonal employees. USPS will bring on just 7,500 temporary workers to help the agency complete processing and delivery efforts, with employees having started as early as October and staying on as late as mid-January. That is down slightly from its target of 10,000 hires last year and precipitously from 45,000 in 2021. Postal management has maintained that its efforts to convert nearly 200,000 ... Read more
- [NEW VIDEO: President Maston Visits Florida Following Hurricanes](https://ruralinfo.net/new-video-president-maston-visits-florida-following-hurricanes/): In this video, President Don Maston discusses his recent visit to Florida following the recent hurricanes.
- [A day in the life: USPS in Riddle, OR](https://ruralinfo.net/a-day-in-the-life-usps-in-riddle-or/): RIDDLE — On Thursday, Don Thornhill pushed a cart of approximately 500 various parcels and packages out the back door of the United States Postal Service office in Riddle. It would take him about four hours to deliver everything he had. For Thornhill, who turns 62 in two weeks, his job is perfect for this time in his life. It is not too difficult but keeps him engaged. “It is not a bad gig. It is not what I envisioned as my dream job but it could potentially be a nice retirement job,” Thornhill said.
- [Postal Service announces more Local Processing Centers keeping local mail local](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-announces-more-local-processing-centers-keeping-local-mail-local/): The Postal Service has provided a list of sixteen Local Processing Centers (LPCs) that will continue processing outgoing local mail rather than having all of their outgoing operations consolidated to a Regional Processing & Distribution Center (RPDC), as originally planned. The list was shared with the Postal Regulatory Commission on Thursday of last week as part of the PRC’s advisory opinion review of revamping the network into RPDCs and LPCs and ending afternoon collections under Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO). News reports have previously identified eleven of these LPCs, but five more were first announced in Thursday’s filing: Sioux Falls, SD; Chattanooga, ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Provides Update On Peak Holiday Season Preparations and Readiness](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-provides-update-on-peak-holiday-season-preparations-and-readiness/): WASHINGTON — The United States Postal Service is primed and ready to deliver exceptional service during the 2024 holiday rush thanks in large part to the investments and strategies identified in its 10-year Delivering for America plan. Today, the Postal Service provided updates on its peak holiday season preparations, as well as its readiness to deliver another successful holiday season of extraordinary service. “Thanks to the substantial progress we have made under the Delivering for America plan, we are ready and confident to handle the holiday surge,” said USPS Chief Retail and Delivery Officer and Executive Vice President Dr. Joshua ... Read more
- [How mailmen saved rural America -  Amazon will never be neighborly](https://ruralinfo.net/how-mailmen-saved-rural-america-amazon-will-never-be-neighborly/): By sheer numbers alone, USPS is an American giant. With 33,904 post offices, it’s burrowed into every nook and cranny of the nation, from Kaktovik in Alaska to Ochopee in the Florida swamps. The country’s single biggest non-military institution, every day its army of 525,469 employees delivers mail to 167 million unique addresses. That’s even as USPS retains the so-called “Postal Principle” — meaning users pay the same fee no matter how far their package travels. No wonder Americans love the Post Office, with an eye-popping 91% of us viewing it favorably. By comparison, 29% of Americans support public schools, which ... Read more
- [US Postal Service demands rural carriers send back “overpaid” wages right before Christmas season](https://ruralinfo.net/us-postal-service-demands-rural-carriers-send-back-overpaid-wages-right-before-christmas-season/): Notices went out to 130,000 rural carriers this week that they may be invoiced for “overpayment,” supposedly due to mail volume data from the last 52 weeks having been incorrectly credited where territorial route adjustments were made. In a video presentation, National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA) President Don Maston explained to workers that the new Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS) with the United States Postal Service (USPS), which the union agreed to behind workers’ backs without a vote, holds workers financially responsible for mis-adjusted mail volume data when routes were redistributed during the last evaluation in October. According ... Read more
- [Belleville mail carrier saves homeowner’s life with wellness check](https://ruralinfo.net/belleville-mail-carrier-saves-homeowners-life-with-wellness-check/):   Ballenger was on his normal 51-mile route, covering rural parts of St. Clair County. He was in the 1700 block of Mascoutah Ave. when he said something to a neighbor about the homeowner he hadn’t seen in days. A wellness check was made, where the 93-year-old homeowner was found on the floor. “It sounds like he had a stroke and had fallen on the bathroom floor and was laying there for three days without any food, water, or anything,” Ballenger said. “Had they not checked on him, it could have been a lot worse.” The homeowner was transported to an ... Read more
- [Here’s how to audition for the next USPS TV ad](https://ruralinfo.net/heres-how-to-audition-for-the-next-usps-tv-ad/): The Postal Service is inviting employees to audition for an upcoming advertising campaign that will focus on how the organization serves business customers. Employees who are selected to participate could be featured in a variety of ads, including TV commercials. The casting call is open to all employees. These types of roles are often depicted in the organization’s ads: customer services supervisors, letter carriers, mail handlers, motor vehicle operators, postmasters, processing clerks and retail associates. No prior acting experience is required. The USPS Employee Casting website has instructions on creating and submitting audition videos and uploading a current headshot. Employees who have ... Read more
- [USPS and NRLCA Sign MOU on Territorial Route Adjustments](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-and-nrlca-sign-mou-on-territorial-route-adjustments/): The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding establishing procedures for rural routes receiving territorial adjustments, including adjustments to relieve overburdened routes, consolidations of one or more routes in an office, and the creation of new routes.  
- [USPS Operation Santa Launches Online Catalog Santa’s Gift Shoppe Powered by Toys“R”Us](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-operation-santa-launches-online-catalog-santas-gift-shoppe-powered-by-toysrus/): 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 ... Read more
- [Amazon delivery tweaks among USPS’ peak season preparations](https://ruralinfo.net/amazon-delivery-tweaks-among-usps-peak-season-preparations/): The U.S. Postal Service will change how it handles Amazon packages during the upcoming holidays to prevent overload at its processing hubs, Deputy Postmaster General Douglas Tulino said during the agency’s board of governors meeting Thursday. To improve efficiency, Postal Service operations at the ZIP code level will handle Amazon deliveries independently during peak, rather than having the packages go through larger area hubs for distribution, Tulino said. Tulino didn’t specify if the agency had taken this approach during previous peak seasons, but a 2023 Postal Service memorandum noted that local delivery units would accept Amazon orders “in a decoupled structure” on ... Read more
- [US Postal Service Warns It Must Continue Cost Cuts or Risk Bailout](https://ruralinfo.net/us-postal-service-warns-it-must-continue-cost-cuts-or-risk-bailout/): WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Postal Service said on Thursday it must continue to cut costs and boost revenue or risks requiring a government bailout to help the organization avoid financial collapse. USPS reported on Thursday a net loss of $9.5 billion for its fiscal year ending Sept. 30, a $3-billion bigger loss than last year, largely due to a year-over-year increase in non-cash workers’ compensation expense. Total operating revenue was $79.5 billion, up 1.7%. “If we do nothing more, we remain on the path to either a government bailout or the end of this great organization as we know it,” ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Recommends New Competitive Prices for 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-recommends-new-competitive-prices-for-2025/): Postal Service continues to offer a great value for shipping with our reliable service to the American people. Pricing actions part of balanced approach under “Delivering for America,” the Postal Service’s 10-year plan for achieving financial sustainability and service excellence. Rate changes will support the $40 billion of investments in people, technology, and infrastructure and continue the modernization and improvement of the Postal Service’s operations and customer experience. As we previously announced, the Postal Service will not be raising prices in January for our Mailing Services, therefore, the price of a First-Class stamp will remain unchanged. WASHINGTON — Today, the Postal ... Read more
- [U.S. Senator Josh Hawley Urges USPS Nominees to Protect Rural Mail Delivery](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-senator-josh-hawley-urges-usps-nominees-to-protect-rural-mail-delivery/): November 15, 2024 – On Thursday in a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) nominations hearing for the United States Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) questioned Val Demings, William Zollars, and Gordon Hartogensis on their commitment to combatting rural mail delivery issues. Senator Hawley confronted the nominees about the Postal Service’s proposed “Regional Transportation Optimization” plan that would harm mail delivery in rural areas across the country, including in Missouri. He referenced the letter the Missouri Farm Bureau sent yesterday to the Postmaster General raising similar concerns. The Senator asked for the nominees’ commitment to “reconsider this ... Read more
- [Here’s a sneak peek at next year’s stamps](https://ruralinfo.net/heres-a-sneak-peek-at-next-years-stamps/): The Postal Service has announced many of the stamps it will release in 2025: • Allen Toussaint, the 48th entry in the Black Heritage series will honor the virtuoso pianist, singer, songwriter, composer, arranger and producer; • American Vistas, two presorted standard stamps depicting stylized, minimalist scenes of mountains and a beach for use on business mail; • The Appalachian Trail, a pane of 15 stamps that will include photographic views from each of the 14 states along the Maine-to-Georgia hiking route; • Baby Wild Animals, 10 stamps offering whimsical, eye-catching designs; • Betty White, honoring an icon of American television; • Dahlias, a booklet of ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Reports Fiscal Year 2024 Results](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-reports-fiscal-year-2024-results/): Reduced controllable loss by $434 million Operating revenue increase of $1.4 billion to $79.5 billion due to strategic price increases and continued growth in our Shipping and Packages category Transportation expense reductions of $1.3 billion, reflecting continued progress of network optimization Release of Delivering for America 2.0 – Fulfilling the Promise highlighting our key achievements over the past three years and our priorities going forward WASHINGTON – The U.S. Postal Service today announced its financial results for the 2024 fiscal year ended September 30. Controllable loss, which excludes certain expenses that are not controllable by management, was $1.8 billion for the year, compared to over ... Read more
- [2025 TSP Contribution Limits](https://ruralinfo.net/2025-tsp-contribution-limits/): The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the contribution limits for 2025: Limit Name 2025 Limit 2024 Limit Elective Deferral Limit (IRC § 402(g)) $23,500 $23,000 Catch-up Contribution Limit (participants ages 50-59, and age 64 and over) (IRC § 414(v)) $7,500 $7,500 Catch-up Contribution Limit (participants ages 60, 61, 62, 63) (IRC § 414(v)) $11,250 n/a Annual Additions Limit (IRC § 415(c)) $70,000 $69,000 These limits define the contributions that can be made to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for the calendar year. Please note, this is a personal limit that applies to an individual’s aggregated contributions across all defined ... Read more
- [UPDATE: H.R. 82, The Social Security Fairness Act Passes House](https://ruralinfo.net/update-h-r-82-the-social-security-fairness-act-passes-house/): UPDATE: On Tuesday, November 12, the House passed the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), legislation that would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), under a suspension of the rules by a 327-75 final vote (suspension of the rules requires a 2/3 majority vote) .  Thank you to our members who contacted their representatives in support of this legislation. The next step for this legislation is passage by the Senate. Click here to see how your Representative voted. Click here for co-sponsors of the Senate companion bill, S. 597. Click here to view the WEP/GPO form letter to send to ... Read more
- [NEW VIDEO: From the President's Desk, November Bargaining Update](https://ruralinfo.net/new-video-from-the-presidents-desk-november-bargaining-update/): In this new video, President Don Maston provides an update on collective bargaining between the NRLCA and USPS.
- [NRLCA ACTION ALERT: The Social Security Fairness Act is Scheduled for a Vote TODAY!](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-action-alert-the-social-security-fairness-act-is-scheduled-for-a-vote-today/): H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, is scheduled for a vote THIS evening, November 12. Contact your representative ASAP and ask them to vote “Yes” on H.R. 82.  After an attempt to derail H.R. 82 while Congress was in recess, an agreement has been reached that will allow H.R. 82 to come up for a vote under suspension of the rules on Tuesday, November 12.  Under suspension of the rules, H.R. 82 will need a two-thirds majority vote to pass.  We need every member we can get.  With 330 co-sponsors, H.R. 82 is one of the most co-sponsored bills in the House of ... Read more
- [Gowanda rural carrier honored for 50 years of service](https://ruralinfo.net/gowanda-rural-carrier-honored-for-50-years-of-service/): Friday morning, current and former employees of the United States Postal Service celebrated Vance for 50 years of service to the community as a substitute mail carrier. Vance, 77, has been a fixture in the community for half a century while working alongside a pleasant crew who he says never included anyone with a bad attitude. “We don’t have crabby people here,” Vance said. “It makes it nice to come to work.” Many years ago, Vance was able to fill a bag with letters and walk from house to house in the community that has welcomed him so fondly. Now, due to the ... Read more
- [This rural carrier called 911 and stayed with the woman until help arrived](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-called-911-and-stayed-with-the-woman-until-help-arrived/): Rural Carrier Pam Lavalley was delivering mail in Gilbertsville, KY, recently when she saw an older woman lying on the ground outside. The customer had been trying to walk to an outdoor freezer to get a roast to make for supper, but lost her footing. She fell onto the concrete driveway, cracking her knee and splitting her tibia. The customer had been lying in the sun and heat for about 15 minutes before Lavalley arrived. The Postal Service employee called the woman’s son and then 911. Lavalley remained with the customer until paramedics arrived and took her to a nearby ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier honored for saving man’s life on her route](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-honored-for-saving-mans-life-on-her-route/): Mail carrier Connie Durbin was recognized Friday with the Postmaster General Hero Award. In July, Durbin was on her route in Lincoln County when she heard someone calling for help. She later discovered Kevin Stamper in a ditch with his riding lawnmower on top of him. Stamper said no one heard his calls for help until Durbin suddenly appeared. He said her actions helped save his life. “I was laying there, and I said, Lord, if you don’t send an angel my way pretty soon, I don’t think I can stand much longer. And I say within five minutes, she ... Read more
- [Republicans Break Protocol to Kill Social Security Benefits Expansion Bill](https://ruralinfo.net/republicans-break-protocol-to-kill-social-security-benefits-expansion-bill/): While many Republicans have called to protect or even expand Social Security benefits, GOP lawmakers killed a bill that would help millions of Americans get higher monthly payments. Experts spoke with Newsweek about the possible motives behind the move. A Social Security bill that would have repealed two rules that lower benefits for certain retirees was brought forward by House Reps. Garret Graves, (R-LA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). Despite the bill previously having a wide range of bipartisan support and Graves and Spanberger securing the 218 signatures needed to bring the law to the House floor, the Freedom Caucus blocked the bill on its path to ... Read more
- [USPS releases this year’s Veterans Day video](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-releases-this-years-veterans-day-video/): The Postal Service has released this year’s Veterans Day video honoring employees who have served, or are serving, in the military. The video includes remarks from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy; Carroll Harris, a deputy chief inspector for the Postal Inspection Service and a retired U.S. Marine colonel; and Martin Mieras Jr., a USPS military program specialist and a retired Army command sergeant major.
- [The House finally appears set to repeal the WEP and GPO](https://ruralinfo.net/the-house-finally-appears-set-to-repeal-the-wep-and-gpo/): Lawmakers in the House finally seem set to pass legislation to repeal two controversial tax provisions that affect some federal retirees’ annuity benefits, despite an attempt this week to derail the vote. Last September, Reps. Garret Graves, R-La., and Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., obtained the 218 signatures required for a discharge petition to force a floor vote on the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), a measure that would eliminate Social Security’s windfall elimination provision and government pension offset. Prior to the petition drive, the bill already had more than 300 cosponsors. The windfall elimination provision reduces the Social Security benefits of retired ... Read more
- [USPS OIG – Security and Efficiency of the New Carrier Scanners and Electronic Locks](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-oig-security-and-efficiency-of-the-new-carrier-scanners-and-electronic-locks/): Background The U.S. Postal Service’s Mobile Delivery Device – Technology Refresh (MDD‑TR) is a handheld mobile scanning device used by Postal Service employees to improve real-time delivery scanning capabilities. As a part of the Delivering for America plan, the Postal Service committed to modernizing the MDD‑TRs to improve employee efficiency, increase security of mail and package delivery, and ensure employee safety. Select MDD‑TRs also use electronic lock (eLock) technology as a part of a multi-factor authentication requirement to open mail collection boxes and cluster box units — adding another level of security to prevent mail from being stolen. Since 2023, the devices have ... Read more
- [Veterans Day is next week](https://ruralinfo.net/veterans-day-is-next-week/): Veterans Day, a national holiday that honors people who have served in the armed forces, is Monday, Nov. 11. The holiday originated as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day to honor all those who served in American wars. There were 16.2 million veterans in the United States in 2022, according to the most recent U.S. ... Read more
- [NRLCA Thanks postal workers on election day](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-thanks-postal-workers-on-election-day/): This Election Day, we want to thank the 655,000 hardworking men and women of the U.S. Postal Service for the tremendous job they have done during the 2024 election season, culminating in today’s all-out effort to ensure every ballot is counted. Rural carriers play a crucial role in ensuring’s the nation’s mail-in ballots are collected and delivered safely and securely throughout the country. They have worked tirelessly to deliver ballots on time, facing difficult weather conditions and other challenges. They deserve our gratitude for their extraordinary efforts. 👏👏 National Association of Letter Carriers APWU – The American Postal Workers Union
- [NRLCA President Maston Visits Tampa Bay Area Following Back-to-Back Hurricanes](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-president-maston-visits-tampa-bay-area-following-back-to-back-hurricanes/): Last week, President Maston traveled to Florida with Executive Committeeman Bethany Small to meet with rural carriers to obtain first-hand accounts of the challenges and devastation caused by the unprecedented back-to-back hurricanes. Along with Florida 2&3 DR Natasha Patterson, they travelled to St. Petersburg, Treasure Island, and Tampa and toured several communities that have been completely destroyed by the hurricanes and flooding. Debris was piled high on both sides of the streets, comprised of entire lives’ worth of possessions, furniture, and belongings. It is overwhelming to see everything from mattresses to kids’ bikes and toys, picket fences, and even smaller ... Read more
- [IRS releases the 2025 TSP contribution limits](https://ruralinfo.net/irs-releases-the-2025-tsp-contribution-limits/): 2025 contribution limits — The Internal Revenue Code places specific limits on the amount that you can contribute to employer-sponsored plans like the TSP each year. See how the contribution limits have changed. New in 2025: higher catch-up limit for ages 60, 61, 62, and 63 Beginning January 1, 2025, participants age 60, 61, 62, and 63 who are eligible for catch-up contributions will have a higher catch-up limit than the regular catch-up limit. In the years participants turn 64 and older, the catch-up limit will be the lower, regular catch-up limit amount. This change is part of the Setting Every Community Up for ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier Rodney Price retires after 33 years of delivering mail](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-rodney-price-retires-after-33-years-of-delivering-mail/): Rodney Price (left) shakes hands with Postmaster Rob Cracraft (right) after he presents him with a appreciation award for 33 years of service Bethany, MO: People living on the rural routes serviced by the post office will see a new face after Halloween. After 33 years of service, Rodney Price has chosen to retire.
- [Pasco rural carrier helps baby choking on Halloween candy](https://ruralinfo.net/pasco-rural-carrier-helps-baby-choking-on-halloween-candy/): PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A Pasco County postal worker is being hailed as a Halloween hero. It comes after she jumped into action to help a child choking on a piece of candy. “Honestly, it’s almost surreal, because I was not at all thinking. It just was pure drive. I wanted to make sure that baby was safe,” said Kandi Young, a rural part-time flexible mail carrier. Young was heading back to the Trinity Carrier Annex after finishing her mail route on Oct. 31. At the same time, Morgan Osborne, of Moon Lake, was leaving a trunk-or-treat event at her ... Read more
- [Consolidation Threatens to Rip ‘Service’ Out of Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/consolidation-threatens-to-rip-service-out-of-postal-service/): Workers are battling an overhaul of the U.S. Postal Service that would cost thousands of jobs and slow the mail for half the country. In the name of efficiency, a letter mailed within Cheyenne, Wyoming, would travel to Denver and back. And if you miss a package, your local post office would no longer have it. It might be 45 minutes away. In March, Buffalo became the first place to fend off the closure of its mail processing plant, in a team effort by Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 3 and Postal Workers (APWU) Local 374. The unions turned out 300 ... Read more
- [Is your contact information up to date?](https://ruralinfo.net/is-your-contact-information-up-to-date/): With the Southeast United States still reeling from recent major storms, the Postal Service is urging employees to verify or update their personal and emergency contact information on file with USPS. This information is vital because it enables the organization to contact you or your loved ones when a hurricane or other natural disaster strikes. Keep personal contact information current using a physical address — not a PO Box — and mobile telephone number. Go to the LiteBlue homepage and update your address if necessary. Emergency contacts can be updated by logging on to LiteBlue, clicking on the “Apps” banner, then selecting ... Read more
- [Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 3](https://ruralinfo.net/daylight-saving-time-ends-sunday-nov-3/): Daylight saving time will end Sunday, Nov. 3, at 2 a.m. In areas where the change is observed, people will “fall back” and set their clocks back one hour at bedtime on Saturday, Nov. 2. Standard time will be in effect until March 9, 2025, when daylight saving time will resume.
- [Christmas Pay Procedures for Rural Carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/christmas-pay-procedures-for-rural-carriers-2/): The 2024 Christmas period for rural carriers begins Saturday, December 7, 2024 (Week 2, Pay Period (PP) 26–2024), and ends Friday, December 27, 2024 (Week 2, Pay Period 01-2025). During this period, certain timekeeping and pay rules apply. Timekeepers, including postmasters, supervisors, and other employees responsible for rural carrier time and attendance recording, must become familiar with Article 9.2.H., Christmas Allowances and Procedures, of Handbook EL-902, Agreement between the United States Postal Service and the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, 2021–2024. This article describes: n Types of compensation that rural carriers are entitled during the Christmas period. n Related timekeeping procedures and regulations ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier put out fire while on his route](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-put-out-fire-while-on-his-route/): Bryan’s Road rural mail carrier Anthony Holmes says, “Everyone knows the saying, ‘If you see something, say something,’” or in this hero’s actions, “do something.” While delivering mail earlier this year he noticed a fire burning in a wooded flowerpot. He began knocking on doors to access a hose and had no luck until customer Ruth Adams answered the door only to find out her garden hose did not reach the fire. So, he quickly filled up buckets of water and extinguished the fire. He safely pulled the pot away from the home and returned to his route because, as ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service is Ready to Deliver the Nation’s Election Mail](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-is-ready-to-deliver-the-nations-election-mail/): Postal Service expects Election Mail service performance in 2024 to be equal to or better than 2020 Our recommendation remains for voters who choose to mail in their ballots to do so before Election Day and at least a week before their election office needs to receive them If your ballot is due on Election Day, it would a good idea to mail it by this Tuesday (October 29) We will continue to deploy our “extraordinary measures” to accelerate the delivery of Ballot Mail WASHINGTON — With eight days remaining until Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, the United States Postal Service ... Read more
- [Call this number to get USPS facility information during an emergency](https://ruralinfo.net/call-this-number-to-get-usps-facility-information-during-an-emergency/): The Postal Service is reminding employees and contractors to use the USPS National Emergency Hotline number to receive up-to-date information about facility closings, changes in reporting times and other workplace information during severe and inclement weather. The toll-free number, found on the back of most USPS employee badges, is 888-EMERGNC (888-363-7462). After dialing the number, you will be prompted to enter the first three digits of the ZIP Code where you work. Information specific to operations in your work area will then be relayed. Hearing-impaired callers who use Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) should call their state’s toll-free TRS number. The ... Read more
- [New to the TSP? Turn every $1 into $10](https://ruralinfo.net/new-to-the-tsp-turn-every-1-into-10/): Every $1 you invest in the TSP can grow to $10 in 35 years—without you needing to do anything else. Thanks to compound interest, $1 can grow to $10 after 35 years completely on its own.* In other words, what you put into your TSP account can become ten times more by the time you’re ready to take it out. And yes, every $1 your agency or service contributes to your account can grow to $10 in 35 years too.* If you’re eligible for matching, when you contribute 5% of your pay, your agency or service contributes a total of 5% too—essentially doubling your ... Read more
- [Have you been affected by recent hurricanes?](https://ruralinfo.net/have-you-been-affected-by-recent-hurricanes/): The Postal Employees’ Relief Fund and the USPS Employee Assistance Program are available to aid workers affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Helene recently caused destruction in parts of Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee, while Milton devastated the west coast and central part of Florida. The relief fund, also known as PERF, isn’t an emergency services organization like the American Red Cross or insurance companies that are paid to replace property. Instead, the fund provides small relief grants to help qualifying individuals whose homes are completely destroyed or left uninhabitable as a result of a natural disaster or house ... Read more
- [Local rural carrier retires after 40 years with a 'remarkable career'](https://ruralinfo.net/local-rural-carrier-retires-after-40-years-with-a-remarkable-career/): After 40 dedicated years of service, Johnny Downs has officially retired from his role as rural postal carrier, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and excellence, according to postmaster Connie Walker. Downs was known for his unwavering commitment to his job, always arriving on time and rarely missing a day of work. Whether it was delivering mail in inclement weather, checking on his homebound customers or going the extra mile to ensure a box was fixed and in good condition, Downs always put his customers first, Walker said. Over the years, Downs became a familiar face in the Bostic community, ... Read more
- [USPS Service Alerts –Florida and North Carolina – Updated 10/22/24](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-service-alerts-florida-and-north-carolina-updated-10-22-24/): Hurricanes Helene and Milton, flooding, and severe weather events in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S. (FL, GA, SC, NC, and VA) may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages. Please allow additional time for final delivery of your item. Florida 10-22-24 Lithia Post Office, 7825 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., 33547 — Operations have resumed. Retail hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. 10-21-24 Operations at the following locations have resumed: Istachatta, 28199 Magnon Dr., 34636 Nobleton, 29095 Forbes St., 34661 Lacoochee, 38915 State Road 575, 33537 Trilby, 37451 Trilby ... Read more
- [New chart - Rural carrier three digit DACA codes](https://ruralinfo.net/new-chart-rural-carrier-three-digit-daca-codes/): In PP19/2024, all single-digit rural DACA (Days Assigned Carrier Absent) codes will be transitioned to the three-digit city hours code equivalent. Beginning with PP 19/2024 timekeeping (covering 8/24/2024 through 9/6/2024), all DACA days reported on rural timecards must be entered using three-digit hours codes.
- [NEW VIDEO: From the NRLCA President's Desk, October 2024](https://ruralinfo.net/new-video-from-the-nrlca-presidents-desk-october-2024/): In this new video, President Don Maston discusses the powerful impact made by hundreds of rural letter carriers during the Protect Our Letter Carriers rally in Reno, NV. This rally wasn’t just about making noise—it was about sharing our stories of bravery and resilience in the face of rising violence against postal workers.
- [USPS Service Alerts – Updated 10/15/24](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-service-alerts-updated-10-15-24/): Hurricanes Helene and Milton, flooding, and severe weather events in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S. (FL, GA, SC, NC, and VA) may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages. Please allow additional time for final delivery of your item. Florida 10-15-24 Operations at the following locations have been temporarily suspended due to Withlacoochee River flooding: Istachatta, 28199 Magnon Dr., 34636 Lacoochee, 38915 State Road 575, 33537 Nobleton, 29095 Forbes St., 34661 Trilby, 37451 Trilby Rd., 33593 All operations for the Istachatta and Nobleton Post Offices have been moved to Bushnell Post Office, 800 N. Main St., 33513. ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier killed in Ashland crash remembered](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-killed-in-ashland-crash-remembered/): CATSKILL — A memorial service for the East Durham U.S. Postal Service employee killed in a two-vehicle accident Oct. 5 was held Sunday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. A packed church hosted a heartfelt service celebrating the life of Gina Hernandez. The service brought together family, friends and community members to honor her memory. Hernandez, 62, was traveling east on county Route 10 in a U.S. Postal Service vehicle at about 1:30 p.m. Oct. 5 when her vehicle collided near the center of the road, near Sutton Hollow Road in Ashland, with a 2008 Lexus RX 350 driven by an ... Read more
- [Postal worker with apparent mental health issues shot his supervisor five times](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-worker-with-apparent-mental-health-issues-shot-his-supervisor-five-times/): Police responded to the U.S. Post Office on Seventh Street West in St. Paul at 3:24 p.m. on Oct. 13 after an employee found a supervisor, identified by police as a 50-year-old Eagan man, had been shot “several times,” according to the criminal complaint. The victim told the employee, “He shot me. He shot me. Call the police,” charges said. The employee called the police and put the phone on speakerphone. When the dispatcher asked who shot him, the victim said “Tewabe. Tewabe left. Talk to Tewabe.” Police recovered 12 .40 caliber Smith and Wesson casings from the floor near where ... Read more
- [Provisions on X days from now until the end of the Christmas Overtime Period](https://ruralinfo.net/provisions-on-x-days-from-now-until-the-end-of-the-christmas-overtime-period/): During the period that starts with the beginning of the guarantee period through the end of the designated Christmas period, a regular rural carrier who works the relief day (R day) and is entitled to an X day, must be given the X day as scheduled by the Employer within the same pay period in which the relief day (R day) was worked. Regular rural carriers shall be prohibited from scheduling a previously earned X day from the beginning of the guarantee period through the end of the designated Christmas period. If the X day is not received within the ... Read more
- [USPS Service Alerts – Updated 10/11/24](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-service-alerts-updated-10-11-24/): Hurricanes Helene and Milton, flooding, and severe weather events in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S. (FL, GA, SC, NC, and VA) may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages. Please allow additional time for final delivery of your item. Florida 10-11-24 The facilities below have resumed normal operations: Belle Glade, 1340 NW Ave. L, 33430 Canal Point, 12570 U.S. Hwy. 441, 33438 Clewiston, 400 S. Berner Rd., 33440 Fort Pierce, 5000 W. Midway Rd., 34981 Fort Pierce Orange Avenue, 1717 Orange Ave., 34950 Hobe Sound, 9995 SE Federal Hwy., 33455 Indiantown, 15300 E. Thelma Waters Ave., 34956 ... Read more
- [USPS Service Alerts - Updated 10/10/24](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-service-alerts-updated-10-10-24/): Hurricanes Helene and Milton, flooding, and severe weather events in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S. (FL, GA, SC, NC, and VA) may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages. Please allow additional time for final delivery of your item. North Carolina 10-10-24 We anticipate continued improvement with local recovery efforts, including power, connectivity and roads. As we move through recovery efforts in North Carolina, there are some facilities unable to provide full retail services and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions. No drop shipments will be accepted. Due to internet outages and connectivity issues, ... Read more
- [Do rural carriers get paid during a hurricane or other disaster?](https://ruralinfo.net/do-rural-carriers-get-paid-during-a-hurricane-or-other-disaster/): An Act of God involves community disasters such as fires, floods, or storms. The disaster situations must be general in nature rather than personal in scope and impact, and must prevent groups of employees from working or reporting to work. Ref: ELM 519.211, F-21 582.31. Who has the authority to declare an Act of God? Postmasters and other installation heads have authority to approve administra­tive leave up to one day. District Man­agers and Postal Career Executive Service (PCES) plant managers may authorize administrative leave up to three days for their installation and those reporting to it. District Managers and senior or ... Read more
- [USPS Service Alerts - Updated 10/9/24](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-service-alerts-updated-10-9-24/): Hurricanes Helene and Milton, flooding, and severe weather events in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S. (FL, GA, SC, NC, and VA) may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages. Please allow additional time for final delivery of your item. Florida 10-9-24 Effective Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. ET, operations at the following locations will be suspended until further notice, due to Hurricane Milton. ZIP Code 326 Facility List Alachua, 15200 NW 142nd Ter, 32615 Anthony, 9081 NE Jacksonville Rd, 32617 Archer, 13553 SW State Road 45, 32618 Bell, 1900 N US Highway 129, 32619 Bronson, 747 E ... Read more
- [NEW NRLCA VIDEO: Hurricane Helene Update](https://ruralinfo.net/new-nrlca-video-hurricane-helene-update/): In this video update, Vice President Patrick Pitts discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the response by USPS and rural letter carriers.
- [USPS employees in hurricane-ravaged areas deal with loss—and still make their deliveries](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-employees-in-hurricane-ravaged-areas-deal-with-loss-and-still-make-their-deliveries/): Postal workers are navigating downed power lines, fallen trees, sinkholes, and their own tragic circumstances as they carry mail for devastated communities. When Hurricane Helene touched down in Asheville, North Carolina, last month, Shawntane Duckworth stepped outside and into the storm. So many trees were falling onto her apartment building—more than three-dozen ended up falling on the property grounds—it felt unsafe to stay inside. The next day, however, a Saturday, Duckworth headed into work—a post office, where she serves as a letter carrier, to deliver mail. There was not much to do when she arrived at the powerless facility. She ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier close to retirement killed in Greene County crash](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-close-to-retirement-killed-in-greene-county-crash/): TOWN OF ASHLAND – A 62-year-old postal service worker was killed in a crash with another vehicle on County Route 10 in the area of Sutton Hollow Road in the Town of Ashland, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office reported on Monday. Deputies said Gina Hernandez of East Durham was driving a postal service vehicle heading eastbound when a 2008 Lexus RX 350 driven by a 17-year-old young man from Ashland was driving westbound. The two vehicles collided near the center of the road causing the postal vehicle to overturn. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene. The teen was taken ... Read more
- [Some USPS Operations Temporarily Suspended Ahead of Hurricane Milton](https://ruralinfo.net/some-usps-operations-temporarily-suspended-ahead-of-hurricane-milton/): CENTRAL FLORIDA — As Hurricane Milton approaches, and to ensure the safety of customers and employees, the Postal Service is temporarily suspending retail and delivery operations in the specific 3-digit ZIP Code areas listed below.  Additional information will be provided in the coming days to keep the public aware of the status of mail and package delivery service and retail service availability. ZIP Codes beginning with 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 342, and 346: Effective at 2:00 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, all retail and delivery operations for facilities in the 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 342 ... Read more
- [USPS Announces Recommended Mailing and Shipping Dates for 2024 Holiday Season](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-announces-recommended-mailing-and-shipping-dates-for-2024-holiday-season/): WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages today. The following are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25. 2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in the Contiguous United States (Lower 48 States): USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 18 First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18 Priority Mail service: Dec. 19 Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 21 2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in Alaska and Hawaii: USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 16 First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18 Priority Mail service: Dec. 19 Priority Mail Express service: Dec. ... Read more
- [USPS makes its pitch to again slow delivery for some mail](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-makes-its-pitch-to-again-slow-delivery-for-some-mail/): The U.S. Postal Service is moving forward with a plan to slow down delivery for a relatively small portion of mail, telling its regulator the changes would save nearly $4 billion annually and better reflect the evolving nature of mail usage. USPS has requested an advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission on its Regional Transportation Optimization plan, which requires mail to sit overnight at post offices instead of being collected each evening for transportation to a processing center. The mailing agency has been rolling out the changes on a limited basis and now, despite mixed results and significant pushback, it is ... Read more
- [NRLCA Statement on Hurricane Helene](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-statement-on-hurricane-helene/): Statement from Don Maston, President of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, on the Impact of Hurricane Helene on Rural Communities The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has had a profound impact on the rural communities our carriers proudly serve. As President of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, I want to express my deepest concern for the families and individuals affected by this catastrophic storm. The damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods is immense, leaving many of our communities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia vulnerable in its wake.
- [USPS OIG - Fleet Modernization: Delivery Vehicle Acquisition Status](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-oig-fleet-modernization-delivery-vehicle-acquisition-status/): Background A key facet of the U.S. Postal Service’s Delivering for America plan centers around a nearly $10 billion investment – including $3 billion in federal funds – for modernizing and electrifying parts of its aging delivery vehicle fleet. The Postal Service plans to acquire 106,480 new vehicles between fiscal years (FY) 2023-2028, which includes a mix of purpose-built (such as the Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDV)), commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS), and internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery electric vehicles (BEV). Modernizing the fleet will help reduce costs and enhance safety and service. What We Did Our objective was to assess the status of ... Read more
- [USPS Resumes Retail Operations in South Carolina Post Offices](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-resumes-retail-operations-in-south-carolina-post-offices/): SOUTH CAROLINA – The following locations in the 3-Digit ZIP Code Areas – 290, 291, 293, 294, 296, 298, 299 will resume normal retail operations, effective Thursday, October 3. Operations were temporarily suspended due to Hurricane Helene. The U.S. Postal Service apologizes for any inconvenience this temporary suspension may have caused our customers. We appreciate the patience of our customers during this time. ZIP Code Areas 290 and 291 FACILITY ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP BALLENTINE 1720 DUTCH FORK RD STE A BALLENTINE SC 29002 BATESBURG LEESVILLE 110 E CHURCH ST LEESVILLE SC 29070 BETHUNE 503 KING ST E BETHUNE SC 29009 ... Read more
- [The OIG’s Oversight of the U.S. Postal Service’s Delivering for America Plan](https://ruralinfo.net/the-oigs-oversight-of-the-u-s-postal-services-delivering-for-america-plan/): Our Perspective The U.S. Postal Service released a 10-year strategic plan, titled Delivering for America (DFA), in March 2021 to address continuing annual financial losses, unmet service performance goals, and diminishing market relevancy as consumer behaviors have changed. Through its DFA plan, the Postal Service intends to realize service excellence and financial sustainability. While progress has been made, implementation of network changes, particularly the large facility modernization efforts, has been very challenging and have resulted in negative service impacts to communities. Communication, internally to employees and their leaders on expectations and workflow, and externally to customers and stakeholders on plan ... Read more
- [Hurricane Helene Leaves Rural Mail Carrier Injured on Route](https://ruralinfo.net/hurricane-helene-leaves-rural-mail-carrier-injured-on-route/): ROANOKE CO, VA – One Roanoke County mail carrier’s life is forever changed following Hurricane Helene. Craig “Tony” Musil was on his route Friday when a tree fell on his mail truck. The tree pinned him inside the truck and resulted in a broken neck and severe spinal cord injury. He underwent emergency surgery in hopes of regaining function in his arms and legs. Since the surgery, Musil has regained limited strength in his arms and upper torso, but he continues to lack feeling in his lower body. While his employer will cover his hospitalization costs and provide some pay, it ... Read more
- [9/30/24 - Updates – Weather Impacting the US Postal Service – Hurricane Helene](https://ruralinfo.net/9-30-24-updates-weather-impacting-the-us-postal-service-hurricane-helene/): South Carolina 9-30-24 Retail operations at the following Post Office locations are suspended until further notice due to Hurricane Helene. Mail delivery will continue with limited impacts. ZIP Code areas 290 and 291 Ballentine, 1720 Dutch Fork Rd., Ste. A, 29002 Batesburg Leesville, 110 E. Church St., 29070 Bethune, 503 King St. E, 29009 Blackstock, 1083 Durham Rd., 29014 Blair, 96 Granite Rd., 29015 Carlisle, 4512 King Kennedy St., 29031 Cope, 204 Cotton Ave., 29038 Ehrhardt, 13443 Broxton Bridge Rd., 29081 Great Falls, 649 Dearborn St., 29055 Irmo, 7821 Saint Andrews Rd., 29063 Jenkinsville, 11298 State Highway 215 S, 29065 ... Read more
- [Postal Service Plan Writes off Rural America to Save a Buck](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-plan-writes-off-rural-america-to-save-a-buck/): The Post Office is a public service that should treat every American fairly. Slowing delivery will hurt rural areas that rely on mail carriers to deliver goods, information, medications, and more. Families across the country count on USPS, and for people like us who are from rural areas, the Postal Service is a lifeline. I grew up on a farm in rural Oklahoma. At home, the color of the mail Jeep mail may change across time, but the red dirt that covers them is the same, and the familiarity and reliability of the service. My co-author, Shawn, grew up in ... Read more
- [RCA dies on the route in Vermont](https://ruralinfo.net/rca-dies-on-the-route-in-vermont/): On September 29, 2024, at approximately 12:00 pm, the Colchester Police Department responded to the area of 921 Shore Acres Drive for the report of a single vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers located a USPS mail vehicle off the southbound shoulder at an uncontrolled rest in the wood line. Responding officers found the operator, later identified as Douglas Loso, 56, of Colchester, to be unresponsive and not breathing. Officers began CPR and Loso was transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased. Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was traveling south on Shore Acres ... Read more
- [9/29/24 Updates - Weather Impacting the US Postal Service - Hurricane Helene](https://ruralinfo.net/9-29-24-updates-weather-impacting-the-us-postal-service-hurricane-helene/): Tennessee 9-29-24 The facilities below have resumed operations:   Afton, 432 Afton Rd., 37616. Bulls Gap, 410 Highway 11 E., 37711. Bybee, 1580 Highway 160, 37713. Chuckey, 8140 E Andrew Johnson Hwy., 37641. Cosby, 4402 Hooper Hwy., 37222. Del Rio, 3105 Highway 25 70 E., 37727. Greeneville, 220 W Summer St., 37743. Hartford, 3603 Hartford Rd., 37753. Limestone, 359 Opie Arnold Rd., 37681. Mohawk, 2250 Phillipi Rd., 37810. Mosheim, 9280 W Andres Johnson Hwy., 37818. Newport, 265 Cosby Hwy., 37821. Parrottsville, 2053 Old Parrottsville Hwy., 37843. Roan Mountain, 8060 Highway 19 E., 37687. Telford, 1888 Old State Hwy 34, 37690. ... Read more
- [Severe Weather and Flooding Impacting the US Postal Service – Hurricane Helene](https://ruralinfo.net/severe-weather-and-flooding-impacting-the-us-postal-service-hurricane-helene/): Hurricane Helene, flooding, and severe weather events in the Southeastern U.S. (FL, GA, SC, NC, AL, TN, KY, and VA) may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages. Please allow additional time for final delivery of your item. This information was released by the USPS on 09/28/24 Georgia 9-28-24 All retail and delivery operations for facilities in the 304, 308 and 309 3-digit zip code areas are temporarily suspended until further notice due to Hurricane Helene impacts. Additionally, all operations at the following facilities are temporarily suspended due to Hurricane Helene impacts. No alternate sites are available: ... Read more
- [2024 - 2025 - New Guarantee Year provisions important to rural carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/2024-2025-new-guarantee-year-provisions-important-to-rural-carriers/): There are certain rural carrier provisions that happen around the new Guarantee year and the end of the year.   Pay close attention to anything highlighted, or you may end up being surprised. Guarantee Year The new Guarantee year starts on October 5th, 2024 Carriers are paid overtime for all hours actually worked in excess of 2,080, up to 2,240, within the 52-consecutive-week guar­antee period. If a carrier works more than 2,240 hours within the guar­antee period, the agreement under FLSA section 7(b)(2) is considered void, and the carrier must be compensated for all hours worked during the guarantee period in ... Read more
- [NRLCA - NEW: Rural Carrier Benefit Plan Premiums for 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-new-rural-carrier-benefit-plan-premiums-for-2025/): Below please find the Rural Carrier Benefit Plan (RCBP) Premiums for 2025 with a comparison to comparable plans. Click here to download this chart as a PDF.
- [Rural Carrier Personal Vehicle with a steering stick](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-personal-vehicle-with-a-steering-stick/): @vr6lorii #savage ♬ original sound – Vr6Lorii
- [Hatch Act Information and Resources](https://ruralinfo.net/hatch-act-information-and-resources/): As the presidential election approaches, it is important to be familiar with the provisions of the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act prohibits Postal Service and other federal employees from engaging in political activity at the following times: ·      While on duty. ·      While wearing a uniform, badge, insignia, or similar item that identifies the employee’s agency or position. ·      While on government-owned or -leased property. ·      While using a government-owned or -leased vehicle. ·      While using a privately-owned vehicle in the discharge of official duties. “Political activity” is defined as activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, a candidate for a ... Read more
- [NEW VIDEO: President's Update, September 2024](https://ruralinfo.net/new-video-presidents-update-september-2024/)
- [Grassley Outs USPS for Obstructing Congressional Oversight Concerning Registered Sex Offenders working at the USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/grassley-outs-usps-for-obstructing-congressional-oversight-concerning-registered-sex-offenders-working-at-the-usps/): Based on whistleblower disclosures to my office, I’ve been alerted that the Post Office hired a registered sex offender as a letter carrier. The employment was confirmed in writing by that same Postal Service. Based on whistleblower allegations, this employee disclosed his status as a registered sex offender on his job application. If accurate, did the Postal Service then even read his application before he was hired? After the Postal Service figured out what they had done, my office has been told via whistleblower disclosures that they put the employee on paid leave. So, I began digging deeper to figure ... Read more
- [Upcoming ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ Webinar](https://ruralinfo.net/upcoming-breast-cancer-awareness-webinar/): Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar on breast cancer that explains the importance of early detection and offers a look into treatment alternatives. The session, “Breast Cancer Awareness,” will be held Tuesday, Oct. 1, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern. Representatives from Kaiser Permanente, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the discussion. Participants must register before the event on the webinar website. Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks. Employees with questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
- [USPS pilots a program for lactating employees](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-pilots-a-program-for-lactating-employees/): During the pilot, special pods will provide privacy for employees who need to express milk. The Postal Service has begun a pilot program to further enhance the organization’s compliance with the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act. Also known as the PUMP Act, the 2022 law requires employers to provide a private place, other than a restroom, for many lactating individuals to pump breast milk. The space must be functional and free from intrusion. These Postal Service facilities have received special pods that provide privacy for employees who need to express milk: the Post Offices in Allentown, PA, ... Read more
- [Postal Service Honors Athens Rural Carrier Douglas Brodziski for Over 29 Years of Dedicated Service](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-honors-athens-rural-carrier-douglas-brodziski-for-over-29-years-of-dedicated-service/): ATHENS, WI – As part of the United States Postal Service’s “For the Long Haul” initiative, we are thrilled to celebrate Douglas Brodziski, a dedicated rural carrier who has faithfully served the Athens, WI, community for over 29 years at the same Post Office and on the same mail delivery route. Douglas’s commitment and exceptional service have made him a beloved figure in the community. “For the Long Haul” is an initiative designed to honor the remarkable dedication of long-serving USPS employees like Douglas, who have become integral parts of their communities through their unwavering commitment and service excellence. Douglas Brodziski began ... Read more
- [Rural Timekeeping: Transition to 3-Digit Hours Codes](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-timekeeping-transition-to-3-digit-hours-codes/): In PP19/2024, all single-digit rural DACA (Days Assigned Carrier Absent) codes will be transitioned to the three-digit city hours code equivalent. Beginning with PP 19/2024 timekeeping (covering 8/24/2024 through 9/6/2024), all DACA days reported on rural timecards must be entered using three-digit hours codes as seen in Figure 1 below. Existing business rules for single-digit DACA codes will also apply to the three-digit hours code equivalent. However, DACA code K and J have been combined into a single “Scheduled Relief Day” code 100. When submitting rural hours adjustments through AdjustPay or EIWS Online Forms, complete adjustments relevant to pay period 18/2024 or ... Read more
- [October 1: Nationwide Rallies to Save the Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/october-1-nationwide-rallies-to-save-the-postal-service/): The Postal Workers (APWU) will hold a national day of action on October 1, with rallies all across the country for better staffing and better service, a better contract that ends the two-tier wage system, and the right to speak to the board that governs the postal service. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s plan to “modernize” the Postal Service consists of condensing it. In the name of saving money, he is pushing to consolidate mail processing plants into fewer, bigger, more automated ones—which means cutting hundreds of jobs each time and slowing down the mail, especially for rural customers. The state ... Read more
- [WEP/GPO Repeal FAQ Update, New Way to Apply](https://ruralinfo.net/wep-gpo-repeal-faq-update-new-way-to-apply/): The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a new way to apply for retirement, spouse’s, or surviving spouse’s benefits if you did not previously apply because of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or the Government Pension Offset (GPO). According to their website, the SSA “will take an application by telephone for people who did not previously apply for retirement benefits because of WEP or spouse’s or surviving spouse’s benefits because of GPO. If you meet these conditions, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. “When the system asks, ‘How can I help you today?’ say ‘Fairness Act.’ ... Read more
- [The Postal Service, older than the nation, was about more than mail](https://ruralinfo.net/the-postal-service-older-than-the-nation-was-about-more-than-mail/): The latest government agency that President Donald Trump wants to disrupt is older than America itself. In its 250 years, the U.S. Postal Service has delivered Revolutionary War battle plans, America’s first newspapers, countless absentee ballots, bank services to the underserved and care packages to soldiers on war fronts. For one ill-conceived year, it even delivered children. Created amid danger and subterfuge, it was a necessary part of our nation’s fight for independence. It wasn’t always profitable. And for generations, our leaders were okay with that.
