Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker: Any business can use usps.com

Any business can use usps.com

An upholstery company, a cleaning service, a dairy farm, marinas, charter boats, and bed and breakfasts.

That’s a short list of the different kinds of companies Western New York postmasters have targeted with Play the Zone business presentations — proving that any customer can benefit by using usps.com for their shipping and mailing needs.

“There’s more interest in usps.com than I ever anticipated,” says Sodus Point, NY, Postmaster Nancy Roloson.

Stockton, NY, Postmaster Shannon Culver agrees. “It was surprising to learn which types of businesses were interested,” she says.

Batavia, NY, Postmaster Jeff Ellingham sold an eBay customer on usps.com and set up a meeting for him with a postal account manager. “Usps.com saves both me and my customer time and money,” says Ellingham.

Play the Zone continues through March 11. Go to uspsbusinessconnect.com/ to register or check the scoreboard.

USPS: JUST A CLICK AWAY

From: USPS.com
JUST A CLICK AWAY. Millions of consumers and businesses are doing the smart thing and taking advantage of usps.com’s full array of services. And the Postal Service hopes to add more to the millions during usps.com Week, March 7-11. Post Offices around the country will be inviting customers to usps.com demonstrations to show that almost anything they can do at the Post Office they can do online.

USPS: EVERY DAY HEROES

From USPS.com :
EVERY DAY HEROES. Letter carriers are on the street in every community in America every day. They’re often first to sight a fire, a lost child, an accident, a crime or other situation. Through daily deliveries, carriers become familiar with the communities they serve and can notice changes in routine that might spell trouble. When recognized for their efforts, they’re most often humble. “They don't think they've done anything out of the ordinary, yet they are heroes,” says Postmaster General Jack Potter. “We take a lot of pride in our citizenship.”

UPS Canada Celebrates 30 Years

UPS in Canada
UPS Canada first opened for business in the basement of a Toronto hotel on February 28, 1975. Glenn Smith, the company's first president, directed UPS Canada's delivery fleet, which consisted of a single package car delivering in downtown Toronto.

Today, the company has more than 6,500 employees in 54 facilities across the country, and provides service to every address in Canada, the United States, and more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. UPS Canada also plays a key role in the timely and accurate importation and clearance of packages through Canada Customs for all modes of transportation, regardless of whether the shipment is carried by UPS or another carrier.

UPS: Careful Route Planning Yields Environmental Benefits

Effectively and efficiently serving 7.9 million customers a day takes a lot of planning.

Delivery routes need to be designed to avoid time-consuming and unnecessary overlaps. Drivers must know their territory and their communities. And, millions of packages must be tracked. By avoiding unnecessary driving and carefully planning the best way to approach daily deliveries, UPS reduces vehicle emissions and saves fuel.

UPS has implemented several tools to help optimize routes. These include:

Driver Mapping
Delivery vehicles in certain areas are periodically equipped with portable Global Positioning Satellite systems and computers that map every inch they travel over the course of a week. The computer data is then examined for overlapping or inefficient routes. Then, UPS fine-tunes certain routes. Not only does this increase drivers’ productivity, it also improves fuel conservation and reduces emissions.

Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD)
The DIAD is a hand-held computer that electronically records delivery information, including recipient signature, and eliminates the formerly required 59 million sheets of paper a year. Currently, UPS drivers in 38 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, China, Japan and most of Western Europe, use the DIAD.

Dispatch Planning System
UPS has implemented the Dispatch Planning System (DPS) to maintain addresses and create delivery and pick-up plans. Also, the system helps simplify sorting and loading, ensuring that packages and letters reach their destination in the most efficient way possible.

Operating Procedures
UPS drivers are trained to always turn off their package car when they stop for a delivery, never idling at the curb or in a driveway. Even if the driver is out of the truck for a few seconds, the vehicle is always turned off.

UPS Investing To Build Facilities, and Logistics Network In China

SHANGHAI, Feb. 9, 2005 -

As part of an aggressive effort to further link China to markets around the globe, UPS (NYSE:UPS) has opened three new warehouse and distribution centers in Shanghai, Suzhou and Futian and is executing plans to open another 20 facilities in major cities over the next two years.

