April 30, 2003 -- ADVO, Inc., founder of the America's Looking for Its Missing Children® program, was represented today at The White House by ADVO Senior Vice President (and PostCom Executive Vice Chairman) Vincent Giuliano during a ceremony in which President Bush signed into law sweeping child protection legislation. The new law will impose tougher penalties on child abusers, kidnappers and pornographers as well as create a nationally coordinated AMBER Alert system. Nice going, Vince!

April 30, 2003 -- The American Forest and Paper Association (AFPA) knows that "it's difficult to imagine uur world without it." AFPA has posted some very interesting facts you should know about the relationship between paper and jobs in America.

April 30, 2003 -- As Air Cargo World has noted, "The creation of the borderless single market in the European Union in 1992 has promoted trucking in general across Europe. Improvements in transport infrastructure have also affected several markets. EU billions have poured into peripheral countries to improve highways. Next in line for both infrastructure improvement and the scrapping of border controls will be the Eastern European countries about to join the EU. Trucking looks set to be a growing part of the intra-European scene for some time to come."

April 30, 2003 -- Roll Call has reported that "Airborne Inc., the nation’s third-largest package hauler, has hired the law firm O’Melveny & Meyers to push its interests on the company’s proposed merger with DHL Worldwide Express International. The proposed merger has caused waves on both sides of the Atlantic. DHL is a subsidiary of Deutsche Poste, Germany’s former postal service, which is now privatized. If the German company gets control of Seattle-based Airborne, the Deutsche Poste and DHL alliance would gain a strategic position in the U.S. air-parcel-delivery market — a market long dominated by Atlanta-based United Parcel Service and Memphis, Tenn.-based FedEx. Airborne and DHL contend that the FedEx and UPS 'duopoly' controls nearly 80 percent of the market. The two believe their greater presence in the U.S. market will allow for greater competition, which will benefit American consumers and create jobs."

April 30, 2003 -- Reuters has reported that "a group led by the new chairman and chief executive of DHL Airways Inc. has agreed to buy the U.S. cargo carrier in a deal that would strip Germany's Deutsche Post AG of its 25 percent voting stake in the company, the Wall Street Journal reported on its Web site on Tuesday. DHL attorney Sanford Litvack confirmed to Reuters on Tuesday that the CEO, John Dasburg, had agreed to buy the company, but Litvack could not immediately provide further details. The reported agreement on the sale of Deutsche Post's stake in DHL Airways to a group of Americans led by Dasburg comes as rivals complain that DHL Airways is in violation of U.S. law limiting foreign ownership of domestic airlines. Dasburg, who took over the chief position at DHL Airways earlier in April, leads a group of U.S. citizens who plan to buy Deutsche Post's stake as well as the 75 percent voting stake of William Robinson, who took control of the privately held company in 2000, the Journal reported. The paper said the deal was disclosed at a prehearing conference before Department of Transportation Chief Administrative Law Judge Ronnie Yoder. The purchase is expected to be completed within three weeks, it said. DHL Airways and its sibling, DHL Worldwide Express, are U.S. partners of Brussels-based DHL International, which is wholly owned by Deutsche Post."

April 30, 2003 -- Paraphrasing Winston Churchill, APWU President William Burrus has called collective bargaining "the worst form of industrial governance for the Postal Service, except for all the others." Testifying before the President’s Commission on the U.S. Postal Service, Burrus said, "There are two fundamental rights that make the present system of collective bargaining strong and effective" – the right to bargain over wages and working conditions, and the right to a prompt and effective resolution of disputes that result from collective bargaining.

April 30, 2003 -- The head of the 305,000-member National Association of Letter Carriers urged the President's Commission on the U.S. Postal Service today to "tread lightly" in making changes to the collective bargaining structure governing postal employees, and rejected suggestions that such employees be placed under the Railway Labor Act. NALC President William H. Young, whose union represents city delivery letter carriers in all 50 states and U.S. jurisdictions, said in testimony prepared for a commission hearing at the Chicago Hilton that collective bargaining has worked well under the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 with "an extraordinary record of labor peace" and no significant work disruptions.

April 30, 2003 -- In his comments to the President's Commission on the Postal Service, National Association of Postmasters of the U.S., Wally Olihovik, said that "whether or not a specific post office earns a profit does not—and should not—determine its existence. For many Americans, a post office is the sole nexus between a community and the federal government. Community identity and postal accountability are contingent on the presence of post offices. Interaction with front-line postal managers assures postal customers, large and small, that their mailing needs will be addressed promptly."

April 30, 2003 -- AFX has reported that "Business Post Group PLC has said Postcomm, the independent postal industry regulator, is 'minded' to grant its unit, UK Mail, a long term licence to provide postal services for business customers. The licence permits UK Mail to undertake collection, sorting and national distribution of business mail, with Royal Mail undertaking the final delivery. UK Mail's existing interim licence for similar services will be revoked by consent if the long term licence, which will last a minimum of seven years, is granted."

April 30, 2003 -- DHL Airways has reported that "John Dasburg, the recently appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DHL Airways, Inc., has announced a number of new staff appointments." It also has announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Miami, Florida from Chicago, Illinois. Effective May 15, 2003, the company will assume corporate operations at One Biscayne Tower in downtown Miami.

