Postal Service Launches Major Upgrades to Priority Mail 

Priority Mail® now includes free insurance, free tracking and day-specific delivery 


Th U.S. Postal Service has launched major changes to its Priority Mail line-up, 
with improved features including free insurance, improved USPS Tracking™ and 
day-specific delivery which are expected to generate more than a half a billion 
dollars in new revenue over the next year. 

Priority Mail will now provide scheduled delivery – 1-day, 2-day or 3-day based 
origin and destination of the package with improved USPS Tracking™ for all 
Priority Mail products. 

Tracking and scheduled delivery information will be prominently and conveniently 
located on customer’s retail receipts and is also available online using Track 
and Confirm. 

Free insurance is another new and important feature.  Priority Mail 1-day, 
2-day and 3-day will include $50 or $100 of insurance coverage depending on 
the payment method, such as whether a customer brought it to a retail counter 
or it was paid for online. 

Newly redesigned Priority Mail boxes and envelopes are available in Post Offices 
and online at usps.com with many Priority Mail Flat Rate sizes and pricing. 
Express Mail services will continue as Priority Mail.

JAX Plant honors employees' service

The Jacksonville Processing and Distribution Center recently honored employees who have reached significant service anniversaries.

Senior Plant Manager Art Rosenberg presented each employee with a special plaque to recognize their service to the Postal Service.

Those honored included:

Tractor Trailer Operator David Brown 35 years; Electronic Technician Dick Rohmer 35 years; Data Collection Technician Liz Champion 30 years; Operation Support Specialist Cindy Miller--30 years; General Expeditor Myron Moment 30 years; Mail Processing Clerk Judith Buggs 25 years; Mail Processing Clerk Cynthia Flynn 25 years; General Expeditor Roslyne Jones 25 years, Mail Processing Clerk Anita Landman 25 years; Mail Processing Clerk David Martin 25 years; Mail Processing Clerk Doug Tamayo 25 years; and, Mail Handler Vance Thomas 25 years;

Also recognized was Mail Handler Mark McKee 35 years .

USPS recognizes career employees with service award pins at the 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of creditable government service. 

These awards are not to be taken lightly as many of our employees retire or leave military service prior to beginning work with the USPS.    

All of the employees recognized have built their careers in different areas, yet they have demonstrated their abilities to remain committed.  

Anita Landman

Cindy Miller

Doug Tamayo

 

Judith Buggs

Liz Champion

Vance Thomas

Customer thanks USPS for finding his package

There is nothing more frustrating to the Postal Service and its customers when a package doesn't arrive at its destination.

Each package is important to the sending and receiving party as well as to our future as an organization.

The satisfaction of a package found recently made the day for Senior Operations Support Specialist Lisa Syse at the Jacksonville NDC.

"The customer from St. Croix called me looking for a package that contained priceless items and pictures. I obtained the tracking information and there were no subsequent scans on the piece and the last scan was at our facility (Jax NDC). Several weeks had passed and he had not received the package. I forwarded him an Mail Recovery Center (MRC) form 50 to complete and forwarded the information to the MRC via email," said Syse.

She followed up with the customer on his inquiry and assisted him in beginning the process to search for his missing items.

"I was elated to receive the following email response that he had received the priceless items he was searching for," Syse said.

Hello again Lisa,

I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that through your concern and helpful actions the Postal Service found my lost package and sent it on to me here in St. Croix, completely un-damaged and in good condition.

I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for your help Lisa. Because of you, and the great people of the USPS, some priceless (to me) items that my kids and grandkids have given me are now safely and soundly back in my possession.

Thank you so much again!

Sincerely,
Mike Trostle

Jacksonville GMF reaches 10 perfect RCE scores

The retail team at the Jacksonville General Mail Facility recently achieve their 10th perfect Retail Customer Experience in a row.