The new facilities, each of which is strategically located adjacent to vital manufacturing centers, expands to more than 40 the number of logistics centers operated in China by UPS Supply Chain Solutions. The supply chain management arm of UPS now plans to open 10 facilities in 2005 and another 10 in 2006.

UPS Supply Chain Solutions facilities in China are designed primarily to distribute textile/apparel, high-tech, automotive and consumer goods for both export and import.
“The aggressive expansion of our logistics infrastructure allows our customers greater and quicker access to more of China than ever before,” said Bob Stoffel, senior vice president, UPS Supply Chain Group. “Strengthening the logistics links between China and global markets is critical to both China and companies doing business in China.

“By expanding this reach,” Stoffel continued, “UPS brings extensive supply chain expertise, quality and capabilities to more Chinese businesses, which will further improve transit times, visibility and service levels for international trade.”

In Shanghai , the new 160,000-square-foot facility is in the Wai Gao Qiao Free Trade Zone. Also in Shanghai , UPS has three additional distribution centers for a total of approximately 400,000 square feet, including a large ocean container freight station, a sizeable airfreight facility at Pudong Airport and a customs office in downtown Shanghai.

In Futian, the new 240,000-square-foot bonded warehouse and full distribution center also is located in a Free Trade Zone. In Suzhou, the 66,000-square-foot facility was designed specifically for high-tech customers.

UPS has served the logistics needs of clients in China since 1988 and UPS Supply Chain Solutions’ offerings now include freight forwarding, order and inventory management, shipment preparation, cross-dock operations, critical parts distribution, service parts logistics, international trade management, customs brokerage and domestic transportation services. UPS’s expanded facility and transportation network will accelerate the movement of components and finished goods to and from the rapidly emerging provinces of China, especially in the Pearl River Delta and the Yangtze Delta River regions.

In addition to the logistics network, UPS has an extensive intra- China international express network. By the end of 2005, UPS will have direct control over its international express operations in 23 business locations across China covering more than 200 cities, which account for more than 80 percent of China’s GDP.

In November, UPS began flying the first six of 12 new flights to China with MD-11 service to Shanghai , where the company’s Greater China office is located. The new flights will triple the current service from six to 18 flights a week. As part of that award, UPS plans to begin in April the first non-stop service in the industry between the United States and Guangzhou and also to establish a Shanghai air hub in 2007. UPS has filed with the U.S. Transportation Department for three additional flights to start in 2006. And last month, UPS introduced a nationwide toll-free customer service hotline in China .

“Our commitment to China extends beyond new buildings and air lanes,” added Mike Eskew, UPS chairman and CEO. “We recently took steps to expand the capacity of our air network by placing orders for 10 Airbus A380 freighters and 11 Boeing MD-11 freighters. We also are investing in technology and in training our people to offer a supply chain and package delivery capability that is second to none.”

UPS will help deliver NASCAR's Busch Series to Mexico City

Mexican trip:

UPS will help deliver NASCAR's Busch Series to Mexico City for next week's inaugural race.

The American package delivery company will manifest and seal all NASCAR and team equipment, coordinate international logistics and synchronize more than 80 team haulers, official trailers of technical scoring and template equipment, tires, emergency and safety vehicles and media trucks across the border in a series of convoys.

"Equipment will be arriving at our UPS Logistics Center in Laredo, Texas, from multiple points around the country, and our specialized teams have the complex task of streamlining the massive cross-border activities," said Tom Page, a UPS official who specializes in dealing with Latin America projects.

After crossing the border, each convoy will have federal and private security escorts and coordinated communications for the about 20-hour trip to Mexico City. After the March 6 race, UPS will reverse the procedures to help get everyone back to the U.S. in plenty of time to race the following week in Las Vegas.

FedEx Flight Is First Cargo Aircraft To Arrive at new Central Japan International Airport

Central Japan International Airport Opens; FedEx Flight Is First Cargo Aircraft To Arrive TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 16, 2005--

FedEx Global Network to Connect Central Japan with 220 Countries and Territories

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), the world's largest express transportation company, today begins operating regular flights into the new Central Japan International Airport located in Nagoya.