April 30, 2003 -- KTVA has reported that "over the past several months that your mail has been getting delivered in a timelier manner, that's because of a new program implemented last summer called Managed Service Points. It ensures that when the carriers head out, they deliver. The key tool to the program is a scanner that carriers now bring along with them on their routes."

April 30, 2003 -- CNET News has reported that "UPS has become the first package delivery company to broadly offer occasional shippers working in small offices or at home same-day pickup service for ground parcels, not just air express. The new UPS service, named On-Call Pickup(SM), allows a busy business owner, for example, to use the Internet or telephone to schedule a pickup of any type package either on the same day or on a future date, should they be unable to leave the office."

April 30, 2003 -- The Journal of Commerce has reported that:

• In a bid to broaden its share of the air-cargo market, UPS Airlines has announced a new guaranteed service for time-sensitive shipments. The service, known as UPS Air Cargo Priority, will be officially launched on May 12. It will be offered strictly to freight forwarders. In order not to compete with its core package business, UPS has set a minimum weight of 500 pounds for export shipments to most destinations. UPS will also rename its standard airfreight service UPS Air Cargo Reserved.
• As the global airline industry staggers through its most severe crisis, more than 400 freight forwarders, airline officials, technology companies and other service providers gathered to network at the annual Cargo Network Services Partnership Conference. Guenther Rohrmann, who is head of global customers for DHL Danzas Air & Ocean, said the biggest concern facing the industry is the financial plight of some airlines, as the war in Iraq, and the SARS crisis, have forced airlines to cancel thousands of flights.

April 30, 2003 -- Chris Bennett, a technical business unit leader at Acxiom, Brad Rappaport, PostCom Director and BancOne Card Services Vice President of Operations, and Sue Taylor, Postal Liaison for Prudential Financial have received the United States Postal Service's Special Service Achievement Award in recognition of innovation and leadership in the industry"

April 30, 2003 -- Les Echos (France) has reported that "yesterday half of the 5,000 employees of the French post office (La Poste) took part in a strike called by French unions CGT, SUD, FO, CFDT and CFTC. The employees were protesting against the fact that La Poste wants to reduce the number of mail deliveries per day from two to one. This measure is to be introduced in June in the 6th arrondissement of Paris only."

April 30, 2003 -- The Sun Star has reported that "the Philippine Postal Corporation is not yet on the verge of closing following breakthroughs in the information highways like Internet, e-mail, e-fax and use of cellular telephones."

April 30, 2003 -- Reuters has reported that "A federal judge Tuesday sharply questioned DHL Airways attorneys about whether DHL met the U.S. government's definition of a U.S.-owned company, saying they will have to prove it is not controlled by German parent company Deutsche Post Inc. Administrative Law Judge Ronnie Yoder swatted down DHL's argument that the burden of proof was on the critics to show that the company was actually controlled by Deutsche Post. 'At the end of the day, there will only be one question: Did you establish with the preponderance of the evidence to my satisfaction that DHL is a citizen of the United States,' Yoder told DHL attorney Sanford Litvack."

April 30, 2003 -- The latest issue of the Postal Service's USPS NewsLink has been posted on this site.

April 30, 2003 -- The Transportation Consumer Protection Council (TCPC) will be offering a seminar on "Transportation, Logistics and the Law" in Elmhurst, IL on May 14, Greensboro, NC on May 21, and Denver on June 11. For more information contact transdigest@transportlaw.com.

April 30, 2003 -- TCPC and the University of Arizona have once more launched a summer internship program for the students taking Transportation Law at University of Arizona, taught by Adjunct Professor William J. Augello. Many of these students are admitted to practice law in their native countries, and have a wide range of language skills, including Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, German, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian. They also have extensive computer and researching skills, and will have free access to LEXIS during the summer. Firms interested in viewing their resumes may write williamaugello@worldnet.att.net or call 520-531-0203 (Mtn time) .

April 30, 2003 -- The Institute of Logistical Management (ILM) and the University of Phoenix have recently signed an Agreement whereby all Transportation and Logistics Courses and college level credits earned by ILM students, including the courses based on TCPC’s texts, “Freight Claims – Filing & Recovery” and “Transportation, Logistics and the Law”, will be accepted at the University of Phoenix towards their Business Degree Programs. Once students have completed their course work through ILM, their courses and credits will be provided to the University of Phoenix on an ILM college credit Transcript basis. For more information, visit http://www.logistics-edu.com/index .html.

April 30, 2003 -- According to Transdigest, "in a case with an unusual twist a FedEx shipper was awarded $1.6 million, consisting of compensatory damages, legal fees and $1.5 million punitive damages, as the result of FedEx’s 'bad faith' handling of a damage claim."

April 29, 2003 -- Melissa Data, a provider of data quality software and services, has announced the release of Address Object for Linux, which allows Linux programmers to add powerful address verification and enhancement routines to their custom PC or Web applications."