- [The rural carrier noticed the man’s mail piling up and stopped to check on him](https://ruralinfo.net/the-rural-carrier-noticed-the-mans-mail-piling-up-and-stopped-to-check-on-him/): Rural Carrier Lisa Chaffee was delivering mail recently to a senior living community in North Huntingdon, PA, when she noticed mail stacking up at one of the apartments. The man’s front door was ajar, so Chaffee called out to him and entered the home, where she found him lying on the floor of his living room. The Postal Service employee called 911 and stayed with the 94-year-old customer until paramedics arrived. She then called his family members to tell them he had been taken to a hospital. The man died several days later.  His relatives credit Chaffee with making it ... Read more
- [Statement from NRLCA President Don Maston on Reported Attempts to Dismantle and Privatize the Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/statement-from-nrlca-president-don-maston-on-reported-attempts-to-dismantle-and-privatize-the-postal-service/): We are deeply concerned by recent media reports that the Trump Administration plans to disband the U.S. Postal Service’s governing board and seize control of this vital public institution through executive order—a move that paves the way for privatization and the stripping away of the Universal Service Obligation. This strategy threatens the very lifeline that millions of Americans, especially those in rural and hard-to-reach areas, depend on every day to receive critical deliveries including prescription drugs, checks, online purchases, and election ballots.  
- [Postal unions respond to Trump’s reported plan to take over the USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-unions-respond-to-trumps-reported-plan-to-take-over-the-usps/): President Donald Trump is preparing to dissolve the leadership of the U.S. Postal Service and absorb the independent mail agency into his administration, potentially throwing the 250-year-old mail provider and trillions of dollars of e-commerce transactions into turmoil.    
- [Trump expected to take control of USPS, fire postal board, officials say](https://ruralinfo.net/trump-expected-to-take-control-of-usps-fire-postal-board-officials-say/): President Donald Trump is preparing to dissolve the leadership of the U.S. Postal Service and absorb the independent mail agency into his administration, potentially throwing the 250-year-old mail provider and trillions of dollars of e-commerce transactions into turmoil. Trump is expected to issue an executive order as soon as this week to fire the members of the Postal Service’s governing board and place the agency under the control of the Commerce Department and Secretary Howard Lutnick, according to six people familiar with the plans, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisals. The board is planning ... Read more
- [Neither Snow Nor Rain Nor Heat Nor Gloom Stopped the United States Post Office Department From Launching on This Day in 1792](https://ruralinfo.net/neither-snow-nor-rain-nor-heat-nor-gloom-stopped-the-united-states-post-office-department-from-launching-on-this-day-in-1792/): Long before Amazon Prime two-day delivery, the United States Post Office guaranteed mail delivery through all weather conditions. The modern organization got its start on February 20, 1792, when President George Washington signed the Post Office Act into law. into law. The history of what is now the USPS dates to 1775, as the American Revolution loomed. In that year, the Second Continental Congress awarded Benjamin Franklin a $1,000 salary to serve as its first postmaster. Franklin had spent the last two decades overseeing the colonial mail service, introducing a courier system that essentially connected the 13 colonies. In 1775 the Second Continental Congress gave Franklin ... Read more
- [NEW VIDEO: From the President's Desk, February 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/new-video-from-the-presidents-desk-february-2025/)
- [NALC(City carriers) and Postal Service reach impasse; proceeding to interest arbitration](https://ruralinfo.net/nalccity-carriers-and-postal-service-reach-impasse-proceeding-to-interest-arbitration/): The NALC Executive Council met today to consider the progress made during the 15-day negotiation period that followed the reopening of contract negotiations with the Postal Service on Feb. 3, pursuant to Article 16 of the NALC Constitution. The Council voted unanimously to not agree to terms with the Postal Service that would have produced a modified tentative agreement to be sent to eligible members for a second ratification vote. NALC has notified USPS officials that we are now at impasse on the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement. The parties’ ongoing dispute over terms of a new agreement ... Read more
- [Statement from NRLCA President Don Maston on the Announced Resignation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy](https://ruralinfo.net/statement-from-nrlca-president-don-maston-on-the-announced-resignation-of-postmaster-general-louis-dejoy/): The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) is disappointed to learn that Louis DeJoy has announced his decision to resign as the 75th Postmaster General of the United States. While we did not always agree with Postmaster General DeJoy on every issue, no one can question his commitment to ensuring the Postal Service remains a vital institution capable of serving the American public for generations to come. During his tenure, Postmaster General DeJoy played a significant role in the passage of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, a landmark bipartisan achievement to help address congressionally-created financial burdens on the ... Read more
- [New USPS MyHR page promotes human resources events](https://ruralinfo.net/new-usps-myhr-page-promotes-human-resources-events/): Postal Service employees now have access to a list of human resources events and activities, located on the MyHR website. The new “What’s Happening” page showcases upcoming human resources events and activities, along with a detailed calendar. Employees can also register for human resources events and sessions through MyHR.
- [Rep. Judson Sapp pushes for ‘Pam Rock Act’ to address dangerous dogs](https://ruralinfo.net/rep-judson-sapp-pushes-for-pam-rock-act-to-address-dangerous-dogs/): TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Rep. Judson Sapp is advocating for a new bill, SB 572, which would grant law enforcement and animal control greater authority to intervene in cases involving dangerous dogs that pose a risk to public safety. The bill, named the Pam Rock Act, was inspired by the fatal mauling of a mail carrier in Putnam County. Sapp said the legislation aims to close legal gaps that prevent authorities from taking action before a tragedy occurs. “This was originally brought to me by Rep. Bobby Payne, whose seat I took over,” Sapp said during an interview on Florida’s Voice Radio with Drew ... Read more
- [DeJoy announces plans to step down as USPS postmaster general](https://ruralinfo.net/dejoy-announces-plans-to-step-down-as-usps-postmaster-general/): Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is planning to step down from his role, and is calling on the Postal Service Board of Governors to start looking for his successor. DeJoy, in a letter dated Monday, told the USPS Board of Governors to begin searching for a new postmaster general. DeJoy took office in June 2020. “While there remains much critical work to be done to ensure that the Postal Service can be financially viable as we continue to serve the nation in our essential public service mission, I have decided it is time to start the process of identifying my successor and ... Read more
- [USPS Parcel Tracking and Reporting Domestic Scan Events and Descriptions](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-parcel-tracking-and-reporting-domestic-scan-events-and-descriptions/)
- [USPS to hold virtual fair for maintenance jobs](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-to-hold-virtual-fair-for-maintenance-jobs/): The Postal Service will hold its first virtual job fair for current employees to learn about maintenance positions on Sunday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern. The event will showcase a variety of positions, including building equipment mechanics, custodians, electronic technicians and maintenance mechanics, including maintenance mechanics for mail processing equipment. No special education or certification is required to qualify for these jobs. The fair is part of the organization’s efforts to fill maintenance jobs with qualified applicants to help keep the USPS network running at peak performance, a goal of the Delivering for America plan. Topics ... Read more
- [Hawley Presses Postmaster General to Withdraw Detrimental Rural Delivery Proposal](https://ruralinfo.net/hawley-presses-postmaster-general-to-withdraw-detrimental-rural-delivery-proposal/): Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy regarding a recent advisory opinion issued by the Postal Regulatory Commission that the Postal Service’s proposed Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) would further delay mail delivery for Americans in rural areas. “I urge you to halt implementation of this plan for the sake of rural Americans who depend on the mail and in accordance with the Post Office’s mission to serve all Americans,” wrote Senator Hawley. “. . . [T]hese proposed changes will leave America’s rural communities—including many in my home state of Missouri—with further degraded mail service at ... Read more
- [Binger community mourns beloved mail carrier killed in car crash](https://ruralinfo.net/binger-community-mourns-beloved-mail-carrier-killed-in-car-crash/): A community mourns the loss of a beloved mail carrier, tragically killed in a car crash Friday night. Mustang Police say the crash happened near Southwest 89th Street and State Highway 4 when a man slammed into the back of an SUV. Teresa Matthews had worked at the post office in Binger for around 10 years, where people remember her delivering mail in her orange Jeep. Those who knew her best remember her always being happy and the life of the party. “She genuinely loved being alive,” said Hannah Stock, Matthews’ friend and former coworker. Stock says that’s what makes the loss of ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Protect Our Letter Carriers Act Re-Introduced in House and Senate](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-protect-our-letter-carriers-act-re-introduced-in-house-and-senat/): On February 6, 2025, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH) re-introduced the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act, H.R. 1065. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the Senate version of the bill, S. 463. This bipartisan legislation is identical to the legislation introduced in the last Congress. It will provide the necessary resources to protect letter carriers and prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law. The legislation will appropriate $1.4 billion over five years to replace arrow keys with safer electronic versions and install high security collection boxes. The legislation also requires U.S. attorneys to appoint ... Read more
- [PMG’s Remarks During the Feb. 6, 2025, Postal Service Board of Governors Meeting](https://ruralinfo.net/pmgs-remarks-during-the-feb-6-2025-postal-service-board-of-governors-meeting/): WASHINGTON — The below remarks are as prepared for delivery by Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy during the open session meeting of the Postal Service Board of Governors on Feb. 6, 2025. Thank you, Madame Chair, and thank you to those in attendance and listening today. Overall, I expect this to be another calendar year of dramatic change for the United States Postal Service as we continue to refine and execute our Delivering for America Plan. I remind everyone that the Delivering for America Plan is the only comprehensive plan in existence that attempts to transform the Postal Service and ... Read more
- [USPS ‘soon will be great,’ DeJoy says, after posting rare net profit for quarter](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-soon-will-be-great-dejoy-says-after-posting-rare-net-profit-for-quarter/): The Postal Service ended the first quarter of fiscal 2025 with a net profit — a rare moment in the black that Postmaster General Louis DeJoy says is evidence the agency is on the “right path” to overcome long-term financial challenges. USPS reported $144 million in net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, a dramatic reversal from the $2.1 billion net loss for the same quarter last year. The agency’s first quarter is usually its best all year. USPS, however, still anticipates ending FY 2025 with a $6.9 billion net loss. The last time USPS saw a net profit was ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Results](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-reports-first-quarter-fiscal-year-2025-results/): The Postal Service has announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2024). Here are some highlights: • Revenue. Total operating revenue was $22.5 billion, an increase of 4.1 percent compared with the same quarter during the previous fiscal year. First-Class Mail revenue increased 4.2 percent, while Marketing Mail revenue increased 10.9 percent. Shipping and packages revenue increased 3 percent. • Volume. Total volume was 31 billion pieces, up 1.8 percent compared with the same quarter one year ago. First-Class Mail volume declined 3.9 percent, while Marketing Mail volume increased 7 percent. The Marketing Mail increases were ... Read more
- [Postal employees can’t upload W-2 information to TurboTax, H&R Block](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-employees-cant-upload-w-2-information-to-turbotax-hr-block/): Automatic upload of W-2 form information to TurboTax and H&R Block for tax year 2024 is unavailable to Postal Service employees. Employees can use PostalEASE to view, print or request duplicate W-2 forms. To access PostalEASE, employees must log into LiteBlue.  
- [Tell your Lawmakers to Oppose Cuts to Federal Benefits!](https://ruralinfo.net/tell-your-lawmakers-to-oppose-cuts-to-federal-benefits/): President Trump and Republican majorities in the House and Senate are planning to advance “budget reconciliation” legislation focused on their tax and spending policy priorities, which, on their own, could increase federal deficits. They have circulated lists of alternative spending cuts to offset the costs of funding those priorities, including several options targeting federal retirement and health benefits. These proposed changes either reduce the value of the hard-earned federal retirement benefits, effectively decrease the pay or overall compensation of current federal employees, undercut the merit-based system that ensures a nonpartisan civil service, or combine the aforementioned. Contact your representative today to urge them to oppose such cuts.
- [National Wear Red Day is Feb. 7](https://ruralinfo.net/national-wear-red-day-is-feb-7/): Postal Service employees can show their support for heart health awareness by sporting scarlet on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 7. The event takes place each year on the first Friday of February, which is American Heart Month. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, even though it is largely preventable, according to the National Institutes of Health. Nearly half of all Americans have at least one of the three top risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. USPS employees who wish to take part ... Read more
- [Abilene Christian University offers discounts for USPS employees](https://ruralinfo.net/abilene-christian-university-offers-discounts-for-usps-employees/): Abilene Christian University is offering Postal Service employees a 10 percent discount on tuition. The discount is available for all online programs. The university’s Dallas campus, which offers the online programs, was recently added to the list of higher education institutions that offer tuition discounts to USPS employees. The university’s website has more information.
- [PRC finds Delivering for America has significant problems, urges USPS to reconsider its plan](https://ruralinfo.net/prc-finds-delivering-for-america-has-significant-problems-urges-usps-to-reconsider-its-plan/): Yesterday the Postal Regulatory Commission issued its Advisory Opinion on the Postal Service’s Delivering for America plan. The Commission found that the DFA has significant problems, especially in rural areas, and it urges the Postal Service to reconsider the DFA.
- [This rural carrier aided a customer trapped under his lawn mower](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-aided-a-customer-trapped-under-his-lawn-mower/): Rural Carrier Connie Durbin was recently delivering mail to a residence in Stanford, KY, when she heard a cry for help. The Postal Service employee walked around the home and found a customer lying in a steep ditch under his riding lawn mower, which had rolled over during a turn. The man had been trapped for more than an hour and was beginning to lose energy — and hope. The customer said he began to pray right before Durbin drove up. He then yelled as loud as he could to get Durbin’s attention. The rural carrier called 911 and stayed ... Read more
- [Relief Carrier Appreciation Week is February 1-7, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/relief-carrier-appreciation-week-is-february-1-7-2025/): The delegates at the 2018 National Convention passed a binding resolution stating, “That a week during the year be designated as Relief Carrier Appreciation Week.” The NRLCA National Board has designated the first full week in February (February 1-7, 2025) as “Relief Carrier Appreciation Week.”  We ask that you join us in showing our hard-working leave replacements that they are an imperative and essential part of the rural carrier craft. Their dedication and commitment during this challenging year has not gone unnoticed. In truth, we need to appreciate the leave replacements in our offices every week throughout the year. Relief ... Read more
- [Social Security Fairness Act: Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) update](https://ruralinfo.net/social-security-fairness-act-windfall-elimination-provision-wep-and-government-pension-offset-gpo-update/): The Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025. The Act ends the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions reduced or eliminated the Social Security benefits of over 3.2 million people who receive a pension based on work that was not covered by Social Security (a “non-covered pension”) because they did not pay Social Security taxes. This law increases Social Security benefits for certain types of workers, including some: teachers, firefighters, and police officers in many states; federal employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System; and people whose work had been covered by ... Read more
- [The Chilling Story Of The Post Office Shootings That Inspired The Phrase ‘Going Postal’](https://ruralinfo.net/the-chilling-story-of-the-post-office-shootings-that-inspired-the-phrase-going-postal/): The phrase “going postal,” which means to become uncontrollably angry, appeared as a slang term in American English in the 1990s. It emerged after a spate of shootings at post offices carried out by employees who were angry about their working conditions. The first recorded use of the term came in 1993, when a Florida newspaper printed an article about the post office murders. By that time, at least 11 such tragedies had occurred — but there were more to come. These shootings became so commonplace that the United States Postal Service even created a new position, the Workplace Environment ... Read more
- [Amazon’s expansion in Knoxville threatens jobs and livelihoods of rural carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/amazons-expansion-in-knoxville-threatens-jobs-and-livelihoods-of-rural-carriers/): Amazon’s expansion of its delivery network into rural areas is replacing the United States Postal Service (USPS) as its last mile delivery service and threatening the livelihoods of rural carriers. The e-commerce giant has extended its reach into smaller markets and rural areas, a move that has significant economic implications for rural carriers and raises serious questions about the future of the USPS, particularly in light of President Trump’s renewed efforts to privatize the agency in his second term. Amazon has significantly expanded its delivery network, particularly through the proliferation of its delivery stations, which operate like local post offices ... Read more
- [House introduces USPS anti-privatization resolution](https://ruralinfo.net/house-introduces-usps-anti-privatization-resolution/): On January 28, 2025, Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), along with Rep. Connolly (D-VA), Rep. LaLota (R-NY) and Rep. Garbarino (R-NY), introduced H. Res. 70, a House Resolution expressing the sense of the House that the Postal Service should remain an independent establishment of the Federal Government and not be subject to privatization. You can find more information on our Legislative homepage.
- [Social Security Fairness Act Benefit Increases Could Take a Year](https://ruralinfo.net/social-security-fairness-act-benefit-increases-could-take-a-year/): The Social Security Administration said Friday that under its current budget, it could take more than a year to adjust benefits and pay all retroactive benefits under the Social Security Fairness Act, and explained how many recipients would actually be covered under the new law. “SSA’s ability to implement the law in a timely manner and without negatively affecting day-to-day customer service relies on funding,” the agency said in question-and-answer guidance on its website page dedicated to updates on the new law.
- [Getting mail to your door is just one part of what the postmaster general does](https://ruralinfo.net/getting-mail-to-your-door-is-just-one-part-of-what-the-postmaster-general-does/): Sprawling duties of the postmaster The postmaster general overseas a vast operation. Over 44% of the world’s mail is processed and delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, making it the largest delivery service in the world. In 2023 alone, the Postal Service handled 116.2 billion pieces of mail. And while processing and delivering mail is the key component of the Postal Service’s mission, it has other responsibilities as well. In many ways, in fact, it’s the nondelivery parts of the organization that have the biggest impact on the U.S. economy. In 2023, USPS owned or leased 22,873 properties around the country. To place this ... Read more
- [Congressional Republicans mull plans to gash feds’ pay, benefits and job security](https://ruralinfo.net/congressional-republicans-mull-plans-to-gash-feds-pay-benefits-and-job-security/): GOP lawmakers are once again considering a litany of proposals that would require federal workers to pay more in exchange for less retirement and health care benefits. A 50-page document, compiled by GOP members of the House Budget Committee and first reported by Politico, outlines a list of provisions that could be included in the package, which would not be subject to the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold, includes a litany of proposals increasing federal workers’ contribution to their retirement and health care benefits, in exchange for worse payouts. First is a proposal to standardize the amount Federal Employees Retirement System enrollees pay ... Read more
- [Four Post Offices are closed as the wildfires continue to burn in California](https://ruralinfo.net/four-post-offices-are-closed-as-the-wildfires-continue-to-burn-in-california/): The ongoing wildfires in Southern California are affecting Postal Service operations there. Three districts have been affected by the fires. Six Post Offices were closed at first; by Jan. 27, that was down to four. Ismael Reynoso toured the damage in Pacific Palisades with a group of postmasters and managers on Jan. 10. The acting editor of the WestPac Bulletin was surprised to see how fickle the fire was — an untouched building might stand next to one that burned to the ground. Reynoso said he was happy to see that, except for a layer of ash and soot, the ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Letter of Understanding Signed on PARS Label Time](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-letter-of-understanding-signed-on-pars-label-time/): The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association and the United States Postal Service entered into a Letter of Understanding that will credit PARS Label time for each route utilizing the previous 52 weeks of data.    
- [G Fund and the debt limit](https://ruralinfo.net/g-fund-and-the-debt-limit/): As of January 23, 2025, the U.S. Treasury was unable to fully invest the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund due to the statutory ceiling on the federal debt. However, G Fund investors remain fully protected and G Fund earnings are fully guaranteed by the federal government. This statutory guarantee has effectively protected G Fund investors many times over the past 30 years. G Fund account balances will continue to accrue earnings and will be updated each business day, and loans and withdrawals will be unaffected. Learn more about the debt limit on the U.S. Department of the Treasury website.
- [OMB and OPM confirm USPS exempt from hiring freeze](https://ruralinfo.net/omb-and-opm-confirm-usps-exempt-from-hiring-freeze/): On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum (PM) instituting a hiring freeze on federal civilian employment. The Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management issued a memorandum to provide guidance regarding the PM. The guidance includes the following: “4. Other exemptions. For the following exemptions, hiring of veterans may be prioritized. In addition, the following exemptions to the Federal civilian hiring freeze are permitted: … d.  Hiring by the U.S. Postal Service.” The Postal Service is exempt from the hiring freeze. Veterans’ preference is not altered and will continue in accordance with applicable laws and postal regulations.
- [USPS employees show piles of packages, ‘total chaos’ inside Louisville facility](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-employees-show-piles-of-packages-total-chaos-inside-louisville-facility/): Inside the United States Postal Services’ regional facility on Gardiner Lane in Louisville, packages and mail — many long past due to their destination — fill bins as workers try to clear a backlog created by staffing shortages and icy routes.
- [Bill Reintroduced to Improve COLAs for FERS Retirees](https://ruralinfo.net/bill-reintroduced-to-improve-colas-for-fers-retirees/): On January 16, Representative Gerry Connolly, D-VA-11, reintroduced the Equal COLA Act, H.R. 491, to provide Federal Employees Retiree System (FERS) employees full cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to their federal annuities. Currently, FERS retirees do not receive a full COLA when consumer prices increase by more than 2 percent. If consumer prices increase between 2 and 3 percent, FERS retirees receive a 2% COLA, and if consumer prices rise above 3%, then FERS retirees receive COLAs of 1 percentage point less than that increase. Reversing this policy would create a more just retirement system and protect the earned value of FERS ... Read more
- [Trump team considers trying to replace postmaster general](https://ruralinfo.net/trump-team-considers-trying-to-replace-postmaster-general/): President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is vetting candidates to replace Postmaster General Louis DeJoy even though Trump won’t have direct authority to fire him, according to four people familiar with the conversations, an early signal of the incoming administration’s plans to exert control over — or privatize — the nation’s mail service. The postmaster general serves at the pleasure of the Postal Service’s independent governing board, so unlike with most other federal agencies, the new president can’t order the post vacated. But that panel has enough vacancies that Trump and Senate Republicans eventually may be able to stock it with loyalists to ... Read more
- [This rural carrier noticed something out of the ordinary](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-noticed-something-out-of-the-ordinary/): Rural Carrier Angela Webb was delivering mail in Mustang, OK, recently when she saw an unusual sight: boxes stacked in front of an older customer’s house. After knocking on the door and not getting an answer, Webb asked a neighbor to check on the customer. The Postal Service employee later learned that the woman had been stuck in her chair because her walker had rolled away and she was too weak to retrieve it. The woman’s phone also was out of reach. “If Angie weren’t so attentive to her customer’s daily habits, the woman would have died,” said Teresa Heller, ... Read more
- [Opelousas rural mailwoman dies from injuries suffered in crash on January 5](https://ruralinfo.net/opelousas-rural-mailwoman-dies-from-injuries-suffered-in-crash-on-january-5/): OPELOUSAS, La. — Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two-vehicle serious injury crash on LA 3043 just east of Webb Lane in Opelousas on January 5 shortly before 10 a.m. This crash ultimately claimed the life of Nakeisha Pitre, 46, of Opelousas. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1998 Chevrolet United States Postal Service mail vehicle, driven by Pitre, was traveling east on LA 3043, with a 2023 Honda Passport following behind. The driver of the Honda entered the westbound lane of LA 3043 in an attempt to overtake the Chevrolet. As the Honda was passing, the Chevrolet ... Read more
- [Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 20](https://ruralinfo.net/martin-luther-king-jr-day-is-jan-20/): Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed Monday, Jan. 20. King helped organize the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his landmark “I Have a Dream” speech. He also helped pave the way for the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In 1964, at age 35, he became the youngest person at that point to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated four years later. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in honor of King’s birthday. The Postal ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Step 4 Grievance Filed on Overburdened Routes Not Being Adjusted in a Timely Manner](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-step-4-grievance-filed-on-overburdened-routes-not-being-adjusted-in-a-timely-manner/): On January 13, 2025, the NRLCA filed a Step 4 grievance regarding the Postal Service’s failure to timely adjust overburdened routes.   The text of the Step 4 appears below:   *** Pursuant to Article 15, Section 4(D) of the parties’ National Agreement, the NRLCA submits this National-level grievance.   In dispute is the Postal Service’s continued violation of Article 9.2.C.8.b which states:   “Permanent relief will be arranged as soon as practicable for overburdened routes. Auxiliary assistance may be provided as a temporary means of providing relief for those routes as defined in 8.a.(1). Assistance is provided, equivalent to ... Read more
- [USPS employees are barred from certain types of outside work](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-employees-are-barred-from-certain-types-of-outside-work/): The Postal Service wants employees to know they can have second jobs, but there are certain types of employment that are not permitted. Employees cannot engage in any outside work that conflicts with or affects their postal duties. Ethics regulations also prohibit employees from: • Working for an entity that delivers mailable matter that could otherwise be sent via U.S. Mail. This includes delivery companies such as Amazon, UPS, FedEx and DHL. Additionally, employees must seek approval from the USPS Ethics Office before working for an Amazon subsidiary that does not deliver mailable matter. • Receiving compensation from an outside ... Read more
- [Pending Route Adjustment File Released by USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/pending-route-adjustment-file-released-by-usps/): This Excel sheet details route adjustments for January 2025 thru February 2025  
- [USPS Update on Southern California Operations as of January 12, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-update-on-southern-california-operations-as-of-january-12-2025/): GREATER LOS ANGELES, CA — The wildfires burning in Southern California are a catastrophic disaster that has disrupted services and operations for many organizations – including the Postal Service’s ability to deliver mail and packages – across the Los Angeles region. The Postal Service’s primary focus is to maintain the safety and security of our employees and to ensure that Americans receive their mail and packages as swiftly as possible. The Postal Service operations team is working around the clock to restore operations wherever safely possible. USPS is committed to delivering mail wherever it’s feasible and safe, constantly adjusting our ... Read more
- [USPS to offer retirement incentive to certain APWU and NPMHU employees](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-to-offer-retirement-incentive-to-certain-apwu-and-npmhu-employees/): The Postal Service is offering an optional retirement opportunity that includes an incentive to certain employees represented by the American Postal Workers Union and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union. The incentive offer is available to the following career full-time, part-time flexible and part-time regular employees who are eligible for optional retirement or voluntary early retirement (VER) as of April 30: • Clerk craft • Mail handler craft • Motor vehicle services craft • Maintenance craft • Information technology and accounting service centers craft • National Postal Professional Nurses craft • Human Resources Shared Service Center (HRSSC), Greensboro, NC • ... Read more
- [UPS SurePost volume shifts away from US Postal Service, Teamsters say](https://ruralinfo.net/ups-surepost-volume-shifts-away-from-us-postal-service-teamsters-say/): UPS SurePost packages are now being delivered by UPS drivers only, rather than a large portion of those parcels going to the U.S. Postal Service, a Teamsters union spokesperson told Supply Chain Dive. “Millions of packages moved away from SurePost and the United States Postal Service and returned to UPS package cars this month, now being sorted and delivered by hardworking UPS Teamsters,” the union said in a Facebook post on Tuesday. UPS did not respond to multiple requests for comment about the Teamsters’ claims of SurePost changes. However, SurePost information on UPS’ website, including product features and how deliveries are made, no longer mentions the ... Read more
- [2024 Tax Information: Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement; Form 1099](https://ruralinfo.net/2024-tax-information-form-w-2-wage-and-tax-statement-form-1099/): If an employee has earnings from more than one state or locality, a separate Form W-2 will be issued for each. Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, for 2024 will be mailed to all employees except those employees who, through the PostalEASE “W-2” module, elected not to receive mailed copies of Forms W-2 in favor of official electronic Forms W-2. The PostalEASE “W-2” module makes online viewing and printing of Forms W-2 for any of the last 7 years available to all employees. The format of the 2024 Form W-2 is the same as the 2023 version. To protect sensitive information, the first 5 digits of ... Read more
- [USPS’ transportation consolidation efforts have hurt service](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-transportation-consolidation-efforts-have-hurt-service/): The Postal Service’s Local Transportation Optimization initiative particularly impacted on-time delivery for rural customers, per an agency watchdog report. The U.S. Postal Service’s initial efforts to consolidate some transportation operations have negatively impacted service to customers, the agency’s Office of Inspector General said in a Dec. 18 report. The Postal Service’s goal is to move more volume in fewer trips, reducing transportation costs in the process, at the expense of some mail taking longer to reach processing facilities, per the report. Through the Local Transportation Optimization initiative, it is reducing the frequency of mail pickup and dropoff routes for some post ... Read more
- [The Postal Service puts the ZIP Code to use with a rural surcharge](https://ruralinfo.net/the-postal-service-puts-the-zip-code-to-use-with-a-rural-surcharge/): The ZIP Code was introduced in 1963 to improve the speed and efficiency of mail processing by using machine-readable codes. Over the years, it has become ubiquitous in the marketplace and the culture in general, and it’s one of the Postal Service’s most valuable assets. When it comes to postal rates and service standards, all ZIP codes have been treated equally. It doesn’t matter if it’s densely populated or sparse, urban or rural. The ZIP Code helps bind the country together. But all that is changing. The Postal Service’s Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) plan, now under review by the Postal Regulatory ... Read more
- [UPDATE: National Day of Observance MOU – Thursday, January 9, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/update-national-day-of-observance-mou-thursday-january-9-2025/): After discussion with USPS HQ, the Memorandum of Agreement from May 2000 (link below) will be applied to the National Day of Observance tomorrow (January 9, 2025).  
- [Winter weather hits East Coast, Central Plains](https://ruralinfo.net/winter-weather-hits-east-coast-central-plains/): The mid-Atlantic and Central Plains regions have experienced heavy snow, freezing rain and icy conditions in recent days. The Postal Service will continue to deliver where it is safe to do so. Heavy snow, freezing rain, icy conditions, and severe weather events in the Central Plains through the Mid-Atlantic (New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Washington DC, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Connecticut) may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages. This includes delays with our ... Read more
- [USPS to participate in national day of observance](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-to-participate-in-national-day-of-observance/): A national day of observance has been declared Thursday, Jan. 9, to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29 at age 100. The Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery, retail services and office activity on Jan. 9. There will be limited package delivery service on that day to ensure the organization does not experience any negative impacts to its package delivery operations. USPS facilities — including headquarters in Washington, DC, and area and district administrative offices — are included in the national day of observance and will be closed, except as needed for limited package delivery service. ... Read more
- [USPS will hold virtual fairs for supervisory jobs](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-will-hold-virtual-fairs-for-supervisory-jobs/): The Postal Service will offer four virtual job fairs for supervisory positions this year, starting in February. Topics to be covered during the fairs include: • The supervisory role, including responsibilities, potential career paths and how to find and apply for positions. • How to effectively respond to knowledge, skills and abilities questions to demonstrate your qualifications. • How to take charge of your personal development, including taking advantage of USPS resources to reach your goals.  A live demonstration will be included. The fairs are open to both career and noncareer employees and will be held on Sunday, Feb. 2, ... Read more
- [IG, regulator bash USPS plans to slow some mail delivery](https://ruralinfo.net/ig-regulator-bash-usps-plans-to-slow-some-mail-delivery/): One of the U.S. Postal Service’s key reform initiatives is worsening service and raising costs, a recent inspector general report found, contrasting the agency’s claims about the impact of its changes. The IG said a pilot program to test USPS’ Regional Transportation Optimization plan, which requires mail to sit overnight at post offices instead of being collected each evening for transportation to a processing center, caused mail to be delivered more slowly without any associated cost savings. As Postmaster General Louis DeJoy now looks to roll out the initiative on a nationwide basis, postal regulators are expressing concerns of the ... Read more
- [What's Really Happening with UPS SurePost?](https://ruralinfo.net/whats-really-happening-with-ups-surepost/): On December 31, 2024, the UPS/USPS Negotiated Service Agreement (NSA) officially expired, marking the end of a long, mostly silent period of negotiations. Unfortunately, these talks failed to produce a resolution, leaving shippers with unexpected consequences. Starting on January 2, 2025, shippers noticed an immediate problem: SurePost labels for P.O. Boxes and APO/FPO addresses began to be rejected without prior warning. For many, this left them scrambling to find a solution, as USPS is the only carrier authorized to deliver to P.O. Boxes and APO/FPO destinations. With the expiration of the NSA, the only remaining delivery options for these specific ... Read more
- [No, the president can’t privatize the U.S. Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/no-the-president-cant-privatize-the-u-s-postal-service/): Federal law says the government has to deliver the mail. It would take an act of Congress to change that. Because federal law establishes the postal service as a core function of the government, privatizing USPS would require Congress to pass a new law. The U.S. Postal Service in its current form was established by the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970. That law clearly states that the mail has to be delivered by the federal government, not private companies: “The United States Postal Service shall be operated as a basic and fundamental service provided to the people by the Government of ... Read more
- [NRLCA - UPDATE: Social Security Fairness Act Signed Into Law](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-update-social-security-fairness-act-signed-into-law/): UPDATE: On Sunday, January 5, 2025, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law at a bill signing ceremony at the White House. This landmark bipartisan legislation repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Both GPO and WEP unfairly reduce, or in some cases eliminate, Social Security benefits earned by rural letter carriers, as well as other federal and postal employees who are impacted by these two provisions.  The legislation means that retired public service workers, including letter carriers, firefighters, police officers, and teachers, will now see an increase in their Social Security benefits. ... Read more
- [Beloved Rushville rural carrier loses husband following house fire](https://ruralinfo.net/beloved-rushville-rural-carrier-loses-husband-following-house-fire/): (RUSHVILLE, Mo.) A beloved United States Postal Service worker in Rushville is spending the beginning of the new year navigating a new normal after her family’s house caught fire Monday evening. 72-year-old Bobbie Smith was away from her home when the fire took her house and everything in it. The house, which has belonged to her family for generations, not only contained years worth of cherished memories, but her husband was also inside of the home at the time of the fire. First responders found Smith’s husband outside of the home with severe burns. He was transported to Mosaic where ... Read more
- [Biden signs Social Security Fairness Act into law](https://ruralinfo.net/biden-signs-social-security-fairness-act-into-law/): President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law Sunday afternoon, the final step needed for nearly 3 million public sector employees, retirees, spouses and surviving spouses to begin receiving larger monthly Social Security payments. The legislation repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset — two longstanding provisions of Social Security that reduce or eliminate benefits for certain government retirees, including Civil Service Retirement System annuitants, as well as teachers, firefighters, police officers and others who have worked in a public sector position. “The bill I’m signing today is about a simple proposition: Americans who have ... Read more
- [Some employee postcards have incorrect names](https://ruralinfo.net/some-employee-postcards-have-incorrect-names/): USPS employees are currently receiving postcards about how the organization is modernizing its fleet as part of the Delivering for America plan. Because of a printer error, the names and addresses on some postcards are mismatched. Employees do not need to take any corrective action.  
- [TSP January processing schedule](https://ruralinfo.net/tsp-january-processing-schedule/): IRS Form 1099-R — In mid-January, the TSP will mail IRS Form 1099-R, Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc., to participants who received a withdrawal and/or a taxed or foreclosed loan between January 1 and December 31, 2024. (Due to required processing time, withdrawals requested after noon eastern time on December 27, 2024, will be considered taxable income for 2025.) A copy of your 2024 Form 1099-R will also be available in your My Account secure participant mailbox by mid-February. If needed, corrected forms will be issued within three weeks of verifying the correction. If you’re ... Read more
- [NYC woman in custody for stabbing US Postal Service worker to death in dispute at deli sandwich line](https://ruralinfo.net/nyc-woman-in-custody-for-stabbing-us-postal-service-worker-to-death-in-dispute-at-deli-sandwich-line/): A woman is in custody for the fatal stabbing of a postal worker following a dispute over sandwiches at a Manhattan deli on Thursday, law enforcement sources told the Daily News. The 36-year-old mailman was on duty for the U.S. Postal Service when he stopped at Joe’s Grocery on Lenox Road near W. 118th St. to order a sandwich around 2:30 p.m., cops said. When the postal worker placed his order, a woman there became enraged, claiming he had cut her in line and the two began shouting at each other, a witness told The News. “It was over a sandwich,” said Janet Rich, who was ... Read more
- [On-duty postal worker fatally stabbed in Harlem in broad-daylight attack](https://ruralinfo.net/on-duty-postal-worker-fatally-stabbed-in-harlem-in-broad-daylight-attack/): An on-duty postal worker was stabbed to death in a broad-daylight attack Thursday in Harlem, police and sources said. The 36-year-old victim was stabbed multiple times at the intersection of Malcolm X Boulevard and 118th Street around 2:40 p.m., authorities said. The gravely wounded man — who law enforcement sources confirmed was an on-duty USPS worker — was rushed to Harlem Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, cops said. A person of interest was taken into custody, but no charges were immediately filed, sources said.
- [USPS annual calendar shows the 2025 payroll schedule](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-annual-calendar-shows-the-2025-payroll-schedule/): Postal Service employees will have 26 paydays this year. The calendar that accompanies this article shows the paycheck dates. Every month will have two paydays, except for January and August, which will have three each. The 2025 federal holidays that USPS observes are also shown: New Year’s Day (Wednesday, Jan. 1), Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. (Monday, Jan. 20), Washington’s Birthday (Monday, Feb. 17), Memorial Day (Monday, May 26), Juneteenth National Independence Day (Thursday, June 19), Independence Day (Friday, July 4), Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 1), Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 13), Veterans Day (Tuesday, Nov. 11), Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, ... Read more
- [President Biden is scheduled to sign H.R. 82 into law on Monday, January 6, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/president-biden-is-scheduled-to-sign-h-r-82-into-law-on-monday-january-6-2025/): This landmark legislation represents a significant victory for public safety officers and government employees, as it repeals the unfair Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) in the Social Security Code. Stay tuned as we celebrate this historic moment! 
- [All Postal Service facilities are included in the National Day of Observance on Thursday, January 9, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/all-postal-service-facilities-are-included-in-the-national-day-of-observance-on-thursday-january-9-2025/): A National Day of Observance has been declared to honor the death of former President, Jimmy Carter. The Postal Service will suspend regular mail deliveries, retail services and administrative office activity on Thursday, January 9, 2025.The Postal Service will continue to accept and process volume dropped by commercial mailers at mail processing facilities. There will be limited package delivery service on January 9 to ensure the organization does not experience any impacts to its package delivery operations that may negatively affect customers or business partners. All Postal Service facilities—including Headquarters in Washington, DC, and area and district administrative offices—are included ... Read more
- [Postal Service facilities should fly the U.S. flag at half-staff to honor former President Jimmy Carter](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-facilities-should-fly-the-u-s-flag-at-half-staff-to-honor-former-president-jimmy-carter/): President Joe Biden on Sunday issued a proclamation on Carter’s death, ordering American flags to be flown at half-mast for 30 days. He also marked Jan. 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning. All Postal Service facilities should fly the U.S. flag at half-staff to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29. Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset Wednesday, Jan. 29. To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s ... Read more
- [2024 Rural Carrier Year in Review](https://ruralinfo.net/2024-rural-carrier-year-in-review/): Our annual year in review post is up and live and ready for you to read.  Hope you enjoy looking back on 2024.  Click below to read the review
- [2025 Pay Dates and Leave Year](https://ruralinfo.net/2025-pay-dates-and-leave-year/): The following chart lists the 2025 pay periods. For the convenience of timekeepers, each biweekly pay period appears as two separate weeks, with the beginning and ending dates indicated for each week. The leave year always begins the first day of the first full pay period in the calendar year. The 2025 leave year begins January 11, 2025 (Pay Period 03-2025), extends for 26 full pay periods, and ends January 9, 2026 (Pay Period 02-2026). 2025 Pay Period Inclusive Dates Pay Period Week One Week Two Pay Date Holidays 01 12-14 to 12-20 12-21 to 12-27 01-03 12-25 02 12-28 ... Read more
- [A ride-along on a rural USPS route](https://ruralinfo.net/a-ride-along-on-a-rural-usps-route/): “It’s the first time in my life I can say I love what I do,” says Daniel Campos, a mail carrier in Hollister, CA. When Campos first transitioned from a retail job to his part-time USPS position, he said, he felt like he didn’t know what he was getting himself into. He worked his way up the ladder, picking up shifts whenever he could, and saying yes to everything. Now Campos is a full-time employee and has been working the same route in Ridgemark for the past four years. He said his favorite part of the job has been the ... Read more
- [An Evening With A Rural Mail Carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/an-evening-with-a-rural-mail-carrier/): I saw him up ahead in the fading light of an early December evening – an older gentleman was waiting at his mailbox. Informed by no more than my one year’s experience as a mail carrier, I suspected that he was most likely impatiently waiting for his tardy newspaper. So I braced myself, prepared to apologize for my (and his paper’s) late arrival. But (to my surprise) he wasn’t waiting for me in order to complain about his late newspaper. Not at all. He merely wanted to ask if I might put his mail on hold over the coming weekend. ... Read more
- [Rural America deserves better from USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-america-deserves-better-from-usps/): The so-called “Regional Transportation Optimization” plan will cut the number of times USPS visits rural post offices to pick up outgoing mail. This will inevitably cause even more delays for folks in rural America. I’ve written the Postmaster General to let him know this is a terrible idea. In fact, it’s downright shameful. These changes would effectively create a two-tiered mail system. Rural Americans don’t deserve to be treated as second-class citizens, but that’s exactly what the bureaucrats at USPS are bound and determined to do. At the same time, they’ve been raising postage rates repeatedly—essentially, pay more, get less. ... Read more
- [UPDATE: H.R. 82, The Social Security Fairness Act, Passes Senate](https://ruralinfo.net/update-h-r-82-the-social-security-fairness-act-passes-senate/): UPDATE: On Saturday, December 21, the Senate passed the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), legislation that would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), by a vote of 76-20.  Thank you to our members who contacted their senators in support of this legislation! The bill now heads to President Biden for signature.
- [TSP will continue its normal daily operations in the event of a lapse in appropriations (government shutdown)](https://ruralinfo.net/tsp-will-continue-its-normal-daily-operations-in-the-event-of-a-lapse-in-appropriations-government-shutdown/): TSP will continue its normal daily operations in the event of a lapse in appropriations. As a reminder, agencies should not submit Form TSP-41, Notification to TSP of Nonpay Status, if a participant has been furloughed (or their paychecks delayed) due to a lapse in appropriations. Participants should be referred to the tsp.gov/shutdown page for additional information in these instances. See TSP Bulletin 20-2 for information about when to use Form TSP-41.
- [Would the US Postal Service stop during a shutdown?](https://ruralinfo.net/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 stopped and federal workers would be furloughed or work without pay. However, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is funded through the sale of its products and services, not by tax dollars, meaning it will stay operational if Congress fails to avert a shutdown. “U.S. Postal Service operations ... Read more
- [USPS OIG – Network Changes: Local Transportation Optimization](https://ruralinfo.net/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 from select post offices and increase the amount of mail transported on each trip. With LTO, mail collected at offices will remain there until the next day, delaying its entry into sorting operations. What We Did Our objective was to determine the impacts to service ... Read more
- [The Constitution and the Postal System](https://ruralinfo.net/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 to control land for the “post roads” to carry the mail, and the buildings needed to maintain a mail delivery system. The Postal Clause had its roots in the Articles of Confederation, which preceded the Constitution. That stated that the government “shall also have the ... Read more
- [Hometown Hero: Rural Carrier Christy French](https://ruralinfo.net/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 keep that spirit alive through her many community efforts. “My grandparents lived in Lewisburg, and now my whole family is here,” French said. “It’s like family everywhere.” As a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, French connects with residents beyond delivering letters ... Read more
- [Bill to repeal windfall elimination provision clears a key Senate hurdle](https://ruralinfo.net/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 and other public servants, clearing the way for a final vote to pass the bill later this week. The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) would repeal Social Security’s windfall elimination provision and government pension offset. The windfall elimination provision reduces the Social Security benefits ... Read more
- [NEW VIDEO: From the NRLCA President's Desk, December Holiday Message](https://ruralinfo.net/new-video-from-the-nrlca-presidents-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, and we get to go home and enjoy time with our families. The holiday season is a time of warmth, kindness, and generosity. It’s a season where families come together, friends reconnect, and communities support one another. And often it is overlooked that it is ... Read more
- [A man and his mailbox: How a dispute over rural mail delivery became a federal case](https://ruralinfo.net/a-man-and-his-mailbox-how-a-dispute-over-rural-mail-delivery-became-a-federal-case/): On a cold December afternoon, standing next to the empty wood frame where his mailbox used to be, Chuck Klein tried to explain why he’s spent so much time the past few years sending emails to government officials, writing letters to a president and a congressman, working with a private investigator and a lawyer, and, finally, suing the U.S. Postal Service. “This is where it was,” Klein said, motioning to a mailbox-sized hole in the frame. “This is where we want the box to be.” It’s as simple as that, Klein said. He wants his mailbox back. But after years ... Read more
- [USPS announces more 2025 stamps](https://ruralinfo.net/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 showcase the Native American social and ceremonial gatherings that feature music and dance; • Spiral Galaxy, a Priority Mail stamp that will show an extremely high-definition image of a spiral galaxy 32 million light-years from Earth; and • Star Cluster, a Priority Mail Express stamp that will ... Read more
- [Senate scheduled to vote on H.R. 82 next week; please call your senators](https://ruralinfo.net/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 votes on Monday evening that require 60 votes, or two-thirds of the members present to proceed to a final vote. With 62 bipartisan supporters of the Senate companion bill, we need to ensure every cosponsor votes to advance and pass H.R. 82. We encourage all ... Read more
- [RCA delivers the 1 billionth holiday mailpiece in a city carrier uniform](https://ruralinfo.net/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 Santa program, in which volunteers write more than 23,000 responses to people who mail their “Dear Santa” letters to the local Post Office. The 1 billionth mailpiece — a Priority Mail package addressed to Santa — contained an old quill pen and jar of ink. ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Delivering Exceptional Service Through Holiday Season’s Busiest Week](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-delivering-exceptional-service-through-holiday-seasons-busiest-week/): WASHINGTON — With two weeks remaining before Christmas Day (Wednesday, Dec. 25), the U. S. Postal Service today reports exceptional service performance during the peak holiday rush and expects continued success throughout the season, including the busiest week of the year — the week just before Christmas. Through the substantial progress the Postal Service has made under its 10-year Delivering for America plan — a $40 billion investment aimed at modernizing and reinvigorating the organization — USPS has met the challenge of the year’s peak surge in mail and package volume with expanded processing capabilities, optimized transportation strategies, enhanced operational ... Read more
- [New Printable 2025 Rural Carrier Calendar](https://ruralinfo.net/new-printable-2025-rural-carrier-calendar/): Just uploaded our new printable 2025 Rural Carrier Calendar.  Just download it and print to keep by your case to keep up with all the important dates for rural carriers   If you prefer a physical calendar you can order one of 2025 Rural Carrier Calendars.  We created it with mailbox photos for each month and included all the important dates for rural carriers.