"The start of FedEx Express service to Central Japan International Airport offers new opportunities for the surrounding Chubu region as well as for FedEx," said David J. Ross, vice president, North Pacific Region. "Chubu is a major manufacturing center offering significant import/export opportunities, and the FedEx network will link these manufacturers to markets across the globe. We also expect to expand our flight schedule in order to meet the future needs of the Chubu region."

A FedEx Express MD-11, flying to Central Japan International Airport from San Francisco via Narita, is scheduled to be the first cargo flight to land at the airport. The same aircraft is scheduled to depart at 7:30 p.m. for Anchorage via Narita, with the first load of cargo to be shipped out. FedEx will operate five regular flights per week into Central Japan International Airport, linking the Chubu region to the world.

FedEx is currently strengthening its operation in Asian markets, including Japan. FedEx will use its integrated network, comprising air and ground as well as IT infrastructure to provide customers with expanded and more flexible services that link the Central Japan International Airport with 220 countries and territories worldwide.

Colorado, Wyoming post offices Rank high in on time deliveries

For the sixth consecutive quarter, Colorado and Wyoming post offices scored 96 percent or above in on-time delivery of local first class mail. That score was one point above the national average of 95 percent.

The score covered Oct. 1 -Dec. 31, 2004. Colorado/Wyoming's high mail service score was achieved during the heavy holiday mail season -- the most challenging time of the year for mail delivery because of winter weather and higher holiday mail volume.

See entire story here : http://www.fortmorgantimes.com/Stories/0,1413,164~8312~2732854,00.html

USPS: Intelligent Mail Devices ready for deployment

All systems go!
Intelligent Mail Devices ready for deployment

The Intelligent Mail Implementation group — part of Intelligent Mail and Address Quality (IMAQ) — has just briefed area and district coordinators on how USPS is handling national deployment of the Intelligent Mail Devices (IMD).

This handheld data device will replace the existing Mobile Data Collection Devices (MDCD) used to scan everything from delivery labels to collection boxes — placing us ahead of the competition with more memory, faster processing, a bigger window and new and expanded capability.

Coordinators are working closely with postmasters, station/branch managers and supervisors to begin the MDCD return process. IMAQ is taking this in steps, with up to 25,000 devices being returned to the critical parts center in Indianapolis by March 31.

Nigerian Scam Against Business Owners

U.S. Postal Inspectors warn that American businesses are being targeted by a "Nigerian prince" for an old-fashioned confidence swindle purportedly offering huge sums of money from the Nigerian government. This scheme, through implausible at first glance, has achieved remarkable success among unwitting American entrepreneurs.

This is how the scheme works. American companies are contacted by mail by a mysterious Nigerian businessman with an impressive, and probably fictitious, title such as "prince," "chief" or "doctor." The writer states that he is contacting the American business on a referral and that he is operating with the knowledge of Nigerian government officials.

Offering only the sketchiest of details, the writer explains that a large some of money, usually from $10 million to $30 million, is available from the government of Nigeria, if the American firm will act as the accepting agent. For this service, the American firm can expect to receive a fee of 30 percent or more of the amount transferred. The balance is to be paid to the Nigerian accomplices.

The letter instructs the interested recipient to forward three copies of "stamped and signed letter-headed papers," three copies of "stamped and signed pro forma invoices," and the name of the American company's bank and its account number. These documents will permit the Nigerian officials to proceed with the "remittance approval" and transfer of funds.

Executives who have fallen prey to this scheme were invited to visit Nigeria and meet with their fellow conspirators before finalizing the transfer of funds. During the visit they were introduced to the Nigerian government officials who supposedly could approve transfers of funds. The American visitors were also required to put down a small deposit to show good faith and help defray some of the expenses of their ambitious hosts, including bribes to the proper authorities.

Several victims reported that this shakedown took some menacing turns, causing them concern for their personal safety. One unlucky visitor recalled being confronted by two Nigerians in military fatigues carrying automatic weapons before being admitted to his host's compound. This visitor was strip searched by government security agents and was forced to turn over $4,000 in travelers' checks to his accomplice before receiving permission to leave the county.

For the most gullible, additional demands for money will be made by the Nigerian confidant as long as the American will pay. The biggest rip-off is a "tax" that must be paid before the ultimate payoff, which of course, never materializes. One victim admitted paying more than $400,000 before reporting the fraud to authorities.