April 29, 2003 -- Dow Jones has reported that "Dutch postal and logistics company TPG NV has said it will buy DocVision, a document managing unit of office supplier Buhrmann NV. TPG said it struck the deal through its Post subsidiary Cendris. DocVision is a Netherlands-based company that provides a variety of mailroom and reprographic services."

April 29, 2003 -- The New York Times has reported that "scores of Web sites were taken off the Internet over the weekend because of new pressures on a commercial Internet service provider to stop unwanted marketing e-mail, or spam, and the companies that use it. Most of the Web sites that were shut down had no relation to the company accused of sending spam other than having the same Internet service provider for their Web site. But in the escalating spam battles, some anti-spam groups seem to care little about collateral damage."

April 29, 2003 -- AFP has reported that "mail will go undelivered on Wednesday and Friday in Portugal as employees of loss-making state postal firm CTT strike against plans to reduce staff and privatize some services. CTT President Carlos Horta e Costa said Tuesday the company, which posted a 32.5 million euro (35.9 million dollar) loss last year, will reduce staff in 2003 through early retirement and by not renewing temporary contracts in an effort to reach breakeven this year. He added the postal firm will reduce the number of outlets it operates on its own and will operate more joint-ventures with the private sector."

April 29, 2003 -- WRAL.com has reported that "beginning Tuesday, Raleigh-Durham International airport passengers will have the option of mailing home items that are not permitted past the security checkpoint. RDU is one of the first airports in the country to offer a CheckPoint Mailer program, which solves the challenge of what to do with items that cannot be taken onto the plane but that passengers do not want to leave behind. To use CheckPoint Mailer, travelers will complete a mailing label, paying for postage with credit card, cash, check card or check. The items are shipped to passengers' homes or destinations within seven days by the US Postal Service. A list of items that cannot be shipped using CheckPoint Mailer will be posted at the drop box."

April 29, 2003 -- The Times Leader has reported that "though the U.S. Postal Service has no immediate plans to move jobs out of town from its South Main Street mail processing center, it's no time to relax, U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski told workers Friday. Kanjorski, D-Nanticoke, spoke to U.S. Postal Service workers to dispel any rumors the local office will consolidate with offices in Scranton or Allentown. He also encouraged workers to stay productive and efficient. Any drop in performance could hurt the more than 200 workers at the center, he said. 'If that's the case, you play into the hands of our adversaries.' He has not done it, but the congressman said he could play hardball politics on the issue, using his ranking position on the House of Representative's Government Reform committee."

April 29, 2003 -- Dow Jones has reported that "a group of Mail Box Etc. franchise owners have filed suit in California state court alleging that United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS, news) is violating state franchise laws."

April 29, 2003 -- As DM News postal commentator Cary Baer has noted, "the President’s Commission on the U.S. Postal Service has received input from many quarters and held hearings around the country. One issue it seems to have locked onto is standardization. Who could be against rational standardization? Well, many are, depending on how you define 'rational.' What seems logical as today’s standard may become very restrictive as new techniques in direct mail marketing are developed."

April 29, 2003 -- The Fayetteville Morning News has reported that "commencement speakers at the University of Arkansas this year will include Fred Smith, chairman of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, and George Haley, a civil rights activist and the former chairman of the U.S. Postal Rate commission. Both will receive honorary degrees."

April 29, 2003 -- DM News has reported that "Posten, Sweden's national postal service, said yesterday that it acquired Post Denmark's 50 percent interest in Direct Link Worldwide NV and will make it a wholly owned subsidiary. Started in 1986, Direct Link provides international distribution services to companies around the world, with locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Singapore, Australia and the Philippines. Posten said the acquisition will allow it to compete better in the international mail markets and bring Direct Link's strength and globalization to Swedish companies looking to go international. Direct Link will move its headquarters from Brussels, Belgium, to Stockholm."

April 29, 2003 -- "Discover the future of mail communications at the MAILCOM 2003 Global Conference & Exhibition--May 7-9 in the Atlantic City Convention Center. Register online for a FREE PASS or for a Conference Registration form at www.MAILCOM.org."

April 29, 2003 -- In a soon to be published paper, EMA President Maynard Benjamin and Global Insight Executive Managing Director Robert Reisner1 have noted that "April 8, 2003 will remain a date of historic significance for the United States Postal Service. On that date, the United States House of Representatives passed legislation to correct the overfunding of the USPS Civil Service Retirement System on behalf of postal employees. One could almost hear the collective sigh of relief coming from the mailing community and the Postal Service as funding to reduce postal debt and defer rate increases for three years was created with a single vote of Congress. The Postal Service was no longer on the financial brink. Yet, as significant as the new law may have been it was only a band-aid on a much larger problem, a long-term issue that will face many posts."

April 28, 2003 -- The EMA Foundation for Paper-Based Communications will be holding a Symposium on Postal Transformation Issues on Thursday, May 8, 2003, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. The symposium will examine some of the most timely and urgent issues now being considered by the President’s Commission on the United States Postal Service. For further information, check the Foundation's web site.

April 28, 2003 -- A copy of the European Commission's publication of its REIMS II Terminal Dues agreement has been posted on this site.