- [Many USPS-themed products are available this holiday season](https://ruralinfo.net/many-usps-themed-products-are-available-this-holiday-season/): Looking for unique gifts this holiday season? Consider these USPS-branded toys, apparel, home décor and collectibles available from the online Postal Store and other retailers: • For kids. The Flybar electric ride-on truck ($139.99) looks like a Postal Service LLV. The toy, geared toward children ages 3-5, also comes with a mailbox and three letters. “Mr. ZIP’s Windy Day” is a lift-the-flap book ($10.99), based on the adventures of the popular USPS character. Mr. ZIP and his friends B. Franklin and Farley are also available as 11-inch plush, cuddly toys ($14.99 each). Also available: Postal truck, Post Office mailbox and letter carrier costumes, as well as a mail carrier dog costume ($17.99-29.99). • For home and ... Read more
- [Postmaster General covers his ears from House Republican questioning during Oversight hearing](https://ruralinfo.net/postmaster-general-covers-his-ears-from-house-republican-questioning-during-oversight-hearing/): Postmaster General Louis DeJoy covered his ears during a congressional hearing as Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) repeatedly pressed him on postal service oversight. McCormick during a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing Tuesday told DeJoy that he does not get an “A grade” when it comes to his leadership of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). “You were graded by the United States people and they don’t use your service anymore,” McCormick said. “That is not true,” Dejoy said as McCormick continued over him. “Our office is growing.” “You are responsible for the fall of the postal service and the lack of accountability,” McCormick said ... Read more
- [USPS employee who shot coworker to death at Missouri City facility identified](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-employee-who-shot-coworker-to-death-at-missouri-city-facility-identified/): MISSOURI CITY, Texas – The United States Postal Service (USPS) worker accused of shooting his coworker to death at a facility in Missouri City Monday night has been identified and charged. Derrick Lott, 24, has since been charged with murder, according to USPS. Lott is accused of going inside the USPS regional processing facility located on US 90 East around 10 p.m. and shooting and killing his co-worker, USPS contractor Kevin Hines. “This was a tragic and senseless act of violence,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service Acting Inspector in Charge, Monda Hernandez. ” Our employees deserve to feel safe when they come to ... Read more
- [Full video and overview of the House Oversight meeting on the USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/full-video-and-overview-of-the-house-oversight-meeting-on-the-usps/): The hearing examined the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) finances, performance, and ongoing efforts to modernize operations. In addition, Oversight Committee members received an update from United States Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on the Postal Service’s plan to improve savings, efficiency, and service to the American people. Witnesses and testimonies: Louis DeJoy United States Postmaster General U.S. Postal Service Document Tammy Hull (Minority Witness) Inspector General U.S. Postal Service Document
- [A rural carrier finds joy in serving customers — on the clock and off](https://ruralinfo.net/a-rural-carrier-finds-joy-in-serving-customers-on-the-clock-and-off/): My name is RaeLee Curtis and I’m a rural carrier in Monroe, UT — where I’ve worked for 30 years. I love serving my customers. It means a lot to know people trust and respect me to deliver for them. I’m also active in my community beyond delivering mail and packages. I coach youth basketball and softball and have served as a youth council advisor for many years. Additionally, I’m part of the Civic League and Fireman’s Auxiliary, and I’m active with my church. I’ve also received the Monroe City Volunteer of the Year Award. In my 31 years as ... Read more
- [USPS employee arrested after killing coworker inside postal facility in Missouri City, Texas](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-employee-arrested-after-killing-coworker-inside-postal-facility-in-missouri-city-texas/): MISSOURI CITY, Texas – Investigators are piecing together what led up to a deadly shooting Monday night at a United States Postal Service (USPS) facility in Missouri City, where an employee was killed and another was arrested. It happened a little after 10 p.m. when officials got word of an active shooter at the regional processing facility on US 90 East. Employees were evacuated and dozens of law enforcement officials rushed to help respond to the incident. It’s unclear how everything unfolded, as officers are still in the preliminary stages of investigating. However, at least one person was killed and one person was taken ... Read more
- [This rural carrier helped a customer who had symptoms of heatstroke](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-helped-a-customer-who-had-symptoms-of-heatstroke/): Rural Carrier Teri Barrington was on her way to deliver mail in Olney, TX, when she saw a man walking along the shoulder of a highway. Barrington safely pulled over and spoke to the man, who told her he was walking to a nearby town to get help after his car broke down. The Postal Service employee  noticed he appeared to be experiencing symptoms of a heat-related illness. She called 911, gave the man a bottle of water and helped him to a shaded area while they waited for help to arrive. Paramedics later confirmed that the man was experiencing ... Read more
- [House Committee to hold Hearing on Oversight of the U.S. Postal Service on December 10th, 2024](https://ruralinfo.net/house-committee-to-hold-hearing-on-oversight-of-the-u-s-postal-service-on-december-10th-2024/): WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) today announced an upcoming hearing titled, “Oversight of the U.S. Postal Service.” The hearing will examine the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) finances, performance, and ongoing efforts to modernize operations. In addition, Oversight Committee members will receive an update from United States Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on the Postal Service’s plan to improve savings, efficiency, and service to the American people. “The United States Postal Service is truly one of our prized national assets and so many Americans rely on it for paychecks, medications, news, e-commerce, and correspondence with loved ones. While the ... Read more
- [Alarm sounded as postal worker suicides quadruple to over 200 in 2023](https://ruralinfo.net/alarm-sounded-as-postal-worker-suicides-quadruple-to-over-200-in-2023/): People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. No matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. https://go.nih.gov/hoMF6tt  #shareNIMH The latest annual report for the United States Postal Inspection Service, the law enforcement branch of the Postal Service, revealed that 201 suicides were reported in its fiscal year 2023. That’s more than quadruple the 47 suicides reported by the Postal Inspection Service in fiscal year 2022. And it’s more than double the national suicide rate for the general ... Read more
- [Postal Service Board of Governors appoints David Steiner to be 76th Postmaster General and CEO of the United States Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-board-of-governors-appoints-david-steiner-to-be-76th-postmaster-general-and-ceo-of-the-united-states-postal-service/): WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors today announced that they have chosen David Steiner to be America’s 76th Postmaster General and CEO. Pending the outcome of necessary background and ethics checks, Steiner will succeed former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who resigned in March, and current Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino, who will return to his permanent position as Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Human Resources Officer. We anticipate Steiner will formally join the organization in July, assuming his successful completion of the ethics and security clearance vetting processes. “Dave is the right person to lead the Postal ... Read more
- [NRLCA - NEW VIDEO POSTED: Take Action Now Against Cuts to Postal Benefits!](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-new-video-posted-take-action-now-against-cuts-to-postal-benefits/): In this new video, President Don Maston discusses the legislative proposal passed by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that contains drastic cuts to retirement benefits earned by postal and federal employees. Take Action and Call Your Representative Today at 202-224-3121 to Oppose Cuts to Federal Benefits!
- [Federal officials should consider rural areas before cutting postal service](https://ruralinfo.net/federal-officials-should-consider-rural-areas-before-cutting-postal-service/): Efforts to reform or privatize the United States Postal Service have been around for decades. But they’ve gained new traction under the Trump administration, which has openly mused about making big changes at an agency even older than the United States. At first glance, some changes make a modicum of sense. Even as traditional mail has diminished in the internet age, the number of private delivery services, such as UPS, FedEx and Amazon, has proliferated. One of them, the argument goes, could deliver the mail more efficiently at lower cost to the taxpayer. But that model breaks down in Louisiana’s ... Read more
- [Answering common questions about Republicans’ proposed federal benefits cuts](https://ruralinfo.net/answering-common-questions-about-republicans-proposed-federal-benefits-cuts/): It is possible the proposed federal benefits cuts will end up in the final language of the reconciliation bill. But there is also a possibility that some, or even all, of the federal benefits provisions will be taken out. During the committee markup last week, Oversight Republicans argued the changes are warranted because federal benefits outpace private sector benefits. But Democrats argued reducing the deficit “on our federal workers’ backs” is wholly unfair, especially on top of the federal workforce overhauls already underway. Not all Republicans, however, agree federal benefits cuts should be included in the reconciliation bill. Rep. Mike ... Read more
- [Recent Polling Shows Registered Voters Overwhelmingly Favor Public Postal Service, Expanding Services](https://ruralinfo.net/recent-polling-shows-registered-voters-overwhelmingly-favor-public-postal-service-expanding-services/): In February, the APWU commissioned a national survey to better understand the public’s sentiment on the public Postal Service and attempts at privatization. To maintain an unbiased survey, the union commissioned the help of two ­firms from opposite ends of the political spectrum, the liberal Hart Research company and conservative North Star Research. Hart Research and North Star worked with the APWU to conduct a survey of registered voters to provide a deep exploration of their attitudes on the Postal Service and the question of postal privatization. To see how attitudes have moved or changed, the survey also included questions ... Read more
- [Driver crashes into postal worker in Wisconsin after waiving to Amish farmer](https://ruralinfo.net/driver-crashes-into-postal-worker-in-wisconsin-after-waiving-to-amish-farmer/): Around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, deputies with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on Oneida Road in Cashton, just outside the Town of Clinton. Deputies say a pickup truck was driving north when he reportedly looked out his passenger window to wave at a “farmer in the Amish community.” At the same time, a postal worker was pulling away from a mailbox after making a delivery. The pickup truck reportedly braked and steered left while the postal worker accelerated and turned right. However, the truck crashed into the left rear of the postal worker.
- [At Trump’s urging, USPS board to name FedEx official as postmaster general](https://ruralinfo.net/at-trumps-urging-usps-board-to-name-fedex-official-as-postmaster-general/): President Donald Trump and the U.S. Postal Service’s governing board are expected to name FedEx board member and former Waste Management CEO David Steiner as the nation’s next postmaster general, according to two people familiar with the decision, helping solidify the White House’s control over the historically independent mail service. Steiner replaces Louis DeJoy, whom Trump forced out of the role in March amid the mail chief’s clashes with billionaire Elon Musk’s U.S. DOGE Service and congressional dissatisfaction with the agency’s performance and finances, The Washington Post has reported. The people familiar with the decision spoke on the condition of anonymity ... Read more
- [Congressman Valadao Introduces Legislation to Modernize the USPS Fleet](https://ruralinfo.net/congressman-valadao-introduces-legislation-to-modernize-the-usps-fleet/): WASHINGTON – Congressman Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) introduced the FAIR Fleets Act. This bipartisan legislation aims at modernizing the United States Postal Service (USPS) vehicle fleet while ensuring both urban and rural communities receive an equitable share of modern, fuel-efficient delivery vehicles. “In the Central Valley and rural communities across America, families and businesses depend on the Postal Service,” said Congressman Valadao. “Too often, deliveries are delayed because the USPS lacks the resources to modernize, which is why the FAIR Fleets Act is so important. This bipartisan bill gives USPS the tools to upgrade its aging fleet with more fuel-efficient vehicles—improving reliability and ... Read more
- [Hawley Takes Action to Terminate Harmful Postal Plan, Protect Rural Mail Delivery](https://ruralinfo.net/hawley-takes-action-to-terminate-harmful-postal-plan-protect-rural-mail-delivery/): Today, U.S. Senator Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the No Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) Act, a response to the United States Postal Service’s Regional Transportation Optimization plan. That plan would eliminate end-of-day mail collection at most of the nation’s post offices, resulting in significant negative impacts on rural communities throughout the United States. Senator Hawley’s bill would block this harmful new policy. “I’ve been very clear that I will in no way support any USPS plan that slashes service to rural Americans, particularly those in Missouri,” said Senator Hawley.“I’ve vowed to do everything I can to thwart Regional Transportation Optimization, and my bill is an important step in upholding ... Read more
- [Mailin' It Podcast - How Rural Free Delivery Changed America](https://ruralinfo.net/mailin-it-podcast-how-rural-free-delivery-changed-america/): As the United States Postal Service approaches its 250th anniversary, we’re looking back at one of the most transformative innovations in our history: rural free delivery. USPS Historian Steve Kochersperger joins our hosts to explore how this revolutionary service connected millions of Americans living in remote communities—long before phones, radios, or the internet. From delivering newspapers and mail-order catalogues to expanding access to information, rural free delivery reshaped the nation’s social and economic landscape. Tune in for a fascinating look at how mail became a lifeline and how its legacy lives on today.
- [Letter carriers’ annual nationwide food drive set for this Saturday, May 10](https://ruralinfo.net/letter-carriers-annual-nationwide-food-drive-set-for-this-saturday-may-10/): WASHINGTON, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive will be held on Saturday, May 10. The letter carrier food drive, which began in 1993, is the country’s largest single-day food drive. Each year, the Stamp Out Hunger drive is held on the second Saturday in May. Letter carriers in cities and towns across the United States collect donations of non-perishable food items left by residents in bags near their mailboxes before that day’s mail delivery. Thousands of volunteers nationwide then help distribute the food items to local food pantries, with all food collected staying in the ... Read more
- [Thinking about a second job? – Here are the ethics rules to keep in mind](https://ruralinfo.net/thinking-about-a-second-job-here-are-the-ethics-rules-to-keep-in-mind/): The Postal Service is reminding employees of the ethics rules that apply when taking on supplemental employment. USPS employees may not work a second job: • With a company that delivers mailable matter. This includes Amazon, FedEx, UPS and DHL, although there is an exception for companies that deliver daily newspapers. • With a commercial mail-receiving agency such as the UPS Store or FedEx Print and Ship. • In an advising or consulting capacity with a business that has or will compete for a USPS contract. Employees also may not have any interest in a mail-carrying contract. There are many ... Read more
- [As Trump Pushes Privatization of USPS, Amazon May Be Preparing to Take Over](https://ruralinfo.net/as-trump-pushes-privatization-of-usps-amazon-may-be-preparing-to-take-over/): A new CEO statement from Amazon suggests it could be angling to take over the US Postal Service. It would have been easy to miss. Buried deep within Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s annual letter to company shareholders — a glowing, energetic 5,000-word essay released in April — was a foreshadowing of the company’s keen interest in capitalizing on the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Postal service workers and those who value public mail delivery ought to take this threat seriously: The company, which started out 30 years ago selling books online, has an insatiable appetite for capturing and squeezing ... Read more
- [Rep. Sheri Biggs Introduces Legislation to Ensure Ability to Ship Firearms](https://ruralinfo.net/rep-sheri-biggs-introduces-legislation-to-ensure-ability-to-ship-firearms/): On April 28, 2025, Representative Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03) introduced the Protecting the Mailing of Firearms Act (H.R. 3033). This legislation will remove the arbitrary prohibition on the mailing of handguns and ammunition via the United States Postal Service (USPS). For years, major common carriers have placed increasingly burdensome restrictions on shipping firearms, ammunition and common firearm accessories at the behest of anti-gun extremists. At the same time, the USPS prohibits the mailing of handguns and ammunition. This double whammy of anti-gun sentiment has made it increasingly difficult for law-abiding gun owners to ship their firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories for lawful purposes. ... Read more
- [USPS puts new sorting and delivery centers on display](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-puts-new-sorting-and-delivery-centers-on-display/): The Postal Service has opened 96 sorting and delivery centers since 2022 as part of the Delivering for America plan’s $40 billion investment in infrastructure to transform the organization’s network. USPS is opening the doors of these facilities, known as S&DCs, to local news media and employees. Hundreds of employees across the nation have attended more than two dozen of these open houses this year — and more are scheduled. In Winston-Salem, NC, about 200 employees and their family members had the opportunity to tour the city’s S&DC and watch a demonstration of its new, high-speed sorting machine. “The feedback ... Read more
- [Petition - Protect the Postal Service and Rural America from Privatization](https://ruralinfo.net/petition-protect-the-postal-service-and-rural-america-from-privatization/): Privatization of the U.S. Postal Service is no longer a distant threat — it’s at our doorstep. Powerful financial interests want to sell off the Postal Service, raise prices, and gut rural service. Tell Congress: Stand with rural America and keep the Postal Service public!
- [Special Contract Edition 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/special-contract-edition-2025/): Tentative Contract Language and Explanations • Revised MOUs Dates and Times for Zoom Ratification Meetings   There is also a Contract Q and A on the NRLCA website https://www.nrlca.org/Content/Tentative-Contract-QandA-2025
- [As DC argues over postal service, this LA town says 'Junior,' their lone mailman, is a lifeline](https://ruralinfo.net/as-dc-argues-over-postal-service-this-la-town-says-junior-their-lone-mailman-is-a-lifeline/): The white Jeep Wrangler sprinting down the gravel road, stirring up dust in the early morning light, bore no markings of the U.S. Postal Service. No lights, no logos. But everyone in this corner of Acadiana knew who was inside: Aleke Kanonu Jr., the only mail carrier in town. Kanonu covers 100 miles a day, a third of them dirt or gravel, delivering to more than 655 mailboxes, doorsteps and, pretty often, people’s hands. On a recent morning, as he turned into Marla Taylor’s long, curved driveway, Taylor approached him with a wide smile, her arms extended. The 50-year-old grew ... Read more
- [2025 National Convention Room Block Now Open](https://ruralinfo.net/2025-national-convention-room-block-now-open/): 2025 National Convention HQ Hotel: Rosen Shingle Creek 9939 Universal Blvd. Orlando, FL 32819  www.rosenshinglecreek.com   Phone Reservations: 1-866-996-6338 or 407-996-6338; Use Group Code 69446 Group Rate: $149 Single-Quad, excluding taxes (No resort fee) Guestroom rates are good 3 days pre- and post-convention dates upon availability NOTE: Room Block open Thursday, May 1 and closes Monday, July 28, 2025   To make a reservation online, click here.   All reservations must be secured by a credit card. At the time of reservation, please be advised that your card will be charged one (1) night’s stay for each room under the reservation. If multiple ... Read more
- [Postal unions respond to House Committee Markup That Cuts Postal and Federal Benefits](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-unions-respond-to-house-committee-markup-that-cuts-postal-and-federal-benefits/): On April 30, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform approved a number of significant cuts to the retirement benefits of postal and federal workers.
- [Amazon to invest $4 billion to expand rural delivery network in US](https://ruralinfo.net/amazon-to-invest-4-billion-to-expand-rural-delivery-network-in-us/): April 30 (Reuters) – Amazon.com said on Wednesday it would spend more than $4 billion to expand its U.S. rural delivery network by the end of 2026, doubling down on faster shipments to drive up demand from shoppers in small towns and the countryside. The investment will grow its rural delivery network to more than 200 delivery stations and create 100,000 jobs, the company, which is among the largest private employers in the U.S, said in a statement. aster shipping has become a cornerstone of Amazon’s strategy, with the company pouring billions into its logistics network to stay ahead of ... Read more
- [House Republicans advance plan to cut federal worker benefits and undermine civil service protections](https://ruralinfo.net/house-republicans-advance-plan-to-cut-federal-worker-benefits-and-undermine-civil-service-protections/): As part of the GOP’s effort to pass legislation under budget reconciliation to extend and expand tax cuts for the wealthy first implemented during President Trump’s first term, the panel’s leadership unveiled plans to reduce federal spending by $50 billion, mostly by making federal workers’ contribute more toward the defined benefit portion of their retirement benefits, while simultaneously changing the formula to calculate their monthly annuity payment to be less generous. Included in the measure is a provision that would require federal workers hired before 2014, who were previously held harmless by Congress’ last foray into reducing federal workforce benefits ... Read more
- [2025 NRLCA Contract Ratification Meeting Schedule](https://ruralinfo.net/2025-nrlca-contract-ratification-meeting-schedule/): Dear NRLCA Active Craft Member: The NRLCA and the USPS have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement: the 2024-2027 National Agreement between the USPS and the NRLCA. Pursuant to Article XI of the NRLCA Constitution, “National Agreements reached between the Association and the USPS shall be presented to Bargaining Unit Members in good standing via The National Rural Letter Carrier and in Ratification Meetings held nationwide. At least one Ratification Meeting shall be held within each state association, and one at least one videoconferencing/virtual meeting for each state association.” You are hereby notified that a NRLCA National Officer ... Read more
- [Video: April 30th, 2025 – Oversight Hearing – U.S. Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/video-april-30th-2025-oversight-hearing-u-s-postal-service/): House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Also see:
- [The story behind PMG Dejoy's abrupt resignation - Inside Trump's First 100 days](https://ruralinfo.net/the-story-behind-pmg-dejoys-abrupt-resignation-inside-trumps-first-100-days/): Louis DeJoy was among the federal officials who learned a hard lesson about power in the new Trump era. The former CEO of a logistics company and a Trump megadonor, DeJoy was tapped to become Postmaster General in 2020. Hired to retool an agency on the brink of insolvency, he cut billions of dollars in contracts and embarked on a 10-year plan to centralize the U.S. Postal Service’s delivery network. But in March, he became embroiled in a struggle between Musk, who wants to privatize the Postal Service, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who was maneuvering to fold it into ... Read more
- [Some Hatch Act restrictions loosened under the Trump administration](https://ruralinfo.net/some-hatch-act-restrictions-loosened-under-the-trump-administration/): The Trump administration on Friday relaxed enforcement of certain rules under the Hatch Act, a law that restricts the partisan political activity of federal employees. Specifically, the Office of Special Counsel, which enforces the Hatch Act, rescinded a May 2024 advisory opinion put out under former Special Counsel Hamption Dellinger. After a legal battle, the president ultimately removed him in March. One of the changes would allow federal employees to once again wear campaign paraphernalia as long as the items are not in support of an individual who is actively running for office. Dellinger had reversed a policy under which government workers could wear campaign items in ... Read more
- [Dangerous dog regulation bill named after Pam Rock gets unanimous FL Senate support](https://ruralinfo.net/dangerous-dog-regulation-bill-named-after-pam-rock-gets-unanimous-fl-senate-support/): A bill addressing dangerous dogs, prompted by a tragic local case, passed unanimously on the state senate floor Monday. The Pam Rock Act is named after a mail carrier who died in 2022 in Putnam County after being mauled by a pack of five dogs. State Sen. Jay Collins is one of the co-sponsors for the bill. He spoke on the Senate floor Monday about what the Pam Rock Act would accomplish. “What it does simply is raise the bar in terms of punishment,” said FL Senator of District 14, Jay Collins. “It makes sure that these dogs that attack somebody are held if ... Read more
- [NRLCA - USPS Shipping Equity Act, H.R. 3011, Introduced in House](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-usps-shipping-equity-act-h-r-3011-introduced-in-house/): On April 24, 2025, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) introduced H.R. 3011, the USPS Shipping Equity Act. The NRLCA thanks Congressman Newhouse and Congressman Subramanyam for introducing the USPS Shipping Equity Act, legislation that modernizes outdated regulations and allows the Postal Service to deliver products like wine, beer, and spirits. This act promotes fairness by allowing USPS to compete on equal footing with private carriers, creating new opportunities for rural communities and small businesses to expand through USPS’s reliable service. It also generates revenue that can be reinvested to improve customer service. It’s a commonsense reform that ... Read more
- [Louisiana Rural Carriers Release Open Letter Urging Speaker Johnson and Congressional Reps to Oppose USPS Privatization](https://ruralinfo.net/louisiana-rural-carriers-release-open-letter-urging-speaker-johnson-and-congressional-reps-to-oppose-usps-privatization/): Informational Demonstration in Baton Rouge Part of Growing Movement to Hold Elected Officials Accountable and Defend Rural Jobs and Communities This isn’t a hypothetical. Privatization is at our doorstep. If it happens, rural families, seniors, and veterans will pay the price. We’re calling on every Louisiana elected official to stand up.” — Tameka Brown BATON ROUGE, LA, UNITED STATES, April 28, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — On Sunday, April 27, 2025, rural letter carriers from Louisiana released an open letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy, and the entire Louisiana congressional delegation, calling on them to oppose efforts to privatize ... Read more
- [This rural carrier took action after an older customer’s mail wasn’t picked up](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-took-action-after-an-older-customers-mail-wasnt-picked-up/): Rural Carrier Jeffrey Ballenger was on his route in Belleville, IL, recently when he noticed mail accumulating in a customer’s mailbox. The customer, a 93-year-old veteran, usually picked up his mail every day. Ballenger knocked on the man’s front door but got no response. The Postal Service employee then shared his concern with the customer’s neighbors. After the neighbors looked through the man’s window and saw him lying on the floor, they called paramedics. “He had had a stroke. He was lying there for three days without any food, water or anything,” Ballenger said. The man was taken to a ... Read more
- [Comer Announces Full Committee Markup on Budget Legislation for April 30](https://ruralinfo.net/comer-announces-full-committee-markup-on-budget-legislation-for-april-30/): WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) announced a markup will take place on Wednesday, April 30th at 10:00 a.m. ET to consider budget legislation to advance President Trump’s agenda to provide tax relief for American families and small businesses, rein in wasteful spending, and reduce the federal budget deficit for the American taxpayers. The House Oversight Committee’s budget reconciliation instructions require a net reduction in the federal deficit of no less than $50 billion and reforms to help balance the federal budget. Following the markup, the Committee will finalize its section of the budget ... Read more
- [Remember the Past, Fight for the Future this Workers’ Memorial Day](https://ruralinfo.net/remember-the-past-fight-for-the-future-this-workers-memorial-day/): In 1989, the AFL-CIO declared that April 28 would be celebrated each year as “Workers’ Memorial Day” to remember workers who were injured or died on the job and renew the fight for safety and protections at work. The date is intentional – April 28 is the day that the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was signed into law. This act, which unions led the fight for, created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the body that establishes and enforces standards for safe and healthy working conditions. Tony Mazzocchi, a labor leader in the oil Chemical and Atomic Workers ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Announces Stamps Celebrating Its 250th Anniversary](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-announces-stamps-celebrating-its-250th-anniversary/): WASHINGTON — On July 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established a postal system for the United Colonies and appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first postmaster general. The U.S. Postal Service today announced two stamp issues to celebrate its 250th anniversary — one of which is only available in an exclusive booklet.  The 32-page booklet — Putting a Stamp on the American Experience — celebrates the cultural importance of U.S. stamps. Highlighting the popular series and subjects that give the stamp program its range and depth, this booklet — only the fourth ever issued by the Postal Service — commemorates ... Read more
- [NEW VIDEO RELEASED: Tentative Agreement Reached Between the NRLCA and USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/new-video-released-tentative-agreement-reached-between-the-nrlca-and-usps/): In this video, President Don Maston discusses the contract negotiations process and the 3-year Tentative Agreement reached between the NRLCA and USPS.
- [U.S. Postal Service Celebrates 250 Years – A new eagle takes flight to commemorate the milestone](https://ruralinfo.net/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 ... Read more
- [This hoppy-go-lucky rural carrier employee delivers smiles](https://ruralinfo.net/this-hoppy-go-lucky-rural-carrier-employee-delivers-smiles/): The wife of Sinarda Tyler, a rural carrier in Groton, CT, has an Instagram account dedicated to video clips of Tyler dressed for the 25 days leading to Christmas — often featuring a punny T-shirt, colorful leggings and festive gear that he also wears while making his deliveries. “We do a little story and put it online,” said Tyler. “After I had a heart attack two years ago, the kids on my route decorated their mailboxes welcoming me back, and ever since then, I go a little further than just Christmas.” Indeed, there was a bonus installment this month. The Easter ... Read more
- [Florida House passes bill named after rural mail carrier killed in Putnam County dog attack](https://ruralinfo.net/florida-house-passes-bill-named-after-rural-mail-carrier-killed-in-putnam-county-dog-attack/): TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Wednesday, the Florida House unanimously passed a bill that would hold dog owners who are deemed dangerous more accountable if their dog hurts someone or another animal. This bill was named after Pamela Rock, who was killed after being attacked by five dogs in Putnam County.
- [How will you vote on the tentative rural carrier contract? Click to vote in our poll](https://ruralinfo.net/how-will-you-vote-on-the-tentative-rural-carrier-contract-click-to-vote-in-our-poll/): Loading…
- [Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive is May 10th, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/letter-carriers-stamp-out-hunger-food-drive-is-may-10th-2025/): Saturday, May 10th marks the 33rd anniversary of the largest one-day food drive in the nation – the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive. Letter carriers are in the communities they serve every day and often come face to face with a sad reality for far too many, hunger. Each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers across the country collect non-perishable food donations from our customers. These donations go directly to local food pantries to provide food to people who need our help. Over the course of its more than 30-year history, the drive has ... Read more
- [USPS rural carriers contract sets stage for privatization, does nothing to address wage theft through RRECS](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-rural-carriers-contract-sets-stage-for-privatization-does-nothing-to-address-wage-theft-through-rrecs/): The contract does nothing to address systematic wage theft through the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS), a piecework-style system that determines pay not by the actual hours worked but through an opaque algorithm that evaluates how long a route should take to deliver. RRECS was imposed behind carriers’ backs through a side agreement between the NRLCA bureaucracy and USPS in 2022. RRECS has already been used to slash thousands of dollars from rural carriers’ annual wages. Some workers have reported pay cuts of over $10,000 and, in extreme cases, even $20,000. More than two-thirds of all rural carriers have been affected. ... Read more
- [Easter Monday could soon become federal holiday under new GOP proposal](https://ruralinfo.net/easter-monday-could-soon-become-federal-holiday-under-new-gop-proposal/): Easter Monday could soon be a federal holiday under a new legislative proposal. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., and Rep. Riley Moore, R-W. Va., are leading the way on legislation to make the day following Easter Sunday a holiday amid several other countries also recognizing the holiday. In a thread posted to X, Schmitt cited a poll that 81% of Americans celebrated Easter as of 2023, according to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. “This isn’t a radical idea. It’s a federal recognition of a tradition that is central to Western civilization—a tradition that’s already recognized as a ... Read more
- [Fly flags at half-staff to honor Pope Francis](https://ruralinfo.net/fly-flags-at-half-staff-to-honor-pope-francis/): All Postal Service facilities should fly the U.S. flag at half-staff to honor Pope Francis, who died April 21. Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment. To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day. For additional information, refer to the Postal Service’s guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance.
- [NRLCA Reaches Tentative Agreement with USPS for Three-Year Contract](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-reaches-tentative-agreement-with-usps-for-three-year-contract-3/): The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association and the United States Postal Service have negotiated a Tentative Agreement to cover the three-year period from May 21, 2024 to May 20, 2027. This Tentative Agreement must be ratified by a majority of the voting membership of the NRLCA to become effective.  A more detailed explanation of the changes will be presented in a special Tentative Agreement edition of the National Rural Letter Carrier magazine and via ratification meetings to be held in every state in accordance with Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association. The required ratification ... Read more
- [Federal benefits face possible cuts in House Republicans’ budget resolution](https://ruralinfo.net/federal-benefits-face-possible-cuts-in-house-republicans-budget-resolution/): Although the details of House Republicans’ narrowly approved budget framework are still up in the air, some initial proposals show the possibility of changes to federal benefits, mainly in retirement and health care. As part of the GOP budget resolution, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is looking at cuts of at least $50 billion from its mandatory spending, according to the framework that lawmakers approved in a vote of 216-214 on Thursday. That level of spending cuts would almost certainly dig into federal benefits, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) said. Proposed changes to FERS ... Read more
- [Congressman Stephen Lynch – The US Postal Service isn’t for sale](https://ruralinfo.net/congressman-stephen-lynch-the-us-postal-service-isnt-for-sale/): Congress did not establish the agency as a profit-making operation but rather as a core public service whose origins date back to the Postal Clause of the US Constitution. In delivering the mail to every home and business in America six days a week — all for the cost of a postage stamp — the US Postal Service carries out a central government function for the American people that should never be surrendered to private industry. Less than three months into the new administration, President Trump and his “special government employee,” Elon Musk, have taken unprecedented and unlawful action to ... Read more
- [A show of respect after a rural carrier passes](https://ruralinfo.net/a-show-of-respect-after-a-rural-carrier-passes/): After Mooresville, IN, Rural Carrier Travis Green died last month, his colleagues received permission to drive along his route and past his mother’s house. A video of the postal procession later went viral on social media. Green, 56, worked for the Postal Service for 36 years. Merv Hendricks, a local newspaper columnist, penned a tribute to the beloved Postal Service employee headlined “The final delivery.” “Travis Green did so much more than deliver mail. He delivered jokes and smiles,” Hendricks wrote.
- [‘Pam Rock Act’ advances in the Florida House as lawmakers eye new restriction on dangerous dogs](https://ruralinfo.net/pam-rock-act-advances-in-the-florida-house-as-lawmakers-eye-new-restriction-on-dangerous-dogs/): TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A bill dedicated to the memory of Pam Rock, the postal worker killed by a pack of dogs in 2022, is one step closer to becoming law after passing its second of three Florida House committees Tuesday. Every year in Florida, 600 people are hospitalized due to dog bites and roughly two lose their lives, according to data from the Florida Department of Health. Pam Rock was 61 when she was attacked and killed by a pack of five dogs in an Interlachen neighborhood. Now, nearly three years later, Florida lawmakers are hoping to prevent future dangerous dog deaths. ... Read more
- [Q+A with NRLCA President Don Maston](https://ruralinfo.net/qa-with-nrlca-president-don-maston/): The president of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association discusses President Trump’s push to privatize the Postal Service. Don Maston is president of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, which has more than 130,000 members delivering mail to rural and suburban communities throughout the U.S. Maston spoke with Ledyard King about President Trump’s push to privatize the U.S. Postal Service, his thoughts on recently departed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, and why he thinks rural America needs its letter carriers more than ever. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. What are the biggest concerns facing your members? The biggest ... Read more
- [This rural carrier helped a customer who fell while doing yardwork](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-helped-a-customer-who-fell-while-doing-yardwork/): Rural Carrier Angela Darnell was delivering mail in Trafalgar, IN, recently when she heard someone yelling for help. She got out of her vehicle and found an older woman lying on the ground. The customer had fallen backward while pulling weeds in her yard and couldn’t get up. Darnell couldn’t lift the customer by herself, so she called her postmaster, Kristina Sims-Nugent, for help. When the two of them were unable to get the customer on her feet, Darnell called 911. Paramedics arrived, helped the woman up and took her back into the house. “The customer had been on the ... Read more
- [The Postal Pulse survey begins soon](https://ruralinfo.net/the-postal-pulse-survey-begins-soon/): The next Postal Pulse employee survey will run from Tuesday, April 8, through Friday, May 16. The annual survey allows employees to share observations about their work environments, providing the organization with valuable feedback to make improvements. This year’s survey will be administered by Perceptyx, which also administered the Postal Pulse survey in 2024. Beginning April 8, employees with a USPS email address will receive an invitation with a link to the online survey. The email sender will be donotreply@perceptyx.com and the sender name will be Perceptyx. Bargaining-unit employees will receive a paper survey at their work location to be ... Read more
- [NRLCA President Don Maston's Closing Remarks at National Press Club, March 25, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-president-don-mastons-closing-remarks-at-national-press-club-march-25-2025/): Last week, NRLCA President Don Maston joined APWU – The American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein and National Association of Letter Carriers President Brian Renfroe for a discussion at the National Press Club on to best protect and preserve the future of the U.S. Postal Service.
- [Is Trump about to move on the Postal Service?](https://ruralinfo.net/is-trump-about-to-move-on-the-postal-service/): Maybe a book of “Forever” stamps isn’t such a good investment. A rumored privatization effort would split the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) into two parts while jettisoning some services, raising prices and spinning off some assets. It had been thought that Trump’s hand-picked postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, was one of those plotting a top-to-bottom shake-up of the agency but DeJoy suddenly resigned last week, perhaps leaving the job to Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DeJoy had said last month he planned to step down but hadn’t set a date. He was named to the position by Trump in ... Read more
- [This rural carrier has stopped twice to aid motorists](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-has-stopped-twice-to-aid-motorists/): Rural Carrier Kerry Honrath was recently delivering mail in Pulaski, WI, when she saw a vehicle roll across the four-lane state highway she was traveling. Honrath safely pulled over and parked her vehicle on the shoulder. She checked for oncoming traffic and ran to check on the other vehicle’s driver. The Postal Service employee found that the driver was able to exit the vehicle on his own, so she stayed and provided comfort until paramedics arrived. According to Pulaski Postmaster Laura Weier, this is the second time Honrath has assisted a driver in an emergency. The other incident occurred a ... Read more
- [Statement from NRLCA President Don Maston on the Introduction of Bipartisan Anti-Privatization Resolution in the Senate](https://ruralinfo.net/statement-from-nrlca-president-don-maston-on-the-introduction-of-bipartisan-anti-privatization-resolution-in-the-senate/): March 27, 2025 On behalf of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA), I want to thank Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) for his leadership in introducing a bipartisan Senate resolution (S. Res 147) to protect the United States Postal Service (USPS) from privatization. We also deeply appreciate the bipartisan support from his fellow lead sponsors Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) for their commitment to keeping the Postal Service an independent agency dedicated to serving every American. This resolution comes at a pivotal moment, given the alarming proposals and ... Read more
- [NRLCA National Rally on Capitol Hill: Video and News Footage](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-national-rally-on-capitol-hill-video-and-news-footage/): Rural carriers from across the country joined together with members of the APWU, NALC, and NPMHU on Tuesday, March 25 during the NRLCA Legislative Seminar for a Rally to Protect the U.S. Postal Service from Privatization.   News articles:   After DeJoy’s Departure, Postal Unions Vow to Fight Any Effort to Upend USPS (Government Executive) After DeJoy’s Exit, USPS Unions Wary of Trump Shakeup at Agency (Federal News Network) DeJoy Resigns as Postmaster General; USPS Unions Say “Hell No” to Privatization (MSN.com) Unions Pressure Congress to Protect Against Postal Service Changes  (Freight Waves)   Photos on Facebook and Instagram Press Release (March 27, 2025)
- [Video – Postal union leaders discuss USPS at National Press Club Event](https://ruralinfo.net/video-postal-union-leaders-discuss-usps-at-national-press-club-event/): American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein, National Association of Letter Carriers President Brian Renfroe and National Association of Rural Letter Carriers President Donald Maston spoke at a National Press Club Headliners Newsmaker on March 25, 2025.
- [After DeJoy’s departure, postal unions vow to fight any effort to upend USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/after-dejoys-departure-postal-unions-vow-to-fight-any-effort-to-upend-usps/): Employee groups at the U.S. Postal Service are raising concerns that the departure of the mail agency’s chief executive could signal the Trump administration is hoping to upend its operations or privatize it entirely, promising to fight against any such efforts. Louis DeJoy stepped down as postmaster general on Monday, just weeks after saying he would end his tenure leading USPS but wait until a successor was chosen. The news followed President Trump suggesting he would consider folding the Postal Service into the Commerce Department, as well as his signing an agreement for the Department of Government Efficiency to help identify cost-saving ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Resignation of Postmaster General DeJoy](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-resignation-of-postmaster-general-dejoy/): On Monday, March 24, 2025, USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced it would be his last day serving as Postmaster General at the U.S. Postal Service. USPS released the following statements from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and USPS Board of Governors Chair Amber McReynolds: Postmaster General Louis DeJoy After nearly five years as America’s 75th postmaster general, and after informing the governors in February of my intention to retire, I have today informed the Postal Service Board of Governors that today will be my last day in this role. I believe strongly that the organization is well positioned and capable ... Read more
- [DeJoy stepping down as USPS postmaster general immediately](https://ruralinfo.net/dejoy-stepping-down-as-usps-postmaster-general-immediately/): Statement from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy Statement from USPS Board of Governors Chair, Amber McReynolds Postmaster General Louis DeJoy “After nearly five years as America’s 75th Postmaster General, and after informing the Governors in February of my intention to retire, I have today informed the Postal Service Board of Governors that today will be my last day in this role. I believe strongly that the organization is well positioned and capable of carrying forward and fully implementing the many strategies and initiatives that comprise our transformation and modernization, and I have been working closely with the Deputy Postmaster General to prepare ... Read more
- [Unions pressure Congress to protect against Postal Service changes](https://ruralinfo.net/unions-pressure-congress-to-protect-against-postal-service-changes/): Rural letter carriers are scheduled Tuesday to rally on Capitol Hill for the launch of a national campaign urging Congress to block any attempts by the Trump administration to privatize the U.S. Postal Service. More than 100 letter carriers are slated to gather to raise awareness of the stakes to rural communities from efforts to strip the Postal Service of its independent status as a government enterprise and sell it to private investors, which some conservatives argue would improve efficiency. Critics say private companies would strip out parts of the agency that don’t earn back returns on invested capital and only ... Read more
- [USPS is committed to being a safe workplace](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-is-committed-to-being-a-safe-workplace/): The organization reminds employees of its zero-tolerance policy for threats, violence The Postal Service is reminding employees that it has a zero-tolerance policy regarding workplace threats and violence. The organization is committed to cultivating a positive and safe work environment that’s free of threats, intimidation, bullying and violence for all employees. To help fulfill this commitment, a threat assessment team is available to respond to threats, assaults and potential violence at all postal locations. These teams are located at district and area offices and USPS headquarters in Washington, DC. Team members are trained to assess the potential of danger or ... Read more
- [Rural Carriers join the nationwide protests on 03/23/25](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carriers-join-the-nationwide-protests-on-03-23-25/): Photos from the NRLCA facebook page    
- [Union Presidents of APWU, NALC and NRLCA to speak at a National Press Club Newsmaker on Mar. 25](https://ruralinfo.net/union-presidents-of-apwu-nacl-and-nrlca-to-speak-at-a-national-press-club-newsmaker-on-mar-25/): WASHINGTON, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —  American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein, National Association of Letter Carriers President Brian Renfroe and National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association President Donald Maston will speak at a National Press Club Headliners Newsmaker on Tuesday, March 25 at 10 a.m. This year, 2025, marks the 250th year of the public United States Postal Service, older than the country, mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, and since 1970 operated as an independent agency primarily funded through the sale of stamps and services. President Trump has suggested transferring the USPS to the U.S. Department of Commerce, which could only be done through an act of Congress. Trump ... Read more
- [Rural Carriers Rally on Capitol Hill March 25 to Defend the U.S. Postal Service from Recent Threats of Privatization](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carriers-rally-on-capitol-hill-march-25-to-defend-the-u-s-postal-service-from-recent-threats-of-privatization/): On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from noon to 1:00 PM, members of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) will rally on Capitol Hill to launch a national campaign to Protect the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from privatization. Over 100 rural letter carriers from across the country, in solidarity with members from the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), will call on Congress to uphold its duty to protect the Postal Service as an independent agency and equally accessible public good. The rally is part of the NRLCA’s ... Read more
- [USPS is enhancing service standards](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-is-enhancing-service-standards/): The Postal Service is implementing refinements to service standards and has launched new online tools and a fact sheet to help customers prepare for the changes. These adjustments will affect First-Class Mail, Periodicals, Marketing Mail, Package Services (including Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail and Library Mail), USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express. The enhancements are estimated to save the Postal Service at least $36 billion during the next decade through reductions in transportation, mail and package processing, and real estate costs. The service standards refinement will occur in two phases to ensure effective operational implementation: the first ... Read more
- [USPS unions to hold nationwide rallies this week](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-unions-to-hold-nationwide-rallies-this-week/): Both the APWU and NALC will hold rallies this week to protest postal privatization. On Thursday, March 20, the APWU will hold “U.S Mail is Not For Sale!” rallies across the country “to ensure our postal service stays in the hands of the people, not the billionaires.” A map of the locations of the rallies is here. On Sunday, March 23, NALC branches will host local rallies to say “Hell no!” to dismantling the Postal Service. With branches holding events nationwide on the same day, NALC is sending a clear, unified message: Hands off USPS! A map with the locations of the ... Read more
- [The rural carrier called the woman’s family to alert them to her condition](https://ruralinfo.net/the-rural-carrier-called-the-womans-family-to-alert-them-to-her-condition/): Rural Carrier Lee Ann Austin was recently delivering mail in Manila, AR, when she saw a customer who had fallen outside her home. The woman, who runs an antiques store next to the house, had taken a tumble while she was picking up trash that had blown into the road. The customer had a laceration above her eye, a cut lip and a swollen face. Austin asked if she could call 911, but the woman declined. The Postal Service employee knew the customer was the grandmother of a friend of hers, so she called family members instead. Austin comforted the ... Read more
- [Watch This Postal Worker Really ‘Deliver’ on His ‘American Idol’ Audition](https://ruralinfo.net/watch-this-postal-worker-really-deliver-on-his-american-idol-audition/): Post office employee Brajawn Upshaw had to check his nerves at the door when he auditions for Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood on this Sunday’s American Idol. The 21-year-old from Temple, GA, who has worked at the post office for three years, didn’t have the chutzpah to sign himself up to audition. So his mom Tasha did it for him without him knowing, but now he’s taking a big swing for his shot at a Golden Ticket to Hollywood, and he claims he was inspired by Luke Bryan’s documentary.
- [Rural Carrier shot during carjacking describes painful recovery at attacker's sentencing](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-shot-during-carjacking-describes-painful-recovery-at-attackers-sentencing/): ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A federal judge in U.S. District Court sentenced Jaden Garay to 24 years and restitution of $640,582 owed to victim Teresa Ramsay, who was the U.S. postal carrier shot in the face nearly two years ago. “The bullet literally came within a hair’s breath of my carotid” said Ramsay standing outside the courthouse after sentencing. “I really, really, appreciated he (the judge) said, even if the state chooses to try with attempted murder, that it will run consecutive,” Ramsay said. “I was worried about that.”
- [PMG Dejoy’s letter to congressional leaders informing them of the USPS/DOGE agreement](https://ruralinfo.net/pmg-dejoys-letter-to-congressional-leaders-informing-them-of-the-usps-doge-agreement/): Over the past four years, the Postal Service has engaged in transforming from a battered government bureaucracy with substantial financial losses destined for collapse, to an organization that is aspiring and engaging in practices that will enable us to provide high quality service to the nation for decades to come and to have a financially viable future.
- [Postal unions respond to USPS/DOGE agreement](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-unions-respond-to-usps-doge-agreement/): The mailing agency will work with GSA and the group led by Elon Musk, who has called for Postal Service privatization.
- [Statement from NRLCA President Don Maston on PMG Louis DeJoy’s Letter to Congressional Leaders Regarding the USPS MOU with the GSA and DOGE](https://ruralinfo.net/statement-from-nrlca-president-don-maston-on-pmg-louis-dejoys-letter-to-congressional-leaders-regarding-the-usps-mou-with-the-gsa-and-doge/): National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association March 14, 2025 For Immediate Release Statement from National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association President Don Maston on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s Letter to Congressional Leaders Regarding the USPS MOU with the Trump Administration’s GSA and DOGE Agencies The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) is analyzing the March 13, 2025 letter from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to Congressional leaders regarding the United States Postal Service’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the General Services Administration (GSA) and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump Administration. The letter informs Congressional leadership of the agreement with these agencies to ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service will cut workforce by 10,000 after signing deal with Elon Musk’s DOGE](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-will-cut-workforce-by-10000-after-signing-deal-with-elon-musks-doge/): DeJoy said the agreement with DOGE and the General Services Administration will allow the government reform team to “assist us in identifying and achieving further efficiencies…. The DOGE team was gracious enough to ask for big problems they can help us with.” DeJoy cited a number of issues including mismanagement of retirement assets and its workers’ compensation program by other government agencies, unfunded mandates and burdensome regulatory requirements. DeJoy has led a dramatic effort to restructure the post office over the last five years that has used similar tactics to the DOGE team including shrinking the workforce and cancelling or ... Read more
- [USPS signs agreement with Elon Musk’s DOGE team for assistance](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-signs-agreement-with-elon-musks-doge-team-for-assistance/): WASHINGTON, March 13 (Reuters) – U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told Congress he signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s DOGE government reform team to provide assistance to the money-losing agency as it works to address “big problems.” USPS, an independent government agency with 635,000 employees that lost $9.5 billion last year, has been exempt from DOGE-directed federal employee reductions. DeJoy told Congress in a letter seen by Reuters that USPS plans to reduce its workforce by 10,000 workers in the next month through a voluntary early retirement program.