The team pictured below includes from left to right: Acting Manager Customer Operations Bill Spangler; Acting Officer in Charge Jacksonville, Debra Gornik; Sales and Service Distribution Associates Tanya Putmon, Pam Young, Sharon Jones, Erlinda Ruelos, Anthony Hamilton, Angela Cuffy, Vernon Lott, Glorius Rivers, and Khaquita Douglas, Supervisor Customer Service Wanda McKinney; and Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar.

RCE gives the Postal Service an objective view of our retail locations.

It can be used as a real-time snapshot of a customer interaction. It is not just about the score.

It is even more important that the results drive changes in behavior that will result in improved customer satisfaction and increased retail revenue.

The attributes measured in the Mystery Shopper program should become so commonplace to our everyday performance that if the program were to end tomorrow, it would not change the customer's retail experience in any way.

Mystery shoppers record how long they spent in line, how the retail unit looked, how courteous the retail associates were, and other details about their visit.

Cochran GA Post Office hits five perfect RCE scores

Sales and Service Clerk Tim Mullis

The Cochran GA Post Office was honored recently for achieving its fifth Retail Customer Experience (RCE) perfect score in a row.

Cochran Postmaster Joe Molewski says "I wish I had a secret to share with you, but I have been fortunate in that my entire team is very engaged and very conscientious.  They are all eager to perform their job well and do what is best for the Postal Service and for the customer every transaction."

Molewski's team includes SSAs Tim Mullis, Joan Wallace and Melissa Colemen, and Custodian Ricky Smith.

"They all go out of their way to ensure that all customers are satisfied with their shopping experience with the Post Office, which includes carrying packages to customers' cars when needed, looking up addresses and zip codes, and ensuring that all mail finds the correct home," Molewski said.  "They are true professionals."

RCE gives the Postal Service an objective view of our retail locations.

It can be used as a real-time snapshot of a customer interaction. It is not just about the score.

It is even more important that the results drive changes in behavior that will result in improved customer satisfaction and increased retail revenue.

The attributes measured in the Mystery Shopper program should become so commonplace to our everyday performance that if the program were to end tomorrow, it would not change the customer's retail experience in any way.

Mystery shoppers record how long they spent in line, how the retail unit looked, how courteous the retail associates were, and other details about their visit.

Tallahassee Plant finds and returns Blakely GA customer's missed deposit

It was not a great Friday evening for Blakely, GA customer Azzie Williams when she realized she had accidently dropped a bank envelope with five $100 bills in the collection mail the day before.

According to Blakely Postmaster Wendy Powell, "Ms. Williams placed her bank envelope in her purse with her letters to mail on Thursday.  She discovered her mistake on Friday evening and mentioned it to her daughter." 

Ms. Williams daughter then contacted the Blakely Post Office where Powell sprung into action.

After interviewing the customer, Powell contacted Manager Processing and Distribution Linda Mungin in the Tallahassee Processing and Distribution Center who organized a search .

Tallahassee Mailhandler Johnny Fillmore  found the envelope and  it was returned to the Blakely Post Office.

"Ms. Williams said she didn’t know if she should cry or scream and gave me a very appreciative hug," said Powell.  "It has definitely made for a good week."
 

Customer Azzie Williams and Postmaster Wendy Powell

 

Mailhandler Johnny Fillmore

Columbus City Carrier is sales lead superstar

 

Columbus, GA City Carrier Gary Wilbourn is a Superstar when it comes to the Customer Connect program.

He has generated multiple customer connect leads that resulted in sales of over two million dollars.

Gary is constantly looking for ways to generate revenue and says it is easy to sell our products and generate a lead.

Shipping Solutions Specialist Dean Burke has high praise for Gary.

"I wish we had more carriers that were as involved with generating quality leads and generating much needed revenue for the Postal Service," said Burke  "Gary is truly a heads and shoulder carrier above the rest of his peers when it comes to generating quality leads."

Burke also hinted that he and Gary are also working on three additional leads that will generate approximately $1.2 million in new revenue for the Postal Service before the end of the year.