April 28, 2003 -- A copy of the Irish Commission for Communications Regulation's information notice on the REIMS II terminal dues agreement has been posted on this site.

April 28, 2003 -- The Washington Post has reported that "three of the nation's largest e-mail account providers, normally bitter rivals, today are to announce a joint assault on spam, vowing to collaboratively hunt down unsavory e-mailers and explore industry standards that would curtail the ability to create bulk electronic mailings. The escalation of the spam problem and the fight against it also is generating activity on Capitol Hill, where several bills have been introduced or are soon to be proposed. The scope of the bills vary: stricter criminal penalties for deceptive marketing; creating a national do-not-e-mail list; and requiring that the letters ADV, for advertisement, be put in the subject line of all commercial messages." See also the Wall Street Journal.

April 26, 2003 -- The Associated Press has reported that "the U.S. post office awarded contracts Friday that will allow it to begin shipping mail on the airlines that offer the best service for the lowest price starting June 28. Currently all 54 certified airlines in the United States share in carrying the mail, with volume divided evenly among carriers operating over the same route. The post office paid the airlines about $370 million last year to carry the mail. The new system is expected to improve service and cut costs at the same time, said Paul Vogel, postal vice president for network operations management. Airlines entered bids to carry the mail over various routes, and mail will be sent aboard planes of those that offer the best price. If service slips on a route, however, the mail will be switched to the carrier with the next best price, said Vogel."

April 26, 2003 -- The Journal of Commerce has reported that "three units of FedEx Corp. have teamed up to offer a combined ocean and ground service from Asia to virtually all areas in the United States. FedEx said the service, offered jointly by FedEx Trade Networks, FedEx Freight and FedEx Ground, helps reduce inventory cycle time with fast overall transit times and fewer processes than traditional ocean service from Asia."

April 25, 2003 -- The Financial Express (India) has reported that " Post offices — better known as snail mail in today’s world of internet and courier services — may be back in fashion soon. Corporate biggies such as Reliance, Satyam and GTL are looking at using India Post’s network of 1.54 lakh post-offices as the most efficient vehicle to bring communication revolution in India. 'Indian companies are looking at a reliable infrastructure network which reaches out to the nook and corner of the country. Post-offices are at the top of their mind as a means to take information technology (IT) and telecom services to the masses, ' a Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci) official told FE."

April 25, 2003 -- The agenda for the May 5-6 meeting of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors has been posted on the Postal Service's web site.

April 25, 2003 -- The latest copy of the Postal Service's USPSNewsLink has been posted on this site.

April 25, 2003 -- Dow Jones has reported that "the State Post Bureau of China, or China Post, and logistics company TPG N.V. (TP) Friday announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding that will provide the foundation for a broad strategic partnership. This builds upon the successful partnership between China Post and TPG in the express business in China, that was entered into in 2000. The memorandum includes an agreement to immediately set up a task force to explore potential areas of mutually beneficial co-operation in the areas of mail, express and logistics."

April 25, 2003 -- The Kyodo news service (Japan) has reported that "the posts ministry has said it will allow five private courier service firms to conduct special mail-delivery business. Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications Minister Toranosuke Katayama is expected to issue licenses to the five firms -- Bike Kyubin Co., Sokuhai Co., Kyukago, Q-Post and Tokai Messenger Bb Inc. -- on Friday, ministry officials said. The move comes after Japan Post, a new state-run corporation, took over mail delivery and postal savings April 1 from the government as part of postal service deregulation. The five firms are expected to start their new service June 1. Sokuhai and Q-Post plan to offer express mail services in Tokyo, pledging to deliver special mail within three hours. Tokai Messenger plans similar services in Nagoya."

April 25, 2003 -- Dow Jones has reported that "TPG NV has posted a 2.1% fall in first quarter net profit due to adverse currency movements and continued pressure at its Logistics unit. The Dutch postal and logistics company said net profit fell to EUR140 million from EUR143 million in the first quarter of 2002, a drop which included a EUR7 million increase in pension provisions."

April 25, 2003 -- The Harare Daily News has reported that "postal rates will go up by as much as 650 percent with effect from next month. An official with Zimbabwe Post (Zimpost) said the increases were necessitated by rising operational costs and the depreciation of the local currency. This has been exacerbated by increases in transport costs and mail conveyance fees. Zimpost, which is a product of the de-merger of the Postal and Telecommunications Corporation, last increased postal rates in June last year."

April 25, 2003 -- The Arizona Republic has reported that "After more than two years of urging U.S. mail handlers to wear gloves as protection against terrorism, the U.S. Postal Service in Arizona has banned gloves for employees who operate sorting machines. Postal Service officials claim the prohibition was imposed to prevent hand injuries that could result if gloves were caught in automated mail-sorting equipment. Union leaders, fearful of chemical or biological terrorism, counter that there never has been such an injury and the policy reversal makes no sense."

April 25, 2003 -- icLiverpool (U.K.) has reported that "householders across Merseyside and Cheshire will soon be having their post delivered by the milkman. The country's biggest doorstep supplier Express Dairies was yesterday granted a huge extension to its postal delivery service. But postal union leaders last night said the move could turn the Royal Mail into a 'boy scout operation.'" As The Times has noted, "Express Dairies is currently delivering 20,000 books, CDs, contact lenses, magazines and other business items to households each week, but it now expects that number to grow quickly."