- [This Michigan rural letter carrier unleashes his passion on stage](https://ruralinfo.net/this-michigan-rural-letter-carrier-unleashes-his-passion-on-stage/): My name is Tim Luce and I’m a rural carrier in Rockford, MI. I’ve been with the Postal Service since 2012. USPS runs in my family. My mom was a clerk for 25 years, my aunt was a rural carrier and my uncle was in maintenance. I originally thought I wanted to teach high school social studies, but I discovered that I wasn’t 100 percent into it. I became a bit directionless, so my mom encouraged me to give the Postal Service a shot. Delivering the mail has made for a great career, but music is my life. My earliest ... Read more
- [Weaverville Man Sentenced To 24 Years For Carjacking And Discharging A Firearm That Seriously Injured A Rural Carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/weaverville-man-sentenced-to-24-years-for-carjacking-and-discharging-a-firearm-that-seriously-injured-a-rural-carrier/): ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Jaden Isaiah Garay, 25, of Weaverville, N.C. was sentenced today to 24 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for carjacking and discharging a firearm that caused serious bodily injury to a U.S. Postal Carrier, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to prison term imposed, Garay was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $640,582.81 to the victim and $73,868.14 to the Office of Worker’s Compensation Program. Jessica Wagner, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which ... Read more
- [USPS is offering 50 career conferences this year](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-is-offering-50-career-conferences-this-year/): The Postal Service is encouraging employees to attend one of its career conferences this year to take control of their professional development and create a better future for themselves within USPS. Fifty conferences are scheduled across the nation with the continuing theme, “Delivering a Brighter Future.” Each event will include networking opportunities and interactive sessions designed to equip participants with career development tools and resources. A new session — “Not Interviewed, Not Selected, Now What?” — has been added to provide enhancements for new and returning attendees. “At the Postal Service, we’re committed to fostering an environment that encourages growth, ... Read more
- [How Mail Delivery Has Shaped America](https://ruralinfo.net/how-mail-delivery-has-shaped-america/): Though the Postal Service might not come to mind as a great factor in the long march toward social equity in the United States, its policies have had a serious impact on the rights of marginalized Americans since its inception in 1775. Activism, civil rights, and politics are ingrained—at least implicitly—in postal history. Benjamin Franklin worked for the colonial postal service, controlled by the British, for years before he helped establish the independent American Post Office. Back in 1737, he ran the Philadelphia Post Office where he was focused more on the logistics of such a large operation than on how ... Read more
- [Join our Postal Brothers and Sisters Nationwide to Protect the Postal Service and Our Jobs!](https://ruralinfo.net/join-our-postal-brothers-and-sisters-nationwide-to-protect-the-postal-service-and-our-jobs/): NRLCA Members: On Thursday, March 20, the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) is holding a National Day of Action to say, “Hands Off Our Public Postal Service!” On Sunday, March 23, local branches of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) are holding rallies across the country to say, “Hell no!” to dismantling or privatization of the U.S. Postal Service. We want to encourage our members to attend as many events in their hometowns as possible as a show of solidarity with our postal brothers and sisters. Find an event near you: www.nalc.org/news/fight-like-hell Commit to take action: www.apwu.org/commit Help us stand up ... Read more
- [Man to be sentenced in Mars Hill attempted murder, postal vehicle carjacking of rural carrier Teresa Ramsay](https://ruralinfo.net/man-to-be-sentenced-in-mars-hill-attempted-murder-postal-vehicle-carjacking-of-rural-carrier-teresa-ramsay/): ASHEVILLE – The man who pleaded guilty in attempted murder and carjacking of a mail vehicle in connection with the shooting of a Madison County resident in the face will be sentenced this week. Jaden Garay, 25, of Weaverville, was federally indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice in October 2023 after the Sept. 5 shooting of Hot Springs resident Teresa Ramsay. Garay was captured early Sept. 6 in Morganton after a manhunt went on through the night. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 13 at the Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse on Otis Street in Asheville. On Sept. 5, 2023, Mars Hill ... Read more
- [This rural carrier rescued a customer injured on the grounds of a vacant assisted living facility](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-rescued-a-customer-injured-on-the-grounds-of-a-vacant-assisted-living-facility/): Rural Carrier Joshua Toomey was delivering mail in Corydon, IN, recently when he heard someone yelling. The Postal Service employee looked around to see who it was. After some time, a voice piped up, “Mailman!” Toomey continued investigating and found a man who had tipped over in his motorized scooter on the grounds of an assisted living facility that has not yet opened. The man had a gash on his head and scrapes on his arms and legs. Toomey called 911 and sat with him until help arrived. The man, 85, planned to move into the facility and went to ... Read more
- [Budzinski Leads 159 Members in Letter to President Trump on USPS Privatization](https://ruralinfo.net/budzinski-leads-159-members-in-letter-to-president-trump-on-usps-privatization/): WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) led 159 members of Congress in a letter to President Trump expressing concern over his proposal to fire the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) Board of Governors and merge the Postal Service into the Department of Commerce. The members write, “Any attempts to privatize the Postal Service would be a betrayal to the more than 640,000 postal employees who work tirelessly every day to ensure mail isdelivered to every corner of the country. It would also hurt American consumers and businesses who rely on the Postal Service daily for mail and package ... Read more
- [Daylight saving time begins this weekend](https://ruralinfo.net/daylight-saving-time-begins-this-weekend-2/): Daylight saving time returns Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. In areas where the change is observed, clocks should be set ahead one hour Saturday, March 8, at bedtime. Standard time will resume Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 a.m
- [Postal Reform Can’t Leave Rural Americans Behind](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-reform-cant-leave-rural-americans-behind/): The United States Postal Service (USPS) is at a crossroads, facing critical decisions about its leadership, operations, and long-term strategy. Major changes that could change the trajectory of the agency may be looming on the horizon and questions remain about whether it will continue on its current path — particularly with its controversial Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) initiative — or use this inflection point as an opportunity to reassess its priorities. In late January, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) issued an advisory opinion and detailed 300-page analysis regarding proposed service changes under the Postal Service’s RTO initiative which should help provide some ... Read more
- [NC Postal worker(RCA)dies in Dobbins Heights wreck](https://ruralinfo.net/nc-postal-workerrcadies-in-dobbins-heights-wreck/): DOBBINS HEIGHTS — A local postal worker died following a crash over the weekend, according to the N.C. State Highway Patrol. Troopers say the wreck happened around 2:15 p.m. Sunday, March 2 when the postal worker, who was traveling south on Channie McManus Drive failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection with Perry Avenue and a westbound Chrysler collided with the postal vehicle. The driver, who died at the scene, was ejected when the postal vehicle overturned as a result of the collision, according to troopers. The driver of the Chrysler was not injured. Troopers declined to ... Read more
- [USPS has added more stamps to its 2025 lineup](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-has-added-more-stamps-to-its-2025-lineup/): The Postal Service has announced several more stamp releases for 2025: • Boston 2026 Stamp Show, two intaglio-printed stamps with images highlighting the special role of Boston in the American Revolution, to commemorate the Boston 2026 World Expo stamp show; • U.S. Army 250th, to salute 250 years of the country’s largest fighting force, which was established by the Second Continental Congress; • U.S. Marine Corps 250th, to honor 250 years of the elite amphibious force prepared for any challenge; • U.S. Navy 250th, to celebrate 250 years of the military branch that protects the nation’s maritime interests and ensures ... Read more
- [Elon Musk says Post Office, Amtrak should be privatized](https://ruralinfo.net/elon-musk-says-post-office-amtrak-should-be-privatized/): WASHINGTON, March 5 (Reuters) – Billionaire Elon Musk, who is advising President Donald Trump on plans to radically shrink the U.S. government said Wednesday that the U.S. Postal Service and passenger railroad Amtrak should be privatized. “I think logically we should privatize anything that can reasonably be privatized,” Musk said at a Morgan Stanley conference. “I think we should privatize the Post Office and Amtrak for example… We should privatize everything we possibly can.”
- [USPS employee suspected of killing coworker shoots self in Seattle after police pursuit](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-employee-suspected-of-killing-coworker-shoots-self-in-seattle-after-police-pursuit/): SEATTLE — Following a swift investigation into the deadly shooting of a United States Postal Service worker Tuesday in Tukwila, authorities say the suspect – another USPS employee – has shot and killed himself. Officers responded to the shooting report just before 4 p.m. at the USPS distribution center located in the 10700 block of 27th Avenue South on Mar. 5., where they found a postal worker who had been shot. Truck driver Ninie Caliste, who was present at the scene, recounted the chaotic moments to KOMO News. “I pulled up at approximately 4 o’clock and all I heard was shots ... Read more
- [Postal employee dead after a shooting at the USPS Processing and Distribution Center in Tukwila](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-employee-dead-after-a-shooting-at-the-usps-processing-and-distribution-center-in-tukwila/): TUKWILA, Wash. — A postal employee is dead after a shooting at the USPS Processing and Distribution Center in Tukwila. Around 4 p.m., Tukwila Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service responded to calls of a shooting at the USPS Processing and Distribution Center, located at 10700 27th Avenue South. When police arrived, they found a man with a gunshot wound. Police provided aid until medics took over but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police believe the suspect and victim knew each other but are investigating what led to the shooting. The suspect left the scene and has ... Read more
- [Understanding the new USPS service standards and how they apply to your ZIP Code](https://ruralinfo.net/understanding-the-new-usps-service-standards-and-how-they-apply-to-your-zip-code/): On April 1, 2025, the Postal Service will begin implementing the Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) initiative. The RTO will discontinue the end-of-day collections at most post offices, leaving outgoing mail and packages to sit overnight in a back room, waiting to be picked up the next morning when mail is dropped off for delivery. This change will add a day to delivery times for mail sent at an RTO post office, so the Postal Service is revising service standards to reflect the extra day. The RTO applies to post offices located more than 50 miles from one of the nation’s ... Read more
- [Trump administration questions federal employees’ use of official time for union activities](https://ruralinfo.net/trump-administration-questions-federal-employees-use-of-official-time-for-union-activities/): The Trump administration is digging further into federal employees’ union activities, according to a memo the Office of Personnel Management published Thursday evening. OPM is asking agencies to submit information on federal employees’ use of “official time” — or on-the-clock hours that go toward union-related work such as negotiating contracts or resolving employee disputes. OPM is also asking for the names and job titles of all employees who are spending any of their work hours on official time. In the memo, OPM Acting Director Charles Ezell described official time as “taxpayer-funded union time.” “President Trump has promised to restore efficiency and accountability ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Updates on Reported Attempts to Dismantle and Privatize the Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-updates-on-reported-attempts-to-dismantle-and-privatize-the-postal-service/): Updates on Reported Attempts to Dismantle and Privatize the Postal Service Congressional Democrats Letter to President Trump (click to read letter) “We write to you with grave concern for the future of the United States Postal Service (Postal Service), one of our nation’s most essential and trusted institutions. Your reported efforts to dismantle the Postal Service as an independent agency would directly undermine the affordability and reliability of the U.S. postal system. We urge you to abandon immediately any plans that would either privatize the Postal Service or undermine the independence of the Postal Service.”… Other outside links Senator Mark Warner ... Read more
- [US Postal Service chief urges employees not to get distracted after Trump takeover rumors](https://ruralinfo.net/us-postal-service-chief-urges-employees-not-to-get-distracted-after-trump-takeover-rumors/): WASHINGTON, Feb 27 (Reuters) – U.S. Postal Service employees should not get distracted after reports last week President Donald Trump could unilaterally seize control of the agency, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said in a video seen by Reuters on Thursday. DeJoy told the Postal Service’s 640,000 employees that the agency was created by a federal law. “Laws can be changed – the president and the members of Congress and designated officials work together to decide whether any change is required in the structure of our organization within the federal government,” DeJoy told employees. “Our goal is to try and influence ... Read more
- [US Postal Workers Could Take Over Census](https://ruralinfo.net/us-postal-workers-could-take-over-census/): Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has proposed that United States Postal Service (USPS) workers take on the responsibility of conducting the national census. Why It Matters Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has overseen sweeping reforms to the federal government. He said earlier this month that Lutnick was going to look at the USPS, and has previously expressed interest in privatizing the agency. What To Know Lutnick has suggested that USPS workers take on some of the responsibility for conducting the census, including going to houses across America to “count the people.” At present, the census, which is taken every 10 years ... Read more
- [Donald Trump’s Memo Drops Subtle Hint; Military, USPS, NOAA Off DOGE’s Radar](https://ruralinfo.net/donald-trumps-memo-drops-subtle-hint-military-usps-noaa-off-doges-radar/): President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered federal agencies to work with Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to prepare for mass layoffs, a memo released on Wednesday declared. However, the letter also mentions exemptions, hinting that only a few departments are off DOGE’s radar for now. It further noted that Trump has ordered a ‘large-scale reductions in force’. However, law enforcement, national security, public safety, military positions and US Postal Service positions are exempt. Other exemptions include border security, immigration enforcement and public safety roles. The military, uniformed personnel, publich health officials and NOAA officers are also exempted. President ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Announces Refined Service Standards and Cost Reductions](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-announces-refined-service-standards-and-cost-reductions/): Newly published service standards will mean improved service reliability nationwide, with no changes to the current five-day service standard window for First-Class Mail. The Postal Service projects at least $36 billion in savings over 10 years from transportation, mail processing, and real estate cost reductions. Washington, DC – The United States Postal Service today announced refined service standards for certain market-dominant services. This includes service standard adjustments for First-Class Mail, Periodicals, Marketing Mail, and Package Services (Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail). The changes will maintain service at existing levels for most volume and upgrade standards for more market-dominant ... Read more
- [An American postal network? It was a revolutionary idea](https://ruralinfo.net/an-american-postal-network-it-was-a-revolutionary-idea/): The American postal system was born of revolution. On July 26, 1775, about three months after the first clash between American Colonists and British soldiers in Massachusetts, Colonial leaders established a postal system and named Benjamin Franklin its leader — the postmaster general. The leaders knew a postal system would be crucial to the war effort, allowing for rapid communication between Congress and the Continental Army. Messages could be delivered within days, while it took months for the British to communicate with London. Moreover, the fledgling network of Post Offices helped unite the Colonies through the delivery of letters, newspapers ... Read more
- [Retirees impacted by WEP and GPO to receive retroactive payments sooner than expected](https://ruralinfo.net/retirees-impacted-by-wep-and-gpo-to-receive-retroactive-payments-sooner-than-expected/): Social Security beneficiaries impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset may begin receiving their one-time retroactive payments as soon as this week. The Social Security Administration has significantly shortened its timeline to start distributing benefit payments to public sector workers whose Social Security benefits have been impacted by WEP and GPO. SSA said it began distributing the one-time retroactive payments this week, and most payments will process incrementally over the next month. The agency said in a press release Tuesday that most beneficiaries should receive their one-time retroactive payments by the end of March. The retroactive ... Read more
- [Watch the PMG’s latest employee video](https://ruralinfo.net/watch-the-pmgs-latest-employee-video/): In his latest video message for employees, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy discusses recent developments involving the Postal Service. He also offers an update on the Delivering for America plan and thanks employees for their contributions to the organization. The video, released Feb. 25, is available on Link and other postal websites and will be shown to employees throughout the organization this week.
- [USPS Virtual supervisory job fair](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-virtual-supervisory-job-fair/): The Postal Service will offer a virtual job fair for supervisory positions on Monday, March 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. Eastern. The fair will address the supervisory role, including responsibilities, potential career paths and how to find and apply for positions. Sign language interpreters and closed captioning will be available, and after the fair, participants will be able to access a recording of it and the slides shown. To participate, employees must complete an online registration form on MyHR, part of LiteBlue. All participants must be a current career or noncareer Postal Service employee and attend while off the clock. Participation ... Read more
- [Signed, Sealed and Delivered for 250 Years](https://ruralinfo.net/signed-sealed-and-delivered-for-250-years/): USPS marks a milestone with two new stamp releases WASHINGTON — In celebration of two and a half centuries of continuous service, the U.S. Postal Service today unveiled two stamp releases at its headquarters building. The two stamp designs capture the essence of USPS, one honoring its deep-rooted history, the other highlighting its ubiquitous presence in everyday life. “For the United States Postal Service, today is a milestone 250 years in the making,” said Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer David Steiner. “These stamps will serve as a window into our shared history. They represent enduring values that I — ... Read more
- [A new website tells the Postal Service’s story](https://ruralinfo.net/a-new-website-tells-the-postal-services-story/): USPS has launched a website that celebrates the organization’s 250 years of service to the American people. The site, Delivering Since 1775, is part of usps.com and features stories, pictures and links to other sites with more information about the Postal Service. A timeline that stretches from the first Post Office in Boston in 1639 to today is included. Delivering Since 1775 also highlights postal facts and initiatives such as the Delivering for America plan, the “Mail with Mr. ZIP” YouTube channel, the “Mailin’ It!” podcast and Shop USPS. The site is part of the organization’s broader efforts to mark its ... Read more
- [USPS to mark its anniversary with these stamps](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-to-mark-its-anniversary-with-these-stamps/): The Postal Service will mark its 250th anniversary this week with two stamp releases. The first release, 250 Years of Delivering, is a meticulously illustrated pane of 20 interconnected stamps that offers a bird’s-eye view of a bustling town. Each stamp is a frame of sequential art that tells the story of a mail carrier’s daily journey as she walks her route. Laid out in four rows of five stamps, the story progresses through the four seasons, from top-left to bottom-right. Chris Ware created the stamp artwork and co-designed the pane with Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS. The ... Read more
- [New NRLCA Online Store is Now Live: Get Your Merchandise Today!](https://ruralinfo.net/new-nrlca-online-store-is-now-live-get-your-merchandise-today/): First launched at the 2024 National Convention, official NRLCA gear is now available to all members! Whether you’re getting ready for this year’s National Convention or want to show your union pride year-round, now’s the time to grab your merch. Offerings include t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, bumper stickers, cooling towels, magnets, yard signs, and more! Order online now or place an order at the 2025 National Convention Online orders ship via Ground Advantage or Priority Shipping  Group orders can be placed at the National Convention to bring home for your fellow members All online orders ship within 48 hours!  Visit https://nrlcastore.mybrightsites.com and gear up in style!
- [USPS to mark its 250th anniversary](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-to-mark-its-250th-anniversary/): The Postal Service will mark the 250th anniversary of its founding on July 26. To celebrate the organization’s rich history of connecting people, communities and businesses, USPS will hold a series of special events this week and highlight other offerings, including licensed merchandise, digital media, a stamp contest and special signage at Post Offices. “On July 26, we proudly observe the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service and mark two and a half centuries of service to the American public,” said Postmaster General David Steiner. “In 1775, our Founding Fathers recognized the importance of creating an institution that ... Read more
- [Postal worker hospitalized after stabbing in Florida](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-worker-hospitalized-after-stabbing-in-florida/): BISCAYNE PARK, FLA. (WSVN) – Paramedics rushed a postal worker to the hospital after they were stabbed in Biscayne Park. Biscayne Park Police officers responded to the residential area located on the 11700 Northeast 10th Avenue, Monday afternoon. 7News cameras captured a heavy police presence in the area with crime scene tape surrounding the neighborhood. Officers appear to be talking to someone sitting on the ground in handcuffs. The victim was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital Ryder Trauma Center. Their condition is unclear. Following the stabbing, several postal workers began showing up to the scene to show support to their ... Read more
- [Starbucks called out by USPS worker after allegedly being denied water despite working under extreme heat](https://ruralinfo.net/starbucks-called-out-by-usps-worker-after-allegedly-being-denied-water-despite-working-under-extreme-heat/): @Starbucks during COVID everyone & they momma was calling our farm workers and our delivery drivers @USPS @UPS + Hero’s. fast forward and this is how y’all treating them in 2025! Excuse me? OVER WATER. #boycottstarbucks not buying anything until you apologize and make it right pic.twitter.com/CeLIsEuiCN — Maritza (@maritzarosas25) July 15, 2025 A US Postal worker’s experience in Starbucks has caused quite a stir online after she alleged that she was refused a free cup of iced water when she was working in temperatures of over 100°F. The episode has shined a spotlight on both corporate policy and the ... Read more
- [NRLCA - National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) Award](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-national-agency-check-with-inquiries-naci-award/): The National Agency Check with Inquiries, better known as the “NACI,” is the test that the Postal Service uses to complete background checks for newly hired employees through the Postal Inspection Service. Recently, the Postal Service took the position that all postal employees are “conditional” employees until after the NACI is completed and a favorable NACI returned.   The Postal Service argued that they could issue an administrative separation to anyone due to an unfavorable NACI report. It didn’t matter if the employee was still in their probationary period or if the employee had worked for the Postal Service for ... Read more
- [NEW VIDEO: From the NRLCA President's Desk: July 2025 Update](https://ruralinfo.net/new-video-from-the-nrlca-presidents-desk-july-2025-update/):   In this message to NRLCA members, NRLCA President Don Maston highlights a challenging year marked by multiple threats to the future of rural mail delivery and the well-being of postal workers. These challenges include efforts to privatize the Postal Service, attempts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to impose harsh measures, leadership changes at the top of the Postal Service, and a near-cut to retirement benefits in the congressional budget reconciliation bill. Despite these pressures, the union has fought back vigorously through negotiations, activism, and political engagement. President Maston underscores the essential role rural carriers play—not merely as ... Read more
- [Statement from NRLCA President Don Maston on House Majority Support for Preserving the Postal Service as an Independent, Public Institution](https://ruralinfo.net/statement-from-nrlca-president-don-maston-on-house-majority-support-for-preserving-the-postal-service-as-an-independent-public-institution/): July 17, 2025 For Immediate Release Today, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association celebrates a critical milestone in our campaign to protect the United States Postal Service: a bipartisan majority of members in the U.S. House of Representatives have now signed on to House Resolution 70, which affirms the Postal Service must remain an independent, public institution—not subject to privatization. This achievement sends an unmistakable and bipartisan message to the Administration: the will of the House is clear. There is no political or public appetite for dismantling the Postal Service’s independence or outsourcing its essential functions to private interests. We ... Read more
- [Steiner begins tenure as postmaster general and issues a letter to employees](https://ruralinfo.net/steiner-begins-tenure-as-postmaster-general-and-issues-a-letter-to-employees/):   David Steiner began his tenure as the nation’s 76th postmaster general this week, expressing pride in the Postal Service, its employees and the organization’s public service mission. “I believe strongly in the role of the Postal Service as a pillar of America’s democracy and economic infrastructure, in the important support and services we provide at every business and residence, as a positive and competitive force in the marketplace, and in our enduring mission to bind the nation together,” Steiner wrote in a July 17 letter to employees. The USPS Board of Governors selected Steiner, the former president and CEO of ... Read more
- [Postal worker killed, several injured in Northport, AL crash](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-worker-killed-several-injured-in-northport-al-crash/): NORTHPORT, Ala. (WBRC) – The United State Postal Service (USPS) has confirmed that the woman killed in a four-vehicle crash in Northport Wednesday was an employee. Police identified the woman as 36-year-old Vonchelle Renee Gamble, of Tuscaloosa. Police say the crash happened at approximately 12:39 p.m. in the Southbound lanes of Highway 43 just south of Highway 171. Gamble was pronounced dead on the scene, while three other people were treated on the scene for minor injuries. Northport Police are investigating the cause of the crash, but say that no criminal charges are currently pending.
- [Privatize or downsize the USPS? Rural customers worry either option will hurt them](https://ruralinfo.net/privatize-or-downsize-the-usps-rural-customers-worry-either-option-will-hurt-them/): Nick Loomis, a reporter with The Midwest Newsroom, rides along with Nebraska mail carrier Roger McDonald in the spring of 2025 as part of Loomis’ reporting on the future of the United States Postal Service. As a new Postmaster General with ties to FedEx assumes control of the agency, postal workers and their customers are bracing for either scenario, especially as corporate America weighs in. Under the universal service obligation, which mandates mail delivery to every address in the country, a rural letter carrier will drive more than 700 miles to serve those two households in a normal year. “It’s ... Read more
- [Gun group sues to end US Postal Service’s ban on mailing handguns](https://ruralinfo.net/gun-group-sues-to-end-us-postal-services-ban-on-mailing-handguns/): July 15 (Reuters) – A gun rights lobbying group is suing the U.S. Postal Service in a bid to overturn its nearly 100-year-old ban on mailing handguns, arguing that the law wasn’t contemplated when the country’s founders drafted the 2nd Amendment in the U.S. Constitution. Gun Owners of America and the Gun Owners Foundation filed the lawsuit, on Monday in federal court in Pennsylvania, seeking to bar enforcement of the law, which makes it a felony to mail pistols, revolvers and other firearms that can be concealed on a person. The lawsuit also seeks an order declaring the law violates the 2nd ... Read more
- [Trump’s hiring freeze has jeopardized postal workers’ health care, IG says](https://ruralinfo.net/trumps-hiring-freeze-has-jeopardized-postal-workers-health-care-ig-says/): The inspector general charged with overseeing the federal government’s dedicated HR agency is warning that the system undergirding the U.S. Postal Service’s new employer-sponsored health benefits program could fail as a result of the Trump administration’s hiring freeze and efforts to drastically reduce the size of the federal workforce. The Postal Service Health Benefits Program, launched last fall by the Office of Personnel Management, was supposed to be an model for administering health insurance for federal workers, providing a more modern process for employees seeking to enroll or change their coverage and a centralized system for HR officials to better ... Read more
- [Audit: PSHB Program at Risk of Underfunding, Understaffing; No Plan B](https://ruralinfo.net/audit-pshb-program-at-risk-of-underfunding-understaffing-no-plan-b/): The Postal Service Health Benefits program faces “critical resource issues” and the OPM has not ensured that the underlying system “will remain fully staffed, supported and funded” in light of OPM’s downsizing and reorganization, an inspector general audit has said. OPM further does not have “a contingency plan to ensure continuity of operations for the PSHB program in the absence of secure funding,” leaving the program at risk of being unable to process open season enrollment decisions or enrollment changes due to life events, it said. The “flash report” from the IG comes as the PSHB is in the middle ... Read more
- [APWU (clerks) Members Ratify 2024-2027 National Agreement!](https://ruralinfo.net/apwu-clerks-members-ratify-2024-2027-national-agreement/): The American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO, membership has ratified a new three-year labor contract with USPS that will run through Sept. 20, 2027. Highlights of the agreement include annual general wage increases, semi-annual cost-of-living adjustments, measures designed to assist with postal support employee recruitment and retention, and continued operational flexibility through the use of postal support employees. “This agreement is fair and balanced. It addresses both parties’ bargaining objectives in a financially responsible manner, and importantly, supports our mission to modernize postal operations to better serve the needs of our customers and provide first-in-class service,” said Acting Postmaster General and ... Read more
- [New USPS Careers Site Created for Mail Handler Assistant, Postal Support Employee & City Carrier Assistant jobs](https://ruralinfo.net/new-usps-careers-site-created-for-mail-handler-assistant-postal-support-employee-city-carrier-assistant-jobs/): USPS is currently rolling out a new online job application experience, which will only accept applications for the positions below from the new website, USPS Careers (jobs.usps.com): Applicants must use the new USPS Careers website to search, and apply for the following jobs: Mail Handler Assistant City Carrier Assistant PSE Mail Processing Clerk PSE Sales and Services/Distribution Associate All other positions will continue to use our legacy application system (eCareer). During this time, some candidates may find it helpful to search both systems when seeking employment opportunities. Applicants must use the legacy “eCareer” website to search, and apply for the following jobs (other positions include, but ... Read more
- [NRLCA to Sponsor Two Events Commemorating USPS 250th Anniversary on July 24 and 25](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-to-sponsor-two-events-commemorating-usps-250th-anniversary-on-july-24-and-25/): The NRLCA will be sponsoring two events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the USPS in Jefferson County, WV, the birthplace of Rural Free Delivery. Join us in person or via livestream on Thursday, July 24 and/or Friday, July 25. Delivering America: The History and Impact of Rural Free Delivery This panel will explore how Rural Free Delivery reshaped rural America, featuring insights from folklorists, historians, and union leaders. Learn about the cultural, political, and economic impact of rural mail delivery from experts and those who lived it. Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Presentation 7:00 – 8:30 ... Read more
- [This rural carrier aided a customer who fell down the stairs of his foyer](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-aided-a-customer-who-fell-down-the-stairs-of-his-foyer/): Rural Carrier David Wyman was recently delivering mail in Auburn, ME, when he heard persistent banging coming from a customer’s house. Wyman approached the home and saw the man on the floor inside. The 94-year-old customer had fallen down several steps in the foyer and had lost consciousness until he heard Wyman’s USPS delivery vehicle approaching. He then banged on the door with his cane hoping to get the carrier’s attention. The Postal Service employee called 911 and comforted the customer through the locked door until paramedics arrived. The man’s wife, who was not home at the time of the ... Read more
- [Happy Independence Day](https://ruralinfo.net/happy-independence-day/): Photo by Stephanie McCabe on Unsplash The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The ... Read more
- [House Sends Reconciliation Bill to the President Without Anti-Postal Employee Provisions](https://ruralinfo.net/house-sends-reconciliation-bill-to-the-president-without-anti-postal-employee-provisions/): Prior to vacating the U.S. Capitol for an abbreviated July 4th Recess, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act, by a vote of 218-214 and sent it the President for his signature. The White House announced the bill signing will occur late tomorrow afternoon. NAPS allies in the Senate and House removed the provisions in the bill that would have eliminated the FERS Annuity Supplement, increased FERS contributions, reduced CSRS and FERS pensions and required the Postal Service to shed its electric vehicles. The thousands of postal supervisors, managers and postmasters who participated in NAPS’ online ... Read more
- [Senate Passes H.R. 1, Budget Reconciliation Bill, Without Anti-Postal and Anti Federal Employee Provisions](https://ruralinfo.net/senate-passes-h-r-1-budget-reconciliation-bill-without-anti-postal-and-anti-federal-employee-provisions/): On July 1, with Vice President JD Vance breaking a 50-50 tie, the Senate passed the controversial budget reconciliation bill. (Three GOP senators voted with all the Democratic senators to oppose the underlying bill.) Prior to floor consideration, all the provisions that would have negatively impacted the U.S. Postal Service and its employees, as well as federal employee benefits, were stripped from the bill. H.R. 1 now returns to the House of Representatives for a final vote that likely will take place tomorrow (Wednesday). The thousands of postal supervisors, managers and postmasters who participated in NAPS’ online legislative advocacy campaign ... Read more
- [USPS to Implement Second Phase of Service Standard Refinements](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-to-implement-second-phase-of-service-standard-refinements/): WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service will implement the next phase in its service standard refinements on July 1, part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to better serve customers nationwide. Service standards indicate the expected number of days for delivery after a mail piece is accepted by USPS. In March, USPS announced service standard refinements to be implemented in two phases: April 1 and July 1. The changes will support the organization’s operational improvements and are estimated to save the Postal Service at least $36 billion during the next decade through reductions in transportation, mail and package processing, and ... Read more
- [Today is National Postal Worker Day](https://ruralinfo.net/today-is-national-postal-worker-day/): National Postal Workers Day is observed each year on July 1. It celebrates and recognizes postal workers and the hard work they put in to ensure your mail and deliveries get to you smoothly and on time. Did you know that in the United States, postal workers walk an average of four to eight miles a day, delivering letters and packages to our doorsteps? There are approximately 490,000 postal workers in the U.S. alone who diligently work to deliver mail. The Postal Service Act gave birth to the Post Office Department, which later became a cabinet-level department and was then ... Read more
- [NRLCA UPDATE: Anti-Postal Provisions Removed from Senate Reconciliation Bill](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-update-anti-postal-provisions-removed-from-senate-reconciliation-bill/): UPDATE 6/30/25: Early Saturday morning, the Senate Budget Committee unveiled its final version of their reconciliation bill. The NRLCA is pleased to report that the anti-postal and anti-federal employee provisions included in previous versions of the Senate bill were removed, because either they violated the Senate’s “Byrd Rule” or enough GOP senators objected to them. If the Senate version of H.R. 1 passes, it will return to the House of Representatives for a vote. The House may approve the Senate-passed bill, sending it for the President for his signature; amend the bill, returning it to the Senate; or vote down the ... Read more
- [This rural carrier called 911 and alerted the homeowners](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-called-911-and-alerted-the-homeowners/): Rural Carrier Dylan Mickelson was delivering mail in Frazee, MN, recently when he came upon a tool shed engulfed in flames. The Postal Service employee called 911 and alerted the homeowners, who had no idea that the structure was on fire. The homeowners’ daughter later sent a note to Mickelson thanking him. Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
- [What I Learned from My Mother and the U.S. Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/what-i-learned-from-my-mother-and-the-u-s-postal-service/): Let me tell you about my mother. For twenty-five years, five, sometimes six, days a week, she drove the same fifty miles, following the main roads and back roads of her mail route, which included some five hundred households. She left home before six in the morning, dropping my sisters and me off with one babysitter or another—unless my father had a later shift at the grocery store, where he worked as a clerk—until we were old enough to stay home and wait for the bus by ourselves. In the course of her career, which also included a dozen earlier ... Read more
- [TSP – Retirement of the L 2025 Fund and the Launch of New L 2075 Fund](https://ruralinfo.net/tsp-retirement-of-the-l-2025-fund-and-the-launch-of-new-l-2075-fund/): The Lifecycle (L) Funds are designed to provide participants with an easy, convenient way of investing their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts among the five individual TSP funds based on when the participants will need the money in retirement. One of the principal characteristics of the funds is that the investment mix becomes progressively more conservative over time. Ultimately, each of the funds will have an investment mix that is the same as the L Income Fund. When this happens, that fund will be retired and a new L Fund with a time horizon (target date) 5 years later than ... Read more
- [All provisions targeting federal worker benefits, unions stricken from Senate reconciliation package](https://ruralinfo.net/all-provisions-targeting-federal-worker-benefits-unions-stricken-from-senate-reconciliation-package/): The Senate voted late Saturday to open debate on Republicans’ budget reconciliation package, which aims to cut federal spending in order to partially pay for extended tax cuts for the wealthy and increased immigration enforcement, though the measure’s burden on federal employees is now lighter. That’s because, according to bill text released by the Senate Budget Committee Saturday, the legislation no longer targets federal workers’ retirement benefits, civil service protections or their labor unions. When the House passed its version of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” in May, it included a barrage of policies that made federal employees contribute more of their paychecks ... Read more
- [Weekly Overview – Top Rural Carrier News This Week – 06/28/25](https://ruralinfo.net/weekly-overview-top-rural-carrier-news-this-week-06-28-25/): These are the posts you cared about this week [widgets_on_pages id=”1″]  
- [NRLCA issues call to action for Senate reconciliation bill](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-issues-call-to-action-for-senate-reconciliation-bill/): URGENT UPDATE –ACT NOW! A *shocking* increase in FERS retirement contributions—from 4.4% to an outrageous 15.6%—has just been added to the Senate’s reconciliation bill. That’s an 11.2% hike, placing a massive burden on hardworking federal and postal workers. The Senate is expected to vote THIS WEEKEND. WE NEED ALL HANDS ON DECK! CALL NOW: Call your Senators (Republicans and Democrats) at 202-224-3121 and demand they OPPOSE any increase in FERS contributions.
- [Subcommittee Hearing Wrap Up: Key Stakeholders Call for Critical Upgrades in USPS Operations to Improve Overall Service](https://ruralinfo.net/subcommittee-hearing-wrap-up-key-stakeholders-call-for-critical-upgrades-in-usps-operations-to-improve-overall-service/): WASHINGTON—The Subcommittee on Government Operations yesterday held a hearing titled “The Route Forward for the U.S. Postal Service: A View from Stakeholders.” The American people rely on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for critical services and members emphasized that former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy deserves credit for implementing a long-term strategy to improve USPS operations. However, members agreed with key stakeholders testifying before the Subcommittee that many Americans across the country continue to endure poor service, and USPS is still losing too much money annually. Republicans and Democrats concluded that incoming USPS leadership must prioritize achieving financial self-sufficiency for Postal ... Read more
- [Major Changes Ahead: USPS Updates Service Standards and Prices on July 1st](https://ruralinfo.net/major-changes-ahead-usps-updates-service-standards-and-prices-on-july-1st/): The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is implementing a series of significant changes starting July 1st, impacting both mail delivery times and postage rates. These adjustments are part of the Postal Service’s broader “Delivering for America” 10-year plan, aimed at modernizing the network and achieving long-term financial sustainability. One of the most notable changes involves service standards for various mail classes. While First-Class Mail will largely maintain its current 1-5 day delivery window, some mail will see faster standards, while a smaller portion might experience slightly slower delivery. The Postal Service is transitioning from 3-digit to 5-digit ZIP code pairings for ... Read more
- [Dallas USPS Worker Dies Two Years After Eugene Gates Jr. Death, OSHA Fine](https://ruralinfo.net/dallas-usps-worker-dies-two-years-after-eugene-gates-jr-death-osha-fine/): A Dallas postal worker was pronounced dead over the weekend while working in the medical district, Kimetra Lewis, president of the Dallas branch of the National Association of Letter Carriers, told the Observer Tuesday. While Lewis could not identify the worker, she said he had worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 28 years and fell ill on the afternoon of June 21 while working in the 2200 block of Medical District Drive. Temperatures reached the mid-90s on Saturday. A video posted to TikTok on Saturday appears to show a significant emergency response to the scene, and a Dallas woman who claims to be a ... Read more
- [Subcommittee hearing – The Route Forward for the U.S. Postal Service: A View from Stakeholders](https://ruralinfo.net/subcommittee-hearing-the-route-forward-for-the-u-s-postal-service-a-view-from-stakeholders/): The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee holds a hearing titled “The Route Forward for the U.S. Postal Service: A View from Stakeholders”. Witnesses and testimonies: Paul Steidler Senior Fellow Lexington Institute Document Jim CochraneCEO Package Shippers Association Document Mike PlunkettCEO and President Association for Postal Commerce Document Thomas SchatzPresident Citizens Against Government Waste Document Elena Spatoulas PatelAssistant Professor Marriner Eccles Institute for Economics and Quantitative Analysis University of Utah Document Brian Renfroe (Minority Witness)President National Association of Letter Carriers Document
- [Rep. Robert Garcia elected top Democrat on House Oversight panel that oversees USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/rep-robert-garcia-elected-top-democrat-on-house-oversight-panel-that-oversees-usps/): WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Robert Garcia was elected the top Democrat on the powerful House Oversight Committee on Tuesday, charting a new direction for the party’s opposition to congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump’s administration. Garcia, of California, won the job overwhelmingly in a closed-door vote of the House Democratic caucus. He beat out Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts, 150-63. Afterward, Garcia thanked colleagues who also sought the top job and promised the Democratic side of the committee would be focused on rooting out government corruption and increasing government efficiency. “Efficiency is not DOGE,” Garcia said, referring to the Department of Government Efficiency. ... Read more
- [Amazon to expand Prime delivery services in smaller cities, rural areas in US by year end](https://ruralinfo.net/amazon-to-expand-prime-delivery-services-in-smaller-cities-rural-areas-in-us-by-year-end/): Amazon.com plans to expand its same-day and next-day Prime delivery services to over 4,000 smaller cities and rural regions in the United States by the end of 2025, it said on Tuesday, as the company doubles down on efforts to grow its domestic footprint. Amazon earlier this year announced plans to spend more than $4 billion to grow its U.S. rural delivery network by the end of 2026, promising faster shipments to drive up demand from consumers in small towns and the countryside. The company said it was already seeing customers purchase more frequently and shop for household essentials at ... Read more
- [Senate Republicans cannot force US Postal Service to scrap EVs, parliamentarian says](https://ruralinfo.net/senate-republicans-cannot-force-us-postal-service-to-scrap-evs-parliamentarian-says/): WASHINGTON, June 22 (Reuters) – Senate Republicans cannot force the U.S. Postal Service to scrap thousands of electric vehicles and charging equipment in a massive tax and budget bill, the Senate parliamentarian said late on Sunday. The U.S. Postal Service currently has 7,200 electric vehicles, made up of Ford e-Transit vehicles and specially built Next Generation Delivery Vehicles built by Oshkosh Defense   USPS warned on June 13 that scrapping the electric vehicles would cost it $1.5 billion, including $1 billion to replace its current fleet of EVs and $500 million in EV infrastructure rendered useless and “seriously cripple our ... Read more
- [Anti-Postal Provisions Likely to be Stripped from Reconciliation Bill for Violating "Byrd Rule"](https://ruralinfo.net/anti-postal-provisions-likely-to-be-stripped-from-reconciliation-bill-for-violating-byrd-rule/): As NAPS pointed out in last week’s broadcast to its members and posting to its website, several anti-EAS-level employee and anti-postal provisions included in H.R. 1, the Budget Reconciliation Bill being considered by the Senate, could be stripped from the bill because they violate the Senate’s “Byrd Rule.” NAPS is pleased to report that the offending provisions likely will not be included in the final package because they would need to receive the support of 60 senators to overcome a “point of order” – an insurmountable level as there are at least 47 Senators who oppose the provisions, including a ... Read more
- [USPS To Celebrate 250 Years of Service](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-to-celebrate-250-years-of-service/): What: The U.S. Postal Service will release new stamps, one of which comes as part of a 32-page prestige booklet, to commemorate 250 years of service to the nation. The illustrated Forever stamps, 250 Years of Delivering, tell the story of a mail carrier making her daily rounds during a year in the life of the community she serves. The “Putting a Stamp on the American Experience”booklet highlights popular subjects that give the U.S. stamp program its remarkable range and depth. Exclusively available with this booklet are two sheets of a new Forever stamp featuring the first postmaster general, Benjamin ... Read more
- [Weekly Overview – Top Rural Carrier News This Week – 06/21/25](https://ruralinfo.net/weekly-overview-top-rural-carrier-news-this-week-06-21-25/): These are the posts you cared about this week [widgets_on_pages id=”1″]  
- [DOGE holds meetings with White House, new postal leadership and Treasury to discuss reforming USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/doge-holds-meetings-with-white-house-new-postal-leadership-and-treasury-to-discuss-reforming-usps/): The White House and its Department of Government Efficiency are spearheading efforts to shake up the Postal Service, according to details of the meetings obtained by Government Executive, with topics including pricing for mail and general reform proposals. The meetings were not clearly within the scope of a memorandum of understanding former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy signed with DOGE, which focused on specific cost-cutting measures and real estate planning. Some of the meetings also involved top officials from the Treasury Department, White House attorneys and policy advisors and additional USPS executives. A source familiar with the meetings confirmed DOGE has been ... Read more
- [USPS Suspends Mail to Israel, Iraq, Iran](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-suspends-mail-to-israel-iraq-iran/): The USPS is temporarily suspending mail to three countries beginning June 20, 2025: Israel, Iraq, and Iran. The Postal Service said it places such suspensions in cases “where the foreign postal operator has indicated that they are unable to process or deliver international mail or services originating from the United States.” International Mail Service Suspensions The Postal Service™ receives notices that various postal operators are no longer able to process or deliver international mail or services originating from the United States (U.S.) due to impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other unrelated service disruptions. As a result, the Postal ... Read more
- [Sessions Announces Hearing to Examine U.S. Postal Service Operations from the Perspective of Key Stakeholders](https://ruralinfo.net/sessions-announces-hearing-to-examine-u-s-postal-service-operations-from-the-perspective-of-key-stakeholders/): WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Government Operations Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) today announced a hearing titled “The Route Forward for the U.S. Postal Service: A View from Stakeholders.” The hearing will review United States Postal Service (USPS) operations with key stakeholders, focusing on the implementation of the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act and assessing the progress and impact of the Delivering for America Plan. “For nearly 250 years, the United States Postal Service has delivered essential mail to businesses and households across the nation. Whether in rural communities or cities, all Americans depend on this vital institution, and we are committed to ensuring ... Read more
- [Judge Restricts DOGE Access to OPM Systems Over Privacy and Cybersecurity Violations](https://ruralinfo.net/judge-restricts-doge-access-to-opm-systems-over-privacy-and-cybersecurity-violations/): On Monday, June 9, Judge Denise Cote granted a preliminary injunction blocking the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing some databases within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Judge Cote found that by OPM accessing those databases, it had acted illegally and disregarded its established cybersecurity practices. The injunction was requested by plaintiffs, including the American Federation of Government Employees, who argue DOGE agents lacked proper clearance and training. Cote has asked both parties to propose terms for the injunction by June 12. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, co-representing the plaintiffs, hailed the ruling as a win for privacy rights.  ... Read more
- [Amazon Prime Day 2025 dates officially announced](https://ruralinfo.net/amazon-prime-day-2025-dates-officially-announced/): Key takeaways Prime Day 2025 is July 8-11. Prime Day expands to double the days, offering Prime members more time to shop millions of deals. New “Today’s Big Deals” feature will drop themed daily deals from top brands like Samsung, Kiehl’s, and Levi’s. Amazon’s 2025 Prime Day event will start July 8 at 12:01 a.m. PDT and run through July 11—offering 96 hours of savings. With the summer shopping event returning, for the first time for 4 days, Prime members have double the time to shop millions of deals with savings on pantry staples and snacks for summer gatherings to home-improvement must-haves, back-to-school ... Read more
- [Juneteenth is this week](https://ruralinfo.net/juneteenth-is-this-week/): The Postal Service will observe Juneteenth National Independence Day on Thursday, June 19. Juneteenth is the oldest known nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The holiday gets its name from the date in 1865 when 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, TX, and declared enslaved persons there free by executive decree — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. Enforcement of the proclamation relied heavily on the presence of Union troops, and as the westernmost state in the Confederacy, Texas did not have a strong ... Read more
- [Two Injured In Crash Involving U.S. Rural Mail Carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/two-injured-in-crash-involving-u-s-rural-mail-carrier/): Two people were injured in a crash Saturday morning on Highway 29 involving a car and a rural mail carrier’s vehicle. The crash happened around 9:40 a.m. on Highway 29 northbound between Cox Road and Sigler Road north of McDavid. Firefighters extricated the mail carrier from their vehicle following the crash. Both drivers were transported by Newman’s Ambulance and Escambia County EMS to area hospitals. Their conditions were not available. For more photos, click here. A representative of the U.S. Post Office in Century collected the mail for later delivery. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released the cause ... Read more
- [Postal and Federal Reconciliation Provisions to Bypass Senate Committee of Jurisdiction and Go Straight to Senate Floor](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-and-federal-reconciliation-provisions-to-bypass-senate-committee-of-jurisdiction-and-go-straight-to-senate-floor/): Over the weekend, NAPS was alerted that the provisions of the reconciliation bill Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-KY) released on June 12 will bypass his committee. Unlike the usual legislative procedure, the provisions are intended to be in the legislation that reaches the Senate floor without full committee consideration. The provisions that may impact NAPS members and were summarized by NAPS in its June 13 website post will be considered by the Senate Parliamentarian to determine if the provisions are subject to a “point of order” under the “Byrd Rule.” The Senate’s Byrd Rule ... Read more
- [USPS mail carrier shot while delivering mail in South LA](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-mail-carrier-shot-while-delivering-mail-in-south-la/): An official with the Los Angeles Police Department said a 35-year-old postal worker was shot while out delivering mail near the intersection of Century Boulevard and Central Avenue in South LA’s Green Meadows neighborhood around 11:05 a.m. Aerial images from SkyFOX showed officers set up a perimeter at the scene and were searching for the suspect, described as a man wearing all-black clothing. The postal worker was taken to an area hospital in an unknown condition. No property was taken from the scene and the suspect remains at large. No further information was immediately released by authorities.
- [USPS Announcement - National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association approves contract with USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-announcement-national-rural-letter-carriers-association-approves-contract-with-usps/): The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association membership has ratified a new three-year labor contract with the Postal Service. The agreement will run through May 20, 2027. Highlights of the agreement include annual general wage increases, semi-annual cost-of-living adjustments, measures designed to assist with rural carrier associate retention, and maintenance of the operational flexibility achieved by using noncareer rural carrier associates and assistant rural carriers. “This agreement is economically responsible, fair to our employees and serves the best interest of our customers,” said Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino. “The agreement aligns with the Postal Service mission to provide reliable, value-driven mail ... Read more
- [2024-2027 NRLCA-USPS Tentative National Agreement Has Been Ratified](https://ruralinfo.net/2024-2027-nrlca-usps-tentative-national-agreement-has-been-ratified/): Pursuant to Article XI, Section 4 of the NRLCA Constitution, the Ratification Committee has completed the tabulation of ballots and reports that the 2024-2027 NRLCA-USPS Tentative National Agreement has been ratified by a vote of 9,730 to 4,880, or 67 percent voting in favor of ratification.  A more detailed report from the Ratification Committee is posted below and will be printed in the next available edition of The National Rural Letter Carrier. 2024-2027 National Agreement Ratification Official Results Pursuant to Article XI, Section 4 of the NRLCA Constitution, “Ratification ballots shall be totaled by state, and the results posted on the NRLCA ... Read more
- [Weekly Overview – Top Rural Carrier News This Week – 06/14/25](https://ruralinfo.net/weekly-overview-top-rural-carrier-news-this-week-06-14-25-2/): These are the posts you cared about this week [widgets_on_pages id=”1″]  
- [Senate strips most retirement cuts from reconciliation, but anti-civil service provisions remain](https://ruralinfo.net/senate-strips-most-retirement-cuts-from-reconciliation-but-anti-civil-service-provisions-remain/): An initial draft of the Senate Republicans’ version of the budget reconciliation package does away with several provisions that would have reduced federal workers’ retirement benefits but significantly increases the burden on new hires. On Thursday night, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee published its portion of the budget reconciliation bill, which aims to cut federal spending to partially pay for tax cuts for the wealthy and increased immigration enforcement. Gone from the bill are House-passed provisions that would require all federal workers to contribute 4.4% of their basic pay toward the Federal Employees Retirement System, reduce their FERS benefit calculation from the ... Read more
- [Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chair Paul Releases Proposed Postal Employee Cuts](https://ruralinfo.net/homeland-security-and-governmental-affairs-chair-paul-releases-proposed-postal-employee-cuts/): On Thursday night, June 12, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Rand Paul (R-KY) released the text of his proposed cuts to the postal and federal workforce. These provisions would amend House-passed H.R. 1. The Paul proposal would require newly hired or promoted federal and EAS-level USPS employees to choose between being hired as an “at-will” employee and contribute an additional 5% to FERS, or to maintain merit-based civil service protections and pay an additional 10% to FERS. (The House-passed bill requires only employees who choose not to be at-will employees to pay an additional 5%.) The Paul proposal ... Read more
- [Volume in Key Mailing Categories Could Decline by Two-Fifths over 10 Years, Says Report](https://ruralinfo.net/volume-in-key-mailing-categories-could-decline-by-two-fifths-over-10-years-says-report/): Volume in mailing categories that are main profit centers for the Postal Service—First-Class mail and marketing mail (not including periodicals) could drop by as much as two-fifths over the next 10 years and will be down by more than a tenth even in the most favorable circumstances, says an inspector general report. The report laid out three potential scenarios over 2025 to 2035 combined First-Class and marketing mail volume: * A 29 percent decline in a baseline scenario where current trends continue with steady economic growth and unaccelerated adoption of digital alternatives. * A 41 percent decline in a worst-case ... Read more
- [Social Security and WEP/GPO Update](https://ruralinfo.net/social-security-and-wep-gpo-update/): On June 9, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issued updates regarding the Social Security Fairness Act and beneficiary records. These updates cover several important topics, including when beneficiaries can expect an increase in payments, how to handle Medicare premiums deducted from SSA benefits and federal pensions, tips to avoid scams, and information about retroactive back payments.  Timing of Increased Benefits Most beneficiary accounts were adjusted automatically in February 2025, with retroactive payments and new monthly benefits disbursed in March and April 2025, respectively. However, some accounts are more complex and require additional time for manual processing. According to the ... Read more
- [Get answers to your TSP questions](https://ruralinfo.net/get-answers-to-your-tsp-questions/): The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) has scheduled its latest slate of informational webinars and online training courses, which Postal Service employees can participate in. The topics will include TSP contributions, death benefits, distributions, investment funds, in-service withdrawals and loans. The webinars will last one hour, while the courses are two hours or more. Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must participate off the clock or during authorized breaks. Both the webinars and courses are free, and registration is not required. For more information about dates, times and webinar course descriptions, employees should go to the TSP website.
