Considering the size and responsibility of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), it's not surprising when the agency needs to make adjustments. And the Postal Service is undergoing more long-term changes than ever via the 10-year Delivering for America (DFA) plan, which is "guiding the transformation" of the USPS to become "self-sustaining and high performing." Now, the USPS has announced another round of changes slated for next month. Read on to find out what you can expect, starting Aug. 1.
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Residents in two states won't get a refund for certain packages that arrive late.
iStockAccording to a document published by the Federal Register: The Daily Journal of the United States Government on June 30, the USPS is adjusting Priority Mail Express refunds. According to the USPS, these packages are typically sent with a next-day to two-day guarantee for a flat-rate fee—and they have a money-back guarantee.
Per the Federal Register document, as of Aug. 1, the agency is discontinuing refunds for Priority Mail Express packages that don't arrive by their promised deadline for Alaska and Hawaii.
"The Postal Service has determined that operationally we cannot meet the service commitments for Priority Mail Express expected by customers for Alaska and Hawaii," the document reads. "As a result, the Postal Service is discontinuing postage refunds for guaranteed service for Priority Mail Express pieces destined to or originating from Alaska or Hawaii."
The change is being implemented to provide "a more efficient mailing experience."
iStockThe Postal Service notes that this change is intended to streamline service. "We believe this revision will provide customers with a more efficient mailing experience," the document reads.
However, while you won't be given a refund for late packages, you can still be reimbursed if your mail goes missing.
"Postage refunds for loss will still be available for pieces destined to or originating from Alaska or Hawaii," the agency said.
This isn't the only impending adjustment.
USPSOn a brighter note, the USPS is also making some changes in terms of the stamps it offers.
Earlier this month, the agency announced the arrival of Life Magnified Forever stamps, which "commemorate the beauty of the microscope world." According to the Postal Service, these "otherworldly" stamps will be available on Aug. 10.
And in a release the same day, the USPS shared that the Thinking of You Forever stamp series will debut on Aug. 11.
"These five new stamps from the U.S. Postal Service perfectly complement letters and cards sent to brighten someone’s day," the release says. "The pane of 20 stamps features five unique designs filled with a variety of whimsical images, including flowers, balloons, cute animals, sweet treats and symbols of good luck."
As the USPS notes, "In good times and bad, checking in on friends and family provides an important connection. A feel-good, handwritten message, no matter the length, can boost spirits and bring relationships closer, despite miles of distance."
You can make your voice heard at an upcoming meeting.
iStockIf you're more interested in making change yourself, you may want to tune into the USPS Board of Governors meeting on Aug. 8. According to a July 24 press release, the meeting is being held at the Postal Service headquarters in Washington, D.C.
If you're in the area, the press release notes that public can observe starting at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), but if you're not local, you can also watch via a live audio webcast.
If you want to participate in the public comment period—either in person or via teleconference—you must register ahead of time. Just be sure to do so before registration closes on Aug. 6 at noon ET.