April 25, 2003 -- The New Haven Register has reported that "U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., announced Thursday that he will introduce legislation next week aimed at increasing locality pay adjustments for federal workers in high cost of living areas such as Connecticut. The proposed legislation would amend the Federal Law Enforcement Pay Reform Act of 1990 by allocating approximately $100 million for increasing locality pay adjustments to federal agents with the FBI, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Custom Service, U.S. Marshals, U.S. Attorney, Secret Service and Postal Inspection Services."

April 25, 2003 -- The Presiding Officer in the matter of Postal Rate Commission Docket No. MC2003-1 "Customized Market Mail" has determined that further public hearings are not required. He has recommended the matter be considered for settlement. If a settlement agreement is reached, a ruling by the Commission should be issued by June 12, 2003.

April 25, 2003 -- In comments submitted to the Postal Rate Commission by the Association of Postal Commerce, in reference to the matter of the PRC's review of the USPS' "non-postal" services, said that "the Commission should study how the Postal Service accounts for the cost of and revenues from unregulated services with an eye to determining whether suitable accounting and reporting conventions should be applied."

April 25, 2003 -- Business Mailers Review has reported that:

• Instead of issuing a final rule, the Postal Service will publish in the next month another proposed rule on broadening the move-update requirements. The new proposal will include changes suggested in the first proposal as well as incorporate some of the suggestions and concerns that came from the comments of mailers.
• Among the biggest buzz on the exhibit floor at the National Postal Forum was the Postal Service’s announcement that it would replace its current National Change of Address (NCOA) technology with NCOALINK. Some vendors have described NCOALINK as a direct look-up, or to some degree like an open-system FASTforward that’s taken out of the black box. NCOALINK would mean clear text would not have to be sent to the NCOA vendors.
• The Postal Service sees another role for the Rates and Classification Service Centers (RCSC), one that would have them serve as monitors and mediators in future negotiated service agreements (NSAs).

Business Mailers Review is published biweekly by Sedgwick Publishing Co. This is one of the best postal newsletters you'll find published in this country. There's much more to each issue than the teaser you see here. For subscription information, be sure to contact the publisher.

April 25, 2003 -- The Hindu (India) has reported that "the Superintendent of Posts, K.K. Naik, has said that a proposal to set up ATMs of the Department of Posts in Udupi, Karkala, and Kundapur has been sent to the higher authorities. The department is trying to keep pace with the changing times."

April 24, 2003 -- Unhappy with what you're getting from your "postal" providers? Postal commentator Gene Del Polito says you should "let'em know what you think."

April 24, 2003 -- "The days of being able to take your customers' business for granted are over as well. Financial institutions are beating as rapid a path to electronic alternatives to mail-based billing and payments. Periodical publishers are testing the viability of electronic distribution, and advertisers and marketers are dedicating increasing shares of their business development budgets to media other than mail." So said postal commentator Gene Del Polito in a recent article for international postal publication. "Is it any surprise, then, that one of the most asked questions at a recent meeting of the Universal Postal Union was: How can I increase the market appeal of my mail products to win and keep the loyalty of direct marketers and other businesses?"

April 24, 2003 -- Dow Jones has reported that "Express Dairies has been granted a long term postal license by Postcomm, the independent British postal services regulator to deliver up to 46 million postal items per annum. The new standard license, which will have a minimum life of seven years, replaces the interim license granted last summer allowing Express to deliver up to 4.6 million packets and mail from businesses to households. Express uses its circa 100 depot network and franchised milk roundstaff to deliver parcels and packets over the last few miles. Express is currently delivering around 20,000 items each week, a number expected to grow quickly following the granting of the license." See also the report by Ample.com and the BBC.

April 24, 2003 -- President Bush has signed S.380 into law.

April 24, 2003 -- As President Bush signed into law today a bill that fundamentally changes the way the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) funds its employee retirement benefits, ADVO, Inc. announced it will continue to partner with other industry leaders to work with both lawmakers and government officials to find new ways to ensure the long-term viability and strength of the USPS.

April 23, 2003 -- The Associated Press has reported that "a little-known underground railway that has been delivering letters across London for the last 75 years will be retired, the Royal Mail has said. The Mail Rail system will carry its last post bags in May. The unpiloted train and its 6.3 miles (10.1 kilometers) of track has been deemed too expensive by the postal service which is losing 1.1 million pounds (US$1.7 million) a day. The news has been met with anger by some Londoners, who say that the Royal Mail is destroying a piece of heritage while making no effort to look for other uses for the train."

April 23, 2003 -- Le Figaro (France) has reported that "the French post office (La Poste) yesterday revealed that its parcel services generated a turnover of 3.07bn euros last year in a market where competition it at a maximum. La Poste's earnings in that sector, which account for 18 per cent of its total turnover, were achieved by its parcels divisions, Colipost and Geopost."