- [On June 8, 1959 a Navy submarine fired a guided missile carrying 3,000 letters to debut missile mail](https://ruralinfo.net/on-june-8-1959-a-navy-submarine-fired-a-guided-missile-carrying-3000-letters-to-debut-missile-mail/): Throughout its history, the Postal Service has explored faster, more efficient forms of mail transportation. Technologies now commonplace – railroads, automobiles, and airplanes – were embraced by the Post Office Department at their radical birth, when they were considered new-fangled, unworkable contraptions by many. One such technology, however, remains only a footnote in the history of mail delivery – missile mail.
- [Subcommittee Ranking Member Mfume Calls on GAO to Investigate the Progress Made on USPS-USPIS Joint Project Safe Delivery Initiative](https://ruralinfo.net/subcommittee-ranking-member-mfume-calls-on-gao-to-investigate-the-progress-made-on-usps-uspis-joint-project-safe-delivery-initiative/): Washington, D.C. (June 6, 2025)— Today, Rep. Kweisi Mfume, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, led Subcommittee Democrats in sending a letter to Comptroller General of the United States Gene L. Dodaro requesting an investigation into the progress made on the U.S. Postal Service (Postal Service) and U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) Joint Project Safe Delivery Initiative, citing their continued concerns about the safety of Postal Service employees and facilities. “We write to request an investigation into progress made on the U.S. Postal Service (Postal Service) and U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) Joint Project Safe Delivery Initiative.  We remain concerned about ... Read more
- [White House releases FY2026 budget details, calls for eliminating steward time at Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/white-house-releases-fy2026-budget-details-calls-for-eliminating-steward-time-at-postal-service/): This week, the Trump administration released its $2.6 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget proposal, setting the stage for the Republican-led House and Senate as they begin work to set priorities through Sept. 30, 2026. The proposal comes while Congress continues work on its FY 2025 reconciliation package. The White House budget calls for eliminating “official time,” and more specifically, “steward time” at the United States Postal Service. NALC’s collective bargaining agreements (CBA) with USPS have longed provided for payment of stewards for performing steward activities permitted under the CBA. “This budget proposal is a calculated attack on our collective bargaining ... Read more
- [Weekly Overview - Top Rural Carrier News This Week - 06/07/25](https://ruralinfo.net/weekly-overview-top-rural-carrier-news-this-week-06-07-25/): These are the posts you cared about this week [widgets_on_pages id=”1″]  
- [USPS, APWU (clerks) reach tentative agreement](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-apwu-clerks-reach-tentative-agreement/): USPS and the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO, have reached a tentative negotiated agreement. Upon ratification by the union’s membership, which will take several weeks, the agreement will run through Sept. 20, 2027. “This is a fair and responsible agreement that serves the best interest of our employees, our customers and the future of the Postal Service,” said Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino. “The agreement supports our mission to modernize our operations so we are better able to adapt to changing customer needs and deliver service excellence.” The union, also known as APWU, represents more than 190,000 clerks, mechanics, vehicle ... Read more
- [Help rural carriers dealing with the aftermath of recent tornadoes](https://ruralinfo.net/help-rural-carriers-dealing-with-the-aftermath-of-recent-tornadoes/): Our hearts go out to the communities of London and Somerset, Kentucky, who are facing the devastating aftermath of recent tornadoes. The destruction has been widespread, with many families—including several postal employees—suffering unimaginable losses. Among those impacted are KYRLCA Member Robert Frost and his wife, Shonda Frost, a retired rural carrier, who lost their home and belongings. In response, NRLCA Executive Committeeman Kirby Ricketts, KY-WV District Representative Sandra Holt, and Assistant District Representatives Julia Brown and Jonathan King have visited the affected areas. They met with local first responders and surveyed the damage firsthand to better understand the needs of ... Read more
- [USPS confirms death of Palmetto facility employee](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-confirms-death-of-palmetto-facility-employee/): The postal worker was employed as an electronic technician at the Palmetto Regional Processing and Distribution Center. PALMETTO, Ga. — In response to inquiries from 11Alive, the United States Postal Service has confirmed the death of one of its employees at the mega mail facility in Palmetto. According to USPS, the postal worker was employed as an electronic technician at the Palmetto Regional Processing and Distribution Center, who worked with the Postal Service for 30 years. “The Postal Service is deeply saddened by the loss of our postal family member,” the Postal Service said in a statement.  “Our sincere condolences ... Read more
- [Missing SC Postal Worker found deceased](https://ruralinfo.net/missing-sc-postal-worker-found-deceased/): Official Obituary of Kyle Michael Poppiti In Loving Memory of Kyle Michael Poppiti May 30, 2002 – May 31, 2025 With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Kyle Michael Poppiti, age 23, who left this world far too soon on Saturday, May 31, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with mental health. Born in Newark, Delaware, Kyle was kind, witty, and deeply thoughtful. He brought laughter to those around him and always had time to listen, even when his own heart was heavy. He was passionate about sports and was a big fan of the Philadelphia Seventy Sixers, ... Read more
- [Here’s where most dog attacks on postal workers occurred last year](https://ruralinfo.net/heres-where-most-dog-attacks-on-postal-workers-occurred-last-year/): There were more than 6,000 reports of dog attacks on Postal Service employees last year, the organization announced last week. Here are the top 20 cities for reported dog bites in 2024, and the number of attacks: • Los Angeles (77) • Houston (65) • Chicago (57) • St. Louis (47) • Cincinnati (44) • Dallas (43) • Kansas City, MO (40) • Cleveland (40) • San Diego (35) • Denver (34) • San Antonio (32) • Philadelphia (32) • Detroit (32) • Columbus, OH (32) • Minneapolis (30) • Indianapolis (26) • Phoenix (25) • Memphis, TN (25) • Omaha, NE (24) • Louisville, KY (24) Here are the top 10 states for reported dog bites in 2024, and the number of attacks: • California (701) • Texas (438) • Ohio (350) • Illinois (344) • New York (322) • Pennsylvania (316) • Michigan (231) • Florida (210) • Missouri (207) • North Carolina (169) The theme of this year’s ... Read more
- [One TSP Fund Ending, Another Beginning; Preparations Underway for In-Plan Roth Conversions](https://ruralinfo.net/one-tsp-fund-ending-another-beginning-preparations-underway-for-in-plan-roth-conversions/): The TSP has added details to previously announced changes regarding the available lifecycle L funds and an upcoming option for in-plan conversions of funds from traditional tax treatment to Roth status. After the close of markets June 27 the lifecycle L 2025 fund will have its final valuation and it will merge with the Income fund. Merging funds into the Income fund as they reach the same investment profile–the target date funds get more conservative over time—previously happened with funds for 2010 and 2020. As of the end of April, the Income fund—meant for investors who already are retired or ... Read more
- [Mail carrier charged after fatally backing into 84-year-old man in Outer Banks](https://ruralinfo.net/mail-carrier-charged-after-fatally-backing-into-84-year-old-man-in-outer-banks/): KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. (WAVY) — A mail carrier in Kill Devil Hills was charged in connection with the death of an elderly man after hitting him with her vehicle on May 19, according to the Kill Devil Hills Police Department. Amy Hudler, 53, was driving a 2021 Mercedes-Benz mail carrier vehicle when she proceeded to back up on Portsmouth Street. While backing up, Hudler hit 84-year-old James Hofler while he was crossing the road to check his mailbox. Hofler sustained serious injuries and was then transferred to the Outer Banks Health Hospital in Nags Head. Police say Hudler immediately ... Read more
- [Federal Retirement Process Goes Digital, Targeting Paper Pileup](https://ruralinfo.net/federal-retirement-process-goes-digital-targeting-paper-pileup/): The federal personnel agency has launched an online system for processing retirement applications, ending a paper-based method that had remained largely unchanged for decades. The rollout is one of the more tangible changes from a larger effort to modernize government operations under the Department of Government Efficiency, a high-profile initiative championed early on by Elon Musk and other tech figures brought into the administration. President Donald Trump cited the project as one of DOGE’s top accomplishments as Musk wrapped his stint as a special government employee at the White House last week. The Office of Personnel Management’s new retirement portal went ... Read more
- [The Senate is back in session! Call now and tell your Senators to oppose all cuts to federal and postal retirement benefits](https://ruralinfo.net/the-senate-is-back-in-session-call-now-and-tell-your-senators-to-oppose-all-cuts-to-federal-and-postal-retirement-benefits/)
- [Grand Junction postal worker dies while completing mail route](https://ruralinfo.net/grand-junction-postal-worker-dies-while-completing-mail-route/): GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – A Grand Junction man who worked for the United States Postal Service (USPS) died late last week. The worker has been identified as 59-year-old Dan Workman, who was a letter carrier from Grand Junction and a nine-year veteran of the USPS. According to the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 913, Workman died while completing his mail route on May 30. Eric Salazar, the President of NALC Branch 913, sent us a statement saying “It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic passing of our brother, Dan Workman, who lost his life while ... Read more
- [Weekly Overview - Top Rural Carrier News This Week - 05/31/25](https://ruralinfo.net/weekly-overview-top-rural-carrier-news-this-week-05-31-25/): These are the posts you cared about this week [widgets_on_pages id=”1″]  
- [U.S. Postal Service Releases Dog Bite National Rankings](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-releases-dog-bite-national-rankings-2/): WASHINGTON — Incidents involving dog attacks on Postal Service employees rose to more than 6,000 cases last year. As part of the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, the organization is offering crucial information on how dog owners can be good stewards for safe mail delivery and ensure the safety of its employees. The month-long campaign begins on Sunday, June 1. This year’s theme is “Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track.” Spread news of the campaign with the hashtag #dogbiteawareness. “The best way to keep safe from dog attacks is to recognize and promote the responsibility of pet ownership, such ... Read more
- [USPS employees can help promote semipostal stamps](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-employees-can-help-promote-semipostal-stamps/): USPS has released updated guidance for promoting semipostal stamps, along with information for employees who want to purchase special T-shirts. The organization offers four semipostal stamps, which raise money for specific causes, and sets aside four months each year to promote them: • September for the Alzheimer’s stamp; • October for the Breast Cancer Research stamp; • November for the Save Vanishing Species stamp; and • December for the Healing PTSD stamp. Postal Service facility leaders and employees can promote semipostal stamps during those months but must follow these rules: • Raffles and drawings are allowed if everyone can enter for free without having ... Read more
- [Trump administration begins cracking down on federal employees’ use of leave for voting](https://ruralinfo.net/trump-administration-begins-cracking-down-on-federal-employees-use-of-leave-for-voting/): With some key primary elections at the state level occurring in the coming weeks, the Trump administration has begun notifying employees they can no longer use paid administrative leave to vote. The reminder, so far sent out at least to various agencies within the Agriculture Department, complies with an executive order President Trump signed on his first day in office. That order revoked a bevy of previously issued presidential actions, including an order President Biden signed early in his term to allow the leave category for federal employees looking to vote. In March, Trump signed another executive order calling on agency heads ... Read more
- [NRLCA REMINDER: Ratification Ballots Due No Later than 12 Noon ET on Friday, June 13](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-reminder-ratification-ballots-due-no-later-than-12-noon-et-on-friday-june-13/): By now, many of you have received your ratification ballots in the mail. They were sent via U.S. Mail on Friday, May 9th. I want to speak to you today, not just as your president, but as an experienced rural carrier who understands exactly what is at stake.
- [Weekly Overview - Top Rural Carrier News](https://ruralinfo.net/weekly-overview-top-rural-carrier-news/): [widgets_on_pages id=”1″]    
- [NRLCA UPDATE: House Passes Reconciliation Bill, 215-214](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-update-house-passes-reconciliation-bill-215-214/): UPDATE 5/22/25:
- [Florida Enacts ‘Pam Rock Act’ After Fatal Dog Attack On Postal Worker](https://ruralinfo.net/florida-enacts-pam-rock-act-after-fatal-dog-attack-on-postal-worker/): FLORIDA – A new Florida law targeting dangerous dog attacks is now in effect, following the 2022 death of a mail carrier who was fatally mauled while on her delivery route. The “Pam Rock Act,” signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, honors 62-year-old Pamela Rock, who died after being attacked by dogs in Putnam County while working for the U.S. Postal Service. Reports from the time indicate the dogs escaped through a damaged fence before attacking Rock. She later died from her injuries at a nearby hospital. The case did not result in immediate criminal charges, but sparked a push for ... Read more
- [House passes reconciliation bill that cuts federal employee retirement benefits](https://ruralinfo.net/house-passes-reconciliation-bill-that-cuts-federal-employee-retirement-benefits/): Though Democrats were able to excise a plan to base federal retirees’ annuity payments on their highest five years of salary, rather than the current high-3, proposals to eliminate the FERS supplement and to charge employees for their civil service protections remain on the table. In the intervening weeks, House Republicans further tweaked the bill to better exempt law enforcement personnel and other federal workers who are subject to mandatory retirement ages from the FERS supplement elimination and delaying implementation of the High-5 annuity proposal by one year. The changes also included the removal of the plan to require employees hired prior ... Read more
- [Memorial Day is May 26 – The annual observance honors those who died defending the U.S](https://ruralinfo.net/memorial-day-is-may-26-the-annual-observance-honors-those-who-died-defending-the-u-s/): Memorial Day, a time to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the country, will be observed on Monday, May 26. The first national commemoration was held in 1868, after Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union soldiers and sailors, called for May 30 to be set aside “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating” the gravesites of those who died defending the country in the Civil War. This is why the holiday is sometimes referred to as Decoration Day. One hundred years ... Read more
- [NRLCA Statement on the Passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-statement-on-the-passing-of-congressman-gerry-connolly/): The NRLCA is saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA). Throughout his years of service in Congress, Rep. Connolly has been a true champion of federal and postal workers, standing shoulder to shoulder with us in the fight to preserve and strengthen the Postal Service as a vital public institution.   His leadership, most recently as Ranking Member on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, was instrumental in protecting six-day delivery, promoting fair working conditions, and ensuring the service millions of Americans rely on every day.   Rep. Connolly understood that the Postal Service is more ... Read more
- [NRLCA UPDATE: House Budget Committee Passes Revised Reconciliation Bill: Call Your Representative NOW!](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-update-house-budget-committee-passes-revised-reconciliation-bill-call-your-representative-now/): UPDATE 5/19/25: On Sunday night, May 18, the House Budget Committee passed a revised version of the budget reconciliation bill out of Committee. Changes made to the original language proposed by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee included: The increase in FERS contributions for employees hired before 2014 to 4.4% of salary was removed. The shift in the retirement calculation formula from high-3 to high-5, as well as the elimination of the FERS annuity supplement remain, although both have been postponed until January 2028. The full House of Representatives is scheduled to vote by the end of the week. ... Read more
- [Retirement cuts tweaked in House reconciliation package](https://ruralinfo.net/retirement-cuts-tweaked-in-house-reconciliation-package/): House Republicans on Monday unveiled a series of changes to a bevy of proposed cuts to federal workers’ retirement benefits aimed at making them more politically palatable following bipartisan backlash. But Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, said he and some other Republicans would not support the measure on the floor because some of the provisions amount to reducing the retirement benefits of federal workers who have already earned and are vested in their pension. The proposals have also provoked outcry among federal workers who agreed to participate in the deferred resignation program, Voluntary Early Retirement Authority or a combination of the two, as well as groups ... Read more
- [Severe weather impacting mail delivery](https://ruralinfo.net/severe-weather-impacting-mail-delivery/): Severe weather moving through the Central and Southern Plains into the Eastern U.S. and the Great Lakes regions in the U.S. (Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia) may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages.
- [DOGE could scrap identity protections for those impacted by OPM breach](https://ruralinfo.net/doge-could-scrap-identity-protections-for-those-impacted-by-opm-breach/): Sen. Mark Warner urged OPM’s acting director to ensure identity protection services continue for the more than 21 million individuals affected by the 2015 breach. A top Senate Intelligence Democrat is warning the Office of Personnel Management against cancelling identity protection services that have been provided to current and former federal employees since their data was exposed in the massive 2015 OPM data breach. In a letter sent Friday to OPM acting Director Charles Ezell, Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., expressed concerns about Department of Government Efficiency-instituted cuts to the personnel agency and plans that it may have to “curtail identity ... Read more
- [House Republicans’ pension changes will save nearly $51B, CBO says](https://ruralinfo.net/house-republicans-pension-changes-will-save-nearly-51b-cbo-says/): The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s proposal to overhaul the federal government’s pension benefit system would save nearly $51 billion over the next decade, an analysis from the Congressional Budget Office found. It would constitute major savings to help offset the cost of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” — if Republicans keep the provision in tact. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) broke with his party back in April to join Democrats in voting against the Oversight panel’s contribution to the GOP megabill over the proposed changes, arguing it would punish government workers. “I believe that making changes to pension retirement benefits in the middle of ... Read more
- [Ex-RCA gets $1 Million after SCOTUS Religious Bias decision](https://ruralinfo.net/ex-rca-gets-1-million-after-scotus-religious-bias-decision/): A Christian worker has settled for $1 million his religious bias lawsuit against the US Postal Service over his having to work Sundays, a case that went to all the way to the US Supreme Court. Gerald Groff will receive three separate payments from the agency, according to a copy of the agreement provided by the Department of Justice. He’ll get $300,000 for his alleged non-wage-based compensatory damages, $100,000 for his alleged lost wages, and $600,000 for his “alleged attorneys’ fees and costs,” the document said.  
- [House Committee Unleashes Major Attack on Postal Employee Retirement Benefits: Call Your Representative NOW!](https://ruralinfo.net/house-committee-unleashes-major-attack-on-postal-employee-retirement-benefits-call-your-representative-now/): More Attacks on Postal Employee Benefits On April 30, 2025, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability approved significant cuts to federal employee retirement benefits by a vote of 22-21. These extremely harmful cuts will severely impact current and future rural letter carriers and their livelihoods. They include basing a retiree’s annuity on their average highest five years of earnings (high-5) instead of the highest three years (high-3), significantly lowering an employee’s anticipated annuity. The cuts also increase FERS employees’ contribution rate to 4.4% for USPS personnel hired prior to 2014 (employees hired in 2014 and thereafter already contribute 4.4%) and also eliminates the ... Read more
- [Mailbox Improvement Week, May 19–25, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/mailbox-improvement-week-may-19-25-2025/): Each year, the Postal Service™ designates the third full week of May as “Mailbox Improvement Week” to encourage customers on city motorized, rural, or contract delivery service routes (formerly highway contract box delivery routes) to examine and, where necessary, improve the appearance of their mailboxes. Neat, attractive mailboxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of the countryside and streets in suburban areas. Mailbox Improvement Week calls attention to the need for providing mailboxes that are: 1. Approved by the Postmaster General®. 2. Fully operational. 3. Designed to protect the mail from weather. 4. Safe to use. 5. Conveniently located. 6. Neat ... Read more
- [Special Delivery, Made Weird: The Jeep Gladiator Goes Postal](https://ruralinfo.net/special-delivery-made-weird-the-jeep-gladiator-goes-postal/): Somewhere in America, a retired mail carrier just did a double take, and not because someone put the flag up on the mailbox. Jeep’s getting weird again, and this time it’s by turning a Gladiator into something that looks like it delivers packages and wrangles rattlesnakes. Meet the Kestrel, an up-armored mail truck on stilts, built by Morgan Olson and based on the Jeep Gladiator. And yes, it can come in right-hand drive. Morgan Olson, better known for building walk-in step vans that sling tacos or deliver last-minute Amazon regrets, took Jeep’s 137-inch wheelbase Gladiator, lopped off the bed and rear seats, ... Read more
- [Mail carrier earns Everyday Hero Award for saving dog from drowning](https://ruralinfo.net/mail-carrier-earns-everyday-hero-award-for-saving-dog-from-drowning/): She said she was delivering the family’s mail along with a larger package. Normally, she would just leave it in the mailbox or on the front steps, but she didn’t want the package to get wet as the forecast called for rain. When she walked behind the house towards the covered porch, she heard Buddy making a desperate sound. The yelp sounded as though it was coming from the pool. “When I [got to] the back porch, I looked around and saw him in the water, and he looked like he couldn’t get out,” Boone recalled. “I went to try ... Read more
- [FedEx strikes new Amazon deal, says heavy and rural deliveries are money makers](https://ruralinfo.net/fedex-strikes-new-amazon-deal-says-heavy-and-rural-deliveries-are-money-makers/): FedEx’s new deal comes nearly six years after its express business dropped Amazon, and about four months since archrival UPS cut its Amazon business in half FedEx Corp. said that, following about a year of talks, it has a new delivery deal with Amazon.com Inc., which comes some five years after the two companies pared their delivery partnership. The deal also comes nearly four months after FedEx (FDX) rival United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) said it was cutting its business with Amazon (AMZN) by more than half, because it wasn’t profitable. FedEx assured investors that the business would make money, ... Read more
- [USPS characters are appearing on party goods](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-characters-are-appearing-on-party-goods/): The Postal Service has licensed a line of party goods and a new toy mail truck. Created by Colorfull Plates, the new line of children’s tableware features USPS characters Mr. ZIP, the bald eagle B. Franklin and Farley, a blue collection box. The characters star in the “Mail with Mr. ZIP” series on YouTube. The disposable cups, napkins, dessert and dinner plates start at $6 and customers can choose between Mr. ZIP and Farley as the main character on the items. They are available through the Colorfull Plates website. The new wooden USPS mail truck by Candylab Toys retails for $16. It is ... Read more
- [CBO – Reconciliation Recommendations of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform](https://ruralinfo.net/cbo-reconciliation-recommendations-of-the-house-committee-on-oversight-and-government-reform/): Legislation Summary H. Con. Res. 14, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, instructed the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to recommend legislative changes that would decrease deficits by a specified amount over the 2025-2034 period. As part of the reconciliation process, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform approved legislation on April 30, 2025, that would decrease deficits. The legislation would Increase some employees’ contributions to Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) and eliminate the retirement supplement for most employees in the system Change the years of salary history used for calculating retirement benefits ... Read more
- [Statement of NRLCA President Don Maston on the Appointment of David Steiner as USPS Postmaster General](https://ruralinfo.net/statement-of-nrlca-president-don-maston-on-the-appointment-of-david-steiner-as-usps-postmaster-general/): The United States Postal Service is one of our nation’s oldest and most trusted institutions, rooted in a 250-year legacy of public service. As the USPS Board of Governors confirms David Steiner as the next Postmaster General, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association urges him to fully embrace that legacy and the values that define it. The Postal Service is not a business in the traditional sense—it is a national network that binds the country together, serving every American, no matter how remote their address. For decades, USPS has ranked as the most trusted government agency. More than 86 percent ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Recommends New Shipping Services Prices for 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-recommends-new-shipping-services-prices-for-2025/): Postal Service continues to offer great value on affordable shipping with reliable service. No price changes are being made to Priority Mail Express, Domestic Extra Services, International Ancillary Services, or International Products. Pricing actions are part of a balanced approach under Delivering for America, the Postal Service’s 10-year strategic plan for achieving financial sustainability and service excellence. Rate changes will support the $40 billion in investments in people, technology and infrastructure and continue the modernization and improvement of the Postal Service’s operations and customer experience. WASHINGTON — The Postal Service filed notice today with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for ... Read more
- [Postal Unions respond to FedEx exec being named PMG](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-unions-respond-to-fedex-exec-being-named-pmg/): WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors today announced that they have chosen David Steiner to be America’s 76th Postmaster General and CEO.  See the statements and reactions from the postal unions
- [2025 Christmas period for rural carriers begins Saturday, December 6, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/2025-christmas-period-for-rural-carriers-begins-saturday-december-6-2025/): The 2025 Christmas period for rural carriers begins Saturday, December 6, 2025 (Week 2, Pay Period (PP) 26–2025), and ends Friday, December 26, 2025 (Week 2, Pay Period 01-2026). During this period, certain timekeeping and pay rules apply. Timekeepers, including postmasters, supervisors, and other employees responsible for rural carrier time and attendance recording, must become familiar with Article 9.2.H., Christmas Allowances and Procedures, of Handbook EL-902, Agreement between the United States Postal Service and the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, 2021–2024. This article describes: n Types of compensation that rural carriers are entitled during the Christmas period. n Related timekeeping procedures and regulations ... Read more
- [Employee shot outside U.S. Postal Service facility in Henrietta, NY](https://ruralinfo.net/employee-shot-outside-u-s-postal-service-facility-in-henrietta-ny/): Henrietta, N.Y. — Police are looking for a suspect after a U.S. Postal Service employee was shot in the parking lot of the agency’s main Rochester facility on Jefferson Road in Henrietta early Thursday. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the facility around 12:40 a.m. for a report of a person shot. Deputies found the victim, who had been shot by an unknown suspect who drove away before they arrived, according to Deputy David Marcucci. The victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Marcucci, and was released.
- [NRLCA National Board Designates October 19-25, 2025 National Steward Recognition Week](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-national-board-designates-october-19-25-2025-national-steward-recognition-week/): The NRLCA National Board has designated the week of October 19-25, 2025 as “National Steward Recognition Week.” We hope you will join us in showing our stewards at every level that their dedication and commitment do not go unnoticed. Let us praise our stewards at least as often as we criticize and remember that they put themselves on the line for you every day. When you are tired and frustrated about something that management does or doesn’t do, don’t take it out on your steward. They are there to help you, often while carrying a full day’s mail on their own ... Read more
- [Support Letter Carrier Anthony Santoro’s Road To Recovery After Being Shot](https://ruralinfo.net/support-letter-carrier-anthony-santoros-road-to-recovery-after-being-shot/): Sadly, on Friday, October 3, 2025, while in the duties of his job, City Letter Carrier Anthony Santoro’s life was forever changed by the cowardice act of one individual, who, without cause, shot Anthony in the face while Anthony delivered the mail. RELATED
- [She goes the extra mile for her customers](https://ruralinfo.net/she-goes-the-extra-mile-for-her-customers/): No one was more surprised than Jolena Kees to learn she has one of the nation’s longest delivery routes. Kees, a Grayson, KY, rural carrier, drives 135 miles each workday to serve 479 delivery points. The Postal Service recently named Kees’ route one of the nation’s longest, a list released last month to help mark the organization’s 250th anniversary. “I love going the extra mile for my customers and taking pride in knowing I’m taking care of this community,” said Kees, a 23-year USPS veteran. Besides offering her a sense of professional fulfillment, the route also offers its share of natural wonders: On ... Read more
- [Chuck Grassley Details Investigation Into USPS Hiring Sex Offenders To Deliver Mail](https://ruralinfo.net/chuck-grassley-details-investigation-into-usps-hiring-sex-offenders-to-deliver-mail/): During remarks on the Senate floor Thursday, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) provided updates on his investigation into the USPS hiring registered sex offenders to deliver mail.
- [Federal and postal workers to see double-digit health care premium increases again next year](https://ruralinfo.net/federal-and-postal-workers-to-see-double-digit-health-care-premium-increases-again-next-year/): Enrollees in the new Postal Service Health Benefits Program, which replaced the U.S. Postal Service’s previous insurance offerings last fall, will see their premiums increase by 11.3% on average next year, a slightly larger increase from 2025’s 11.1% rate hike. The government’s share of PSHB premiums will increase 8.0% on average in 2026. Per biweekly pay period, postal workers enrolled in “self only” plans will pay an additional $12.88 in health care premiums, while those in “self plus one” plans will pay $29.78 more on average. Postal employees enrolled in family coverage will pay an average of $32.46 per paycheck.
- [Four rural carriers receive recognition for saving lives](https://ruralinfo.net/four-rural-carriers-receive-recognition-for-saving-lives/): A USPS employee in Blaine, WA, has received the top hero of the year award from the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association for saving a customer from a vicious dog attack. On the day of the attack, Rural Carrier David Hamilton was heading back to the local Post Office after completing his deliveries when he saw a large, unleashed dog attacking an older woman and her small dog. Hamilton jumped out of his vehicle to protect the woman, whose arm had been injured after the larger dog knocked her to the ground. He threw an empty mail tub at the ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service to Observe Columbus Day, Oct. 13](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-to-observe-columbus-day-oct-13/): WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service will observe Columbus Day on Monday, Oct. 13. Post Office locations will be closed in recognition of the federal holiday. Only Priority Mail Express items will be delivered on the holiday, and regular mail delivery and retail services will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 14. While Post Offices will be closed, customers can access many postal products and services through the Postal Service’s network of more than 2,600 self-service kiosks, available in select Post Office lobbies nationwide. These kiosks feature: Postage printing for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and international shipping; Stamps for purchase; Ability ... Read more
- [Amazon contractor claims self defense in shooting of postal worker, Everett PD says](https://ruralinfo.net/amazon-contractor-claims-self-defense-in-shooting-of-postal-worker-everett-pd-says/): EVERETT, Wash. (KOMO) — A contracted Amazon delivery driver who was allegedly armed with two guns, a large knife, and a bulletproof vest told detectives he shot a U.S. Postal Service worker in the head as an act of self-defense during an altercation in the mailroom of an Everett apartment complex, newly-released arrest documents reveal. The Amazon contractor, identified as 26-year-old Blake Michael Kuhlman, was arrested Friday after Everett police responded to a shooting in the 9300 block of West Mall Drive around 1 p.m. In an arrest report, Kuhlman admitted to the shooting when questioned by detectives. In the arrest ... Read more
- [2025 – 2026 – New Guarantee Year provisions important to rural carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/2025-2026-new-guarantee-year-provisions-important-to-rural-carriers/): There are certain rural carrier provisions that happen around the new Guarantee year and the end of the year.   Pay close attention to anything highlighted, or you may end up being surprised. Guarantee Year The new Guarantee year starts on October 4th, 2025 Carriers are paid overtime for all hours actually worked in excess of 2,080, up to 2,240, within the 52-consecutive-week guar­antee period. If a carrier works more than 2,240 hours within the guar­antee period, the agreement under FLSA section 7(b)(2) is considered void, and the carrier must be compensated for all hours worked during the guarantee period in ... Read more
- [Delivery driver shoots US postal worker in Everett, WA](https://ruralinfo.net/delivery-driver-shoots-us-postal-worker-in-everett-wa/): EVERETT, Wash. – Police arrested a delivery driver accused of shooting a U.S. postal worker in Everett on Friday. Officers were called to reports of a shooting around 12:50 p.m. at the West Mall Place Apartments, located on W Mall Dr just north of Hwy 99. They found the victim, a USPS postal worker, suffering from a gunshot wound. Medical personnel transported the postal worker to Providence Hospital for treatment. Officers also took the package delivery driver suspected of shooting them into police custody. Authorities say there is no danger to the public. Police are still investigating the incident; this story will be updated ... Read more
- [W’boro postman Randy Smith retires after 40 years](https://ruralinfo.net/wboro-postman-randy-smith-retires-after-40-years/): The Whitesboro Post Office celebrated two major milestones at a cupcake-and-punch reception Tuesday morning. Rural carrier Randy Smith retired after a 40-year career with the United States Postal Service (USPS) and rural carrier Sheila Johnson retired after 20 years (nearly all of which was devoted to Whitesboro). Smith first applied for the USPS in 1980 at the age of 20. A lifelong resident of Whitesboro, he had been working construction with his uncle, building houses and doing concrete work, but work was slow in the winter. Looking for something different, he took the postal office test and waited for a ... Read more
- [USPS releases updated EMA charts for rural carriers using a POV](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-releases-updated-ema-charts-for-rural-carriers-using-a-pov/): Based on the August 2025 CPI-W release, the Equipment Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for rural carriers will increase 0.5¢ to 97.5¢ per mile. This EMA rate will be effective October 4, 2025 (Pay Period 2025-22) ALSO SEE  
- [Judge rules USPS ban on guns is unconstitutional](https://ruralinfo.net/judge-rules-usps-ban-on-guns-is-unconstitutional/): The U.S. Postal Service policy banning people from bringing firearms into post offices violates the Constitution, a federal judge in Texas ruled Tuesday. Judge Reed O’Connor, a Trump appointee, said both the Post Office’s own regulation and a federal law barring firearms possession in a “federal facility” cannot survive scrutiny after the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling in the Bruen case. That ruling said that for firearms restrictions to stand, they must be consistent with what the founders who crafted the Second Amendment would have envisioned. Judge O’Connor said post offices existed at the time of the founding. Lawmakers at the ... Read more
- [Mailin’ it podcast = A Conversation with New Postmaster General David Steiner](https://ruralinfo.net/mailin-it-podcast-a-conversation-with-new-postmaster-general-david-steiner/): In this special episode of Mailin’ It!, USPS’s new Postmaster General David Steiner sits down with hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino. Steiner describes his career journey from law to logistics leadership, shares what drew him to the U.S. Postal Service, and outlines his vision for guiding the organization through a period of transformation. Steiner discusses the opportunities and challenges ahead for an organization now in its 250th year. Keep an eye out for more from PMG Steiner on the USPS Blog in the coming weeks!
- [NRLCA Commemorates 129 Years of Rural Free Delivery and 250th Anniversary of USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-commemorates-129-years-of-rural-free-delivery-and-250th-anniversary-of-usps/): On October 1, 1896, the first experimental RFD routes were launched in Charles Town, Halltown, and Uvilla, WV. Five routes covered just 10 miles, and history was made when rural carrier Harry Gibson delivered the first piece of RFD mail. Gibson, along with Frank Young, John Lucas, and Keyes Strider, carried the mail on horseback. Strider’s cousin, Melvin, who was only 15 years old at the time and too young to be officially paid, made his own 20-mile loop on a bicycle to help deliver the first batch of mail. RFD mail proved to be popular from the beginning. Within a year ... Read more
- [Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Open Season runs from November 10-December 8, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-health-benefits-pshb-open-season-runs-from-november-10-december-8-2025/):  If you are enrolled in a PSHB plan and do NOT want to change plans, you do NOT have to take any action. You will stay enrolled in your current plan.  PSHB enrollment requires a login.gov account. Visit www.login.gov for more information on how to set up an account.  All Postal Service employees, annuitants, and their eligible family members who are currently enrolled in PSHB may select a PSHB plan during Open Season.  More information on how to login and enroll will be provided to USPS employees & annuitants before Open Season begins.  For more information, visit the PSHB website ... Read more
- [Rural Route Evaluation Dispute Process (RREDP) MOU and Updated Forms](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-route-evaluation-dispute-process-rredp-mou-and-updated-forms-2/): The Rural Route Evaluation Dispute Process (RREDP) will be used to address disputes where the assigned carrier has identified potential errors. Local management and the carrier should discuss and work together to submit the necessary documentation needed to resolve the issue. The RRECS Disputes Documentation Requirements (linked below) lists some common issues being disputed and the recommended documentation needed at the very minimum that should accompany the dispute. Please remember that each item being disputed should be on its own dispute form along with the necessary documentation. The dispute and the documentation will be sent to the Manager of Labor Relations at the ... Read more
- [What the Upcoming Government Shutdown Means for Rural Letter Carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/what-the-upcoming-government-shutdown-means-for-rural-letter-carriers/): At 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, the federal government is scheduled to shut down unless Congress and President Trump can reach an agreement to extend funding beyond September 30. While such a shutdown would disrupt many federal agencies and carry significant economic costs, it is important for rural carriers to know that Postal Service operations will continue uninterrupted. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is not funded through annual congressional appropriations. Instead, it is sustained by the sale of postage, products, and services. This means that even during a government shutdown, rural carriers will still receive their paychecks and continue delivering their ... Read more
- [This RCA grabbed an extinguisher as the vehicle burned at a gas station](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rca-grabbed-an-extinguisher-as-the-vehicle-burned-at-a-gas-station/): Rural Carrier Associate Nicholas “Nick” Hernandez was recently driving to work in Kihei, HI, when he spotted a blaze at a gas station. He checked if anyone was inside the burning vehicle and then grabbed a nearby fire extinguisher. As another person called 911, Hernandez remained there and assisted firefighters in extinguishing the blaze. A passerby filmed Hernandez’s efforts to help and posted the footage on social media. The Postal Service employee later learned the fire had been started deliberately.
- [Whistleblower Says USPS Hired a Convicted Sex Offender, Then Gave Him Access to Women’s Restrooms and Personal Information](https://ruralinfo.net/whistleblower-says-usps-hired-a-convicted-sex-offender-then-gave-him-access-to-womens-restrooms-and-personal-information/): When Hannah Kulishova joined the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in 2021, she thought she had found the perfect fit: steady work, miles of walking, and a chance to serve her community. But last August, that sense of normalcy was shattered when she realized her employer had placed her, and countless other women, in harm’s way. This realization began after a male USPS employee identifying as a transgender woman was given free rein of the women’s restrooms in the Larchmont, New York, post office, where Kulishova worked. Kulishova had worked with the man, who goes by the name Ashley Phillips, for ... Read more
- [Affordable delivery services are essential for rural America](https://ruralinfo.net/affordable-delivery-services-are-essential-for-rural-america/): Millions rely on the Postal Service for daily needs. Recent polls confirm that 91 percent of Americans living in rural communities strongly agree that the Postal Service is an “essential service,” and 94 percent say that mail and package delivery services are vital.  These results are not surprising. In many parts of the country, the Postal Service, which delivers to every doorstep every day, is an essential part of the nation’s economic infrastructure, helping small- and medium-size businesses ship and receive goods at affordable rates and assisting consumers to connect to the digital economy. There have been arguments that expanded internet access ... Read more
- [Our September rural carrier newsletter is live](https://ruralinfo.net/our-september-rural-carrier-newsletter-is-live/)
- [USPS OIG – Postal Service’s Workplace Violence Prevention Program](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-oig-postal-services-workplace-violence-prevention-program/): Background Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the U.S. Postal Service is obligated to provide its employees with a safe and healthy place to work. The Postal Service proactively meets this obligation by implementing policies, procedures, special teams, and reporting tools related to workplace violence at facilities. The established zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence outlines that no employee should have to work in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation and the organization will address every threat or act of inappropriate behavior with an immediate and firm response. These threats or acts can result in corrective action up ... Read more
- [RCA passes away after accident on the route](https://ruralinfo.net/rca-passes-away-after-accident-on-the-route/): A Richmond postal carrier was critically injured last week when her United States Postal Service truck crashed on County Line Road. According to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, the single-vehicle crash took place on the afternoon of Sept. 16 in Casco Township. It caused County Line Road between 28 Mile and 29 Mile roads to be closed for several hours. Michigan State Police and Macomb County Sheriff’s deputies were on the scene, but St. Clair County took the lead on the case. At this time, it has not released any information regarding the cause of the crash but confirmed ... Read more
- [Postal Service not affected by a government shutdown](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-not-affected-by-a-government-shutdown/): U.S. Postal Service operations will not be interrupted in the event of a government shutdown, and all Post Offices will remain open for business as usual. Because we are an independent entity that is generally funded through the sale of our products and services, and not by tax dollars, our services will not be impacted by a government shutdown.
- [USPS covers a lot of ground](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-covers-a-lot-of-ground/): In the 250 years since its inception, the Postal Service has expanded from a handful of routes crisscrossing the Colonies into a 234,000-route network encompassing 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five major U.S. territories in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. To help mark the organization’s anniversary this year, USPS has released a list of its longest routes in its four geographical areas — Atlantic, Central, Southern and WestPac: • In WestPac Area, a 195-mile route out of Sidney, MT — the nation’s longest — delivers to 305 mailboxes; • In Southern Area, a 183-mile route out of ... Read more
- [Census Bureau to Test Using Postal Workers as Census Takers in 2030 Field Trials Next Year](https://ruralinfo.net/census-bureau-to-test-using-postal-workers-as-census-takers-in-2030-field-trials-next-year/): The Census Bureau plans to use U.S. postal workers as census takers in at least two locations during field tests next year for the 2030 census, which will determine political power and federal funding. The statistical agency said Friday in a notice to be published next week that it will test and assess the feasibility of using postal carriers to knock on doors and collect information about households for the once-a-decade head count of every U.S. resident. The field tests will be conducted next year in western Texas; tribal lands in Arizona; Colorado Springs, Colorado; western North Carolina; Spartanburg, South Carolina; and Huntsville, Alabama. The ... Read more
- [This rural carrier found a 96-year-old man who had fallen on the ice](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-found-a-96-year-old-man-who-had-fallen-on-the-ice/): Rural Carrier Patricia “Patti” Durrell was delivering mail last winter in Pomfret Center, CT, when she spotted an older man lying on the ground. The 96-year-old customer had slipped on ice while taking his garbage out to the road to be picked up. Unable to lift himself, he was stranded in bitterly cold temperatures. Durrell called 911 and gave the man her hand warmers and a blanket. “I truly believe this man would not be here today if wasn’t for Patti — considering the temperature, his age and the fact that this road is rarely traveled,” said Caroline Gardiner, the ... Read more
- [Updated Salary Charts Reflecting Past Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) and General Wage Increase (GWI)](https://ruralinfo.net/updated-salary-charts-reflecting-past-cost-of-living-adjustments-cola-and-general-wage-increase-gwi/): Below find links to Rural Carrier salary charts reflecting $957 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) effective September 7, 2024 1.3% general wage increase effective (GWI) November 16, 2024 $416 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) effective March 8, 2025
- [As Delivering for America proceeds, bipartisan lawmakers create caucus focused on improving postal operations](https://ruralinfo.net/as-delivering-for-america-proceeds-bipartisan-lawmakers-create-caucus-focused-on-improving-postal-operations/): While the bulk of House Democrats were speaking on the Capitol steps on Friday to express their opposition to the GOP-backed measure to avoid a government shutdown, a bipartisan quintet of lawmakers gathered a couple yards away to launch a new caucus dedicated to stopping certain U.S. Postal Service reforms, improving on-time mail delivery rates and supporting the postal workforce. “It’s a definite sign that in a time of great division here in Congress and in this country that so many people, Republican and Democrat, agree on the importance of keeping the Postal Service strong and making sure that the service ... Read more
- [Before they were famous, they were postal workers](https://ruralinfo.net/before-they-were-famous-they-were-postal-workers/): The Postal Service has updated its list of famous postal workers. The list, compiled by the USPS historian’s office, features 35 names, including actors, artists, athletes, musicians and politicians. Here’s a sample: • Steve Carrell: “The Office” star was a rural carrier in Littleton, MA, in 1985. • Bing Crosby: The popular actor and singer — ranked as “the most admired man alive” in a 1948 poll — was a substitute and regular clerk in Spokane, WA, in 1921. • Walt Disney: The animator, film producer and theme park pioneer was a substitute carrier in Chicago in 1918 and a temporary holiday worker in Kansas City, ... Read more
- [Lawmakers press OPM on ‘critical’ staffing, funding issues in Postal insurance program](https://ruralinfo.net/lawmakers-press-opm-on-critical-staffing-funding-issues-in-postal-insurance-program/): Less than two months away from this fall’s Open Season, Democrats in Congress are raising concerns that the Office of Personnel Management may not be fully prepared to administer the major health insurance program for millions of Postal Service employees and annuitants. Top Democrats from several congressional committees sent a letter Friday to OPM Director Scott Kupor to push for answers about key issues recently identified in the new Postal Service Health Benefits program. The letter comes a few months after the agency’s inspector general office found “critical” staffing vacancies and funding issues in the PSHB’s central enrollment platform, which all program ... Read more
- [Prime Big Deal Days is back October 7–8](https://ruralinfo.net/prime-big-deal-days-is-back-october-7-8/): Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days returns October 7–8, kicking off the 2025 holiday shopping season with millions of deals and deep discounts across popular categories like home, apparel, toys, and beauty. Starting October 7 at 12:01 a.m. PDT, Prime members can shop seasonal savings across Amazon’s wide selection—from beauty must-haves and top electronics to deals on some of the most anticipated gifts of the season. Members can expect deals from toy brands including LEGO, Fisher-Price, MAGNA-TILES, and Tonies; electronics from Samsung, LG, and Sonos; and Amazon Exclusives from popular brands like Lancôme and National Tree Company. From can’t-miss deals on the season’s most-wanted gifts ... Read more
- [1 injured after train hits mail truck in Audrain County](https://ruralinfo.net/1-injured-after-train-hits-mail-truck-in-audrain-county/): AUDRAIN COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ) Officials say one person was injured Monday afternoon after a mail truck was hit by a train in Audrain County Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Gale Blomenkamp said the mail truck was hit at a crossing. A Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report says the 2015 Jeep Wrangler was heading southbound on Audrain County Road 165 when it entered the crossing and was hit by a 1979 GM GP40-3 Canadian Pacific Kansas City Train. The Jeep then went off the right side of the road and the train came to a controlled stop. The ... Read more
- [Delivering the Long and Winding Roads](https://ruralinfo.net/delivering-the-long-and-winding-roads/): WASHINGTON — From the busiest cities to the most remote locations, the U.S. Postal Service has been delivering mail and connecting the nation for 250 years. Throughout its history, the Postal Service has used various forms of transportation to ensure customers receive their mail and packages. Some delivery routes are served by more traditional means — vehicles and walking — while others are served by less conventional methods such as dog sleds, boats, donkeys, and bicycles. No matter the transportation choice, the delivery routes all have one thing in common: dedicated mail carriers. Postal Geography What began as a handful ... Read more
- [Today is Rural Carrier Remembrance Day](https://ruralinfo.net/today-is-rural-carrier-remembrance-day/): Today, we observe Rural Carrier Remembrance Day by honoring those rural carriers who have lost their lives while performing their duties as USPS employees.
- [USPS carriers gather in opposition of idea of privatization](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-carriers-gather-in-opposition-of-idea-of-privatization/): Gering-based rural postal carrier Roger McDonald and others rallied Sunday, Sept. 14, in opposition of possible privatization of the United States Postal Service. They held signs at the Scottsbluff Post Office at the corner of 20th Street and Avenue B. Rallies in support of protecting the Postal Service have happened nationwide. President Donald Trump has mentioned he wanted to privatize the Postal Service; however, there have been no official statements that he would do so in recent months. According to a website supporting the postal drivers’ rallies, protectpostalservice.com, mentions a memo from Wells Fargo that presents a privatization plan that would ... Read more
- [Happy Birthday to the NRLCA](https://ruralinfo.net/happy-birthday-to-the-nrlca/): On this day in 1903, rural carriers gathered in Chicago at the very first NRLCA National Convention to write our Constitution and bylaws and elect our first National Officers
- [EMA to Increase 0.5 Cents to 97.5 Cents Per Mile Effective October 4, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/ema-to-increase-0-5-cents-to-97-5-cents-per-mile-effective-october-4-2025/): On September 11, 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the August 2025 Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) which established the Private Transportation Index at 278.712, an increase from the May 2025 Index of 277.131. Therefore, based on the August 2025 CPI-W release, the Equipment Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for rural carriers will increase 0.5¢ to 97.5¢ per mile. This EMA rate will be effective October 4, 2025 (Pay Period 2025-22). Rural Carriers In accordance with the provisions of Article 9, Section 2.G.3 of the USPS/NRLCA National Agreement, effective October 4, 2025 (Pay Period 2025-22), ... Read more
- [Fly flags at half-staff to honor Kirk](https://ruralinfo.net/fly-flags-at-half-staff-to-honor-kirk/): President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff to honor Charlie Kirk, the political activist who was fatally shot Sept. 10. Flags should be flown at half-staff until Sunday, Sept. 14, at sunset. To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day. The USPS Administrative Support Manual has additional guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance.