Happy trails to longtime Valdosta rural carrier

The Valdosta Postal family recently bid goodbye to Rural Carrier Patricia Lester, 83, who retired after more than 37 years with the Postal Service.

Mrs. Lester spent 33 of those years on Rural Route 3 which covered 91 miles each day.

Pictured are (left to right): Rural Carrier Helen Shuman, Acting Northside Station Manager Leon Williams, Mrs. Lester, Acting Delivery Supervisor Billy Thomas and Mrs. Lester's grandson.

Three Georgia Post Offices reach 10th perfect score

Three Georgia Post Office were honored recently for achieving their 10th Retail Customer Experience (RCE) perfect score in a row.

The Americus, Fort Valley and Valdosta GA offices each achieved success with hard work and good customer service.

RCE gives the Postal Service an objective view of our retail locations.

It can be used as a real-time snapshot of a customer interaction. It is not just about the score.

It is even more important that the results drive changes in behavior that will result in improved customer satisfaction and increased retail revenue.

The attributes measured in the Mystery Shopper program should become so commonplace to our everyday performance that if the program were to end tomorrow, it would not change the customer's retail experience in any way.

Mystery shoppers record how long they spent in line, how the retail unit looked, how courteous the retail associates were, and other details about their visit.

 Americus GA customer team

Fort Valley GA customer team

Valdosta GA customer team

Two more GFA District million milers honored

Two more Gulf Atlantic District letter carriers have been recognized for their long-standing safe driving records.

William Merritt has worked in the Lizella GA Post Office for the past 30 years. He started in May 28, 1983, as an RCA for five years and then continued for 25 years as a letter carrier.  That's 30 years on the same route. Pictured with Merritt is Postmaster Dion Corbin.

Panama City Letter Carrier Darryl Partee was recently honored by his peers for becoming a million mile club member.

Panama City FL Northside Manager Chris Cox said, "This is a very significant achievement whereby Darryl demonstrated his commitment to safety awareness. He kept his personal safety as well as his customers in mind every day he delivered his route."

Partee is pictured (left to right) with Panama City Officer-in-Charge Steve Seagraves, Partee, and Panama City Northside Manager Chris Cox.

The Million Mile Club is the National Safety Council’s highest safety honor among professional drivers and recognizes drivers who have driven more than one million miles or more than 30 years without a preventable accident.

The United States Postal Service and the National Safety Council have teamed up to promote and ensure the safety and health of the USPS workforce nationwide.

As a long-standing member of the National Safety Council, USPS has established an agreement with the Council that entitles all facilities to take advantage of member benefits in an effort to prevent unintentional injury and illness.

Eligible Postal employee participants of the Safe Driver Award Program include those who have a normal daily assignment that involves the driving of a motor vehicle for official business use, and who have not had their driving privilege revoked or suspended.

Employees celebrate service anniversaries

Recently, the Gulf Atlantic District recognized several employees who celebrated significant service anniversaries.

Panama City Carrier Andrew Perrin reached a significant milestone of 30 years of service.

Andrew attributed his longevity to his faith and the positive relationship he has with his coworkers.

Pictured left to right: Panama City Downtown manager Eugene Green, City Carrier Andrew Perrin, and Acting Panama City Postmaster Steve Seagraves.

Complaints & Inquiry Clerk Valerie Rodgers in Consumer Affairs celebrated her 30-year service anniversary with Manager Consumer & Industry Contact Tony Joy (left) and Marketing Manager Louis Sumlar.

Gainesville Mail Processing Clerk Rose Gaglio received her 25-year service award. Employees pictured (left to right): Manager Post Office operations Ron Farnsworth, Charlie Morris, Rose Gaglio, Roberto Farias and Tracey Jackson. 

USPS recognizes career employees with service award pins at the 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of creditable government service. 

These awards are not to be taken lightly as many of our employees retire or leave military service prior to beginning work with the USPS.    

All of the employees recognized have built their careers in different areas, yet they have demonstrated their abilities to remain committed.  