April 23, 2003 -- Dow Jones has reported that "the European Union Commission has approved an agreement between European postal operators on payments for cross-border mail delivery provided that other companies can benefit from the deal as well. In a statement, the Commission said it "intends to exempt (the agreement) from antitrust rules - but requires third-party access." A total of 17 European postal operators are parties to the agreement."

April 23, 2003 -- The Associated Press has reported that "President Bush bypassed Congress on Tuesday and installed 11 people whose nominations had languished for as long as 16 months. All the so-called recess appointments were to little-known boards. By signing the appointments during the congressional recess, Bush bypassed the Senate confirmation process. Such appointments are valid until the next Congress takes office, in this case in January 2005. Among those appointed was James C. Miller III of Virginia to be governor of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service. Bush nominated Miller on July 26, 2002, and again on Jan. 9, 2003."

April 23, 2003 -- AME Information (UAE) has reported that "Emirates Post and E-Vision, the UAE's only digital cable TV provider, has signed an agreement to offer E-Vision subscription services at post offices in a phased manner starting with the Jumeirah Post Office on May 1, 2003. 'The addition of E-Vision subscription services at post offices comes on the heels of new services like ATM machines, utility payment machines and sale of Dubai Municipality's prepaid parking cards at postal outlets,' Mr. Daboos added. 'This is just the start of our diversification strategy and in the near future our customers can expect a wide range of services to be available at postal counters.'"

April 22, 2003 -- Daily Research Online (U.K.) has reported that "a new report on Home Shopping from Mintel's Retail Intelligence argues that retailers are missing out on a big opportunity in home shopping. However, the study finds the European home shopping sector continuing to lose retail share, with the few areas of sector growth failing to offset the slow declining big book mail order sector. While overall retail sales are predicted to grow by 16% between 2000 and 2005, mail order is expected to show an increase of just 8.2%, representing 2.7% of total retail sales in Europe by 2005. British shoppers are spending more per capita on home shopping than any other European country."

April 22, 2003 -- The Associated Press has reported that "a lawsuit filed against the city of Fremont over mailbox placement is scheduled to start Tuesday in federal court. John Krumel, 77, who is blind, claims the mailboxes in the front lawns of Fremont homes obstruct the sidewalk and cause him to walk into them and hurt himself. He said he has twice suffering broken ribs from walking into mailboxes. Krumel's lawsuit was filed in May 2001 against the city of Fremont and the U.S. Postal Service. U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp granted the Postal Service's request to be removed from the lawsuit in January 2002. The city remains a defendant. Smith Camp is hearing the lawsuit against the city in a non-jury trial."

April 22, 2003 -- Quicken has reported that " United Parcel Service Inc.'s (UPS, news) first- quarter profit jumped 24%, helped in part by solid results at its international and nonpackage segments. The U.S. package segment posted volume declines during the first two months of the quarter, exacerbated by severe winter weather and a difficult economy. However, in March and continuing into April, volume trends improved, and UPS said it is now experiencing growth in its U.S. package business. The segment was affected by higher fuel costs, bad weather that cost the company more than $30 million, and increases in pension and health-care expenses. Within the U.S. domestic segment, revenue rose 2% to $6.02 billion, but operating profit declined 18% to $704 million amid a decrease in volume." See also the report from the Wall Street Journal.

April 22, 2003 -- The Washington Post has reported that "the U.S. Postal Service violated federal regulations and undermined management's credibility when it failed to disclose anthrax test results promptly to workers at a contaminated Connecticut mail facility, the General Accounting Office charged in a report released yesterday. The GAO said postal officials did not comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules in early 2002 when they did not fulfill a request for test results from union representatives at the Southern Connecticut Processing and Distribution Center in Wallingford."

April 22, 2003 -- Stars and Stripes has reported that "the military is getting 98 percent of letters and packages from home to troops in Iraq and Kuwait and is working on ways to improve on that success rate, the man in charge said Monday."

April 22, 2003 -- China Southern Airlines, the largest airline in The People's Republic of China, is pleased to announce that it has expanded its 747-400 European cargo flights to five times weekly and has now started carrying express mail to Shanghai."

April 22, 2003 -- Pakistan International Airlines plans to start a courier service in an alliance with the Pakistan Post Office by the middle of the year, a senior official told Dow Jones Newswires. The new service named "Speedex" is aimed at grabbing a slice of the PKR5 billion ($1=57.78) courier business in the country, the PIA official said. "We are thinking of starting a courier service by the name of Speedex with the post office. We have planes and they have 13,000 outlets," he said. He said the new service is expected to start in May."

April 22, 2003 -- According to KansasCity.Com, "from the 'a penny for your business' files comes a true tale from Vedros & Associates about a trip to the U.S. Postal Service to send out a mailing. Nick Vedros said his firm typically used the post office for bulk mailings because it had a pretty smooth, painless system. Or so he thought until the recent experience. His marketing director took a mailing of several thousand pieces to the special bulk mailing center. The clerk checked the mailing, found everything to be in order and calculated a price of $561.32, at which point the marketing director filled out the check she had brought with her. Later that day, she received a call saying the postal clerk had miscalculated the cost -- it was short by a penny. She drove back to the facility with her penny. Alas, she then was told, the bulk mailing center doesn't take cash." This kind of foolish simply can't be allowed to continue.