- [Steiner emphasizes the importance of service during tour of USPS facilities](https://ruralinfo.net/steiner-emphasizes-the-importance-of-service-during-tour-of-usps-facilities/): Postmaster General David Steiner visited nine USPS facilities in Colorado and Texas last month, part of his focus on strengthening the organization’s service to the American public. At each stop on his tour, Steiner met with employees and discussed his priorities for the Postal Service, including operating in a financially sustainable manner, investing in the organization and its employees, and improving service — which received special emphasis. “Service is foundational to our success,” Steiner said. “As I shared with our employees, our customers are the American people, and so improving the service we offer them will lead to more volume ... Read more
- [Got questions about the Thrift Savings Plan?](https://ruralinfo.net/got-questions-about-the-thrift-savings-plan/): The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) has scheduled its latest slate of informational webinars and online training courses, which are open to Postal Service employees. The topics will include TSP contributions, death benefits, distributions, investment funds, in-service withdrawals and loans. The webinars will last one hour, while the courses are two hours or more. Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must participate off the clock or during authorized breaks. Both the webinars and courses are free, and registration is not required. For more information about dates, times and webinar course descriptions, employees should go to the TSP website.
- [Sunday/Holiday Parcel Delivery Work List Sign Up Period Begins September 13th, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/sunday-holiday-parcel-delivery-work-list-sign-up-period-begins-september-13th-2025/): The Sunday/Holiday Parcel Delivery List posting starts on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. The RDWL must be posted through Friday, September 26th, 2025, and will be effective on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 Art. 30.2.P (in part)-An office-wide list will be established for substitutes, rural carrier associates, and rural carrier relief employees who desire to work on Sunday. When there is a need to work leave replacements on Sunday, the Employer may require a part-time flexible rural carrier work prior to selecting qualified employees from the list. The Employer will make every reasonable effort to avoid requiring substitutes, RCAs, and RCRs not on the list to ... Read more
- [Rural Relief Day Work List (RDWL) Sign Up Period Begins September 13th, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-relief-day-work-list-rdwl-sign-up-period-begins-september-13th-2025/): The Rural Relief Day Work List (RDWL) posting starts on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. The RDWL must be posted through Friday, September 26th, 2025, and will be effective on Saturday, October 4th, 2025   RELIEF DAY WORK LIST: (Article 8.5.A) The relief day work list at each delivery unit shall be established twice during each guarantee period. The relief day work list will be posted for a two-week period. Each time the new relief day work list is established it shall supersede the previous list. All regular carriers, regardless of route classification, desiring to work their relief days shall place their names on the ... Read more
- [Federal retirement claim processing times increase](https://ruralinfo.net/federal-retirement-claim-processing-times-increase/): Federal employees, on average, are waiting longer to see their retirement applications processed. New data from the Office of Personnel Management for August shows it takes an average of 70 days to process a claim from a retiring fed. But if retirement claims are coming to OPM in less than 60 days, those cases take, on average, 45 days to complete. At the same time, OPM received more than 9,400 retirement claims last month. OPM’s backlog of retirement claims dropped by 2,000 to 24,300.
- [Roth in-plan conversions coming to the TSP in January 2026](https://ruralinfo.net/roth-in-plan-conversions-coming-to-the-tsp-in-january-2026/): Starting in January 2026, you’ll be able to convert money in your traditional (pre-tax) balance to your Roth (after-tax) balance in your TSP account. This is called a “Roth in-plan conversion”. If you don’t have a Roth balance in your TSP account, your first Roth in-plan conversion will create one. If you’re considering doing a Roth in-plan conversion, we strongly recommend that you consult a tax advisor to start planning how it would affect your taxable income and estimate how much you may need to pay in taxes. When you convert pre-tax money from your traditional TSP balance, your Roth in-plan conversion ... Read more
- [Which Post Offices have lost the evening collection? An Update on RTO Implementation](https://ruralinfo.net/which-post-offices-have-lost-the-evening-collection-an-update-on-rto-implementation/): Over the past two years, the Postal Service has been quietly eliminating the evening collection of mail at thousands post offices, one by one. Rather than going out the same day to a processing center, mail, packages, and Priority items sit overnight in the back of the post office, waiting to be collected the next morning, when the day’s mail is dropped off. It’s part of an initiative called Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO).
- [Blaine postal carrier honored “National Hero of the Year” following dog attack](https://ruralinfo.net/blaine-postal-carrier-honored-national-hero-of-the-year-following-dog-attack/): Blaine postal carrier Dave Hamilton, 55, received national recognition for saving a woman from a dog attack earlier this year. Hamilton’s union, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, awarded him the “National Hero of the Year” honor in front of 1,500 people during the union’s convention on August 20 in Orlando, Florida. Hamilton was the only one named national hero after being selected among three other finalists who were regionally recognized for going above and beyond in their communities. “I was exhilarated,” Hamilton said. “To be called a hero at all is really something, but being called ‘National Hero of ... Read more
- [September is National Suicide Prevention Month](https://ruralinfo.net/september-is-national-suicide-prevention-month/): September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the USPS Employee Assistance Program is using this time to remind employees and their loved ones about the support it offers. The program, also known as EAP, uses the month to increase awareness of the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide, promoting early intervention and reducing the stigma around mental health challenges. The campaign seeks to create an environment where those who are struggling feel less alone and more apt to seek help. Open conversations are encouraged, and guidance will be shared on recognizing when someone may be in crisis and ... Read more
- [USPS releases a graphic timeline of important dates in the Postal Service’s history](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-releases-a-graphic-timeline-of-important-dates-in-the-postal-services-history/): A graphic timeline of important dates in the Postal Service’s history has been added to usps.com. The “Time of Our Life: 1775-2025” charts the organization’s 250 years of innovation and growth, beginning with Benjamin Franklin’s appointment as postmaster general in 1775 and ending with 2025’s Eagle in Flight logo for the anniversary.
- [Special Labor Day Message from the NRLCA](https://ruralinfo.net/special-labor-day-message-from-the-nrlca/): Labor Day is a special occasion to celebrate the contributions of American workers who play a vital role in our society. Every day, rural carriers ensure that mail reaches its destination, no matter the weather or terrain. We don’t just deliver mail—we connect communities, provide access to information, and bring smiles to the faces of those we serve. Your role as rural letter carriers is integral to the fabric of rural America, and we are grateful for your unwavering service. This Labor Day, know that your hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your commitment, your tireless efforts, ... Read more
- [Our August rural carrier newsletter is live](https://ruralinfo.net/our-august-rural-carrier-newsletter-is-live/)
- [Rural carriers hold a rally at the National Convention](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carriers-hold-a-rally-at-the-national-convention/):   Click here to see photos
- [Newcastle Mail Carrier Honored for ‘Extraordinary Courage’ on Route](https://ruralinfo.net/newcastle-mail-carrier-honored-for-extraordinary-courage-on-route/): A Newcastle mail carrier was recently honored for his part in saving a man from the Sheepscot River in March while on his route on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Alex Tomasello received the Hero Award from the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, a labor union within the U.S. Postal Service representing more than 133,000 members in rural and suburban areas, during a ceremony in Orlando, Fla. on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Tomasello, of Damariscotta, was following his route on Head Tide Road in Alna when he noticed a few people seemingly in distress along the river, he said. “I pulled over and ... Read more
- [Indiana RCA loses life in crash](https://ruralinfo.net/indiana-rca-loses-life-in-crash/): Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Audriana Crosby, the 19-year-old rural postal carrier from Loogootee who tragically lost her life in a car accident on Highway 231 on this past Thursday. The family released a statement saying “We are heartbroken over the sudden passing of our beloved Audriana. She was a bright light in all of our lives-full of love, laughter, and dreams for her future.” To help the family with funeral expenses and a tombstone, they’ve set up an online fundraiser. If you’re able to contribute, any amount helps and would mean so much to ... Read more
- [Labor Day is Sept. 1](https://ruralinfo.net/labor-day-is-sept-1/): Labor Day, the holiday celebrating the contributions of workers to the fabric of American life, is Monday, Sept. 1. The holiday was first celebrated in New York City in 1882. As unions expanded throughout the nation, Labor Day events grew in popularity, and in 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed the bill declaring the first Monday in September a federal holiday. The Postal Service has more than 640,000 workers. The U.S. Department of Labor’s website has a history of the holiday, describing it as a tribute “to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American ... Read more
- [Fly flags at half-staff to honor shooting victims](https://ruralinfo.net/fly-flags-at-half-staff-to-honor-shooting-victims/): President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff to honor the victims of this week’s mass shooting in Minneapolis. Flags should be flown at half-staff until Sunday, Aug. 31, at sunset. To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day. The USPS Administrative Support Manual has additional guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance.
- [This rural carrier rescued a woman who had been stranded for 19 hours](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-rescued-a-woman-who-had-been-stranded-for-19-hours/): While delivering mail in Belt, MT, recently, Rural Carrier Associate Joseph Visocan came upon an older customer lying on the ground near her garage. The woman, who lives alone, had fallen the previous afternoon while taking her trash out. With no way to call for help, and not enough strength to stand up, the customer remained outside for 19 hours until the Postal Service employee arrived. After enduring the cold night, she was tired, thirsty and had a few scrapes. Visocan provided her with water and called the customer’s children to come tend to her.
- [Officers elected at the NRLCA Convention](https://ruralinfo.net/officers-elected-at-the-nrlca-convention/): Your 2025-2026 NRLCA National Board: President Don Maston Vice President Patrick Pitts Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Turner Director of Labor Relations John Adams Director of Steward Operations Nicky Phillips Executive Committee Chair Michael Merola Executive Committeeman Kirby Ricketts Executive Committeeman Bethany Small Executive Committeeman Natasha Patterson
- [Postal Workers, Rural Letter Carriers campaign against postal privatization](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-workers-rural-letter-carriers-campaign-against-postal-privatization/): ORLANDO, Fla.—The Postal Workers and the Rural Letter Carriers (NRLCA) have launched complementary campaigns against the GOP Donald Trump regime’s threat to privatize the Postal Service. The NRLCA, the smaller of the two, went first, with a mass march of its 500 convention delegates, plus supporters, through downtown Orlando, Fla., on August 18. Speakers at the ensuing evening rally, including union President Don Maston and Postal Workers President Mark Dimondstein, blasted the Trump regime’s potential preliminary moves towards privatization: Firing the entire Board of Governors of the USPS, and parking the Postal Service within the corporate-oriented Commerce Department. Those moves ... Read more
- [Rural letter carriers concerned 250 years of service could be on chopping block in Jefferson County](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-letter-carriers-concerned-250-years-of-service-could-be-on-chopping-block-in-jefferson-county/): SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. (DC News Now) — With a new administration in Washington, many federal programs are being targeted for elimination. Mail carriers in rural communities fear they fall into that category. They met in Shepherdstown as the week closed out in hopes that it would not be the case. Letter carriers have been an institution in every rural community in America for 250 years. They want Congress, just an hour away from here, to know how integral mail delivery is too small towns. “Rural carriers are lifelines, the very fabric that knits rural communities together,” said Don Maston, president of ... Read more
- [Much of the World Stops Sending Mail to U.S.](https://ruralinfo.net/much-of-the-world-stops-sending-mail-to-u-s/): Do you have a package coming your way from overseas? (I do, it’s a gift, and I’m very annoyed.) Hopefully it’s not urgent, because it’s going to be a minute before that thing gets to our shores. Questions surrounding the Trump administration’s ongoing tariff regime, including a policy to end an exemption from taxing small packages, have resulted in postal services across the world simply choosing not to ship to the United States until things get sorted out, according to Bloomberg. Central to this problem is the de minimis exemption, which allows packages valued at no more than $800 to enter the ... Read more
- [Hundreds of postal workers rally against privatization outside Orlando City Hall](https://ruralinfo.net/hundreds-of-postal-workers-rally-against-privatization-outside-orlando-city-hall/): A couple hundred postal workers and allies rallied outside of Orlando City Hall Monday to protest ongoing concerns about the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service under the corporate-friendly Trump administration. One of four USPS unions, the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, is hosting its annual convention in Orlando this week, and organized the rally. Union members wore red shirts emblazoned “Protect Our Letter Carriers” and held signs that read “Enough Is Enough” and “Stop Privatization — Protect the USPS.” According to the union, nearly 2 million Floridians live in rural areas that could be disproportionately affected by privatization. That’s because delivering ... Read more
- [39 years since Edmond post office massacre left 14 dead, 6 injured](https://ruralinfo.net/39-years-since-edmond-post-office-massacre-left-14-dead-6-injured/): EDMOND POST OFFICE MASSACRE. No strangers to large-scale episodes of violence, Oklahomans have endured collective and individual events ranging from the 1868 Battle of the Washita to the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing. The event that occurred on August 20, 1986, at the United States Post Office in Edmond was, at that time, the state’s largest and the nation’s third-largest mass murder committed by a single individual in a single incident (the Federal Bureau of Investigation officially defines mass murder as murder of a minimum of four victims by a single person in a single incident). USPS letter carrier Patrick H. ... Read more
- [Updated rural carrier salary charts including COLA increase on September 6th 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/updates-rural-carrier-salary-charts-including-cola-increase-on-september-6th-2025/): Cost-of-Living Raises Effective September 6, 2025 Pursuant to the release of the July 2025 Consumer Price Index – Urban Wage and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), and in accordance with Article 9.1.E , the third COLA adjustment of the 2024-2027 National Agreement will result in a $811.00 increase for eligible rural carriers. This COLA adjustment will be effective September 6, 2025, (PP 2025-20). All COLA adjustments are based on a 40-hour evaluation with proportional application to those route evaluations over 40 hours. The increase should appear in paychecks dated September 26, 2025. NOTE: All leave replacement employees will receive an additional 1% ... Read more
- [MOU Signed on Leave Carryover](https://ruralinfo.net/mou-signed-on-leave-carryover/): On August 15, 2025, the NRLCA and USPS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing that regular work force career employees covered by the USPS-NRLCA Agreement may carry over 520 hours of accumulated annual leave from leave year 2025 to leave year 2026, and from leave year 2026 to 2027.
- [MOU Signed to Allow Regular Carriers to Volunteer to Work on Sundays and to Volunteer to Provide Assistance on Other Routes](https://ruralinfo.net/mou-signed-to-allow-regular-carriers-to-volunteer-to-work-on-sundays-and-to-volunteer-to-provide-assistance-on-other-routes/): On August 15, 2025, the NRLCA and the USPS signed an MOU to allow regular carriers to volunteer to work on Sundays and to volunteer to provide assistance on other routes in the office. No carrier will be required to perform either of these duties. All work performed in accordance with this MOU shall be paid at the overtime rate. This is similar to previous MOUs we have signed on the temporary modification of Article 8.1 and to Article 30.1.P with one major exception: this MOU is for the current term of our collective bargaining agreement and will not expire until May 20, 2027. The National Board has determined this MOU ... Read more
- [Hundreds of Rural Letter Carriers to Rally in Orlando to Protect the Postal Service from Privatization](https://ruralinfo.net/hundreds-of-rural-letter-carriers-to-rally-in-orlando-to-protect-the-postal-service-from-privatization/): Florida Reps. Soto and Frost to Join National Union Presidents in Fight to Protect Postal Workers and the USPS ORLANDO, FL, UNITED STATES, August 15, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — On Monday, more than 500 rural letter carriers, other postal workers and their allies, will gather in Orlando to rally against misguided efforts to privatize the United States Postal Service. The rally, which takes place during the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) National Convention, will feature Florida Representatives Darren Soto and Maxwell Frost, along with national postal union leaders, demanding Congress safeguard the public Postal Service and the union jobs that ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Cost-of-Living Raises Effective September 6, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-cost-of-living-raises-effective-september-6-2025/): Pursuant to the release of the July 2025 Consumer Price Index – Urban Wage and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), and in accordance with Article 9.1.E , the third COLA adjustment of the 2024-2027 National Agreement will result in a $790.00 increase for eligible rural carriers. This COLA adjustment will be effective September 6, 2025, (PP 2025-20). All COLA adjustments are based on a 40-hour evaluation with proportional application to those route evaluations over 40 hours. The increase should appear in paychecks dated October 10, 2025. NOTE: All leave replacement employees will receive an additional 1% salary adjustment annually in lieu of ... Read more
- [USPS: About 10K employees (non-rural) accept early retirement offer](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-about-10k-employees-non-rural-accept-early-retirement-offer/): The Postal Service is slashing costs as its new leader aims to advance a controversial 10-year transformation plan. Nearly 10,500 U.S. Postal Service employees accepted the agency’s voluntary early retirement offer this year, according to its Q3 results for fiscal year 2025. The $15,000 payout per employee was available to eligible employees in crafts such as mail handler, clerk, maintenance and information technology, with separations taking effect April 30. The opt-in rate landed close to the Postal Service’s expectations, as the agency expected around 10,000 employees to participate. The program built upon previous Postal Service reductions of 30,000 employees since fiscal year 2021 as part of the agency’s push ... Read more
- [OPM Orders Removal of COVID-19 Vaccine Records from Federal Personnel Files](https://ruralinfo.net/opm-orders-removal-of-covid-19-vaccine-records-from-federal-personnel-files/): WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued new guidance directing all federal agencies to eliminate any record of a federal employeeʼs COVID-19 vaccination status, prior noncompliance with vaccine mandates, or requests for exemptions from such mandates.
- [Postal Service to Launch Eleven New Sorting and Delivery Centers in September and October 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-to-launch-eleven-new-sorting-and-delivery-centers-in-september-and-october-2025/): The Postal Service will launch 10 new sorting and delivery centers (S&DCs) serving the nation on September 6 and will launch one more on October 18. Five of these new S&DCs will open September 6 without additional 5-Digit ZIP Codes being moved into them and five S&DCs will open with additional 5-Digit ZIP Codes moving into them
- [Senator Chuck Grassley pens letter to USPS about sex offenders working for USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/senator-chuck-grassley-pens-letter-to-usps-about-sex-offenders-working-for-usps/): According to legally-protected whistleblower disclosures provided to my office, the United States Postal Service (USPS) hired a registered sex offender as a mail carrier. The whistleblower disclosure noted that the employee disclosed his status as a registered sex offender on his job application. It’s been further alleged that instead of firing this individual, USPS placed the individual on administrative leave upon discovering his status.
- [USPS announces temporary price changes](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-announces-temporary-price-changes/): The Postal Service has notified the Postal Regulatory Commission of temporary price changes for some package services for the holiday shipping season. The planned adjustments, which the USPS governors approved Aug. 7, will affect prices on Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select. No other products or services would be affected. Pending favorable review by the commission, the temporary rates would go into effect at midnight Central on Sunday, Oct. 5, and remain in place until midnight Central on Sunday, Jan. 18. The changes will help cover extra handling costs and bring prices for the Postal ... Read more
- [Remarks by Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner at the Postal Service Board of Governors meeting on Aug. 7, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/remarks-by-postmaster-general-and-ceo-david-steiner-at-the-postal-service-board-of-governors-meeting-on-aug-7-2025/): WASHINGTON — The below remarks are as prepared for delivery by Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner during the open session meeting of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors on Aug. 7, 2025. Thank you, Chairwoman McReynolds, and thanks to those in attendance and listening today. Since this is my first open session of the Board of Governors, I would like to publicly thank the Board for entrusting me with the role of Postmaster General. It is a special honor, and I look forward to working with you as well as our management team, employees, customers, unions, and management associations. ... Read more
- [Tentative Scheduled Dates for Salary Adjustments Agreed to in the 2024-2027 National Agreement](https://ruralinfo.net/tentative-scheduled-dates-for-salary-adjustments-agreed-to-in-the-2024-2027-national-agreement/): The Postal Service has affirmed the tentative scheduled dates provided to the NRLCA for salary adjustments agreed to in the 2024-2027 National Agreement. All dates listed below are according to Postal Service programming projections. Salary Increases The stop gap or general wage increases of 1.3% for regular carriers and 2.3% for leave replacements will reflect on the September 12, 2025 paychecks. COLA Current COLA increases will reflect on the September 26, 2025 paychecks. RCA & ARC Increases The $0.55 hourly increase will reflect on the October 24, 2025 paychecks. RCA & ARC New Step The new step to increase $1.00 ... Read more
- [The deadline to order semipostal stamp shirts is Aug. 15](https://ruralinfo.net/the-deadline-to-order-semipostal-stamp-shirts-is-aug-15/): The deadline for Postal Service employees to order T-shirts to promote semipostal stamps is Friday, Aug. 15. Employees can order special T-shirts, at their own expense, from Tee Luv, a provider of USPS-licensed apparel, using the password USPS2025. Uniformed employees can wear the licensed semipostal stamp T-shirts during promotional activities, with the head of the facility’s approval, on one business day each week during designated months. Other employees may wear the T-shirts during work hours, if permitted by the head of the facility. The T-shirts worn should correspond to the semipostal stamp that is being promoted. Semipostal stamps raise money for ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Reports Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Results](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-reports-third-quarter-fiscal-year-2025-results/): Controllable loss increased $522 million, compared to same quarter last year USPS Ground Advantage continues to grow, providing customers with reliable low-cost service David Steiner becomes 76th Postmaster General on July 15th WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 (Apr. 1, 2025 – Jun. 30, 2025). Controllable loss, which excludes certain expenses that are not controllable by management, was $1.6 billion for the quarter, compared to $1.1 billion for the same quarter last year. Net loss for the quarter totaled $3.1 billion, compared to a net loss of $2.5 ... Read more
- [Hawley Urges New Postmaster General to Course Correct USPS, Protect Rural Mail Delivery](https://ruralinfo.net/hawley-urges-new-postmaster-general-to-course-correct-usps-protect-rural-mail-delivery/): Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to the newly-appointed Postmaster General, David Steiner, urging him to course correct the unreliability and delays Missourians have experienced from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) under his predecessor. “USPS failed to meet its own nationwide performance targets in nearly every category, and the problem was even worse in my home state of Missouri, where on-time delivery rates dropped below 77% in fiscal year 2024. This is unacceptable,” Senator Hawley wrote. “Rural families, small businesses, and veterans depend on reliable mail service for everything from prescription medications to Social Security checks. They deserve a Postal Service that ... Read more
- [Postal Insiders Say Rural Delivery Has Storied Past, Checkered Future In W.Va.](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-insiders-say-rural-delivery-has-storied-past-checkered-future-in-w-va/): Today, a 78-cent postage stamp can send a letter to any address nationwide. But in the early days of the United States Postal Service (USPS), ensuring equal access to mail — even among residents in hard-to-reach places — was more complicated. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the postal service. Historians, postal workers and union leaders gathered in Shepherdstown on July 24 and 25 for a pair of panel discussions reflecting on the past and future of USPS, organized by the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA). For the panelists, gathering in Jefferson County was of particular importance: Centuries ... Read more
- [Amazon is building a shadow postal service in rural America](https://ruralinfo.net/amazon-is-building-a-shadow-postal-service-in-rural-america/): The retailer is investing $4 billion into its rural “last mile” network. Set to triple in size by the end of 2026, the network will deliver one billion additional packages annually, Amazon said in April. It added that an additional 4,000 small towns, cities, and rural communities will get same-day and next-day deliveries by the end of the year. Amazon said spending billions more on its rural delivery network will create 100,000 additional local jobs, which is more than the 75,000 workers employed by the U.S. Postal Service in America’s 15 most-rural states, according to a 2020 Institute for Policy Studies report. With ... Read more
- [In Memoriam: Past NRLCA National Officer Leo Root 1943-2025](https://ruralinfo.net/in-memoriam-past-nrlca-national-officer-leo-root-1943-2025/): Past National Officer Leo Root passed away on July 22, 2025. He was born on July 23, 1943 and lived in Atkinson, NH. Leo began his career as a rural carrier in New Hampshire in 1975, and was appointed a local steward the very same year. The following year he became an area steward, was elected the state treasurer in 1977, and in 1979 was elected the New Hampshire State Steward, a position he held until 1986. In January 1986, he was appointed by then-President Griffith and the National Board to fill the position of Executive Committeeman brought about by the ... Read more
- [‘It is our mission’: USPS has delivered where troops are for 250 years](https://ruralinfo.net/it-is-our-mission-usps-has-delivered-where-troops-are-for-250-years/): For 250 years, wherever the U.S. military has gone, the United States Postal Service has followed — serving as a vital link between the front lines and the home front. As the Navy, Army and Marine Corps celebrate their 250th anniversaries this year, the USPS marked the same milestone last month — reflecting a shared legacy of service and history. “Ever since George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were appointed to lead the Army and the post office, we’ve had a partnership built on service to the American people,” USPS historian Steve Kochersperger told Stars and Stripes. In May, the USPS ... Read more
- [USPS has a new machine that can handle 7,000 packages an hour](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-has-a-new-machine-that-can-handle-7000-packages-an-hour/): The Postal Service has successfully completed testing a prototype package sorter that will enable the organization to increase its processing capacity and retire some of its older machines. The parallel induction linear sorter, or PILS, has been used for 10 months at the Dulles, VA, Processing and Distribution Center, where it has processed 12 million packages. This machine can process 7,000 packages an hour, an increase from the 3,500 packages an hour the currently used single induction package sorters are capable of. The new sorter picks up containers of parcels and unloads them onto a conveyor belt, which then feeds ... Read more
- [UPDATED RIGHT-HAND DRIVE (RHD) VEHICLE INCENTIVE INSTRUCTIONS](https://ruralinfo.net/updated-right-hand-drive-rhd-vehicle-incentive-instructions/): Below please find the updated RHD vehicle incentive instructions and forms in accordance with MOU 8: Right Hand Drive Vehicles.
- [Postal insurance program risks ‘operational failure’ due to OPM staffing shortages](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-insurance-program-risks-operational-failure-due-to-opm-staffing-shortages/): Staffing vacancies and funding losses at the Office of Personnel Management are putting the near-new Postal Service Health Benefits program at risk of an “operational failure,” according to OPM’s inspector general office. A “flash” OIG audit report published earlier this month warned that OPM’s new health insurance program covering about 2 million Postal employees, annuitants and their family members, is facing “critical resource issues,” just a few months ahead of this year’s Open Season. That’s in light of the workforce losses and restructuring that have taken place at the agency under the Trump administration. The July 2 report found that OPM currently has just ... Read more
- [Trump will end the de minimis exemption for low-cost global shipments](https://ruralinfo.net/trump-will-end-the-de-minimis-exemption-for-low-cost-global-shipments/): President Donald Trump’s latest economic move is to halt the de minimis exemption, a provision that made international shipments of low-value items cheaper. When the exemption ends on August 29, shipments valued at or under $800 will be subject to duty fees when sent by any carrier other than the international postal network, no matter what country they are coming from. According to the White House’s announcement of this change, shipments will either be assessed with an ad valorem duty equal to the tariff rate for the country of origin set by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or with a limited-time ... Read more
- [National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association celebrates 250th anniversary of United States Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/national-rural-letter-carriers-association-celebrates-250th-anniversary-of-united-states-postal-service/): SHEPHERDSTOWN — The National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA) held a number of events over the past week, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service (USPS). The Shepherdstown Opera House served as the location for the NRLCA’s July 24 event on “Delivering America: The History and Impact of Rural Free Delivery.” According to NRLCA President Don Maston, celebrating the anniversary in the historic building seemed particularly appropriate, as it was only 20 minutes away from the location of the first Rural Free Delivery (RFD) route. “It’s an incredible honor to welcome you here tonight to this historic ... Read more
- [UPS explores reuniting with Postal Service for Ground Saver](https://ruralinfo.net/ups-explores-reuniting-with-postal-service-for-ground-saver/): The service, which used to rely on the USPS before a breakup this year, posed challenges for UPS in Q2 due to higher-than-expected costs. UPS has “reengaged” with the U.S. Postal Service on a potential delivery arrangement for UPS Ground Saver, a service that once relied on the agency, CEO Carol Tomé said on an earnings call Tuesday. UPS Ground Saver, formerly known as UPS SurePost, is focused on providing low-cost shipping in exchange for slower delivery speeds. The offering used to frequently hand off millions of packages to the U.S. Postal Service before UPS this year opted to keep the ... Read more
- [OPM Tells Agencies to Allow ‘Religious Expression’ in Federal Workplace](https://ruralinfo.net/opm-tells-agencies-to-allow-religious-expression-in-federal-workplace/): OPM has told federal agencies that they are to “robustly” protect and enforce “each federal employee’s right to engage in religious expression in the federal workplace,” including through displays of religious items and, during work breaks, activities such as prayer and evangelizing—so long as it is not “harassing in nature.” “The Federal workforce should be a welcoming place for Federal employees who practice a religious faith. Allowing religious discrimination in the Federal workplace violates the law. It also threatens to adversely impact recruitment and retention of highly-qualified employees of faith,” says a memo on chcoc.gov, citing protections under the First ... Read more
- [RRECS Mini Mail Survey Scheduled for Friday, August 22- Friday, September 5, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-mini-mail-survey-scheduled-for-friday-august-22-friday-september-5-2025/): The next RRECS Mini Mail Survey (MMS) will be held August 22 to September 5, 2025. Route Evaluations will go into effect on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Mini Mail Survey Resources will be updated here as they are available: www.nrlca.org/Content/MiniMailSurvey2025
- [RCA identified as carrier killed in Alabama crash](https://ruralinfo.net/rca-identified-as-carrier-killed-in-alabama-crash/): The United State Postal Service (USPS) has confirmed that the woman killed in a four-vehicle crash in Northport Wednesday was an employee. Police identified the woman as 36-year-old Vonchelle Renee Gamble, of Tuscaloosa  
- [Social Security Administration Will Continue Sending Paper Checks, Reversing Course](https://ruralinfo.net/social-security-administration-will-continue-sending-paper-checks-reversing-course/): The Social Security Administration (SSA) was expected to phase out the use of Treasury checks to pay benefits by September 30, 2025, and has now reversed course. The move to end the use of paper checks was a result of an executive order signed by President Trump back in March. While the SSA has decided to continue to issue payment by paper checks in limited circumstances, “[w]e will continue to drive down paper check volume, which is less than 1% of total, by proactively communicating with beneficiaries about the advantages of enrolling in e-payments and the process for doing so” the SSA told Kiplinger ... Read more
- [USPS OIG – Benchmarking Hiring Strategies: Insights for the Postal Service’s Pre-Career Hiring Practices](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-oig-benchmarking-hiring-strategies-insights-for-the-postal-services-pre-career-hiring-practices/): Benchmarking Hiring Strategies: Insights for the Postal Service’s Pre-Career Hiring Practices  The Postal Service is working to enhance its recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes to ensure it has the workforce it needs. The agency has already adopted some best practices used by other organizations, but monitoring other organizations can help it further optimize talent acquisition.  To attract talent, some organizations develop a compelling brand and proactively pursue job candidates. They form partnerships with local organizations, use rank-and-file employees to help recruit, post authentic social media content, offer website videos highlighting their work and employees, and tout their “total rewards package.”  ... Read more
- [IRS Tells 525,000 Federal Employees to Pay Tax Bills, Or Else](https://ruralinfo.net/irs-tells-525000-federal-employees-to-pay-tax-bills-or-else/): Hundreds of thousands of current and retired federal employees recently received a new wave of IRS notices prompting urgent resolution of their outstanding tax liabilities, a move that a former Tax Court attorney says comes at an interesting time as the administration looks to continue reducing the size of the government workforce. LT36 Notices “According to our records, you are one of approximately 525,000 current or retired federal employees who are noncompliant with respect to their federal tax obligations as of April 30, 2025,” is the first line of a partially redacted IRS Notice LT36 reviewed by Checkpoint, dated June ... Read more
- [Back Payments Following GPO-WEP Repeal Now Finished, SSA Says](https://ruralinfo.net/back-payments-following-gpo-wep-repeal-now-finished-ssa-says/): The SSA has said it has finished making back payments and increasing ongoing benefits under the law repealing the former government pension offset and windfall elimination provisions, ahead of a schedule that until recently projected that the work would continue until near year’s end. “As of July 7, 2025, we completed sending over 3.1 million payments, totaling $17 billion,” the SSA said, adding as it had in the past that “Anyone whose monthly benefit is adjusted, or who will get a past due payment, will receive a mailed notice from Social Security explaining the benefit change or past due payment.”
- [Have a favorite stamp? You can vote to bring it back](https://ruralinfo.net/have-a-favorite-stamp-you-can-vote-to-bring-it-back/): The Postal Service is introducing Stamp Encore, a contest that lets the public vote to bring back a favorite stamp from the past for reprinting in 2026. USPS employees may participate in the contest, which is part of the Postal Service’s 250th anniversary celebration. The contest will run from Wednesday, July 23, through Tuesday, Sept. 30. Participants can vote online at the Stamps Forever website or by printing a paper ballot and mailing it in. The website has more information, including a list of frequently asked questions. Participants can vote as often as they wish. The Postal Service has selected 25 stamp releases ... Read more
- [Oversight Hearing – An Update on Mail Theft and Crime](https://ruralinfo.net/oversight-hearing-an-update-on-mail-theft-and-crime/): The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee holds a hearing titled “An Update on Mail Theft and Crime” at 2 p.m. ET on July 23. Witnesses and testimonies:Brendan Donahue Inspector in Charge United States Postal Inspection Service Document Julius Rothstein Deputy Inspector General U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General Document Brian Renfroe President National Association of Letter Carriers Document Frank Albergo President Postal Police Officers Association Document Anthony Holloway Chief of Police St. Petersburg, Florida Police Department Document  
- [USPS bets it all on critical ‘last-mile’ plan as boss warns agency will be ‘out of cash’ by early 2027](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-bets-it-all-on-critical-last-mile-plan-as-boss-warns-agency-will-be-out-of-cash-by-early-2027/): THE United States Postal Service is leaning on its critical plan relating to its “last-mile” delivery services in order to help pull the federal agency out of financial troubles. The Post Office is hoping that expanding this delivery network for major retailers and shippers will boost revenue – a move that comes as USPS says it could run out of cash as early as the start of 2027. As USPS grapples with financial woes, the agency is pursuing new delivery revenue through its last-mile delivery, which is the crucial final step in the delivery process where mail and packages travel from local postal facilities ... Read more
- [Postal employees to get letter with overtime tax deduction information](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-employees-to-get-letter-with-overtime-tax-deduction-information/): The Postal Service will send a letter in mid-January with information about a new temporary federal tax deduction for certain portions of federal overtime payments made to eligible employees. The letter will include the employee’s qualified overtime amount for 2025. Employees are encouraged to ensure their mailing address is up to date by going to LiteBlue and selecting “My Contact Information” in the “Employee Apps” section.
- [NEW VIDEO: NRLCA December Holiday Message](https://ruralinfo.net/new-video-nrlca-december-holiday-message/): We want to say thank you to every rural carrier for the long hours, hard work, and dedication you show during the holidays. While this season brings joy to our communities, it also brings heavy workloads, challenging conditions, and added stress—and rural carriers rise to meet it every day. You deliver more than mail and parcels. You deliver connection, care, and holiday joy to millions of families, seniors, and communities who rely on you. With record parcel volumes continuing, your role has never been more vital. As always, your safety comes first. Please work within your means, take extra care ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Announces Bid Solicitation for Access to Last-Mile Delivery Network](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-announces-bid-solicitation-for-access-to-last-mile-delivery-network/): WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced that it will open up entry to its valuable last mile delivery network. Shippers large and small will be able to access the more than 18,000 USPS delivery destination units (DDUs) nationwide via a solicitation process that will begin accepting bids in late January or early February 2026. Shippers who wish to access the DDU network will have the ability to propose a combination of volume, pricing and tender times at each location, with deliveries for successful bidders being made by USPS that same day or the next day, at the customer’s preference. “In ... Read more
- [GAO – U.S. Postal Service: Action Needed to Fix Unsustainable Business Model](https://ruralinfo.net/gao-u-s-postal-service-action-needed-to-fix-unsustainable-business-model/): What GAO Found In 2021, the United States Postal Service (USPS) introduced a 10-year strategy designed to improve its poor financial condition while fulfilling its statutory mandates. USPS has taken many actions to try to increase revenue and reduce expenses since this strategy was introduced, such as increasing prices and redesigning its transportation network and processing operations. As part of its strategy, USPS also requested the federal government to take action. Congress partially fulfilled this request via the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022. This act canceled $57 billion of USPS’s missed payments, among other things. However, USPS’s financial condition ... Read more
- [USPS employees can accept a book as a gift](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-employees-can-accept-a-book-as-a-gift/): The Postal Service is reminding employees that they can accept gifts of books and other informational materials from outside sources — under certain conditions. Informational materials are writings, recordings, documents, records or other items that are educational or instructive. They are not primarily created for entertainment, display or decoration, and they must somehow relate to an employee’s official duties or to the Postal Service. Under federal ethics rules, an employee can accept unsolicited gifts of informational materials if the total market value of those gifts is less than $100 in a calendar year. If the value exceeds $100, the employee ... Read more
- [USPS Stand Up Talk on Employee Conduct and Law Enforcement](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-stand-up-talk-on-employee-conduct-and-law-enforcement/): Interference with Law Enforcement If you encounter an incident involving active law enforcement activity you should not interfere or intercede in the activity. Interfering or interceding in law enforcement activity may lead to injury or arrest as well as potential corrective action by the Postal Service. If you witness an incident you believe to be an emergency, you should call 9-1-1, contact USPIS at 877-876-2455, and then call your immediate supervisor.
- [Winter weather and flooding impacting mail delivery](https://ruralinfo.net/winter-weather-and-flooding-impacting-mail-delivery/): USPS service alerts have information for consumers, small businesses and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions caused by weather-related and other natural disasters, special events, or other changes impacting service. Winter weather impacting delivery Winter weather in the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Northeastern U.S. (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine) may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages. Flooding impacting delivery Flooding in the Pacific Northwest U.S. (Washington state) may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of ... Read more
- [Union-Made Holiday Gift Guide](https://ruralinfo.net/union-made-holiday-gift-guide/): Find that perfect holiday gift that carries a union label and is made in America. Shipping gifts this year? Make sure to ship using a union carrier like the U.S. Postal Service or UPS.
- [Almost 190 years ago, a fire destroyed vital postal records](https://ruralinfo.net/almost-190-years-ago-a-fire-destroyed-vital-postal-records/): Photo: Postmaster General Benjamin Franklin’s ledger showing income and expenses for the General Post Office as well as local Post Offices from 1776 to 1778. On Dec. 15, 1836, a quick-moving fire destroyed a large government-owned building in Washington, DC. The ruinous conflagration is often referred to as the Patent Office Fire, and for good reason: Specifications for nearly 10,000 patents registered between 1790 and mid-1836 went up in flames. But patents were not the only federal recordkeeping casualty that day. The General Post Office — which is what the Postal Service was called back then — lost important documents, too. ... Read more
- [The Postal Service Is Ready for the Busiest Week of 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/the-postal-service-is-ready-for-the-busiest-week-of-2025/): WASHINGTON — Next week is the last week to get holiday gifts and greetings in the mail by the recommended deadlines. Customer traffic at all Post Office locations has been steadily increasing since Dec. 1, with the week of Dec. 15 expected to be the busiest of the year. USPS holiday service schedule Post Office locations nationwide will be closed Christmas Day (Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025) and New Year’s Day (Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026). All Post Office locations will be open, and regular mail delivery will resume, on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, and Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Services and hours ... Read more
- [USPS and the military have worked together since the nation’s founding](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-and-the-military-have-worked-together-since-the-nations-founding/): To help mark its 250th anniversary this year, the Postal Service is saluting one of its oldest partners: the U.S. military. In a news release last week, USPS highlighted its work with the armed forces to deliver military mail and lift morale. “Ever since George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were appointed to lead the Army and the Post Office, we’ve had a strong partnership built on service to the American people,” said Stephen Kochersperger, the Postal Service’s historian. The U.S. postal system owes its existence to the nation’s fight for independence. On July 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress called for “a line of ... Read more
- [Want to organize a group gift or an office party?](https://ruralinfo.net/want-to-organize-a-group-gift-or-an-office-party/): The Postal Service is reminding employees of federal ethics rules about group gifts and office gatherings. Here is some general guidance: • Group gift contributions. A group gift to a fellow employee — including a supervisor or higher-paid employee — is allowed for a special, infrequent occasion such as marriage, birth of a child, family tragedy, retirement, resignation or transfer. Employees are allowed to organize a collection for a group gift, but contributions must be voluntary and cannot be more than $10 a person. • Chipping in for food and drinks. Employees can organize a collection for refreshments to be ... Read more
- [NASA and USPS stop using Canoo EVs despite CEO’s pledged support](https://ruralinfo.net/nasa-and-usps-stop-using-canoo-evs-despite-ceos-pledged-support/): NASA and the United States Postal Service have stopped using electric vans made by now-bankrupt EV startup Canoo, despite the former CEO’s claim that he would provide support for the vehicles. NASA purchased three of Canoo’s EVs in 2023 with the intention of using the vans to shuttle astronauts to the launchpad for its Artemis missions to the moon. The space agency told TechCrunch that Canoo “was no longer able to meet our mission requirements.” As of October, NASA said it is leasing the Airstream-built “Astrovan” from Boeing that the aerospace company commissioned for its own crewed space missions. Meanwhile, the ... Read more
- [If you want to change your benefits, you must act now](https://ruralinfo.net/if-you-want-to-change-your-benefits-you-must-act-now/): Postal Service employees who want to change their health coverage or enroll in a new plan must act now. Open season, the annual period when USPS employees can make benefits changes, ends Monday, Dec. 8. The deadline to enroll in the USPS Health Benefits Plan for eligible precareer employees, flexible spending accounts and the annual leave exchange program is 11:59 p.m. Central. The deadline to enroll in the Postal Service Health Benefits Program and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program is 11:59 p.m. Eastern. After these deadlines pass, most Postal Service employees will have to wait until next ... Read more
- [Implementation update on USPS Sorting & Delivery Centers](https://ruralinfo.net/implementation-update-on-usps-sorting-delivery-centers/): As part of the Delivering for America plan, the Postal Service has been implementing an initiative to relocate letter carriers from the delivery unit in the back of post offices to larger facilities called Sorting & Delivery Centers (S&DCs). When it was being rolled out three years ago — the first S&DC launched in Athens, GA in November 2022 — the plan was extremely ambitious. As many as 100,000 carrier routes — over 40 percent of the nation’s routes — would be consolidated to 400 or 500 S&DCs from as many as 7,000 post offices. Based on the implementation progress ... Read more
- [When Online PSHB Enrollment Fails: A Backup Plan for Postal Employees](https://ruralinfo.net/when-online-pshb-enrollment-fails-a-backup-plan-for-postal-employees/): For many USPS employees, this Open Season has been less about choosing a health plan and more about wrestling with technology. The intended path once you’re ready to make a change to or enroll in a plan is to start on LiteBlue, move into the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) enrollment system, and complete your election online. But, for a lot of people, that process is breaking down somewhere along the way. (If you still need to weigh your options, you can use the PSHB section of the Consumers Checkbook online to compare available plans.)
- [Amazon denies it is dropping US Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/amazon-denies-it-is-dropping-us-postal-service/): Amazon has told Newsweek it is not exploring the possibility of ending its longstanding partnership with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as it weighs a dramatic transformation in its Prime delivery operation. A spokesman for the company made the remarks following a Washington Post article about how Amazon will go about exploring and expanding its own coast-to-coast delivery network. Steve Kelly told Newsweek: “We are not planning to cut ties with the USPS—in fact, it’s the opposite. Without a doubt, our goal is to continue working with the USPS, as we have done for the past 30+ years, and are going to continue to push to ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Payment Adjustments Related to Enactment of H.R. 1](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-payment-adjustments-related-to-enactment-of-h-r-1/): The NRLCA has been notified by the Postal Service of adjustments related to enactment of H.R. 1, known as the OBBB, that will appear as “multi-pay period adjustments” in paychecks received 12/5/2025. The USPS has stated the adjustments will only result in increases in payments of varying amounts to rural craft employees.  The Union has been provided limited information detailing the calculations used to determine the adjustments. We are working to schedule meetings with the employer for further explanation. We will keep the membership updated as additional information is provided.
- [Does a flexible spending account make sense for you?](https://ruralinfo.net/does-a-flexible-spending-account-make-sense-for-you/): Flexible spending accounts, or FSAs, can help Postal Service employees reduce their taxable income and save on yearly health or dependent care costs like copays, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and childcare costs. Inspira Financial is the organization’s FSA program administrator. The 2025 maximum carryover amount is $660. This means that if employees have money left in their FSA at the end of 2025, they can carry over up to $660 to the next year if they re-enroll in the FSA program for 2026. Employees can learn more on the MyHR website’s FSA page.
- [Fly flags at half-staff to honor National Guard specialist](https://ruralinfo.net/fly-flags-at-half-staff-to-honor-national-guard-specialist/): President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff to honor West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who was fatally shot Nov. 26 in Washington, DC. Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset on Thursday, Dec. 4. Additionally, USPS facilities that are open Sunday, Dec. 7, are required to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff that day in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for ... Read more
- [Amazon explores cutting ties with USPS, building its own delivery network](https://ruralinfo.net/amazon-explores-cutting-ties-with-usps-building-its-own-delivery-network/): Amazon has long been the Postal Service’s top customer, providing more than $6 billion in annual revenue to the agency in 2025. Amazon is preparing to expand its nationwide delivery network and give up its long-standing partnership with the U.S. Postal Service, according to three people with knowledge of the matter, a move that could make the e-commerce goliath the most ubiquitous delivery service in the country and wreak havoc on the postal agency’s long-term financial viability. Amazon has long been the Postal Service’s top customer, providing more than $6 billion in annual revenue in 2025, said two of the ... Read more
- [250 Years of Service: The Postal Service’s Enduring Commitment to Connecting Service Members and Loved Ones](https://ruralinfo.net/250-years-of-service-the-postal-services-enduring-commitment-to-connecting-service-members-and-loved-ones/): Photo: Sailors sort boxes during a mail call aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Arabian Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan D. McLearnon) WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service highlights its long and proud history of ensuring a vital connection between American service members and their loved ones back home. From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to modern-day global operations, the mission to deliver mail to the military has remained a cornerstone of U.S. postal history and a crucial morale booster. “Ever since George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were appointed to lead the Army ... Read more
- [Check out these USPS-themed products for your holiday needs](https://ruralinfo.net/check-out-these-usps-themed-products-for-your-holiday-needs/): USPS-licensed toys, apparel, home décor and collectibles are available from the online Postal Store and other retailers this holiday season. Here’s an overview: Fun for little ones. There’s still time to send letters to the North Pole. The Dear Santa: Letter-Writing and Holiday Fun Kit for Kids ($24.95) is new this season and available at the Postal Store. The kit includes cards, envelopes and a booklet of creative ideas. A “foot-to-floor” truck ($59.99) is available on Amazon for toddlers and waddlers ages 1-3 years old, weighing up to 44 pounds. The ride-on toy by Flybar is not mechanized, but it has lights, makes sounds and ... Read more
- [Regional Transportation Optimization ends evening collections at nearly 12,000 post offices](https://ruralinfo.net/regional-transportation-optimization-ends-evening-collections-at-nearly-12000-post-offices/): Over the past two years, the Postal Service has been quietly eliminating the evening collection of mail at thousands of post offices. Rather than going out the same day to a processing center, mail, packages, and Priority items sit overnight in the back of the office, waiting to be collected the next morning, when the day’s mail is dropped off. The initiative is called Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO). RTO began in October 2023 as a pilot called Local Transportation Optimization (LTO). It was relaunched as RTO per se in February 2025. Together, as of the end of December 1, 2025, ... Read more
- [Senator Collins Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Federal Workers’ Access to Injury Compensation](https://ruralinfo.net/senator-collins-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-federal-workers-access-to-injury-compensation/): Click HERE to watch and HERE to download video of Senator Collins introducing the bill on the Senate floor Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the bipartisan Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. This legislation would allow Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to certify injuries and oversee treatment for federal workers with injuries or illnesses that occurred on the job, when doing so is consistent with the scope of their practice under state law. “In a large, rural state like Maine, finding access to health care close to home can be a challenge,” said ... Read more
- [USPS electric vehicle fleet behind schedule with $3B in taxpayer funds spent — and only 612 trucks built](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-electric-vehicle-fleet-behind-schedule-with-3b-in-taxpayer-funds-spent-and-only-612-trucks-built/): WASHINGTON — The US Postal Service’s promised all-electric fleet is still woefully behind schedule, with more than $3 billion in taxpayer funding out the door and just 612 of the expected 35,000 battery-powered delivery trucks built, according to a letter sent to Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and obtained by The Post. Former President Joe Biden’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) set aside $3 billion for what Ernst has since ripped as a green “boondoggle” that saw almost all of that amount paid to Wisconsin-based defense contractor Oshkosh to build the environmentally friendly mail trucks. Ernst, who chairs the Senate’s DOGE caucus, said in ... Read more
- [The Public Postal Service and Rural America](https://ruralinfo.net/the-public-postal-service-and-rural-america/): Introduction Unlike for-profit carriers, USPS has a universal service obligation requiring the agency to provide affordable deliveries to every U.S. address. Since it does not rely on taxpayer support, USPS covers the cost of this obligation with revenue from more profitable parts of the system. Rural communities benefit enormously from this universal service and the vast infrastructure USPS has developed over its 250-year history. Jobs and economic revenue In the 15 states with the largest share of their population in rural areas, roughly 75,238 people work directly for the Postal Service. These middle-class jobs support families and local economies in every community. The total ... Read more
- [Lower flags for Pearl Harbor Day](https://ruralinfo.net/lower-flags-for-pearl-harbor-day/): National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, an annual commemoration of the 1941 attack, will be observed Sunday, Dec. 7. Postal Service facilities are required to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff this day. To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day. The USPS Administrative Support Manual has additional guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance.