The arrogant perpetrators of this scheme know that few victims will step forward to complain for fear of implicating themselves in a fraud being committed on the government of Nigeria. Anyone who has been victimized should contact the Postal Inspection Service, Field Operations Support Center, Memphis, TN 38161-0006, or call 1-800-372-8347.

USPS: OFF TO A GOOD START.

OFF TO A GOOD START.

A significant increase in mail volume and net income of $1.7 billion helped the Postal Service report better-than-expected first-quarter results. Revenue of $18.8 billion and expenses of $17.1 billion produced a net income of $1.7 billion — down from $1.8 billion last year. Even so, revenue grew by 3.2% in the first quarter. USPS Board of Governors Chairman James Miller said, “The Postal Service’s finances are, at the moment, in good order, and service to our customers is being provided at the highest levels in our history.”

Dale Jarrett Says "Yes" to Racing the Big, Brown UPS Truck

Dale Jarrett Says "Yes" to Racing the Big, Brown UPS Truck

The Official Express Delivery Company of NASCAR Speeds Past the Flag

ATLANTA, Feb. 17, 2005 -
UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced the arrival of the moment race fans have been waiting for - Dale Jarrett, driver of the Robert Yates Racing #88 UPS Ford Taurus, has agreed to race the UPS delivery truck in the fifth installment of the popular “Race the Truck” advertising campaign.

What began as a way to create awareness for UPS’s entry with the #88 race team has since transcended the airwaves to become part of NASCAR culture. For more than four years, everyone from celebrities to race fans to UPS employees - even Dale’s father, famed driver Ned Jarrett - has encouraged Jarrett to take the wheel of the ubiquitous brown truck. During FOX’s broadcast of the Daytona 500, scheduled for Sunday, February 20, fans will finally hear their long-awaited reply, “Yes.”

In the new commercial titled “Yes,” Jarrett casually enters a UPS conference room at the company’s Atlanta headquarters and announces he has reconsidered racing the truck. A woman outside the room overhears this statement and tells a fellow co-worker, resulting in a chain reaction of buzz around the globe that even includes UPS employees in China. After it seems everyone knows the big news, Jarrett re-enters and requests this announcement remain a secret for now.

“While Jarrett may have wanted us to keep the news a secret, we just couldn’t keep something like this under our hood,” said Patrick Guilbert, UPS vice president of sponsorships and events. “The Race the Truck campaign lets us showcase the playful side of UPS. We get down to business providing reliable delivery and logistics services to the entire NASCAR family and leadership with our sponsorship program.”

UPS has flexed its muscles as the sport’s official delivery company by coordinating thousands of critical inbound and outbound shipments within the controlled-access garage area at NEXTEL Cup Series events through UPS Trackside Services. A second commercial, also to debut on Sunday, demonstrates to fans how the world’s largest package delivery company helps keep the number two-rated sport on television in high gear and moving fast.

Race teams, sponsors, officials, merchandise vendors and media have come to depend on UPS Trackside Services for last-minute shipments to arrive before the green flag. These services will expand internationally when the NASCAR Busch Series travels to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez road course near Mexico City. UPS Supply Chain Solutions will coordinate the customs clearance and movement of more than 80 car haulers, media trucks and official vehicles across the border and back.

Stateside, UPS has enhanced its relationship with the motorsports community this year by becoming an exclusive track sponsor of California Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Richmond International Raceway in addition to expanded presence at Daytona International Speedway. For five years, UPS has been the primary sponsor of the #88 Ford Taurus driven by Dale Jarrett for Robert Yates Racing. Jarrett extends his leadership as a premier driver to the shared commitment of UPS drivers in their big, brown trucks together with a team of nearly 370,000 dedicated employees around the world.

Building on the sport’s popularity and fan loyalty, UPS provides updated information about UPS Racing, the #88 team performance, features and photography and access to licensed merchandise at racing.ups.com.

USPS: ON THE FAST TRACK

For the second straight year, the Postal Service reached a 95% on-time performance score for overnight delivery of First-Class Mail. The assessment, which is measured independently by IBM Consulting Services, also cites 90% for two-day and 86% for three-day delivery, according to Postmaster General Jack Potter. Residential customer satisfaction scores are steady at 93% for the third consecutive year.

