Do you like the DHL commercials? Have you seen them all? See them here, they have some pretty good ones:
http://www.newdhl.com/advertising/tv/tv.asp?cid=dhlbt1explogistics
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Plan Would Give FBI Expanded Authority to Track Mail
Plan Would Give FBI Expanded Authority to Track Mail
APWU Web News Article #23-05, May 24, 2005
Right-to-privacy advocates — and the U.S. Postal Service — are objecting to an administration proposal that would give the FBI broad authority to track the mail of people under scrutiny as part of terror investigations, the New York Times has reported.
Under the proposal, the FBI could require postal inspectors to turn over all information appearing on the outside of mail to and from people involved in intelligence investigations. (The information appearing on the outside of letters and packages is referred to as “mail covers.”) The proposal would not permit the bureau to open mail, the Times reported; such a move would require a search warrant.
The newspaper obtained a draft of the proposal and said that it is scheduled to be considered in a closed-door meeting of the Senate Intelligence Committee later this week. The plan would give the FBI complete authority to determine whether the material is “relevant to an authorized investigation to obtain foreign intelligence.”
Under this plan, the postal inspectors’ discretion in deciding when “mail covers” are needed would be eliminated. The Postal Service would be prevented from disclosing a mail cover and the Justice Department would be required to report twice a year on how many times the new power had been used.
For years, the FBI has been reviewing mail covers during criminal and national security investigations, and the prospect of expanding its authority alarmed privacy and civil rights advocates, as well as postal officials, who told the newspaper that they were caught off guard.
Calling the policy “a major step,” Zoe Strickland, the chief privacy officer for the Postal Service, said there could be a negative impact on the balance between protecting people’s mail and helping out in legal investigations. [The proposal] “removes discretion from the Postal Inspection Service as to how the mail covers are implemented,” Strickland told the Times. “I worry quite a bit about the balance being struck here, and we’re quite mystified as to how this got put in the legislation.”
“Prison wardens may be able to monitor their prisoners’ mail,” Lisa Graves, senior counsel for the ACLU, told the newspaper. “But ordinary Americans shouldn’t be treated as prisoners in their own country.”
APWU President William Burrus called the policy “very dangerous.”
“Under the guise of ‘homeland security,’ the administration is attempting to further erode the civil rights and civil liberties of American citizens,” he said. “They are attempting to use fear to justify keeping track of who writes to whom. And they are doing so without a court order. Americans should be very concerned.”
APWU Web News Article #23-05, May 24, 2005
Right-to-privacy advocates — and the U.S. Postal Service — are objecting to an administration proposal that would give the FBI broad authority to track the mail of people under scrutiny as part of terror investigations, the New York Times has reported.
Under the proposal, the FBI could require postal inspectors to turn over all information appearing on the outside of mail to and from people involved in intelligence investigations. (The information appearing on the outside of letters and packages is referred to as “mail covers.”) The proposal would not permit the bureau to open mail, the Times reported; such a move would require a search warrant.
The newspaper obtained a draft of the proposal and said that it is scheduled to be considered in a closed-door meeting of the Senate Intelligence Committee later this week. The plan would give the FBI complete authority to determine whether the material is “relevant to an authorized investigation to obtain foreign intelligence.”
Under this plan, the postal inspectors’ discretion in deciding when “mail covers” are needed would be eliminated. The Postal Service would be prevented from disclosing a mail cover and the Justice Department would be required to report twice a year on how many times the new power had been used.
For years, the FBI has been reviewing mail covers during criminal and national security investigations, and the prospect of expanding its authority alarmed privacy and civil rights advocates, as well as postal officials, who told the newspaper that they were caught off guard.
Calling the policy “a major step,” Zoe Strickland, the chief privacy officer for the Postal Service, said there could be a negative impact on the balance between protecting people’s mail and helping out in legal investigations. [The proposal] “removes discretion from the Postal Inspection Service as to how the mail covers are implemented,” Strickland told the Times. “I worry quite a bit about the balance being struck here, and we’re quite mystified as to how this got put in the legislation.”
“Prison wardens may be able to monitor their prisoners’ mail,” Lisa Graves, senior counsel for the ACLU, told the newspaper. “But ordinary Americans shouldn’t be treated as prisoners in their own country.”
APWU President William Burrus called the policy “very dangerous.”
“Under the guise of ‘homeland security,’ the administration is attempting to further erode the civil rights and civil liberties of American citizens,” he said. “They are attempting to use fear to justify keeping track of who writes to whom. And they are doing so without a court order. Americans should be very concerned.”
