NEVER TOO EARLY TO MAIL
2012 HOLIDAY SHIPPING DEADLINES

USPS has released its suggested mail-by dates to help customers make sure their packages, cards and letters arrive in time for this year’s holiday season.

The first holiday mailing deadline is Nov. 13 for customers sending Parcel Post packages to APO and FPO addresses. Space Available Mail must be mailed by Nov. 26, regardless of the APO or FPO address.

Last-minute shoppers have until Dec. 22 — the deadline for Express Mail packages — to send mail in the U.S. But they would be wise to send their mail earlier. “We suggest customers mail domestic and international holiday gifts early to beat the rush and avoid the lines,” said Domestic Products Vice President Reblin.

Reblin recommends using Priority Mail products. “The Priority Mail Flat Rate Box is available in a variety of sizes and is always free,” he said.

DON'T DELAY THOSE BALLOTS

USPS is reminding employees to deliver all Election Mail ballots to election officials, regardless of whether postage is due.

According to Postal Operations Manual 171.3, absentee ballots materials are handled differently than other unpaid or short-paid mailpieces. According to the policy, absentee ballots addressed to an election office — with or without sufficient postage — must be delivered and cannot be held for postage payment.

In addition:

• Short-paid and unpaid absentee balloting materials must not be returned to the voter for additional postage. Postage is collected from the election office upon delivery or at a later date.

• Account for absentee ballots with insufficient or no postage using existing procedures for postage-due mail. Try to collect the postage due from the election office at the time of delivery. However, absentee ballots must be delivered even if the receiving election office refuses to pay.

• Military and overseas absentee ballots bearing indicia “US Postage Paid 39 USC 3406” are not short-paid. No additional postage is needed.

• Willful delay of absentee balloting material or other election material is a violation of policy, ethics and the law.

For additional information, read the stand-up talk on the handling of absentee ballots with insufficient or no postage. Also refer to the stand-up talk for Business Reply Mail ballots for information on delivering ballots and collecting unpaid or short paid fees at later dates.

Combined Federal Campaign

What is CFC (Combined Federal Campaign)?

CFC is a yearly pledge drive that is available to all federal employees. The pledge runs for 1 calendar year. You, as an employee, gets to determine who you pledge to and how much.

Pledges can be made via payroll deductions or a one time pledge. When you pledge you can chose up to 5 different charities/organizations your pledges can go to.

There are two ways to pledge: pledge form or at https://www.cfcnexus.org/_cfcgreaterarkansas/ Charities and Organizations can be found in the Organization Booklet or at the website listed above. The website is super user friendly.

If you or your employees need a book(s) and pledge form(s), please let me know and I will get you them ASAP. I am in the Little Rock area this week and travelling for the next few weeks to various parts of the state.

Charities and Organizations have to request via the CFC application process in order to be eligible for the Campaign.

The Charities and Organization listed (1000+) are local (to your respective areas), state wide, national, and international. Most of your common causes are eligible.

And depending on the size of your pledge there are incentive awards that you may receive. All pledges need to be made by December 1st.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me or call. We can make a difference and I believe we will.

Thank you all,

John Putt, III
AR District CFC Coordinator
109 Main Street
Swifton AR 72471-9998

870-485-2627 (office)
870-897-1113 (cell)
870-485-2740 (fax)