USPS stops using American Airlines and US Airways

Latest in Logistics: U.S. Postal Services no longer to use American Airlines or U.S. Airways

2/16/2005

Purchasing.com

The U.S. Postal Service has stopped using American Airlines and US Airways to deliver domestic mail because the two carriers failed to meet performance goals, including on-time delivery.

The suspension took effect Feb. 12 and covers first-class mail and some small packages shipped priority class. Jim Quirk, a Postal Service spokesman, said the agency notified the airlines in December that the USPS 'needed a plan from them to meet the goals' for on-time delivery. He said the post office was optimistic that the two airlines could make corrections and soon be carrying mail again. American spokesperson Tim Wagner said: 'We are talking with them about aspects of our business relationship and ways to improve our performance.' Post office officials estimate that American typically carries about 10% of domestic mail. US Airways spokesman David Castelveter said US Airways' on-time performance declined due to an 'operational meltdown' at its Philadelphia hub over the Christmas holidays that caused flight cancellations. The airline has revamped its schedule and hired more workers in Philadelphia.

REMINDER: USPS Closed Monday February 21, Presidents Day

Just a reminder....

USPS Closed Monday February 21, Presidents Day

UPS, FEDEX and DHL will still be making their rounds.

Truck Fire Destroys U.S. Mail / Delays UPS Train

LAKELAND -- Thousands of pieces of priority mail were destroyed in a truck fire on Interstate 4 Thursday night.

A tractor-trailer, owned by Phoenix Transport and Services, was carrying about 3,600 priority packages mailed in areas of Tampa and Pasco County with ZIP codes beginning with 335, 336 and 346.

................................................................................................................

The mishap also closed nearby CSX railroad tracks for two hours, delaying a train hauling packages for one of the Postal Service's main rivals."It carried UPS packages," said Cheryl Edwards, a Lakeland Fire Department spokeswoman.

See the full story here : http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050212/NEWS/502120369/1039

Medicine Delivery in Cities After Potential Terrorist Attack

From the Nuclear Threat Initiative website Monday, February 7, 2005 issue.

Experts Question Federal Initiative for Medicine Delivery in Cities After Potential Terrorist Attack

The Bush administration is pressing 21 U.S. cities to develop plans for door-do-door delivery of medicines in case of a terrorist attack using weapons of mass destruction, the New York Times reported today (see GSN, May 21, 2004).

The $27 million Cities Readiness Initiative, an eight-month pilot program announced by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department in May 2004, designated $12 million for the U.S. Postal Service to recruit and train volunteer carriers to deliver drugs from the strategic national stockpile following a possible WMD event.

The initiative partly arises from fears of an anthrax attack, said William Raub, a Health and Human Services emergency preparedness official.

“There are chemicals of a very similar nature sprayed over entire national forests to kill gypsy moths,” he said. “We now realize that an outdoor anthrax release over a city would not be difficult at all.”
New York and 10 other cities have expressed interest in the postal worker plan, according to the Times, but city officials and U.S. Postal Service representatives are still discussing details of such an effort.

“Postal carriers signed up to carry the mail in times of rain, sleet or snow, not anthrax,” said David Heyman, a bioterrorism specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “If there are questions of whether medical personnel would even show up to work under such conditions, it’s certainly not clear that postal carriers would.”

Studies conducted by the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University predict that about 35 percent of New York hospital employees would stay away from work following a biological or radiological attack.

Concerns about home delivery include possible theft of medicine from mailboxes and whether people would even be there when the drugs arrived, the Times reported.

“Estimates indicate that about a third of the population would follow orders if told to shelter in place, a third would head for the hills, and a third would hang around to help mobilize relief efforts,” said Stephen Prior, the director of the National Security Health Policy Center at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. “But these are the types of variables that we have to start figuring out”

(Ian Urbina, New York Times, Feb. 7).

UPS: Valentine's Day Rush in Full Bloom

Valentine's Day Rush in Full Bloom for UPS
Press Release

Valentine's Day Rush in Full Bloom for UPSATLANTA, GA, Feb., 5, 2003 - UPS, the world's largest global transportation company, is now in the midst of its annual peak flower delivery period as Valentine's Day draws closer. By Feb. 14, UPS expects to transport approximately seven million pounds of flowers, worth an estimated $45 million.