April 21, 2003 -- The National Economic Research Associates (NERA) has prepared a report at the request of UPS that "provides an analysis of the profitability of the Mail division of Deutsche Post. The analysis focuses on the year 2001, the latest full year for which data are available, though the profits of the Mail division are reported from 1998 onwards." A copy of that report has been posted on this site.

April 21, 2003 -- According to the New York Times customers are "taking advantage of a promotion from J. P. Morgan Chase that will give$150 for authorizing the bank to take money out of a bank account electronically instead of writing checks. Only two or three years ago, most banks insisted that consumers would pay extra for the convenience and reliability of paying bills via the Internet. Now, big banks are working harder to win online bill-paying customers, often competing with individual companies for their business."

April 21, 2003 -- Sources have told PostCom that Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-ND) has sponsored a former Texas postmaster, Dawn Tisdale, for appointment to the Postal Rate Commission. Why are politicians persisting in the appointment of persons with virtually no regulatory experience to posts such as the PRC? One would have thought that forming a Presidential Commission to study such issues would have fostered new thinking.

April 21, 2003 -- As the Washington Post might have said, Amtrak has found it's own version of Jack Potter.

April 21, 2003 -- The Wall Street Journal has reported that "Airborne Inc. said the proposed takeover of its ground operations by Deutsche Post AG will happen even if the German delivery titan is found to be improperly in control of two U.S. airlines, a violation of federal law that could force those airlines out of business. UPS and FedEx have a combined market share of 73% of U.S. ground and air deliveries, according to SJ Consulting Group Inc. of Pittsburgh, compared with 6% for Airborne and DHL."

April 21, 2003 -- As DM News has noted, "The U.S. Postal Service began a test yesterday designed to let mailers of small-circulation periodicals achieve the work-sharing discounts enjoyed by large mailers. In the experiment, publishers, printers and consolidators can combine bundles/packages of different periodicals on the same pallet and drop ship them to an area distribution center or sectional center facility. The proposed discount is 0.7 cents per piece on combined bundles sent to area distribution centers and 1 cent per piece on bundles sent to sectional center facilities."

April 21, 2003 -- ChannelNewsAsia has reported that "SingTel has said it aims to raise up to S$684 million through an initial public offering of 1.14 billion shares in its postal arm, Singapore Post. The IPO, Asia's biggest this year, will include 19.4 million shares reserved for company directors and employees, and a public tranche with a minimum size of 50 million shares, SingTel said."

April 20, 2003 -- Has it ever happened to you? Don't know what I mean? Check out the email story in the Washington Post. Ah, for the days when before hitting the "send" key the world needed a few minutes and a stamp.

April 20, 2003 -- The BBC Monitoring Service has reported that "almost 2,600 points of free collective access to the Internet have been opened by the Russian postal service together with the Russian ministry of communications across the country in the framework of the 'Kiber-pochta' [cyber mail] project. The head of the communications ministry's department for radio, TV and satellite communication, Vasiliy Pavlov, announced this at the 8th conference of satellite communication operators and users."

April 20, 2003 -- The Phoenix Business Journal has reported that "United Parcel Service has the green light to build a 59,000-square-foot UPS distribution center, following Thursday's approval by Mesa's Planning & Zoning Board. The new facility will be located on a 17.4-acre parcel in the Inverness Commons Business Park at the southeast corner of Higley Road and U.S. 60. UPS will employ up to 300 employees earning from $8.50 to $24 per hour. The facility will provide space for 128 delivery trucks. UPS said the building will be constructed in two phases, with the first being complete in the fall 2004."

April 20, 2003 -- goSanAngelo.com has reported that "a federal jury at the O.C. Fisher Federal building will hear an employment discrimination suit charging that some managers and supervisors at San Angelo's United Parcel Service (UPS) Distribution Center treated minority employees unfairly on Monday. In the suit, the EEOC contends that the package delivery service unfairly subjected Hispanic and black employees to a hostile work environment and disparate treatment because of their race and national origin by unnecessarily scrutinizing their work."

April 19, 2003 -- The National Chamber Foundation will host "Securing the Global Supply Chain: Cargo, Logistics, and the World Economy," which will take place in Washington on April 24, 2003. This summit will gather senior government and business leaders to examine the interplay between security and efficiency in the international cargo system."

April 19, 2003 -- Barron's has reported that "as recently as January, FedEx and United Parcel Service were still doing business the old-fashioned way. Unfazed by the faltering economy and rampant cost-cutting among corporate customers, the two titans of the parcel market went ahead with their annual tradition of hiking prices, this time by nearly 4% for many packages. The companies, which together control more than 80% of the market for ground and air parcels in the U.S., have long had the power to price their services as they pleased. And that is exactly what they've done."

April 19, 2003 -- The Cincinnati Equirer has reported that "DHL Worldwide Express' proposed purchase of Airborne Express' ground assets would not mean the closure of either company's hubs in the Tristate, said the man who will lead the new combined company."