Crawfordville FL customer praises local Postal employee service

(reprinted from the Tallahassee Democrat)

Too often, when my husband and I leave a store, we talk about the lack of good, let alone great, customer service.

An exception is the U.S. Postal Service, which gets such a bad rap.

Here in Crawfordville, our regular carrier, Gail, cares enough to ask us where to put boxes that don't fit in the mailbox to keep them dry--unlike other services that leave them out in the elements or makes us do a treasure hunt when we can't find deliveries.

Then there's the staff at the South Adams Street Post Office, who always please.

Friday, I need a complicated delivery service.  First, Gregg came bounding out to take a call, he turned me over to Kristian and then to the counter to Deborah, who with great humor helped me--and found low-cost options.

Friday's visit was late afternoon, toward the end of their long day of helping lines of people, and I left with a smile on my face and an appreciation for their outstanding customer service.

Thanks to these local folks who seem to understand that the way they treat their customers, and neighbors, makes their jobs more pleasant and keeps their clientele happy, and coming back.

Jesse McKenzie
Crawfordville FL

Dry Branch GA Post Office honored for Passport services

 

The U.S. State Department has presented a Certificate of Achievement to the Dry Branch GA Post Office for in recogntion of receiving a perfect score during their visit from the Acceptance Facility Oversight Program in their annual audit.

The certificate cited the accomplishment as a credit to Postmaster Mary Brokenburr for her knowledge of passport acceptance policieis, procedures and vigilance in practicing information security which demonstrates the highest commitment ot the Passport Acceptance Program.

The recognition is based on a site visit, one-on-one interview, inspection of facility space/security features, as well as real-time observations of the Postmaster accepting and executing passport applications from customers.

Post Office Operations Manager Angela Collier presented the certificate and praised Postmaster Brokenburr for her stellar performance.

Macon's Pio Nono station achieves 10th straight perfect RCE score

The Macon's Pio Nono Station recently was honored for achieving their 10th RCE perfect score in a row.

The award was presented to Postmaster Tim Goodwin, lead sales and service associate (SSA) Steve Bannister, SSA Tammy Fuller, and presentor Lucious Sumlar, Manager of Marketing for the Gulf Atlantic District.  Pio Nono Team Members not pictured are: SSA Nixon, SSA and end Macon SCS Nancy Clark. 

The Retail Customer Experience gives the Postal Service an objective view of our retail locations.

It can be used as a real-time snapshot of a customer interaction. It is not just about the score.

It is even more important that the results drive changes in behavior that will result in improved customer satisfaction and increased retail revenue.

Postmaster Goodwin attributes Pio Nono's success to: "Our SSAs and Lead SSAs are motivated, knowledgeable and take great pride in their operations and serving our customers.  SCS Nancy Clark has been the Supervisor over our four Finance Stations for several years and has fostered an environment of teamwork and excellence in RCE throughout her offices."

The attributes measured in the Mystery Shopper program should become so commonplace to our everyday performance that if the program were to end tomorrow, it would not change the customer's retail experience in any way.

Mystery shoppers record how long they spent in line, how the retail unit looked, how courteous the retail associates were, and other details about their visit.

Dublin GA Post Office acheives five perfect RCE scores in a row

The Dublin GA Post Office recently was honored for five perfect scores in a row in the Retail Customer Experience (RCE) process.

Congratulations to Sales and Services Associates Sophia Jordan, Lee Holt, Angie Coleman and Sheree Branch-Smith.  Picture with the award is Supervisor Customer Service Jarrett Hilliard.

RCE gives the Postal Service an objective view of our retail locations.

It can be used as a real-time snapshot of a customer interaction. It is not just about the score.

It is even more important that the results drive changes in behavior that will result in improved customer satisfaction and increased retail revenue.

The attributes measured in the Mystery Shopper program should become so commonplace to our everyday performance that if the program were to end tomorrow, it would not change the customer's retail experience in any way.

Mystery shoppers record how long they spent in line, how the retail unit looked, how courteous the retail associates were, and other details about their visit.