"UPS carries almost 10,000 boxes of flowers a day from Latin America. During the Valentine's Day season this increases 25 percent," said Tom O'Malley, vice president, UPS Air Cargo, Latin America. "Not only do we face the challenge of delivering a huge amount of cargo, we also must ensure that the flowers arrive in the United States less than 24 hours after they were picked to ensure they stay fresh."

According to the Society of American Florists, 70 percent of cut flowers sold in the United States are imported with the vast majority coming from Latin America. Eighty-five percent of those flowers come through Miami/Dade County International Airport where UPS is the largest air cargo carrier.

The path of a flower from farm to beloved can cover great distances and each step must be carefully synchronized to ensure the delicate cargo stays in top shape. Once UPS receives the cut flowers, they are loaded onto temperature-controlled aircraft where they are kept between 34 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. After the flowers arrive in Miami, the company works with U.S. Customs officials to ensure Valentine's Day roses quickly clear inspections. The flowers are kept cool the entire time in UPS's refrigerated warehouses.

After the flowers pass inspections, UPS sorts them according to their final destinations. The company ships them to countries like Japan and Germany, to U.S. florists, and to the homes of loved ones across the United States.

For UPS customer and flower importer Associated Farms, the success of the Valentine's Day season is key to the company's year-round business.

"Valentine's Day is important to our customers, so on-time delivery is critical," said Hilda Varela, vice president of Miami-based Associated Farms. "If we don't take care of our customers for Valentine's Day, then they won't take care of us for the rest of the year. Fortunately, we picked the right transportation partner in UPS, and we know we can rely on them to make our customers happy."

Here are some other interesting Valentine's Day flower facts from the Society of American Florists (visit www.aboutflowers.com for more information):

60 percent of men say they would like to receive flowers on Valentine's Day
Women buy 38 percent of all floral products sold for Valentine's Day
30 percent of men wait until Valentine's Day to purchase flowers
The rose is the state flower of New York
62 percent of women prefer colored roses other than red
More than 130 million roses are typically sold for Valentine's Day
Women are more likely to buy flowers for their mother than any other friend or relative


UPS is the world's largest global transportation company, offering the most extensive range of e-commerce and supply chain solutions for the movement of goods, information and funds. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. UPS stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (UPS) and the company can be found on the Web at www.ups.com.

Postmaster Finder - Search Postmasters by City

Have a concern, complaint, suggestion, or compliment and do not know who to call at your local post office? Try this tool offered on the post office website call the Postmaster Finder at http://webpmt.usps.gov/pmt002.cfm . We searched for our local post office and it shows the post masters for the past 100+ Years !!!!!!!

Postmaster Finder
Postmasters by City

LEE POST OFFICE
MADISON COUNTY, FLORIDA

Name Title Date Appointed Thomas L. Boon Postmaster 12/01/1882
Nigel Brass Postmaster 01/08/1887
James J. Sullivan Postmaster 03/15/1895
Mathew D. Williams Postmaster 12/13/1902
Hugh J. Davis Postmaster 02/06/1907
John Towler Acting Postmaster 12/13/1918
John Towler Postmaster 01/31/1919
Sallie S. Ragan Postmaster 11/30/1920
Miss Vesta Blanton Postmaster 10/25/1921
Mrs. Lessie L. McMullen Acting Postmaster 06/30/1944
Mrs. Lessie L. McMullen Postmaster 07/15/1946
E. E. Register Officer-In-Charge 06/30/1972
Leonard Chapman Hicks Officer-In-Charge 02/16/1973
Leonard Chapman Hicks Postmaster 01/05/1974
Tommy D. Jenkins Postmaster 02/01/1986
Wilbur E. Wood Officer-In-Charge 08/27/1988
Marilyn Joyce Musser Postmaster 02/11/1989
Mary M. Santerfeit Officer-In-Charge 01/12/2004

Work-at-Home Scams: They Just Don't Pay!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Postal Inspector Molly McMinn: 703-292-3967
usps.com/postalinspectors/
February 7, 2005

Work-at-Home Scams: They Just Don't Pay!