FedEx Makes Deliveries More Convenient for Residential Customers, Introduces New Options for Recipient Signatures
FedEx Makes Deliveries More Convenient for Residential Customers, Introduces New Options for Recipient Signatures
MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 27, 2005--FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) announced today that FedEx Express will be making changes to its delivery signature policy in response to changing customer needs. These changes will allow FedEx Express to deliver more packages to residential customers without a recipient signature and complete deliveries on the first attempt. The changes will provide a more consistent experience for customers across the FedEx networks. These changes will only impact shipments within the United States.
"These changes reflect our commitment to constantly evolving our business to meet our customers varied and changing needs," said T. Michael Glenn, FedEx executive vice president, market development and corporate communications. "This evolution, like the introduction of Saturday delivery, will make residential shipping more convenient for our customers."
Beginning this summer, FedEx Express and FedEx Ground will also introduce three new fee-based Delivery Signature Options. The new options are designed to offer more delivery alternatives and meet the varying needs of shippers who seek greater flexibility for their transactions. The new signature options will become available on fedex.com and in other selected FedEx electronic shipping devices later this summer. Customers will be notified prior to changes taking effect.
Beginning this fall, FedEx Express couriers will release residential packages without signatures unless one of the new Signature Options is selected. Deliveries to non-residential destinations will still require a signature unless the recipient or shipper waives that option. The change responds to requests by customers who have indicated that residential deliveries without a required signature are more convenient.
The new Delivery-Signature Options apply to U.S. Domestic FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipments only and include:
-- Indirect Signature Required (ISR): FedEx will obtain a signature in one of three ways: (1) from any person at the delivery address; or (2) from any person at a neighboring address; or (3) the recipient may leave a signed FedEx door tag authorizing release of the package without anyone present. Available for residential deliveries only.
-- Direct Signature Required (DSR): FedEx will obtain a signature from any person at the delivery address. DSR will replace FedEx Express Signature Required, FedEx Signature Home Delivery, FedEx Ground Auto POD and FedEx Home Delivery Auto POD. Available for both residential and non-residential deliveries.
-- Adult Signature Required (ASR): FedEx will obtain a signature from any person at least 21 years old (government-issued photo identification will be required) at the delivery address. Available for both residential and non-residential deliveries.
For more information on the new fee-based Delivery Signature Options see the website http://www.fedex.com/signatureoptions.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 27, 2005--FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) announced today that FedEx Express will be making changes to its delivery signature policy in response to changing customer needs. These changes will allow FedEx Express to deliver more packages to residential customers without a recipient signature and complete deliveries on the first attempt. The changes will provide a more consistent experience for customers across the FedEx networks. These changes will only impact shipments within the United States.
"These changes reflect our commitment to constantly evolving our business to meet our customers varied and changing needs," said T. Michael Glenn, FedEx executive vice president, market development and corporate communications. "This evolution, like the introduction of Saturday delivery, will make residential shipping more convenient for our customers."
Beginning this summer, FedEx Express and FedEx Ground will also introduce three new fee-based Delivery Signature Options. The new options are designed to offer more delivery alternatives and meet the varying needs of shippers who seek greater flexibility for their transactions. The new signature options will become available on fedex.com and in other selected FedEx electronic shipping devices later this summer. Customers will be notified prior to changes taking effect.
Beginning this fall, FedEx Express couriers will release residential packages without signatures unless one of the new Signature Options is selected. Deliveries to non-residential destinations will still require a signature unless the recipient or shipper waives that option. The change responds to requests by customers who have indicated that residential deliveries without a required signature are more convenient.
The new Delivery-Signature Options apply to U.S. Domestic FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipments only and include:
-- Indirect Signature Required (ISR): FedEx will obtain a signature in one of three ways: (1) from any person at the delivery address; or (2) from any person at a neighboring address; or (3) the recipient may leave a signed FedEx door tag authorizing release of the package without anyone present. Available for residential deliveries only.
-- Direct Signature Required (DSR): FedEx will obtain a signature from any person at the delivery address. DSR will replace FedEx Express Signature Required, FedEx Signature Home Delivery, FedEx Ground Auto POD and FedEx Home Delivery Auto POD. Available for both residential and non-residential deliveries.
-- Adult Signature Required (ASR): FedEx will obtain a signature from any person at least 21 years old (government-issued photo identification will be required) at the delivery address. Available for both residential and non-residential deliveries.
For more information on the new fee-based Delivery Signature Options see the website http://www.fedex.com/signatureoptions.
Friday, May 27, 2005
USPS: U.S. FLAG AT HALF STAFF FOR MEMORIAL DAY
U.S. FLAG AT HALF STAFF FOR MEMORIAL DAY. In remembrance of those who died in our nation’s service, fly the U.S. flag at half staff on Memorial Day, Mon., May 30. When flying the flag at half staff, it should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. Memorial Day also is one of six days each year the POW-MIA flag is to be flown.