- [Know the difference between an HMO and a PPO?](https://ruralinfo.net/know-the-difference-between-an-hmo-and-a-ppo/): The Postal Service wants employees to understand the four types of health plans available during this year’s open season. The plan types are: • Health maintenance organizations, or HMOs, that provide care from in-network physicians and hospitals located in particular geographic or service areas; • Preferred provider organizations, or PPOs, that offer fee-for-service plans that allow you to choose physicians, hospitals and other health care providers both inside and outside of a network; • Consumer-driven health plans, or CDHPs, that give users freedom in spending health care dollars and offer plan-funded health reimbursement arrangements that may be used to pay ... Read more
- [USPS is delivering its new fleet](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-is-delivering-its-new-fleet/): The Postal Service’s $9.6 billion upgrade of its delivery fleet is proceeding apace. The organization plans to roll out 106,000 new vehicles by 2028, including 45,000 battery-electric next-generation delivery vehicles and 21,000 commercial-off-the-shelf battery-electric vehicles. Additionally, USPS is upgrading infrastructure at its facilities with the addition of charging stations for the zero-emission electric vehicles, of which over 14,000 have already been purchased. So far, more than 35,000 new vehicles are on the road. “The new fleet rollout is proceeding well, aligned with our plan,” said Justin Glass, the Postal Service’s fleet management senior director. The new vehicles offer better visibility, ... Read more
- [Our November rural carrier newsletter is live](https://ruralinfo.net/our-november-rural-carrier-newsletter-is-live/)
- [Step 4 - RCAs working over 12 hours](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-rcas-working-over-12-hours/): On several occasions, the most recent being September 24, 2025, the parties discussed the above-captioned grievance at the fourth step of our contractual grievance procedure. The issue in this grievance concerns whether Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM), section 432.32 was violated when leave replacements worked in excess of 12 hours in a service day.
- [Step 4 - RCAs delivering parcels on the city side](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-rcas-delivering-parcels-on-the-city-side/): On several occasions, the parties discussed the above-captioned grievance at the fourth step of our contractual grievance procedure. he issue in this grievance concerns Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs) delivering parcels to addresses regularly served by the city carrier craft.
- [Flexible spending accounts have multiple benefits](https://ruralinfo.net/flexible-spending-accounts-have-multiple-benefits/): A flexible spending account may be a good option for Postal Service employees who wear eyeglasses, visit the dentist more than twice a year, or have other needs. These accounts, also known as FSAs, allow employees to set aside money on a pretax basis to pay for health care and dependent care expenses. USPS employees can enroll in an FSA during this year’s open season, which is underway through Monday, Dec. 8. Inspira Financial is the administrator of the Postal Service’s FSA program. For out-of-pocket expenses, employees may: • Pay themselves back with FSA funds when they use cash, check ... Read more
- [Happy Thanksgiving to you all](https://ruralinfo.net/happy-thanksgiving-to-you-all/): Photo by Megan Watson on Unsplash I hope your Thanksgiving is filled to the brim with gratitude, love, and happiness.
- [This guide can help you understand your benefits](https://ruralinfo.net/this-guide-can-help-you-understand-your-benefits/): To help USPS employees navigate their way through this year’s open season benefits enrollment period, here are some important definitions for sometimes confusing health insurance terms: • Copayment: This is a fixed amount paid for certain covered health care services. • Coinsurance: This is similar to a copayment but refers to a percentage paid for some covered health care services rather than a fixed amount paid. • Deductible: This is the amount someone pays for covered health care services before their health plan starts to pay. You can find the amount, and how much you’ve paid toward it, through your health insurance plan’s web portal. • Flexible ... Read more
- [USPS projects package deliveries will drive FY26 revenue boost](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-projects-package-deliveries-will-drive-fy26-revenue-boost/): The U.S. Postal Service is preparing for a 9.4% year-over-year revenue jump in its package delivery segment, according to projections submitted to the Postal Regulatory Commission on Wednesday. The expected increase in its shipping and packages segment, which includes delivery services like Ground Advantage and Parcel Select, would help drive a projected 2.9% increase in revenue overall for the agency in fiscal year 2026, per the integrated financial plan. FY2026 began Oct. 1. However, the Postal Service is also expecting a 42% decline in revenue for its international mail and packages segment, including a 56% drop for inbound services. While the filing ... Read more
- [Step 4 - Start times and additional trips](https://ruralinfo.net/step-4-start-times-and-additional-trips/): There are three issues in dispute in this grievance: 1) starting times for rural carriers, 2) rural carriers being required to leave for the street at a pre determined time and 3) rural carriers making an additional trip to deliver parcels because parcel distribution was not complete before leaving to service the route
- [Ralph Lauren to offer USPS-inspired collection](https://ruralinfo.net/ralph-lauren-to-offer-usps-inspired-collection/): The Ralph Lauren clothing and home goods brand has worked with USPS to release a three-item limited licensed collection honoring the Postal Service’s 250th anniversary. The Polo Ralph Lauren USPS collection’s double-breasted wool twill coat ($1,298), leather satchel ($998) and mesh wool cap ($79.50) are inspired by letter carrier uniforms from different eras of USPS history. The coat’s brass buttons are recreations of the original design used on vintage postal uniforms. Its burgundy cording references the transition from black trim in the 1950s. The label includes manufacturing and serial numbers modeled after those on vintage carrier jackets. Its cuffs are embroidered with ... Read more
- [Nick Acker’s coworkers speak out against unsafe conditions, APWU complicity in his death](https://ruralinfo.net/nick-ackers-coworkers-speak-out-against-unsafe-conditions-apwu-complicity-in-his-death/): On November 8, postal worker Nick Acker was killed in a mail sorting machine at the Allen Park Detroit Network Distribution Center. Authorities estimated he had been dead for six to eight hours before his body was found. Nick’s coworkers are speaking out about unsafe conditions inside the facility, as well as the fact that grievances were filed less than 90 days before Nick’s death. Workers told the (WSWS) that the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) officials were aware of these grievances but did nothing to fix the problems that contributed to his death. John, whose name has been changed to protect ... Read more
- [The USPS Postal Delivery Vehicle That (sorta) Came From the Moon](https://ruralinfo.net/the-usps-postal-delivery-vehicle-that-sorta-came-from-the-moon/): In the 1980s, the United States Postal Service sent out a detailed list of specifications for a new postal carrier vehicle. This “Long Life Vehicle” would replace myriad of other vehicles with one, simplifying maintenance, repairs, and training — and because it had a lightweight aluminum skin, it would last longer and save fuel, too. A defense contractor named Grumman, known to many as the designer and manufacturer of the Apollo Lunar Module, won the contract to produce the LLV with its design — combining the frame and running gear of a Chevrolet S-10 pickup with a bespoke, riveted aluminum ... Read more
- [Flexible spending accounts could save you money](https://ruralinfo.net/flexible-spending-accounts-could-save-you-money/): Flexible spending accounts, or FSAs, allow employees to set aside money on a pretax basis to pay for health care and dependent care expenses. USPS employees can enroll in an FSA during this year’s open season, which runs through Monday, Dec. 8. Inspira Financial is the administrator of the Postal Service’s FSA program. For out-of-pocket expenses, employees may: • Pay themselves back with FSA funds when they use cash, check or a personal credit card for eligible expenses; • Pay a provider directly from their FSA account; or • Use an Inspira debit card. The maximum carryover amount for FSAs ... Read more
- [USPS recognizes Weaver’s high mileage mark as mail carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-recognizes-weavers-high-mileage-mark-as-mail-carrier/): LANSING — Rick Weaver, of Fleetwood, is a well-traveled man. He’s racked up thousands of miles on his trusty forest green Subaru, traversing dusty mountain roads, dodging broken pavement, and every imaginable natural disaster, including slowly receding floodwaters that forced long detours following Hurricane Helene. He rarely misses a scheduled oil change, either — a must for a rural carrier meandering through winding and twisting mountain roads, alternating between smooth pavement and jarring, washboard-out gravel roads. Weaver handles adversity in stride — a signature trait for any rural mail carrier.
- [Grievance filed less than 90 days before Allen Park postal worker’s death warned machine was unsafe](https://ruralinfo.net/grievance-filed-less-than-90-days-before-allen-park-postal-workers-death-warned-machine-was-unsafe/): Fewer than 90 days before 36-year-old Nicholas John Acker was found dead in a mail-sorting machine at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center in Allen Park, a formal grievance had been filed warning that the very same machine was unsafe, Local 4 has learned. Acker, an Air Force veteran and maintenance mechanic from Trenton, was discovered dead and trapped inside one of the facility’s mail-processing machines on Nov. 8. His body had reportedly been there for 6-8 hours before first responders arrived. ‘Just sick:’ Coworker, friend says safety issues long ignored Postal maintenance mechanic Matthew Stiffler, a friend and coworker of Acker’s ... Read more
- [Postal worker Russell Scruggs Jr. dies at Palmetto, Georgia distribution center](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-worker-russell-scruggs-jr-dies-at-palmetto-georgia-distribution-center/): On Saturday, November 15, just one week after Nick Acker’s death in Detroit, another postal worker died at the Palmetto, Georgia USPS Processing and Distribution center. The family confirmed with the World Socialist Web Site that Russell Scruggs, Jr. is the worker who lost his life. The cause of death has not yet been reported and an investigation is ongoing. USPS only confirmed with local news 11Alive Monday that a death occurred at the facility. Coworkers told the WSWS that Russell died in the plant when his head hit the ground after falling. The exact cause of his fall remains unclear, but workers raised ... Read more
- [Are your out-of-pocket medical expenses adding up?](https://ruralinfo.net/are-your-out-of-pocket-medical-expenses-adding-up/): Postal Service employees who want to save on future medical expenses have several options to choose from during this year’s open season, which is underway through Monday, Dec. 8. Employees who enroll in a high-deductible health plan may be eligible to contribute to a health savings account (HSA). An HSA allows an employee to pay for current medical expenses and save for future expenses on a tax deductible or pretax basis. An HSA belongs to the employee — even if they change health plans or leave the Postal Service. Additionally, some plans offer health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), which are funds ... Read more
- [Keep these rules in mind during CFC season](https://ruralinfo.net/keep-these-rules-in-mind-during-cfc-season/): The Combined Federal Campaign offers current and retired federal employees the opportunity to contribute to thousands of charitable organizations locally, nationally and internationally. Several general ethics rules apply to the campaign, also known as the CFC. Donations must be voluntary, all charities must be treated equally, and Postal Service employees may not endorse or give special treatment to any individual charity. (USPS can highlight CFC causes of the week, though). There are also rules for CFC promotional events: • Events must be organized in collaboration with a CFC coordinator and be approved by the USPS Ethics Office. Requests should be emailed to ... Read more
- [Close friend says he helped pull Allen Park postal worker’s body from machine, slams ‘toxic’ culture](https://ruralinfo.net/close-friend-says-he-helped-pull-allen-park-postal-workers-body-from-machine-slams-toxic-culture/): ALLEN PARK, Mich. – A close friend of the Allen Park postal worker who died at the facility said he helped pull his friend’s body from the machine, and he also slammed the company’s “toxic” culture. Nicholas John Acker, 36, of Trenton, was was found dead in a machine at a postal facility in Allen Park. His body was discovered stuck in a machine on Nov. 8, 2025, and had reportedly been there for hours before first responders arrived. He described the prevailing attitude at work as “the mail must move at all costs,” adding that new management has made conditions worse ... Read more
- [USPS worker dies at troubled Palmetto mail facility](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-worker-dies-at-troubled-palmetto-mail-facility/): PALMETTO, Ga. — A United States Postal Service worker died at the Palmetto mail facility, USPS confirmed with 11Alive on Monday. It’s unclear how the employee died, but USPS said that the person was a mail handler assistant at the Palmetto Processing & Distribution Center. “The Postal Service is deeply saddened by the loss of our postal family member. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to his family, friends, and co-workers,” a USPS spokesperson said in a statement in part.
- [Postal employees are now able to reset their LiteBlue MFA](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-employees-are-now-able-to-reset-their-liteblue-mfa/): Postal Service employees are now able to reset their multifactor authentication security method, also known as MFA, when they log in to LiteBlue. Employees can do so by clicking on the “Self-Service MFA Reset” link on the LiteBlue login screen and submitting the request. After a manager approves the request, the employee will receive an email with a link to set up, update or recover an MFA method. Employees who encounter problems can contact the USPS IT Service Desk at 800-877-7435 and ask the agent to reset their MFA options.
- [USPS Operation Santa Now Open for Letter Adoption](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-operation-santa-now-open-for-letter-adoption/): Key Takeaways Letter adoption for USPS Operation Santa opens today, Nov. 17. New emphasis on adopting family letters — including a built-in team option — to help fulfill multiple wishes from the same household. Santa’s Gift Shoppe — powered by Toys“R”Us — is back with a much larger selection of items, making it easy to shop and ship gifts online from home. Adopters should ship gifts by Dec. 13 to help ensure on-time delivery for the holidays. WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced that USPS Operation Santa is now open for letter adoption for the 2025 holiday season. ... Read more
- [FYI - Blue Cross Blue Shield in TX is reporting a data breach](https://ruralinfo.net/fyi-blue-cross-blue-shield-in-tx-is-reporting-a-data-breach/): We just got a letters from BCBS that our info was hacked. I am not sure if it was system wide or specific individuals. This happened in January 2025 and they are just now sending letters.. The information that could have been exposed included Name, address, date of birth and Social Security Number. They are offering free credit monitoring for a year. Below see the screenshot of the letter More info
- [General Wage Increase Effective November 15, 2025 for Rural Carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/general-wage-increase-effective-november-15-2025-for-rural-carriers/): In accordance with Article 9.1.A.2, effective November 15, 2025 (PP 25-2025), the basic annual salary schedule (Tables One and Two) shall be increased by an amount equal to 1.4% of the appropriate March 9, 2024, salary schedule. Further, in accordance with Article 9.1.H.2, effective November 15, 2025 (PP 25-2025), Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs) and Assistant Rural Carriers (ARCs) will receive a similar upward wage adjustment equal to 1.4% applied to the Tables Three and Four wage rates and a 1.0% wage adjustment for a total of 2.4% of the appropriate May 20, 2024, salary schedule. These increases should be reflected in ... Read more
- [Postal Service leadership brushes off calls to pause modernization plan, as financial losses continue](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-leadership-brushes-off-calls-to-pause-modernization-plan-as-financial-losses-continue/): David Steiner, who became postmaster general in July, said at the postal agency’s board of governors meeting on Friday that financial performance is USPS’ most pressing challenge. In line with past statements backing Delivering for America, he also said that he does not intend to reevaluate former PG Louis DeJoy’s plan to promote the agency’s financial sustainability. “While we may change specific initiatives as we move forward and our execution needs improvement, I do not see the need for a fundamental reassessment of our processing and logistics modernization strategies at this time,” Steiner said. Delivering for America generally entails slowing some delivery ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Reports Fiscal Year 2025 Results](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-reports-fiscal-year-2025-results/): Operating revenue was $80.5 billion, a 1.2 percent increase, due largely to growth in USPS Ground Advantage and strategic price increases Net loss decreased $542 million compared to prior year while controllable loss increased by $900 million, reflecting lower than expected revenues from our package business Transportation expense reductions of $422 million reflect continued progress of network optimization WASHINGTON – The U.S. Postal Service today announced its financial results for the 2025 fiscal year ended September 30. Controllable loss, which excludes certain expenses that are not controllable by management, was $2.7 billion for the year, compared to $1.8 billion for the ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service To Observe Thanksgiving Holiday, Nov. 27](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-to-observe-thanksgiving-holiday-nov-27/): WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service will observe the Thanksgiving federal holiday on Thursday, Nov. 27. All Post Office locations will be closed and only Priority Mail Express will be delivered that day. Regular mail delivery and retail services will resume on Friday, Nov. 28. With more holidays just around the corner, customers are reminded that when Post Offices are closed, they can still access many postal products and services through the more than 2,600 self-service kiosks available in select lobbies nationwide. These kiosks feature: Postage printing for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and international shipping; Stamps for purchase; Ability ... Read more
- [Want to compare health plans? This tool can help](https://ruralinfo.net/want-to-compare-health-plans-this-tool-can-help/): To help Postal Service employees compare health plans during this year’s open season, the organization offers access to Checkbook’s Guide to PSHB Plans. The online guide has information about all plans available through the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program. Employees can use the comparison tool to find the right health plan for themselves and their dependents. It includes information on Medicare, copays, deductibles, prescription drug costs and whether dental and vision benefits are included in specific health plans. USPS provides free access to this guide for all employees and retirees. Employees can access the guide through the MyHR website’s open ... Read more
- [26-year-old U.S. Postal Service mail truck driver (RCA) killed in two-vehicle crash near Kountze](https://ruralinfo.net/26-year-old-u-s-postal-service-mail-truck-driver-rca-killed-in-two-vehicle-crash-near-kountze/): KOUNTZE, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a fatal crash involving a U.S. Postal Service truck that happened Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of U.S. Highway 69 and State Highway 327 in Hardin County. On Wednesday morning, DPS identified the driver of the postal service truck as Chace Soignet, 26, of Warren. According to DPS, the crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. when a U.S. Postal Service mail truck was traveling west on Highway 327 and reportedly disregarded a stop sign at the Highway 69 intersection. The mail truck pulled into the path of a 2003 Ford ... Read more
- [Here’s what you should know before updating your benefits](https://ruralinfo.net/heres-what-you-should-know-before-updating-your-benefits/): The Postal Service wants employees to know some important things concerning the open season benefits enrollment period that began this week. Here’s a rundown: • The flexible spending account (FSA) program is administered by Inspira Financial and includes health care, dependent care and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts. There is a debit card option to pay for eligible expenses. • The Postal Service Health Benefits Program does not affect the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). Employees can enroll in or change their dental and vision coverage during open season through FEDVIP. • Employees must use PostalEASE to participate in ... Read more
- [NRLCA - GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN UPDATE 11/11/25 (DAY 41)](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-government-shutdown-update-11-11-25-day-41/): Last night, the Senate took a critical step toward ending the longest government shutdown in American history, when several Democrats broke with their party and joined Republicans to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) that, if enacted, would fund the government through January 30. In addition to keeping the government open through January, the agreement: Provides full-year funding for several government programs and agencies, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), through September 30, 2026, the end of the fiscal year. Reinstates all federal workers who were RIFed (reduced in force) during the shutdown. Includes a commitment from Leader Thune to ... Read more
- [More info and links on the postal worker that was stuck in machine for hours](https://ruralinfo.net/more-info-and-links-on-the-postal-worker-that-was-stuck-in-machine-for-hours/): Where and when did this happen? Firefighters told Local 4 that the discovery was made Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at a United States Postal Service facility in Allen Park. The facility in question is the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center. It’s a large mail processing facility with many large machines. The man was a maintenance worker in his 30s. How was the man found? Firefighters said they went to the facility after the maintenance worker’s fiancé called authorities to report that he hadn’t returned home after his shift. The man’s fiancé told Local 4 that she didn’t call. She said ... Read more
- [NRLCA - Veterans Day Tribute](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-veterans-day-tribute-2/): On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation with courage, strength, and unwavering dedication. Veterans Day is a moment to reflect on their sacrifices and to say thank you for protecting the freedoms we cherish every day. This day of remembrance began as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I. It became a national holiday in 1938, and in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed it Veterans Day to honor all who have served in America’s armed forces. We’re especially proud that more than 68,000 veterans are part of ... Read more
- [Allen Park postal worker was stuck in machine for hours before firefighters found body](https://ruralinfo.net/allen-park-postal-worker-was-stuck-in-machine-for-hours-before-firefighters-found-body/): ALLEN PARK, Mich. – An Allen Park postal worker was stuck in a machine for hours before firefighters found his body, they said. The discovery was made Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at a United States Postal Service facility in Allen Park. Officials said the man’s wife called police to tell them that he hadn’t returned home from work. Firefighters went to the facility and found him stuck in the mail handling machine. He had been dead for 6-8 hours before firefighters got there, according to authorities.
- [If you want to update your benefits, this is your chance](https://ruralinfo.net/if-you-want-to-update-your-benefits-this-is-your-chance/): Open season, the annual opportunity for Postal Service employees to make changes to their health coverage or choose a new plan for the year ahead, begins Monday, Nov. 10, and concludes Monday, Dec. 8. Here’s what employees should know: • If you currently have a Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program plan, you should review it to ensure it meets your needs. If you are satisfied with the plan, you don’t need to take any action. • If you aren’t satisfied with your plan, you can make changes during open season. • You can compare multiple plans side by side ... Read more
- [OPM’s retirement backlog skyrockets as deferred resignees begin offboarding](https://ruralinfo.net/opms-retirement-backlog-skyrockets-as-deferred-resignees-begin-offboarding/): The federal government’s backlog of pending retirement claims hit the highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic last month, as tens of thousands of federal workers who accepted the Trump administration’s so-called deferred resignation program. While January and February are traditionally the busiest months for processing federal employees’ retirement applications, the deferred resignation program, stemming from Elon Musk’s controversial “fork in the road” email, created a new logjam last month, as most who agreed to leave federal service through the initiative did were paid through Sept. 30. A second tranche is expected next January, as some DRP participants were allowed to ... Read more
- [New PSHB Benefit Comparison](https://ruralinfo.net/new-pshb-benefit-comparison/): Check out our new benefit comparison tables at the link below.
- [Obituary for RCA killed in wreck - April Fitch Box of Aliceville, Alabama | 1968 - 2025 |](https://ruralinfo.net/obituary-for-rca-killed-in-wreck-april-fitch-box-of-aliceville-alabama-1968-2025/): April Fitch Box, age 57, of Aliceville, AL died November 4, 2025 in Aliceville.  Funeral services will be11:00 am Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel in Reform with Bro. Jim Robinson officiating.  Burial will be in Franconia-Oak Grove Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will follow the service at the funeral home. She was preceded in death by her father, Philip Allen Fitch and her brother, Phillip Michael Fitch. Survivors include her husband, Scot Box; mother, Sharlotte Fitch Reece and husband, Billy Joe; daughter, Ella Box; two sons, Chandler Box and wife, McKenzie and ... Read more
- [PMG addresses employees in new video](https://ruralinfo.net/pmg-addresses-employees-in-new-video/): Postmaster General David Steiner discusses the Postal Service’s financial and performance expectations and his hopes for the organization’s future in his latest video message to employees. He also shares thoughts and observations after his first 100 days in office and previews this year’s holiday delivery season. The video, released Nov. 6, is available on Link and other postal websites and will be shown to employees throughout the organization this week.
- [Veterans Day is next week](https://ruralinfo.net/veterans-day-is-next-week-2/): Veterans Day, a national holiday that honors people who have served in the armed forces, is Tuesday, Nov. 11. The holiday originated as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day to honor all those who served in American wars. There were 15.8 million veterans in the United States in 2023, according to the most recent U.S. ... Read more
- [‘Devoted’ postal carrier (RCA) killed in Pickens County crash](https://ruralinfo.net/devoted-postal-carrier-rca-killed-in-pickens-county-crash/): A postal carrier was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Pickens County. Alabama State Troopers identified the victim as April F. Box. She was 57 and lived in Aliceville. The wreck happened at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday on Alabama 17, about one mile north of Aliceville. Trooper Sgt. Reginal King said box was driving her mail truck – a Chevrolet Grumman LLV – when she was hit by a Chevrolet 3500 pickup truck driven by 86-year-old James H. Trice of Fayette.
- [NRLCA releases 2024-2027 National Agreement](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-releases-2024-2027-national-agreement/): USPS Handbook EL-902, the 2024-2027 National Agreement between the NRLCA and USPS, is now available.
- [Garrett mail carrier navigates state's longest route](https://ruralinfo.net/garrett-mail-carrier-navigates-states-longest-route/): ACCIDENT — Not many people could handle a nearly 100-mile trip through Garrett County’s country roads almost daily. But for Sue Artice, that’s the norm. The 95 miles and 416 mailboxes Artice navigates — though rain, sleet, snow and gloom of night — is the longest U.S. Postal Service route in Maryland. The grandmother of six has worked for the Postal Service since 1988. She started at the Friendsville office and moved to the Accident Post Office in 2011. “I’m really grateful for being able to do a job as many years as I have,” Artice, a Friendsville native, said. ... Read more
- [USPS to honor employees who are veterans](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-to-honor-employees-who-are-veterans/): To mark Veterans Day this year, the Postal Service will honor employees who served in the military with a lapel pin and certificate of appreciation. The items will be mailed to the home address of every employee who is known to be a veteran. To ensure they receive their pin and certificate, employees who are veterans should go to the MyHR website to update their contact information and self-identify their military status. Additionally, USPS managers can go to eBuyPlus to purchase water bottles and tumblers that can be distributed during local military appreciation ceremonies. This year’s Veterans Day activities will also include a video ... Read more
- [Fly flags at half-staff to honor Cheney](https://ruralinfo.net/fly-flags-at-half-staff-to-honor-cheney/): Postal Service facilities should fly U.S. flags at half-staff to honor Dick Cheney, the former vice president who died Nov. 3. Flags should be flown at half-staff until the day of interment, which hasn’t been announced. To fly the flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it’s lowered for the day. The USPS Administrative Support Manual has additional guidelines on U.S. flag display and maintenance.
- [Watch the Postal Service’s holiday TV ad](https://ruralinfo.net/watch-the-postal-services-holiday-tv-ad/): A new holiday TV commercial from the Postal Service offers a nod to the organization’s 250th anniversary this year. The 30-second ad, titled “Delivering Since 1775,” juxtaposes images of contemporary mail carriers with black-and-white archival footage of their counterparts from previous eras. “Two hundred fifty years ago, a promise was made to connect families and friends, near and far,” a narrator says. “How we delivered has changed, but our purpose hasn’t — especially during the holidays. It’s the peace of mind knowing that your love arrives.” The new commercial, which began airing Nov. 3, is part of a campaign that ... Read more
- [The Evolution Of The US Mail Truck (And Why Some Mail Carriers Use Their Personal Vehicles)](https://ruralinfo.net/the-evolution-of-the-us-mail-truck-and-why-some-mail-carriers-use-their-personal-vehicles/): The U.S. Postal Service’s delivery of envelopes and parcels had humble beginnings. But much as the automobile transformed everyday Americans’ means of travel, it also greatly enhanced the Post Office’s ability to efficiently deliver mail. Just before the turn of the 20th century, an experimental horseless mail wagon made by the Winton Company of Cleveland got a test run, during snowy conditions of all things. The route was a total of 22 miles, and featured 126 mailboxes. While the typical time for a horse-powered wagon was six hours, the automobile was able to perform the same job in just 2½. And this ... Read more
- [Our October rural carrier newsletter is live](https://ruralinfo.net/our-october-rural-carrier-newsletter-is-live/)
- [OPM Announces Faster, Paperless Options for Federal Retirees](https://ruralinfo.net/opm-announces-faster-paperless-options-for-federal-retirees/): Washington, DC — The US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) today announced two new online tools designed to make retirement services faster, and easier for federal retirees. These improvements are part of OPM’s broader effort to modernize its Retirement Services operations and enhance the customer experience through expanded self-service options. Beginning today, retirees can: Securely download their 1099-R tax forms without logging into Retirement Services Online, offering a faster, paperless option for accessing tax documents. View current retirement processing times to better understand the expected timeline for the completion of their retirement benefit applications. “These new self-service tools are another step toward delivering ... Read more
- [Daylight saving time will end Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/daylight-saving-time-will-end-sunday-nov-2-2025/): Daylight saving time will end Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 a.m. In areas where the change is observed, people will “fall back” and set their clocks back one hour at bedtime Nov. 2. Standard time will be in effect until March 8, 2026, when daylight saving time will resume.
- [NEW: 2026 Rural Carrier Benefit Plan (RCBP) Premiums and Coverage Details](https://ruralinfo.net/new-2026-rural-carrier-benefit-plan-rcbp-premiums-and-coverage-details/): Did you know the Rural Carrier Benefit Plan (RCBP) is the only plan dedicated to rural letter carriers, annuitants, and their families? Membership is restricted to members of the NRLCA. The RCBP has been providing superior service to rural letter carriers nationwide for more than 60 years. With RCBP, you could save on your 2026 biweekly premiums compared to plans with similar benefits. Compare our rich benefits to your current carrier and see why RCBP members stay with us! You’ll get comprehensive coverage that includes:  A large nationwide provider network of over 1.9 million providers and hospitals $20 copays for in-network primary care provider office ... Read more
- [PMG Steiner: USPS has a promising future](https://ruralinfo.net/pmg-steiner-usps-has-a-promising-future/): USPS has the people, skills and vision to compete and thrive far into the future, Postmaster General David Steiner tells The Eagle magazine in its fall issue. The cover story — a conversation between Steiner and The Eagle Managing Editor Yvonne Yoerger — explores the postmaster general’s background and his impressions of the Postal Service as his tenure begins. He says that as he has visited USPS facilities, met with employees at every level of the organization and studied the ongoing transformation plan, it has become clear the Postal Service is on the right path. “My top priority is to ... Read more
- [UPS, Postal Service to reunite for delivery of low-budget shipments](https://ruralinfo.net/ups-postal-service-to-reunite-for-delivery-of-low-budget-shipments/): UPS has reached a tentative agreement with the U.S. Postal Service to provide last-mile parcel delivery for its low-cost Ground Saver shipping service, company officials disclosed on Tuesday, patching up a relationship that ruptured in late 2024 over rate hikes. The move is part of a multi-pronged effort at UPS to reduce costs in the face of declining volumes in its domestic parcel business. UPS has a “preliminary understanding” on revenue and rates with the Postal Service to resume home delivery for Ground Saver, CEO Carol Tomé said during a briefing with analysts about third quarter results. Details of the deal ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service To Observe Veterans Day Holiday, Nov. 11](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-to-observe-veterans-day-holiday-nov-11/): WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service will observe Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11. All Post Office locations will be closed in recognition of the federal holiday. Only Priority Mail Express will be delivered that day, and regular mail delivery and retail services will resume on Wednesday, Nov. 12. “On this important day we honor the military veterans who have served our nation,” said Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner. “The Postal Service is proud to be one of the largest civilian employers of America’s veterans. Their dedication, discipline and commitment to service enrich our organization and strengthen our connection ... Read more
- [Check out our PSHB Premium Comparison Tables](https://ruralinfo.net/check-out-our-pshb-premium-comparison-tables/): Check out our PSHB Premium Comparison table for FFS/HMO plans.  Check it out at the link below.  Please share
- [OPM bringing protections for data breach victims to an end](https://ruralinfo.net/opm-bringing-protections-for-data-breach-victims-to-an-end/): Current and former federal employees affected by the massive 2015 Office of Personnel Management data breach may be losing their identity protection services in the coming year. IDX, the company providing these services since 2015, sent out emails earlier this month telling recipients of their identity protection services that they would have to renew on their own dime after receiving services for 10 years paid for by the government. IDX, which has held the identity protection and credit monitoring contract since 2015, sent at least three emails out over the last few weeks offering customers a discount to renew their ... Read more
- [This rural carrier helped a woman escape a house fire](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-helped-a-woman-escape-a-house-fire/): Eaton, OH, Rural Carrier Annette Smith was delivering mail recently when she spotted smoke billowing from a home. She parked her vehicle and joined a group of neighbors trying to help. As one of them called 911, others banged on the door to alert any residents who might be home. They removed flammable items, including propane tanks and a lawn mower, to stop the blaze from spreading. After a woman who was trapped on the second floor began screaming for help, Smith backed her postal vehicle up to the house to provide a way for the woman to escape. The ... Read more
- [Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment Provides Relief from Rising Prices, But Falls Short for FERS Retirees](https://ruralinfo.net/annual-cost-of-living-adjustment-provides-relief-from-rising-prices-but-falls-short-for-fers-retirees/): Alexandria, Va. – In response to the final determination of 2026 cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to federal retirement annuities and Social Security benefits, which will be 2.8% for Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) annuities and Social Security benefits and 2.0% for Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) annuities, NARFE National President William Shackelford issued the following statement:    “Cost-of-living adjustments provide a critical boost to the value of federal retirement benefits, ensuring they keep pace with rising prices.   “Yet, with inflation above 2%, FERS retirees will have their COLAs capped, reducing the real value of their annuities. Inflation impacts these FERS retirees the same way as all other retirees, yet ... Read more
- [Amazon links up with USPS for doorstep returns](https://ruralinfo.net/amazon-links-up-with-usps-for-doorstep-returns/): Amazon recently began offering doorstep pickup from the U.S. Postal Service for select customer returns, a spokesperson for the e-commerce giant said in an emailed statement to Supply Chain Dive. The capability, which launched in the summer, is currently available to some customers for eligible items. “We’re always listening to customers and looking for ways to make returns even more convenient,” the spokesperson said. While Amazon didn’t specify the extent of the service’s coverage, Third Person CEO and founder Matthew Hertz said in a LinkedIn post USPS returns pickup was available for his Amazon order in Nashville, Tennessee. The free pickup required ... Read more
- [Postal Service Ready To Deliver for 2025 Holiday Season](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-ready-to-deliver-for-2025-holiday-season/): Prepared for the holidays through significant investments in modernized facilities and processing equipment Service standards updates allows for 2–3-day turnaround within the same regional service areas Less than three days, on average, to deliver mail and packages USPS remains the most affordable way to ship mail and packages WASHINGTON — The Postal Service is more than ready to deliver for the 2025 holiday season. Continued investment in modernization will boost the strong service customers have come to expect throughout the organization’s 250 years of service to the nation. Planning for peak delivery season begins every January. Over the past four ... Read more
- [USPS will offer a virtual fair throughout open season](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-will-offer-a-virtual-fair-throughout-open-season-2/): Postal Service employees may participate in a virtual benefits fair throughout this year’s open season, which runs from Monday, Nov. 10, through Monday, Dec. 8. The fair will offer information about the Postal Service Health Benefits Program, Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, flexible spending accounts and other topics. During open season, employees can go to the fair website 24/7 to visit virtual booths, watch instructional videos and participate in educational seminars and games. Employees can also participate in live chats, live Q&A sessions with benefits specialists and “Open Season 101” webinars during designated days: • Sunday, Nov. 2, ... Read more
- [Device found at USPS facility was ‘real explosive,’ police say](https://ruralinfo.net/device-found-at-usps-facility-was-real-explosive-police-say/): ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A United States Postal Service facility in South Fulton avoided a scare on Thursday. The facility was evacuated at 125 Villanova Drive in South Fulton when workers saw a “suspicious device” and called authorities. The Atlanta Police Department’s bomb squad safely removed the package shortly before 10 a.m. from the building for evaluation. The item was taken to a secondary location where it was determined to be a “real explosive,” police said. It is unknown what type of explosive this was.
- [PSHB HMO Premium Comparison table added](https://ruralinfo.net/pshb-hmo-premium-comparison-table-added/): We have just added our PSHB Premium Comparison table for HMO plans.    Check it out at the link below.  Please share
- [USPS Clarifies Cluster Mailbox Guidance](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-clarifies-cluster-mailbox-guidance/): For more than 10 years, confusion over U.S. Postal Service (USPS) requirements for cluster mailbox units (CBUs) in new housing development has challenged builders nationwide. This issue recently resurfaced in Greensboro, N.C., as developers in the area faced a lack of communication and arbitrary rules from local USPS representatives. In response to outreach from Sen. Ted Budd’s office, the USPS issued a response letter clarifying its policies in an encouraging move for builders and developers seeking clearer standards. Since 2012, CBUs have been the default method of mail delivery for the USPS. It claims this method increases efficiency, safety and cost savings. ... Read more
- [A new film shows how postal inspectors brought a rural carrier's killer to justice](https://ruralinfo.net/a-new-film-shows-how-postal-inspectors-brought-a-rural-carriers-killer-to-justice/): The Postal Inspection Service has released a documentary about the agency’s investigation into the tragic death of a USPS employee in 2019. The 28-minute film, “Ambush in Andrews,” tells the story of Irene Pressley, an Andrews, SC, rural carrier who was shot and killed while delivering mail. The Inspection Service’s investigation showed that a drug dealer killed Pressley to recover a package that contained 2 pounds of marijuana and that had been marked undeliverable. “Protecting postal employees is our highest priority,” said Dan Mihalko, a retired postal inspector and the documentary’s director. The documentary shows how postal inspectors used multiple ... Read more
- [Remembering Houston postal worker killed while he was delivering mail](https://ruralinfo.net/remembering-houston-postal-worker-killed-while-he-was-delivering-mail/): HOUSTON — A Northwest Harris County neighborhood is honoring a beloved postal worker who was tragically killed in a crash on Saturday while delivering mail. The crash happened along Antoine Drive when police say a driver believed to be under the influence plowed into the back of his mail carrier. Residents who live in the area say 58-year-old Steve Marks was more than just their mail carrier. He was part of their community. MORE  
- [Postal worker killed in wreck while delivering mail in northwest Harris County](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-worker-killed-in-wreck-while-delivering-mail-in-northwest-harris-county/): HOUSTON — A postal worker was killed Saturday in a crash in northwest Harris County. It happened along Antoine Drive, north of West Green Road in the Northcliffe Manor neighborhood. According to Sgt. Villacorta with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the wreck involved a postal truck and a Dodge pickup. “The Dodge pickup truck was traveling southbound on Antoine Drive,” he said. “The male had just fled from a minor accident up the road at Veterans Memorial and Antoine Drive. As he was fleeing, he was going at a high rate of speed. He lost control and he struck the ... Read more
- [New! Compare PSHB Premium Prices](https://ruralinfo.net/new-compare-pshb-premium-prices/): We have just added our PSHB Premium Comparison table for FFS plans.  We will add the HMO table soon.  Check it out at the link below.  Please share
- [Senate recognizes USPS anniversary](https://ruralinfo.net/senate-recognizes-usps-anniversary/): The U.S. Senate adopted a resolution last week recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Postal Service. “It’s a testament to the important work we do, and how long we have been doing it, that the United States Senate took this gratifying bipartisan and unanimous action to salute the Postal Service’s 250th anniversary,” said Postmaster General David Steiner. Approved by voice vote, the resolution highlights the organization’s unique place in American history and praises it for embodying “the spirit of innovation, determination, longevity and resilience of the United States.” It ends by inviting Americans “to join in the celebration … by ... Read more
- [Open Season 2025: Invest in You. Your Benefits, Your Choice: November 10 – December 8](https://ruralinfo.net/open-season-2025-invest-in-you-your-benefits-your-choice-november-10-december-8/): Dear Employees, Open Season is here! This is your once-a-year opportunity to make changes to your Postal Service™ bene\uFB01ts. Open Season begins on November 10, 2025, and ends on December 8, 2025. In this packet you will find: n All the resources you need to help you navigate the changes and learn about your options for the 2026 benefits year. n An explanation of various benefits-related terms. n Quick reference guides for the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) enrollment platform, flexible spending accounts, dental and vision plan options, and tools such as the CHECKBOOK’s Guide to PSHB Plans for USPS® Employees and Annuitants. The CHECKBOOK ... Read more
- [Amazon Plans Drastic Cut in Packages It Sends Through Post Office](https://ruralinfo.net/amazon-plans-drastic-cut-in-packages-it-sends-through-post-office/): Amazon.com ⁠is ⁠looking to ⁠sharply cut the number ​of packages it sends ‌through the U.S. ‌Postal Service
- [USPS considers increasing first-class stamps to 95 cents as cash is set to runout by 2027](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-considers-increasing-first-class-stamps-to-95-cents-as-cash-is-set-to-runout-by-2027/): The head of the U.S. Postal Service says the agency needs to increase the price of first-class mail stamps from 78 cents to as much as 95 cents, as it is projected to run out of cash by early 2027.
- [PMG testified before the Oversight Committee today – Video](https://ruralinfo.net/pmg-testified-before-the-oversight-committee-today-video/): Postmaster General David Steiner testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee
- [USPS to hold 51 career conferences](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-to-hold-51-career-conferences/): The Postal Service is encouraging employees to attend one of the 51 career conferences it has planned this year.
- [NRLCA Files Three National Step 4 Grievances Against USPS](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-files-three-national-step-4-grievances-against-usps/): On February 17, 2026, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) filed three separate National Step 4 grievances against the United States Postal Service.
- [Implementation of the Postal Service’s RTO slowed in February](https://ruralinfo.net/implementation-of-the-postal-services-rto-slowed-in-february/): During the month of February, RTO activations were confined to the area of Springfield, Illinois (ZIPs 623, 625-627). About 150 more post offices now no longer get the evening collection.
- [Thinking about taking a new job? Make sure you follow the rules](https://ruralinfo.net/thinking-about-taking-a-new-job-make-sure-you-follow-the-rules/): The Postal Service is reminding employees that federal ethics laws place certain restrictions on them while working at USPS — and after they leave the organization.
- [Update to the language covering additional compensation when a significant amount of DPS letter mail has to be cased](https://ruralinfo.net/update-to-the-language-covering-additional-compensation-when-a-significant-amount-of-dps-letter-mail-has-to-be-cased/): There was an update to the language covering additional compensation when a significant amount of DPS letter mail has to be cased.
- [Rural Carrier EMA to Decrease 2.0 Cents Effective April 4, 2026](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-ema-to-decrease-2-0-cents-effective-april-4-2026/): Based on this release, the Equipment Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for rural carriers will decrease 2.0¢ to 95.0¢ per mile. This EMA rate will be effective April 4, 2026 (Pay Period 09-2026).
- [Our February Newsletter is Live](https://ruralinfo.net/our-february-newsletter-is-live/)
- [A Temporary Detour for Ruralinfo.net - A personal life update](https://ruralinfo.net/a-temporary-detour-for-ruralinfo-net-a-personal-life-update/): This website and this community mean a great deal to me. Your support, comments, and shared stories have always been fuel for the work I do here.
- [NRLCA Supplemental Insurance Benefits Special Enrollment Period Runs March 1- April 15](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-supplemental-insurance-benefits-special-enrollment-period-runs-march-1-april-15/): This supplemental benefits enrollment period includes Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Dental/Vision insurance coverage
- [Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Effective March 7, 2026 for Rural Carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/cost-of-living-adjustment-cola-effective-march-7-2026-for-rural-carriers/): Pursuant to the release of the January 2026 Consumer Price Index - Urban Wage and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), and in accordance with Article 9.1.E, the fourth COLA adjustment of the 2024-2027 National Agreement will result in a $250.00 increase for eligible rural carriers
- [Winter weather impacting USPS delivery](https://ruralinfo.net/winter-weather-impacting-usps-delivery/): Winter weather in the Western, the North Central, and the extreme impacts of the nor’easter in the Northeastern U.S.
- [Keep contact information up to date](https://ruralinfo.net/keep-contact-information-up-to-date/): Currently, more than 10,000 USPS employees have an unverifiable mailing address within the Postal Service’s Address Management System.
- [This rural carrier helped a man who had passed out from a carbon monoxide leak](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-helped-a-man-who-had-passed-out-from-a-carbon-monoxide-leak/): Washington Township, OH, Rural Carrier Vicki Schwarck was delivering mail to a home recently when she noticed that a customer didn’t come to the front door to talk to her as he usually did.
- [New Request Made to Boost Fertility Coverage Benefits in FEHB / PSHB](https://ruralinfo.net/new-request-made-to-boost-fertility-coverage-benefits-in-fehb-pshb/): Two congressional Democrats active in civil service issues have asked OPM to require FEHB/PSHB carriers to expand fertility coverage benefits, saying that “would bring fairness to the Federal workforce
- [NRLCA – 1099-R Tax Form to Be Issued Digitally by OPM for Tax Year 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/nrlca-1099-r-tax-form-to-be-issued-digitally-by-opm-for-tax-year-2025/): This year, OPM has chosen to provide 1099-Rs digitally, and the annuitant is responsible for downloading the form. If you would like a hard copy mailed to you, you must contact OPM to opt in and change your communication preference to U.S. Mail.
- [Authorities arrest person of interest in killing of USPS carrier](https://ruralinfo.net/authorities-arrest-person-of-interest-in-killing-of-usps-carrier/): Law enforcement has arrested a person of interest in connection with the death of a USPS carrier killed while delivering mail in Decatur last week, authorities confirmed.
- [How to Get Your 1099-R for CSRS/FERS Annuity and TSP](https://ruralinfo.net/how-to-get-your-1099-r-for-csrs-fers-annuity-and-tsp/): Your annual 1099-R tax form reports how much income you earned from your annuity. If you do not receive a 1099-R by postal mail, there are a few ways to get it from the Office of Personnel management’s Retirement Services Online.