National Consumer Protection Week is February 6 - 12

Washington, DC - "Make big $$$ working from home. Earn $50 to $200 /hour in the comfort of your home!" You've seen the ads in newspapers, on flyers stapled to telephone poles, and on the Internet. They sound great. In fact, working at home has become more attractive than ever as stay-at-home moms, college students, and retirees look for new ways to earn extra money. But be wary of these offers, warn U.S. Postal Inspectors. There are some genuine job opportunities, but too many don't deliver on their promises.

During National Consumer Protection Week, Postal Inspectors and the Postal Service's Consumer Advocate are joining other federal, state, and local consumer-protection agencies to educate the public about ways to avoid becoming victims of fraud. This year's postal message is "Work-at-Home Scams: They Just Don't Pay."

Chief Postal Inspector Lee R. Heath says, "With so many Americans interested in working at home, it should come as no surprise that job scams have grown in popularity-but too many offers not only don't pay, they cost victims thousands of dollars."

According to the Postal Service's Consumer Advocate Mike Spates, job seekers should do some homework before accepting a work-at-home offer. "Our goal is to educate consumers so we can reduce their chances of falling victim to work-at-home scams," says Spates.

Postal Inspectors report the most common work-at-home scam is envelope stuffing. The ads promise you money in return for stuffing envelopes at home. But Postal Inspectors say that none of the promotions they've seen pay off as promised.

The newest scam is reshipping fraud. Work-at-home shippers are promised substantial amounts of money - all they have to do is receive, repackage, and then mail merchandise to a foreign address. What the shipper doesn't know is that the merchandise was paid for with stolen credit cards. In effect, the work-at-home shipper becomes part of a fencing operation by receiving and mailing stolen goods. Reports to date indicate the scam has cost victims thousands of dollars, but as long as the ads appear, people unaware of the fraud continue to respond.

Other work-at-home jobs may involve product assembly, craft work, and multi-level marketing. Some ask victims to front money for products or more detailed instructions. Others require that you recruit other people to do the work - which continues the fraud.

Postal Inspectors encourage consumers to closely examine offers before responding. They offer these protection tips:
Don't give out personal information to a person or company you don't know.
Be suspicious of any offer that doesn't pay a regular salary or involves an overseas company.
Check out the company with the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau, state Attorney General, or your local consumer protection agency.
"Be smart," says Chief Inspector Heath. "There is no easy way to wealth. If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

For more than 225 years, the U.S. Mail has been one of the safest and most efficient ways for Americans to do business. The Postal Inspection Service works to maintain that trust. Last year, the Postal Inspection Service received 82,000 complaints from people who believed they were defrauded by offers received in the mail. During the same period, Postal Inspectors arrested 1,446 suspects for mail fraud.

For more information on fraud or to order the free DVD, "Work at Home Scams," visit www.usps.com/postalinspectors. For more information on National Consumer Protection Week, visit www.consumer.gov/ncpw and www.bbb.org.

Media Mail searches raise privacy concerns

From: Daily Trojan Online: http://www.dailytrojan.com

"The U.S. Postal Service searches random packages sent through its Media Mail service."

Media Mail, a cheap way to mail books, is the focus of USPS security checks.

See the full story here: http://www.dailytrojan.com/news/2005/02/03/News/Media.Mail.Searches.Raise.Privacy.Concerns-850782.shtml

USPS: eBAY DAYS ON THE WAY

From www.usps.com

eBAY DAYS ON THE WAY. Watch for special eBay Days at Post Offices nationwide, where customers can learn how quick, easy and convenient it is to sell on eBay and ship with USPS. eBay Days held last year were so successful that hundreds of Post Offices will join in hosting the events this year.

Ground Time in Transit Maps - Zip Code Specific

If you ship via one of the below services, you need their map of package "Time in Transit" for your packages so you can tell your customer when to expect their package. Very useful information. Allows you to input your zip code and returns a color coded map that can be printed, with delivery areas colored differently depending on number of days in transit.

FedEx Ground:
http://www.fedex.com/grd/maps/ShowMapEntry.do?cc=US&language=en

UPS Ground: ( Notice AK, HI and PR are now included on time in transit maps. )
http://www.ups.com/maps?loc=en_US

DHL Ground:
http://www.dhl-usa.com/groundMaps/jsp/GroundMaps.jsp

USPS Priority Mail: Map not available, averages 2-3 days nationwide.