USPS TEAMS WITH SBA
USPS TEAMS WITH SBA. The Postal Service and Small Business Administration joined forces recently to give advice to Los Angeles-area business owners. About 500 people attended the event organized by the USPS Pacific Area’s multicultural marketing group. Workshops showed how to develop an advertising campaign on a tight budget and use Direct Mail effectively, increasing response rates and sales. The conference was the first for the agencies, and was so well received that it won’t be the last.
Carrier pickup passes the 1 millionth package mark
HIGHS IN THE 60s. The mercury is rising for Carrier Pickup Online Notification. Four times this month — May 2, 3, 10 and 17 — the number of packages picked up as a result of online requests surpassed 60,000. Carrier pickup passed the 1 million package mark by May 23 — the earliest ever for any month. Customers use Carrier Pickup Online Notification and Click-N-Ship to make shipping from their home or office . . . a breeze
Thursday, May 26, 2005
USPS: Change of address hits the phone lines
Change-of- address hits the phone lines
Moving can be a headache, but USPS is offering relief by expanding options for filing changes of address to ensure prompt, uninterrupted mail delivery.
Specifically, customers now can change their addresses by telephone. Like the online option at usps.com, the new method is more reliable than the hard-copy option because it helps reduce the number of illegible and incomplete forms filled out at Post Offices.
More than 45 million Americans move each year. More than 7 million have changed their addresses online, and 80% of people in a recent survey said they would use that method in the future.
The telephone option may prove as popular since it’s also easy. Customers simply call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) and begin an interactive voice response process. There is always the option to speak with a customer service agent. Customers must have a valid credit card for identity verification and security and a nominal fee is charged.
As always, USPS employs a rigorous process to validate and confirm the address changes, and to protect customers’ privacy and security.
Moving can be a headache, but USPS is offering relief by expanding options for filing changes of address to ensure prompt, uninterrupted mail delivery.
Specifically, customers now can change their addresses by telephone. Like the online option at usps.com, the new method is more reliable than the hard-copy option because it helps reduce the number of illegible and incomplete forms filled out at Post Offices.
More than 45 million Americans move each year. More than 7 million have changed their addresses online, and 80% of people in a recent survey said they would use that method in the future.
The telephone option may prove as popular since it’s also easy. Customers simply call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) and begin an interactive voice response process. There is always the option to speak with a customer service agent. Customers must have a valid credit card for identity verification and security and a nominal fee is charged.
As always, USPS employs a rigorous process to validate and confirm the address changes, and to protect customers’ privacy and security.
USPS: DON’T HOLD THE ONIONS
DON’T HOLD THE ONIONS
No crying over this Priority Mail sale
When Dixondale Farms in Carrizo Springs, TX, needed to ship its prize-winning onions and other produce to customers quickly and safely, they turned to the Postal Service’s Priority Mail.
Dixondale already was sold on the convenience of Flat Rate Priority Mail Boxes and the visibility of co-branded packaging. But the company needed ventilated packages to keep produce fresh. “With perishable products it’s essential that my customers get their packages within three days,” said Dixondale Farms President Bruce Frasier.
Southwest Area Account Manager Esmeralda Escobar relayed the customer’s requirements to Sales and Package Services’ Expedited Products — which then produced a customized box to the grower’s specifications.
“Flat Rate Priority Mail Boxes have allowed us to get more packages to our customers in a professional, timely manner,” Frasier said. “USPS provides a simple, professional product.”
Dixondale has switched from a competitor’s ground service to Priority Mail — shipping up to 6 pounds of produce at one flat rate — and earning USPS $100,000 in new revenue.
No crying over this Priority Mail sale
When Dixondale Farms in Carrizo Springs, TX, needed to ship its prize-winning onions and other produce to customers quickly and safely, they turned to the Postal Service’s Priority Mail.
Dixondale already was sold on the convenience of Flat Rate Priority Mail Boxes and the visibility of co-branded packaging. But the company needed ventilated packages to keep produce fresh. “With perishable products it’s essential that my customers get their packages within three days,” said Dixondale Farms President Bruce Frasier.
Southwest Area Account Manager Esmeralda Escobar relayed the customer’s requirements to Sales and Package Services’ Expedited Products — which then produced a customized box to the grower’s specifications.
“Flat Rate Priority Mail Boxes have allowed us to get more packages to our customers in a professional, timely manner,” Frasier said. “USPS provides a simple, professional product.”
Dixondale has switched from a competitor’s ground service to Priority Mail — shipping up to 6 pounds of produce at one flat rate — and earning USPS $100,000 in new revenue.
Monday, May 23, 2005
New UPS Software Simplifies Trade by Tackling Compliance Obstacles
ATLANTA, May 23, 2005 - UPS Trade Management Services, Inc., a unit of UPS Supply Chain Solutions, (NYSE: UPS), today simplified international trade management by unveiling a new software suite called UPS TradeSense™. The software helps U.S. exporters and importers manage customs clearance and security regulations associated with global trade.
