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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 … Read more

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 body.

The Long Life Vehicle’s expected 24-year service life included provisions for one replacement of the 2.5-liter “Iron Duke” 4-cylinder halfway through its life, but set out to create a uniform delivery platform for USPS postal delivery workers — one specially designed for their needs, rather than a vehicle adapted from a regular car.

In this episode, automotive journalist Jason Cammisa takes us through the history of Postal Delivery Vehicles — from horse-drawn carriages, through military surplus Jeeps, to the purpose-built Jeep DJ, and Studebaker “ZIP Van,” with an up-close look at the LLV.

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 … Read more

USPS recognizes Weaver’s 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 … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

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