- [The best Christmas Gift that wasn't for me](https://ruralinfo.net/the-best-christmas-gift-that-wasnt-for-me/): One day during the Christmas rush, I pulled up to a mailbox and inside were the most delicious looking Chocolate covered Almonds.  I am a Chocolate freak so I was sooo excited. Opened that bag and starting shoving them down my mouth.  They were soo good.  After I had eaten almost the whole bag, I looked down and saw the tag on the bag. To my utter surprise, it had a name on it.  It was the name of the customer whose box I got it from.  OMG, I had eaten this customer’s gift of Chocolate almonds!! There were about ... Read more
- [31-Year-Old USPS Letter Carrier Gunned Down on Route in DeKalb County](https://ruralinfo.net/31-year-old-usps-letter-carrier-gunned-down-on-route-in-dekalb-county/): DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Friends of a man who was shot in DeKalb County on Thursday said he worked for the U.S. Postal Service and was killed on the job. The DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office said 31-year-old Dequavious Graves died from his injuries. According to his friends, Graves loved working for USPS as a postal worker. They said he also worked as a music producer. They described him as a model citizen, an artistic genius, and a great friend.  Friends said people who knew him affectionately called him “Big Quay.” “The world was robbed of a great human,” the ... Read more
- [Presidents Day is next week](https://ruralinfo.net/presidents-day-is-next-week/): Washington’s Birthday, also known as Presidents Day, will be observed Monday, Feb. 16. The annual observance began in the early 19th century. After George Washington’s death in 1799, his birthday — Feb. 22 — was celebrated informally across the young nation. In 1879, Congress declared Feb. 22 a federal holiday. A 1968 law moved the holiday to the third Monday of each February. With the holiday no longer attached to the former president’s date of birth, the day came to celebrate all U.S. commanders in chief. In addition to observing Washington’s Birthday, the Postal Service salutes presidents through its stamp ... Read more
- [Howard Lutnick: USPS can help run 2030 census](https://ruralinfo.net/howard-lutnick-usps-can-help-run-2030-census/): Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he wants the U.S. Postal Service to help conduct the next U.S. Census. He said it would be a cost-saving “genius move” because postal carriers already reach households daily. Lutnick told Breitbart News that using postal workers could avoid the traditional buildup of a large temporary census field force. “The job of the census is to go to everybody’s house, and count everybody, 340,000,000 people,” he said. “So, the census, we’d hire 500,000 people, we’d train them, rent them cars, give them gas, and they’d go out and try to find people. Which department of the United States ... Read more
- [Oshkosh Recalls 5,242 NGDV Mail Trucks for Brake Defect](https://ruralinfo.net/oshkosh-recalls-5242-ngdv-mail-trucks-for-brake-defect/): Oshkosh Corporation has recalled 5,242 model year 2025–2026 NGDV mail delivery trucks after finding that a missing brake pedal mounting pin and retaining clip could cause service brake failure. Oshkosh received its first field report on Dec. 10, 2025, identifying a vehicle missing the brake pedal mounting pin and retaining clip. In that instance, no reduction in brake performance was observed, and the customer was instructed to install the missing parts. A second report on Jan. 26, 2026, alleged that a vehicle experienced a complete loss of service brake function. Oshkosh’s investigation confirmed the mounting pin and retaining clip were ... Read more
- [MOU - Census Bureau Test - Spartanburg, SC](https://ruralinfo.net/mou-census-bureau-test-spartanburg-sc/): The Census Bureau is partnering with the Postal Service to explore the feasibility of using Postal Service carriers to conduct census work to assist in getting an accurate count of the nation for the 2030 census. In preparation for the 2030 census, the Postal Service and the Census Bureau will conduct a test between April and July 2026 utilizing Rural Letter Carriers in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
- [Parcel Delivery Photo Verification (PDPV) Test](https://ruralinfo.net/parcel-delivery-photo-verification-pdpv-test/)
- [Columbia neighbors mourn the loss of their mail carrier, killed in Fayette fire](https://ruralinfo.net/columbia-neighbors-mourn-the-loss-of-their-mail-carrier-killed-in-fayette-fire/): The loss of a woman who died trying to save lives in a fire at a senior facility in Fayette has touched entire neighborhoods in Columbia where she was beloved as their mail carrier. On Jan. 27, three people died after two of them became trapped in the fire at the Perkins Home Residential Care Center. Marcia Lyon, a weekend employee there, rushed into the building to help and also didn’t survive. “This loss has been devastating, not only for our family, but for the other families, too,” her daughter, Shauna, said. “We wake up, and it’s like Groundhog Day ... Read more
- [Relief Carrier Appreciation Week is February 7-13, 2026](https://ruralinfo.net/relief-carrier-appreciation-week-is-february-7-13-2026/): The delegates at the 2018 National Convention passed a binding resolution stating, “That a week during the year be designated as Relief Carrier Appreciation Week.” The NRLCA National Board has designated the first full week in February (February 7-13, 2026) as “Relief Carrier Appreciation Week.”  We ask that you join us in showing our hard-working leave replacements that they are an imperative and essential part of the rural carrier craft. Their dedication and commitment during this challenging year has not gone unnoticed. In truth, we need to appreciate the leave replacements in our offices every week throughout the year. Relief ... Read more
- [This rural carrier traveled a country mile](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-traveled-a-country-mile/): John Moore, who was with USPS for 62 years and was the last rural carrier on a “mileage route,” died Jan. 26. Moore, 83, was based in Martinton, IL, and was still delivering mail up until his death. “He was an amazing guy. Everyone just loved him,” said Julie Clay, postmaster of St. Anne, IL. On a mileage route, an employee’s salary is based on the number of miles driven. There are other carriers who are paid by the mile, but their salaries can be affected by other factors. Moore’s father was also a rural carrier — on a route said ... Read more
- [Oshkosh Recalls Some of Its Controversial New Mail Carrier Van Because Its Rear Wheels Might Fall Off](https://ruralinfo.net/oshkosh-recalls-some-of-its-controversial-new-mail-carrier-van-because-its-rear-wheels-might-fall-off/): American industrial and military vehicle manufacturing giant Oshkosh is recalling 40 of its controversial Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDVs) because their rear wheels might fall off due to a manufacturing issue. The recall includes 10 electric NGDVs and 30 gas-powered NGDVs. After investigation of two field cases where rear wheels fell off, Oshkosh determined the cause of the fault to be a double-torqued hub fastener that may come loose over time and allow the brake rotor to separate from the rear axle hub. Regardless of their fuel type, affected NGDVs were produced between March 28 and July 16 last year, ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Results](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-reports-first-quarter-fiscal-year-2026-results/): Operating revenue was $22.2 billion, a 1.2 percent decrease compared to same quarter last year Controllable income was $350 million, down $618 million from same quarter last year Net loss increased nearly $1.4 billion compared to same quarter last year Postal Service has petitioned regulator to modify the Market Dominant ratemaking system to provide additional pricing authority and to repeal requirement for minimum remittance payments WASHINGTON – The U.S. Postal Service today announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (Oct. 1, 2025 – Dec. 31, 2025). Controllable income, which excludes certain expenses that are not controllable by ... Read more
- [Postal Service updates DFA: New lists of RPDCs, LPCs, S&DCs, & RTOs](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-service-updates-dfa-new-lists-of-rpdcs-lpcs-sdcs-rtos/): The Postal Service is now four years into its 10-year plan, Delivering for America. A couple of weeks ago, the USPS Office of Inspector General issued an audit report assessing progress and problems in the rollout, and the Postal Regulatory Commission is currently reviewing the plan as part of its Annual Compliance review (ACR2026). The Postal Service has shared several key lists with the PRC that provide a detailed picture of the main components of the DFA: the transformation of the network into Regional Processing & Distribution Centers (RPDCs) and Local Processing Centers (LPCs); the Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO), which ends evening ... Read more
- [UPDATE: SAC Conference Postponed; New Dates are February 28-March 2, 2026 - Booking link added](https://ruralinfo.net/update-sac-conference-postponed-new-dates-are-february-28-march-2-2026-booking-link-added/):  Due to hazardous weather conditions, the SAC conference has been postponed. It will now be held Saturday, February 28-Monday, March 2, 2026. Please see the Area Conferences tab for an updated agenda and registration form.   For room reservations, please call 1-800-223-7277 (use code SO2RLCA) or online: https://book.passkey.com/go/ncrlca   Thank you and stay safe. Your NRLCA National Board
- [Brunk wraps up 31-year career with U.S. Postal Service in Worthington](https://ruralinfo.net/brunk-wraps-up-31-year-career-with-u-s-postal-service-in-worthington/): BREWSTER — It was 7 a.m. Saturday morning, and Cindy Brunk’s cell phone began to ring. It was her first official day as a retiree following a 31-year career with the U.S. Postal Service, and though she was already awake, she wondered who would be calling her at such an early hour. Turns out it was just one of the patrons on her route, wishing her a happy first day of retirement. That was the start to her day, which ended with a surprise retirement party thrown by her family, friends and neighbors. In between, she sat down for brunch ... Read more
- [USPS employees can call this number during emergencies](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-employees-can-call-this-number-during-emergencies/): The Postal Service is reminding employees and contractors to use the USPS National Emergency Hotline number to receive up-to-date information about facility closings, changes in reporting times and other workplace information during severe and inclement weather. The toll-free number, found on the back of most USPS employee badges, is 888-EMERGNC (888-363-7462). After dialing the number, you will be prompted to enter the first three digits of the ZIP Code where you work. Information specific to operations in your work area will then be relayed. Hearing-impaired callers who use Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) should call their state’s toll-free TRS number. The ... Read more
- [U.S. Postal Service to Observe Presidents Day, Feb. 16](https://ruralinfo.net/u-s-postal-service-to-observe-presidents-day-feb-16/): WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service will observe Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 16. All Post Office locations will be closed. Regular mail delivery and retail services will resume on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Customers are reminded that when Post Offices are closed, they can still access many postal products and services through usps.com and self-service kiosks available in select lobbies nationwide. These kiosks feature: Postage printing for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and international shipping; Stamps for purchase; Ability to weigh and mail packages; and Package tracking information. As USPS modernizes its retail locations, more self-service options are becoming available at more ... Read more
- [A major census test faces cutbacks — with postal workers tapped to help count](https://ruralinfo.net/a-major-census-test-faces-cutbacks-with-postal-workers-tapped-to-help-count/): The Trump administration is scaling back plans for this year’s field test of the 2030 census, raising concerns about the Census Bureau’s ability to produce a reliable population tally for redistributing political representation and federal funding in the next decade. The 2026 test was designed to help the bureau improve the accuracy of the United States’ upcoming once-a-decade head count. A mix of communities in six states, as well as a national sample of households, was expected to take part in the experiment. But the agency is now set to reduce the number of test sites to two — Spartanburg, S.C., ... Read more
- [Chairman Comer Announces Full Committee Markup of Legislation of H.R. 7265, Vote By Mail Tracking Act](https://ruralinfo.net/chairman-comer-announces-full-committee-markup-of-legislation-of-h-r-7265-vote-by-mail-tracking-act/): WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) announced a markup will take place on Wednesday, February 4 at 10:00am ET to consider a series of legislation aimed at modernizing federal technology and procurement, strengthening protections against risky supply chains, reducing waste, incentivizing savings, and ensuring more intentional government spending. Postal provisions included in this markup are H.R. 7265, Vote By Mail Tracking Act: This bill amends Title 39 of the U.S. Code (Postal Service) to require ballots mailed within the United States for all federal elections be mailed in an envelope with a unique Postal Service barcode that allows ... Read more
- [Our Latest Newsletter is Live](https://ruralinfo.net/our-latest-newsletter-is-live-2/)
- [Roth in-plan conversions available in your TSP](https://ruralinfo.net/roth-in-plan-conversions-available-in-your-tsp/): As of January 28, 2026, you have the option to convert money from your traditional TSP balance to a Roth TSP balance through a Roth in-plan conversion. This transaction is available in My Account. This option is available to all TSP participants with an eligible traditional TSP balance: Active participants (current federal civilian employees and uniformed services members) Separated and retired participants Spouse beneficiary participants Some participants have anticipated this flexibility for years. While this is an important addition to the TSP, a Roth in-plan conversion may not be the right choice for everyone, or this may not be the right time ... Read more
- [How federal employees can protect a spouse in retirement](https://ruralinfo.net/how-federal-employees-can-protect-a-spouse-in-retirement/): Planning for retirement involves more than picking a last working day or exploring new goals and hobbies. It also means understanding how your retirement choices affect your spouse if unexpected events arise. Federal retirement systems—including Social Security, Federal Employee Health Benefits, the Thrift Savings Plan and federal pensions—are complex and highly interconnected. Decisions made years before retirement can significantly affect a surviving spouse’s financial stability, access to healthcare and administrative burden.
- [USPIS Annual Report: Underlying Numbers Show a Postal System Rife with Crime](https://ruralinfo.net/uspis-annual-report-underlying-numbers-show-a-postal-system-rife-with-crime/): The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) finally released its FY2024 Annual Report in January 2026 — more than 15 months after the fiscal year ended. That’s not a minor administrative delay. It’s a transparency failure. Postal customers and policymakers are being asked to trust a federal law-enforcement agency that could not timely report its own performance — during the worst postal crime wave in modern history. And despite the glossy presentation and “good news” statistics — like a 27% drop in letter carrier robberies and a 20% downtick in mail theft complaints — the underlying numbers tell a much different story. USPIS has prioritized reactive investigations over proactive prevention, ... Read more
- [UPDATE: SAC Conference Postponed; New Dates are February 28-March 2, 2026](https://ruralinfo.net/update-sac-conference-postponed-new-dates-are-february-28-march-2-2026/): UPDATE 1/29/26:  Due to hazardous weather conditions, the SAC conference has been postponed. It will now be held Saturday, February 28-Monday, March 2, 2026. Please see the Area Conferences tab for an updated agenda. A new booking code for hotel reservations will be provided shortly.
- [Postal worker hurt in hit and run released from hospital, suspect arrested](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-worker-hurt-in-hit-and-run-released-from-hospital-suspect-arrested/): A man was arrested Tuesday, Jan. 27 after a hit-and-run crash in an Amarillo neighborhood injured a postal worker during the winter storm over the weekend. The Amarillo Police Department said Wednesday, Jan. 28 that the postal worker has been released from the hospital. Amarillo police officers responded about 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 to a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian in the 5100 block of Susan. Police said “a mail delivery person was struck by a white vehicle while walking from his mail truck to a residence.” He was taken to a local hospital.
- [Mail carrier says he was suspended after post about winter safety](https://ruralinfo.net/mail-carrier-says-he-was-suspended-after-post-about-winter-safety/): HAMILTON COUNTY, Ohio (WXIX) – A local mail carrier said he is on emergency placement with no pay after expressing his safety concerns on Facebook. After a winter storm brought heavy snow to the Tri-State, Jason Thompson, a local U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, said he arrived at the Fairfield facility Monday morning to find buried trucks and no packages to deliver. “A lot of people aren’t aware of what we experience every day,” Thompson said. “That’s fine as carriers, we are kind of used to the expectation.” “The volume of the mail packages is probably going to be double ... Read more
- [She saw a customer having a heart attack in his front yard](https://ruralinfo.net/she-saw-a-customer-having-a-heart-attack-in-his-front-yard/): Glen Rose, TX, Rural Carrier Kilie Layland was delivering mail recently when she spotted a man having a heart attack in his front yard. She quickly exited her vehicle and came to the customer’s aid. Another motorist also stopped to help. The two rescuers administered CPR while they spoke on the phone with a 911 operator. They revived the victim two separate times. When paramedics arrived, the customer was awake and alert. He was taken to a nearby hospital and continues to recover.
- [RRECS Mini Mail Survey Scheduled for Saturday, February 21- Friday, March 6, 2026](https://ruralinfo.net/rrecs-mini-mail-survey-scheduled-for-saturday-february-21-friday-march-6-2026/): The next RRECS Mini Mail Survey (MMS) will be held Saturday, February 21-Friday, March 6, 2026. Route Evaluations will go into effect on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Mini Mail Survey Resources will be updated here as they are available: www.nrlca.org/Content/MiniMailSurvey2026
- [OPM – Peeling the Onion on Federal Retirement Processing](https://ruralinfo.net/opm-peeling-the-onion-on-federal-retirement-processing/): By Scott Kupor, Director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management January 23, 2026 One of the reasons I joined this administration was to help make large, complex systems work better for the people who rely on them. That is particularly important when it comes to our federal retirement system. Ensuring public servants can retire with confidence, dignity, and timely benefits is one of OPM’s most fundamental responsibilities and it’s an area where we’ve been driving real improvements. Our goal is very simple – get retirement benefits into the hands of retirees as quickly and accurately as possible – full stop! As ... Read more
- [Questions and answers about the new deduction for qualified overtime compensation](https://ruralinfo.net/questions-and-answers-about-the-new-deduction-for-qualified-overtime-compensation/): FS-2026-01, January 2026 This Fact Sheet provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the new deduction for qualified overtime compensation, such as who may be eligible to claim the deduction, including federal employees, and where to find supplemental information on eligibility and other rules. These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible. Accordingly, these FAQs may not address any particular taxpayer’s specific facts and circumstances, and they may be updated or modified upon further review. Because these FAQs have not been published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin, they will ... Read more
- [Deputy and bystander save mail truck driver from fiery wreck in Parkland](https://ruralinfo.net/deputy-and-bystander-save-mail-truck-driver-from-fiery-wreck-in-parkland/): PARKLAND, Wash. — Two people were seriously injured after a mail truck burst into flames following a crash with a sedan on Jan. 8, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office reports. Deputies were called to the 10600 block of Park Ave S in Parkland just after noon. The first deputy on site identified the mail truck driver as injured and at risk from the fire, then pulled the driver away from the burning vehicle. With the help of a female bystander, the deputy then tried to extinguish the fire. The collision left the mail truck driver and a male back-seat passenger of ... Read more
- [Guidelines for Acts of God - Community disasters such as fires, floods, or storms](https://ruralinfo.net/guidelines-for-acts-of-god-community-disasters-such-as-fires-floods-or-storms/): An Act of God involves community disasters such as fires, floods, or storms. The disaster situations must be general in nature rather than personal in scope and impact, and must prevent groups of employees from working or reporting to work. Ref: ELM 519.211, F-21 582.31. Who has the authority to declare an Act of God? Postmasters and other installation heads have authority to approve administra­tive leave up to one day. District Man­agers and Postal Career Executive Service (PCES) plant managers may authorize administrative leave up to three days for their installation and those reporting to it. District Managers and senior or ... Read more
- [ALERT: SAC Conference Update](https://ruralinfo.net/alert-sac-conference-update/): Due to extreme weather conditions forecast across the majority of states within the South Atlantic Conference (SAC), the NRLCA is heeding urgent advisories issued by the National Weather Service for Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina. This decision is further guided by the North Carolina Governor’s emergency declaration, which urges all residents to “remain at home and avoid travel this weekend unless absolutely necessary to allow first responders to perform their duties safely and effectively.”   As this significant weather event is expected to result in snow, ice, severely hazardous driving conditions, and air travel disruptions, the National Board will ... Read more
- [2025 Tax Information: Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement; Form 1099](https://ruralinfo.net/2025-tax-information-form-w-2-wage-and-tax-statement-form-1099/): If an employee has earnings from more than one state or locality, a separate Form W-2 will be issued for each. Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, for 2025 will be mailed to all employees except those employees who, through the PostalEASE “W-2” module, elected not to receive mailed copies of Forms W-2 in favor of official electronic Forms W-2. The PostalEASE “W-2” module makes online viewing and printing of Forms W-2 for any of the last 7 years available to all employees. The format of the 2025 Form W-2 remains unchanged from the 2024 version. To protect sensitive information, the first 5-digits of the Social ... Read more
- [The OIG’s Oversight of the U.S. Postal Service’s Delivering for America Plan, Volume 3](https://ruralinfo.net/the-oigs-oversight-of-the-u-s-postal-services-delivering-for-america-plan-volume-3/): The Delivering For America: Our Vision and Ten-Year Plan to Achieve Financial Sustainability and Service Excellence (DFA plan), released in March 2021, outlines the U.S. Postal Service’s 10-year strategy to transform into a high-performing, financially sustainable organization. With the release of Delivering For America 2.0: Fulfilling the Promise in September 2024, the Postal Service provided a blueprint for its path forward. We, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG), have provided essential oversight of the Postal Service for nearly 30 years, and since the release of the DFA plan, have integrated an independent and objective review of its implementation into our work. ... Read more
- [This rural carrier found a customer in distress after noticing his dog was running loose](https://ruralinfo.net/this-rural-carrier-found-a-customer-in-distress-after-noticing-his-dog-was-running-loose/): Rural Carrier Linda Blackmon was delivering mail to the home of an older couple in Tennessee Colony, TX, recently when she spotted their small dog in the front yard. Knowing this was unusual, she pulled into the driveway. After she got out of her vehicle, Blackmon heard a faint yell for help. The Postal Service employee entered the home and found a man face down on the floor. He was bleeding from his face and had been lying there for several hours, unable to move and unable to call for help because his phone wasn’t with him. Blackmon called 911, ... Read more
- [Johnson gives postmaster general until July before requesting resignation](https://ruralinfo.net/johnson-gives-postmaster-general-until-july-before-requesting-resignation/): Rep. Dusty Johnson told a crowd it’s time to “turn up the heat” on the U.S. Postal Service following thousands of constituent complaints. He held a U.S. Postal Service Round Table in Sioux Falls to continue discussions around the growing frustrations with the mail carrier. The round table included frustrated South Dakota residents and Texas Rep. Pete Sessions via zoom. Sessions serves as chairman of the House Subcommittee on Government Operations. He’s previously investigated the USPS and been critical of its work in rural America. USPS was invited to attend the town hall, but Johnson said the entity declined once ... Read more
- [Postal regulator limits USPS to once-a-year price hikes for mail through 2030](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-regulator-limits-usps-to-once-a-year-price-hikes-for-mail-through-2030/): The Postal Service’s regulator is setting limits on how often the agency can set higher prices for its monopoly mail products. The Postal Regulatory Commission ruled on Tuesday that the USPS, starting in March, can only raise mail prices once a year. This limit will remain in place through Sept. 30, 2030. The commission eased restrictions on USPS mail prices in December 2020, when the agency was reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, and was months away from running out of cash.
- [DOJ: Ban on mailing concealable firearms unconstitutional, can’t be enforced](https://ruralinfo.net/doj-ban-on-mailing-concealable-firearms-unconstitutional-cant-be-enforced/): A nearly 100-year-old federal ban on mailing handguns through the U.S. Postal Service is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced, according to an opinion released Thursday by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The 15-page opinion concluded that a 1927 law, which made it illegal to use the Postal Service to mail concealable firearms, such as pistols and revolvers, infringes on the Second Amendment. “Section 1715 makes it difficult to travel with arms for lawful purposes, including self-defense, target shooting, and hunting,” wrote T. Elliot Gaiser, the assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel. “The statute also imposes significant barriers to shipping constitutionally ... Read more
- [USPS Reports On-Time Delivery Gains, Higher Customer Satisfaction for Holiday Surge](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-reports-on-time-delivery-gains-higher-customer-satisfaction-for-holiday-surge/): WASHINGTON — Through large investments in new technology and new logistics planning and execution, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) significantly improved its delivery performance during this past holiday season. Mail items and packages were delivered within 2.5 days on average (16 billion in volume), compared to 2.8 days during the same period last year (Nov. 15 – Jan. 9). On-time delivery scores were higher virtually across the board, with the best scores being in its last mile Destination Delivery Units (DDU). The DDU space is the subject of the USPS bid solicitation process beginning later this month. “These results reflect the tenacity of our workforce as well ... Read more
- [USPS OIG – Grievance Management](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-oig-grievance-management/): Background The U.S. Postal Service paid out more than $866 million in resolution of almost 3.5 million grievance payments from fiscal years (FY) 2022-2024. Grievances are typically complaints lodged by individual employees or unions about the implementation or interpretation of collective bargaining and local agreements concerning wages, hours, and conditions of employment. What We Did  Our objective was to evaluate the Postal Service’s management of grievances. We analyzed data from various Postal Service systems to identify trends, risk areas, and anomalies. We reviewed 25 facilities and labor relations offices in eight districts and conducted interviews with management and employees at ... Read more
- [Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 19](https://ruralinfo.net/martin-luther-king-jr-day-is-jan-19/): Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed Monday, Jan. 19. King helped organize the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his landmark “I Have a Dream” speech. He also helped pave the way for the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In 1964, at age 35, he became the youngest person at that point to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated four years later. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in honor of King’s birthday. The holiday’s ... Read more
- [Interested in a supervisory job at USPS?](https://ruralinfo.net/interested-in-a-supervisory-job-at-usps/): The Postal Service will offer three virtual job fairs for supervisory positions this year, starting in February. Topics to be covered during the fairs include: • The supervisory role, including responsibilities, potential career paths and how to find and apply for positions; • How to effectively respond to knowledge, skills and abilities questions to demonstrate your qualifications; and • How to take charge of your personal development, including taking advantage of USPS resources to reach your goals. A live demonstration will be included. The fairs are open to both career and noncareer employees and will be held on Sunday, Feb. ... Read more
- [US Postal Service sent essential services letter to employees. Here’s what to know](https://ruralinfo.net/us-postal-service-sent-essential-services-letter-to-employees-heres-what-to-know/): The letter was real and sent to postal workers, but it didn’t signal a new policy or departure from normal practices. In January 2026, social media posts circulated an image of a letter allegedly sent to U.S. Postal Service workers. The letter stated it could serve as proof that the postal worker was classified as an essential employee, exempting them from certain state or local government restrictions, such as curfews and some evacuation orders. Some social media users who shared the letter said it could be “hinting at a possible crisis ahead” because it explained that postal workers were exempt from movement restrictions implemented in response to ... Read more
- [The Postal Service’s ‘Next Generation’ Electric Delivery Vehicles Cost $22,000 More Than Other Electric Vans](https://ruralinfo.net/the-postal-services-next-generation-electric-delivery-vehicles-cost-22000-more-than-other-electric-vans/): With commercial off-the-shelf vehicles readily available, cheaper, and already used in its fleet, why did the USPS decide to commission its new trucks from Oshkosh Defense? Oshkosh Defense, which produces rather mean-looking tactical vehicles for the American military (and has never before produced a delivery van), was awarded a multibillion-dollar contract in February 2021 to produce the NGDV for the Postal Service over 10 years. The Post details the production nightmare that ensued. After repeated delays, setbacks, and quadrupling the minimum number of electric NGDVs, thanks to a generous $3 billion subsidy from the Inflation Reduction Act, Oshkosh had only delivered 612 of 35,000 e-NGDVs by November 2025, and only 2,600 of the 16,500 internal ... Read more
- [Do you have Post Office photos from the past?](https://ruralinfo.net/do-you-have-post-office-photos-from-the-past/): The USPS historical preservation architect would like to hear from you When Noel Roman recently visited the Postal Service’s Pilsen Station in Chicago, he was handed a folder filled with photos from the building’s construction in 1936. Grateful for the trove, the USPS historical preservation architect scanned and saved them as part of the facility’s historical documentation. It got him to thinking: There are no doubt other architectural photos of historical interest out there, and with them, he could create a digital historical catalog of USPS buildings. “Our Post Offices are more than workplaces — they are living community centers ... Read more
- [From Rural Carrier to USPS Supervisor](https://ruralinfo.net/from-rural-carrier-to-usps-supervisor/): Leading USPS Employees with Experience and Respect   Years as a carrier helped shape this USPS supervisor’s approach to leadership. As a Supervisor of Customer Service at the U.S. Postal Service, my responsibility is to make sure every route is covered, every vehicle is ready and every carrier has what they need to do their job properly. On any given day, I’m overseeing 41 routes and the employees who serve them. That means reviewing data, planning schedules, assigning extra work when needed and ensuring that we deliver every piece of mail and every package safely, reliably and on time. It’s ... Read more
- [The USPS Tells Contractors No More Immigrant CDL Drivers. Here’s How We Got Here.](https://ruralinfo.net/the-usps-tells-contractors-no-more-immigrant-cdl-drivers-heres-how-we-got-here/): The U.S. Postal Service announced this week that it will begin phasing out non-domiciled commercial driver’s license holders from its contractor network, requiring trucking providers to either thoroughly vet these drivers through the Postal Inspection Service or stop using them entirely. The move aligns with the Trump administration’s aggressive crackdown on immigrant drivers, but if you think this is just about immigration policy, you haven’t been paying attention to a decade of contractor scandals that have left bodies on American highways. “The safety of our employees, our customers, and the American public is of the utmost concern to the Postal ... Read more
- [This business was hoarding more than $10,000 worth of USPS pallets](https://ruralinfo.net/this-business-was-hoarding-more-than-10000-worth-of-usps-pallets/): Postal inspectors and employees at the Wilmington, DE, Processing and Distribution Center have recovered more than $10,000 worth of USPS pallets at one business in Delaware. The Postal Service provides mail transport equipment — including pallets, boxes, trays and tubs — to businesses to facilitate shipping. The businesses are expected to use the equipment only for shipping through USPS. However, while visiting a Delaware business recently to investigate a counterfeit postage case, postal inspectors Troy Reyes and Daniel Darnley and contractor Teresa Ryan saw large quantities of plastic USPS pallets. They checked with Chris Brandt, a logistics clerk who processes ... Read more
- [A union member's Bill of Rights](https://ruralinfo.net/a-union-members-bill-of-rights/): A union member’s Bill of Rights, primarily defined by the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA), guarantees members equal participation in union activities, freedom of speech and assembly, a say in dues, the right to sue, and protection from unfair discipline, ensuring democratic governance through rights like secret ballots for elections, due process for charges, and access to collective bargaining agreements.  
- [Here comes UPS - Back Again](https://ruralinfo.net/here-comes-ups-back-again/): UPS has reached a tentative agreement with the U.S. Postal Service to provide last-mile parcel delivery for its low-cost Ground Saver shipping service, company officials disclosed on Tuesday, patching up a relationship that ruptured in late 2024 over rate hikes.
- [USPS releases EMA Charts effective January 10, 2026](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-releases-ema-charts-effective-january-10-2026/): On December 18, 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the November 2025 Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Based on the release, the Equipment Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for rural carriers will decrease 0.5¢ to 97.0¢ per mile. This EMA rate will be effective January 10, 2026 (Pay Period 2026-03).
- [There’s a new Thrift Savings Plan benefit](https://ruralinfo.net/theres-a-new-thrift-savings-plan-benefit/): The Thrift Savings Plan will allow participants to convert traditional funds to Roth funds within their TSP account beginning Wednesday, Jan. 28. This is known as a Roth in-plan conversion. Traditional retirement contributions are those that are taken from employee paychecks on a pretax basis, which can lower your taxable income for the year. You are taxed later when the funds are withdrawn. Roth retirement contributions are considered taxable in the year they are made and are taxed before they are deposited into your TSP account. However, qualified withdrawals from Roth accounts are tax-free. Unlike traditional funds, Roth funds are ... Read more
- [Federal retirement inventory reaches another new high](https://ruralinfo.net/federal-retirement-inventory-reaches-another-new-high/): The federal retirement inventory has reached yet another new high. The Office of Personnel Management now has over 50,000 applications still awaiting a finalized annuity. The increase comes after more than 13,000 retirement applications entered OPM’s systems in December. It’s taking OPM about 67 days to process a retirement case from start to finish. But OPM’s numbers don’t include any retirement cases still pending with agencies. Some retirees report major delays in receiving their payments, months after separating from government. (Retirement inventory update – Office of Personnel Management)
- [Online Retirement Application (ORA) Effective January 1, 2026](https://ruralinfo.net/online-retirement-application-ora-effective-january-1-2026/): Online Retirement Application (ORA) Effective January 1, 2026 The Office of Personnel Management has introduced a new system to process retirement applications. The Online Retirement Application (ORA) is a secure, fully digital system that replaces the paper-based process. USPS is now processing all optional retirement applications through ORA. (Disability applications will continue to be accepted through the legacy process using paper forms.)   To begin the retirement application process: Ensure that you have a valid, personal email address and a login.gov account Contact HRSSC at 877-477-3273, Option 5 and provide your personal email that is linked to your Login.gov account\  HRSSC ... Read more
- [Special Contract Edition of the National Rural Letter Carrier Containing 2024-2027 National Agreement Released](https://ruralinfo.net/special-contract-edition-of-the-national-rural-letter-carrier-containing-2024-2027-national-agreement-released/): The Special Contract Issue of the NRLCA magazine containing the 2024-2027 National Agreement between the NRLCA and USPS is now available to download here. It will be mailed to all active members.
- [Use an FSA debit card? Keep all your documents](https://ruralinfo.net/use-an-fsa-debit-card-keep-all-your-documents/): Postal Service employees with flexible spending account debit cards might be asked to provide documentation after using the card for out-of-pocket expenses. Inspira Financial, the Postal Service’s flexible spending account administrator, must ensure that such purchases are eligible under Internal Revenue Service rules. If a request from Inspira is not met, the company might deactivate the debit card. Inspira will ask for documentation if an amount doesn’t match the established co-pay under an employee’s health care plan, for example, or if a claim cannot be resolved using internal systems or technologies. Employees who have flexible spending account debit cards are ... Read more
- [You can set aside more money in 2026](https://ruralinfo.net/you-can-set-aside-more-money-in-2026/): Postal Service employees can set aside more money for flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts and commuter benefits in 2026. Flexible spending accounts, or FSAs, allow employees to set aside money on a pretax basis to pay for health care and dependent care expenses. The 2026 maximum for a health care FSA is $3,400. For a dependent care FSA, the maximum is $7,500 for single filers and those who are married and file jointly, and $3,750 for those who are married and file separately. A health spending account, or HSA, is a savings account for employees covered by a high-deductible ... Read more
- [Postal workers waiting on heat protection more than two years after Dallas carrier’s death](https://ruralinfo.net/postal-workers-waiting-on-heat-protection-more-than-two-years-after-dallas-carriers-death/): WASHINGTON — More than two years after a Dallas postal worker died from heat exposure on the job, letter carriers say the United States Postal Service has yet to take steps required to fully protect them when the temperature and humidity soar. The 2023 death of Eugene Gates Jr. prompted a federal citation and $15,625 fine against the Postal Service, along with renewed calls from union leaders and lawmakers for stronger heat-safety standards. Carla Gates said her husband’s death still hangs over their home and has driven her call for stronger heat protections so other workers are not exposed to a workplace ... Read more
- [Employees helped USPS deliver in the holiday home stretch](https://ruralinfo.net/employees-helped-usps-deliver-in-the-holiday-home-stretch/): Postal Service employees were front and center as the holiday shipping and mailing season wound down last week. In Holly, MI, the organization marked its 6 billionth holiday delivery when Allen Kenner, a letter carrier, brought packages to a senior living center. “We are all young at heart this time of year,” Kenner said. “I’m glad I could deliver holiday magic to the seniors and all the customers on my route.” A few days later, USPS celebrated its 9 billionth delivery when letter carrier Melissa Perez dropped off packages at a senior living center in West Hartford, CT. “We’re a team, we help ... Read more
- [Link’s annual calendar shows this year’s payroll schedule](https://ruralinfo.net/links-annual-calendar-shows-this-years-payroll-schedule/): Postal Service employees will have 27 paydays in 2026. The calendar that accompanies this article shows the paycheck dates. Every month will have two paydays, except for January, July and December, which will have three each. All paydays will occur on Friday, except for the year’s 13th payday, which will fall on Thursday, June 18, and the 27th payday, which will fall on Thursday, Dec. 31. In both cases, Thursday is the payday because the next day is a holiday. The 2026 federal holidays that USPS will observe are also shown: New Year’s Day (Thursday, Jan. 1), Birthday of Martin ... Read more
- [Happy New Year](https://ruralinfo.net/happy-new-year/): “Here’s to a bright New Year and a fond farewell to the old; here’s to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold.” Happy New Year from Ruralinfo.net
- [A new year is almost here](https://ruralinfo.net/a-new-year-is-almost-here/): New Year’s Day, a time of reflection and renewal for people around the world, is Thursday, Jan. 1. The celebration of a new year is a custom that can be traced to ancient civilizations, although the date often varied. The Julian calendar established Jan. 1 as the start of the new year, a practice that continued when the Gregorian calendar was adopted in 1582. Through the centuries, New Year’s Day became a time for social gatherings and feasts, although it didn’t become a federal holiday in the United States until 1870. Today, the holiday is marked by the Times Square ... Read more
- [Thanks to our wonderful United States Postal Service](https://ruralinfo.net/thanks-to-our-wonderful-united-states-postal-service/): The fact is that these hard-working postal workers deliver 112 billion pieces of mail annually to 320 million people at 168 million addresses six days a week, 52 weeks a year. To the editor: Now that the Christmas season is over, I think it is a good time to thank all the 637,982 employees who work for us at the United States Postal Service. President Trump can complain all he wants about the fact that the Postal Service is projected to lose $6.9 billion this year and threaten to privatize this vital service that benefits all Americans. The fact is ... Read more
- [Rural families struggle with slower postal deliveries](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-families-struggle-with-slower-postal-deliveries/): Reliable mail service is not a luxury in rural America. It is a necessity for receiving checks, handling daily business, and getting critical medicine and supplies that many families cannot easily pick up in town. But delays are becoming more common, and the frustration is spreading well beyond Iowa. Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins says communities across the Midwest are being hit hard by recent Postal Service changes that reduce service in rural areas. Hawkins says these delays are not minor inconveniences. When pickups are dropped to once a day and local schedules are pushed back, everything slows down. ... Read more
- [2025 Rural Carrier Year in Review](https://ruralinfo.net/2025-rural-carrier-year-in-review/): Our 2025 Rural Carrier Year in review is up and ready for you! Check it out!
- [2026 Printable Rural Carrier Calendars](https://ruralinfo.net/2026-printable-rural-carrier-calendars/): Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash Just uploaded our new printable 2026 Rural Carrier Calendars.  Just download one of them and print to keep by your case to keep up with all the important dates for rural carriers.  We have both PDF versions and PNG versions.. (If you find errors, please let me know) Please share with anyone that might find these useful!  Thank you 😉  
- [A US Postal Service plan to raise cash could cost the agency its biggest customer](https://ruralinfo.net/a-us-postal-service-plan-to-raise-cash-could-cost-the-agency-its-biggest-customer/): For years, a huge Amazon contract has been one of the few bright spots in the US Postal Service’s finances. But now the USPS plans to offer those last-mile services to additional customers to stem billions in ongoing losses – a move that risks losing its biggest customer. The USPS faces a tight squeeze. With fewer people using the mail, it’s lost more and more money: $9 billion in the 12 months ending in September alone. “We certainly have a precarious cash position. You know, within probably 12 to 24 months, we are out of cash,” USPS Commissioner David Steiner ... Read more
- [Merry Christmas from Ruralinfo.net](https://ruralinfo.net/merry-christmas-from-ruralinfo-net/): Wishing you happy holidays and a new year that makes you smile every day.
- [Here’s the story of how holiday stamps came to be](https://ruralinfo.net/heres-the-story-of-how-holiday-stamps-came-to-be/): Using holiday stamps to send season’s greetings may seem like a centuries-old tradition, but it’s really a relatively recent phenomenon. The first-ever Christmas “stamp” was a nonpostage seal, an idea developed in 1904 by a postal clerk in Denmark to sell seals to raise funds to help children with tuberculosis. That idea was picked up across the pond in 1907 by an American Red Cross volunteer who sought to fund a tuberculosis sanitorium in Delaware by selling seals. The success of that effort led the Red Cross to go nationwide with Christmas seals the next year. The burgeoning popularity of ... Read more
- [North Attleborough postal worker delivers Christmas cheer as ‘Buddy the Elf’](https://ruralinfo.net/north-attleborough-postal-worker-delivers-christmas-cheer-as-buddy-the-elf/): NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, Mass. (WLNE) — For over a decade, a North Attleborough postal worker has delivered packages and Christmas cheer as Buddy the Elf. Some North Attleborough residents know him as Scott the mailman, but others, know him as Buddy the Elf. Since 2011, Scott Phillips has been delivering packages door to door as “Buddy.” It all started when his son showed up on Christmas morning dressed in the green and yellow suit. “All of a sudden, I see my son walking up with Christmas presents, and he’s in the window…I’m like, ‘This is so awesome!’” Scott tried on the ... Read more
- [USPS is bringing home the holidays](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-is-bringing-home-the-holidays/): The Postal Service has entered the holiday season’s final stretch. Across the nation, employees are working hard to accept, process and deliver the last batch of holiday mail and packages. “This is the Postal Service’s busiest season, and it’s also a season that brings us so much joy. We love delivering holiday cards and packages to every doorstep,” said Michael Willard, plant manager at the Jacksonville, FL, Regional Processing and Distribution Center. The organization had accepted 9.89 billion mailpieces and packages by 9:30 a.m. Eastern on Dec. 24, according to an online counter that has been running since the peak season began ... Read more
- [After 1.8 million miles of service, rural USPS mail carrier gets big surprise from a Secret Santa](https://ruralinfo.net/after-1-8-million-miles-of-service-rural-usps-mail-carrier-gets-big-surprise-from-a-secret-santa/): A local Secret Santa is giving $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho this holiday season. Every day, from now until the end of the year, the East Idaho News elves will be delivering gifts from Secret Santa and we’ll be sharing the surprise videos here. Jayne has worked as a contractor for the United States Postal Service for more than 39 years, driving over 1.8 million miles on her route and working six days a week with only federal holidays off. Because her position is contract-based, she receives no benefits or pension, making retirement feel out of reach ... Read more
- [Christmastime is here](https://ruralinfo.net/christmastime-is-here/): Christmas, the annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, is Thursday, Dec. 25. Historians believe the holiday originated in Rome in the year 336. As Christianity spread across the world, the celebration of Christmas became more widespread and the holiday evolved to include both religious and cultural traditions, such as exchanging gifts, decorating trees and family gatherings. In the United States, President Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation that made Christmas a federal holiday in 1870. The law applied only to federal workers and the District of Columbia, but the observance of Christmas as a legal holiday was eventually adopted ... Read more
- [USPS OIG Wants your Thoughts on How the Postal Service Screens Potential Employees](https://ruralinfo.net/usps-oig-wants-your-thoughts-on-how-the-postal-service-screens-potential-employees/): Postal Service’s Employee Vetting Process Project start date Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Estimated release April 2026 The Postal Service must thoroughly screen and evaluate prospective employees to ensure suitability and maintain the integrity of the organization. The level of clearance required is based on the type of position; however, most positions are considered low risk and require a background investigation called a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI). Our objective is to assess the U.S. Postal Service’s employee background screening process to determine whether the Postal Service properly granted NACI clearances to employees. Contact the OIG if you have any information ... Read more
- [The Postal Service Can’t Deliver Without Financial Reforms](https://ruralinfo.net/the-postal-service-cant-deliver-without-financial-reforms/): By Roman Martinez IV Roman Martinez IV served as chairman of the board of the United States Postal Service from 2022-2024 and as a governor until December 2025. He was previously a managing director at Lehman Brothers until 2003. The United States Postal Service has reached a pivotal moment. Challenged by technological disruptions and constrained by outdated regulations, it is in the midst of a major restructuring plan to modernize operations, achieve service excellence and survive financially. But to enable its transformation, the Postal Service urgently needs legislative and regulatory reforms to ensure access to critical liquidity and to undo costly ... Read more
- [Implementation Update on the USPS Processing Network](https://ruralinfo.net/implementation-update-on-the-usps-processing-network/): The Postal Service presented its 10-year plan, Delivering for America, back in March 2021. The Office of Inspector General has done numerous audits of the plan, and it’s been reviewed by the Postal Regulatory Commission in two Advisory Opinions (N2021-1 and N2024-1), a Public Inquiry (PI2023-4), and other proceedings as well. In September 2025, the PRC asked the Postal Service to provide an update on various elements of the plan, including  the initiative to move letter carriers from post offices to Sorting & Delivery Centers (S&DCs) and the restructuring of the processing network into Regional Processing & Distribution Centers and Local Processing Centers (RPDCs and LPCs). The Postal Service objected to ... Read more
- [Celebrating Our Postal Workers This Peak Season](https://ruralinfo.net/celebrating-our-postal-workers-this-peak-season/): Peak season is the busiest time of year for postal workers across the country. From November through December, and even into the New Year, processing returns, postal workers are working tirelessly to ensure packages, letters, and holiday greetings reach their destinations on time. This year, APWU wanted to do something special to recognize the extraordinary effort our postal workers put in during this demanding season. We reached out to the public—the families, businesses, and communities who depend on our services every day—and asked them to share messages of appreciation and support. The response has been overwhelming. People from all over ... Read more
- [NEW VIDEO: NRLCA Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: December 8, 2025](https://ruralinfo.net/new-video-nrlca-wreath-laying-ceremony-at-the-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-december-8-2025/): On December 8, 2025, NRLCA National Officers had the distinct honor of participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. This meaningful ceremony allowed us to honor not only the veterans within our NRLCA family, but also all the brave men and women who have served our country with courage and dedication. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded continuously by the U.S. Army since 1937, stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who gave everything in service to our nation. It was truly a privilege for NRLCA ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier EMA to Decrease 0.5 Cents Per Mile Effective January 10, 2026](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-ema-to-decrease-0-5-cents-per-mile-effective-january-10-2026/): On December 18, 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the November 2025 Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Based on the release, the Equipment Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for rural carriers will decrease 0.5¢ to 97.0¢ per mile. This EMA rate will be effective January 10, 2026 (Pay Period 2026-03).

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- [Home](https://ruralinfo.net/): RURAL CARRIER NEWS See more News Check out our Rural Carrier Forum We have a very busy rural carrier forum with over 10K members. Click Here to join today CONTRACT AND MORE 2024-2027 National Contract Handbook PO-603 Employee and Labor Relations Manual POPULAR DOCUMENTS Order of Consideration Table of Evaluated Hours for Rural Routes Leave Replacement Matrix Guidelines SALARY AND EMA EMA Charts (01/2026) Salary Charts (11/2025) RCA wage (11/2025) Do you need to buy or sell a route vehicle? Join our Rural Carrier Vehicle Buy and Sell Facebook group Click here Donate to the Postal Employee Relief Fund 100% ... Read more
- [Rural Carrier vehicle resources](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-vehicle-resources.html): Do you need to buy or sell a route vehicle? Join our Rural Carrier Vehicle Buy and Sell Facebook group Click here to join Some rural carriers still have to supply a vehicle to deliver mail in.  These are some resources to help you understand the process and the requirements and a few links to help in your search for a vehicle. RHD Incentive payment The USPS offers an incentive to rural carriers to acquire a Right Hand Drive Vehicle Click Here Equipment Maintenance Allowance (EMA) The USPS will also pay you an Equipment Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for using your ... Read more
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- [Knowledgebase](https://ruralinfo.net/knowledgebase.html): CONTRACT AND MORE 2024-2027 National Contract Handbook PO-603 Employee and Labor Relations Manual POPULAR DOCUMENTS Order of Consideration Table of Evaluated Hours for Rural Routes Leave Replacement Matrix Guidelines SALARY AND EMA EMA Charts (01/2026) Salary Charts (11/2025) RCA wage (11/2025) Click here for historical files Register/login to save documents from the knowledgebase Once you login, you can find your saved documents in your dashboard
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- [Privacy policy](https://ruralinfo.net/privacy-policy.html): Last updated: February 08, 2023 This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. Interpretation and Definitions Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of ... Read more
- [Contact](https://ruralinfo.net/contact.html): If you have a question about your job, the union, insurance, benefits, etc, please contact either the USPS or the NRLCA. Ruralinfo does has a large Community where you can ask other Rural Carriers questions. You can find those at the links below. Rural Mail Talk ForumFind your union representativeRuralinfo Facebook page   Contact [forminator_form id=”104109915″] [forminator_form id=”104119201″]
- [All things RRECS](https://ruralinfo.net/all-thing-rrecs.html): Guide to the Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System (RRECS) The guide includes an overview and history of RRECS, a mapping overview, an explanation of the drive speed matrix, a comparison of the new RRECS standards to the 4241-M worksheet, a comparison of the Evaluated Compensation System (ECS) to RRECS, a guide to determining rural route evaluations under RRECS, and more Click Here RRECS Links RRECS News
- [Rural Carrier Monthly Recap Newsletter](https://ruralinfo.net/rural-carrier-newsletter.html)
- [Buy me a coffee](https://ruralinfo.net/buy-me-a-coffee.html): A ridiculous amount of coffee has been consumed while creating this and my other rural/postal websites. If you find any of my coffee-fueled content worthwhile, you can buy me a coffee to keep me going. Thank you for your support!
- [RCAs - Rural Carrier Associates](https://ruralinfo.net/rcas-rural-carrier-associates.html): RCA STRAIGHT TIME HOURLY WAGE LEAVE REPLACEMENT FORUM Click Here LEAVE REPLACEMENT KNOWLEDGEBASE CATEGORY Click Here Leave Replacement News
- [The Ruralinfo.net guide for Rural Carriers](https://ruralinfo.net/the-ruralinfo-net-guide-for-rural-carriers.html): This is a guide to help you deal with your new status of being a regular rural carrier. There will a lot of new things you will have to learn and this is just an effort to help you get a head start and learn some of the new things you will encounter as a regular rural carrier. Of course this list is not all inclusive, and should any problems arise, be sure to contact your steward. Manuals and Documents you will need Updating and Maintaining the Edit Book X Days and the Relief Day Work List (RDWL) The Guarantee Year/Period Free ... Read more
- [Go mobile](https://ruralinfo.net/go-mobile.html): QR Code to download Apple App Scan the code with your phone camera QR Code to download Android App Scan the code with your phone camera
- [Table of Evaluated Hours](https://ruralinfo.net/table-of-evaluated-hours.html)
- [Calendar](https://ruralinfo.net/calendar.html): The following 11 days are observed as holidays by the U.S. Postal Service Holiday Date NEW YEARS DAY January 1 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S BIRTHDAY 3rd Monday in January WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY/PRESIDENTS’ DAY 3rd Monday in February MEMORIAL DAY Last Monday in May JUNETEENTH June 19th INDEPENDENCE DAY July 4th LABOR DAY 1st Monday in September COLUMBUS DAY 2nd Monday in October VETERANS DAY November 11th THANKSGIVING DAY 4th Thursday in November CHRISTMAS DAY December 25th Holiday Leave from the ELM 518.2 Holidays on Nonscheduled Workdays 518.21 Saturday When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed as ... Read more
- [Benefits](https://ruralinfo.net/benefits.html): USPS offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for Postal Service™ career employees. Health Insurance The Postal Service participates in the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program, which provides excellent coverage and flexibility with most of the cost paid by the Postal Service. Dental and Vision Insurance Employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). While employees pay the full cost, this group insurance offers excellent coverage at rates made even more affordable because premium contributions are not subject to taxes. Flexible Spending Accounts Career employees may participate in the Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program after one year ... Read more
- [Links](https://ruralinfo.net/links.html)
- [Disclaimer](https://ruralinfo.net/disclaimer.html): Disclaimer MDLogan Enterprises is committed to keeping this website up to date and accurate. Should you nevertheless encounter anything that is incorrect or out of date, we would appreciate it if you could let us know. Please indicate where on the website you read the information. We will then look at this as soon as possible. Please contact us at this link Ruralinfo.net is reader supported. When you click links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay ... Read more
- [About](https://ruralinfo.net/about.html): This is me! Fiona or FiFi My better half An uninformed membership can do no good…. Only with information can we contribute and improve our union. Ignorance really is not bliss. The more secrecy we have within our union, the less accountability. My name is Dana. I am owner/creator of Ruralinfo.net. I became a rural carrier in 1997 and I just retired at the end of 2022. I live and work in Texas not too far from Dallas. I’ve been married for 30 years. We don’t have any kids, but our furry child makes us feel like we do lol. ... Read more

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