The benefits to companies using this software can include increased compliance, lower operating costs and reduced exposure to penalties along with optimization of internal processes.
“The UPS TradeSense technology supports UPS’s mission to synchronize global commerce,” said Bill Ansley, vice president of UPS Trade Management Services. “Customers now can better coordinate their trade responsibilities to help minimize delays in moving goods across borders that may result from documentation errors or compliance issues.”
UPS TradeSense supports several important trends in the international trade sector, including the enhanced focus on trade compliance and the need to retain and organize trade related information in case of audits by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other government agencies.
UPS TradeSense is a neutral technology platform that can be integrated into virtually any IT infrastructure, allowing the maintenance of all trade-related data in a single location for easy management and connectivity to global supply chain partners. This fully integrated solution has screen level security protocols controlled by the user’s personal identification code. The software can be sold and supported separately or be used as part of a solution provided by UPS Trade Management Services.
The UPS TradeSense software was built with a modular design allowing companies to address specific global trade needs. These include:
The TradeSense Trade Data Repository is a tool for managing, storing and disseminating international trade-related information at the item or stock keeping unit (SKU) level. With its connectivity to CBP, it allows companies to maintain a high level of compliance.
TradeSense Import allows a company to automate and better manage import transactions in the pre-entry, entry and post-entry phases, ensuring that they are in compliance with U.S. regulations.
TradeSense Export provides exporters with tools to automate export compliance, thus streamlining export transactions from order to shipment.
TradeSense NAFTA helps companies determine whether their goods meet NAFTA qualifications and manage NAFTA solicitations.
TradeSense Drawback can streamline the process of claiming duty drawbacks and maximize the amounts available for recovery.
The new software expands the UPS Trade Management Services integrated portfolio offering. The wholly-owned subsidiary of UPS Supply Chain Solutions provides trade, tariff and compliance consulting services, technology solutions, educational seminars and managed services that assist companies in managing their daily import and export activities.
Earlier this year, UPS launched another technology simplifying international trade known as Quantum ViewSM Manage for importers, which provides U.S. importers with online tools that enable them to better manage their internal import compliance processes and expedite clearance of their cross-border small package shipments.
The benefits to companies using this software can include increased compliance, lower operating costs and reduced exposure to penalties along with optimization of internal processes.
“The UPS TradeSense technology supports UPS’s mission to synchronize global commerce,” said Bill Ansley, vice president of UPS Trade Management Services. “Customers now can better coordinate their trade responsibilities to help minimize delays in moving goods across borders that may result from documentation errors or compliance issues.”
UPS TradeSense supports several important trends in the international trade sector, including the enhanced focus on trade compliance and the need to retain and organize trade related information in case of audits by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other government agencies.
UPS TradeSense is a neutral technology platform that can be integrated into virtually any IT infrastructure, allowing the maintenance of all trade-related data in a single location for easy management and connectivity to global supply chain partners. This fully integrated solution has screen level security protocols controlled by the user’s personal identification code. The software can be sold and supported separately or be used as part of a solution provided by UPS Trade Management Services.
The UPS TradeSense software was built with a modular design allowing companies to address specific global trade needs. These include:
The TradeSense Trade Data Repository is a tool for managing, storing and disseminating international trade-related information at the item or stock keeping unit (SKU) level. With its connectivity to CBP, it allows companies to maintain a high level of compliance.
TradeSense Import allows a company to automate and better manage import transactions in the pre-entry, entry and post-entry phases, ensuring that they are in compliance with U.S. regulations.
TradeSense Export provides exporters with tools to automate export compliance, thus streamlining export transactions from order to shipment.
TradeSense NAFTA helps companies determine whether their goods meet NAFTA qualifications and manage NAFTA solicitations.
TradeSense Drawback can streamline the process of claiming duty drawbacks and maximize the amounts available for recovery.
The new software expands the UPS Trade Management Services integrated portfolio offering. The wholly-owned subsidiary of UPS Supply Chain Solutions provides trade, tariff and compliance consulting services, technology solutions, educational seminars and managed services that assist companies in managing their daily import and export activities.
Earlier this year, UPS launched another technology simplifying international trade known as Quantum ViewSM Manage for importers, which provides U.S. importers with online tools that enable them to better manage their internal import compliance processes and expedite clearance of their cross-border small package shipments.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL Closed Memorial Day 2005
USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL will all be Closed Monday, May 30, 2005, Memorial Day. No Pick Ups or Deliveries will be made on Monday, May 30, 2005 . Mark your calender!
Next Shipping Holiday will be Independence Day, Monday July 4, 2005.
*UPS offers SonicAir® which is available 365 days each year.
Next Shipping Holiday will be Independence Day, Monday July 4, 2005.
*UPS offers SonicAir® which is available 365 days each year.
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