April 19, 2003 -- Dow Jones has reported that "a watchdog group has  asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether the agency can penalize the U.S. Postal Service for violating 'truth-in-advertising laws.' The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) charged in a letter to the FTC that a Postal Service advertising campaign significantly misrepresents the reliability of its Priority Mail service. The ad campaign markets the service as a reliable, two-day service, but CCAGW Vice President Leslie Paige said that 'the USPS's Priority Mail product fails to deliver on its promise of reliable two-day delivery in a significant percentage of cases.' She said consumers would be better off mailing an important document using less costly first-class mail." See also Yahoo! News.

April 18, 2003 -- The latest issue of USPSNewsLink has been posted on this site.

April 18, 2003 -- As the Internet Retailer has noted, "when looking at potential growth for online retailing, most analysts look at the number of consumers who are online, what online merchandising they respond to and what marketing it takes to make them repeat buyers. Chicago-based consultant Lauren Freedman has one word for them: Fulfillment. 'How do we grow this business if people aren’t home to receive their purchases when they are delivered?' says Freedman, president of The E-Tailing Group Inc. 'Not everyone can receive their deliveries at work.'" Of course, one such solution would be SmartBox.

April 18, 2003 -- The Orlando Sentinel has reported that "eager to show the Pentagon how his hybrid mail system could benefit U.S. forces, Chris Schultheiss sent a letter from his New Smyrna Beach home to Gen. Tommy Franks on March 20. Four minutes later, a British soldier in Qatar hand-delivered the sealed letter to Franks, commander of the war effort in Iraq. "He was shocked, by all accounts," Schultheiss said. Now the U.S. military is looking at adopting the technology to allow soldiers stationed overseas to get real letters in a matter of hours instead of days or weeks. On Thursday, Schultheiss and business partner Bill Ramsay of Winter Springs were invited to Washington, D.C., to demonstrate the system for the Combined Military Postal Service. Schultheiss, 56, is the director and founder of SuperLetter.com, a four-person company that specializes in a form of hybrid mail that blends the speed of the Internet with the emotional ties of a traditional letter, producing a message that gets overseas in minutes but can still be tucked in a pocket and read over and over."

April 18, 2003 -- Franfurter Allegemeine Zeitung (Germany) has reported that "responding to angry complaints from the public, Deutsche Post has returned to their old spots some of the thousands of street-side mailboxes it removed last week as a cost-cutting measure. Mailboxes are going back “in individual cases,“ especially in front of hospitals and old-age homes, said a spokesman for the state-owned postal service, which still has a monopoly on most first-class mail."

April 18, 2003 -- Les Echos (France) has reported that "unions at Paris branches of French post office La Poste have called 5,000 postmen out on an unlimited strike from 28 April onwards. Unions are opposed to the plan for a single round in Paris, which will start in the 6th district on 16 June. The FO-Com union believes all the other districts will follow suit, leading to job cuts of between 1,000 and 1,500. The SUD-PTT union says the new system is bad news for both users and postmen."

April 18, 2003 -- According to The Herald (U.K.), in Nigeria, "millions have no clean water; the poor die because they can't afford medicine. State pensions are often not paid. Rubbish is rarely collected, drains are blocked or broken and the postal service is dire."

April 18, 2003 -- The Financial Times has reported that "the prospect of Royal Mail paying a hefty fine for anti-competitive behaviour receded yesterday after the Office of Fair Trading decided not to investigate a "super complaint" brought against the operator by Postwatch, the consumer watchdog, last month. The OFT referred the complaint to Postcomm, the regulator, meaning the issues raised "no longer have the status of a super-complaint", Royal Mail said. Under the Enterprise Act, yet to come into full force, Postcomm is not empowered to deal with the complaint in such a way."

April 18, 2003 -- As the Kingman Daily Miner has noted, "that time is money might by the best argument for someone using e-mail rather than the U.S. Postal Service. I cannot logically dispute that e-mail does reach its destination with the finality of a light glowing with the flip of a switch. But my faith in the postal service remains unshakable, despite occasional reports of entire sacks of mail discarded in trash bins or horror stories of bills mailed to the next ZIP code arriving weeks later. E-mail is a faceless medium, the type on the computer monitor impersonally displayed like ticker-tape information moving across the screen on a cable television news channel. So faceless that cellular phones, though admirably transformed by technology into computer terminals, now come with the option of sending and receiving text messages, their original purpose - talking - apparently forgotten. Snail mail is anything but faceless, even if postal customers have dispassionate looks on theirs, lined up around the counter containing various envelopes and forms, where postal clerks often send them after they've earned their spot at the front of the line."

April 18, 2003 -- The Evening Express has reported that "last-minute talks were taking place last night to avert unofficial strike action by postmen in Aberdeen and the North-east. Postal staff were planning to stage a 24-hour walkout today in a protest over holiday pay. Thousands of homes and businesses across the North-east were expected to be without mail if the dispute, over the loss of a Good Friday bonus scheme, went ahead. Since 1922, Royal Mail employees have received two-and-a-half times their usual pay or time-and-a-half and a day off for Easter Friday - adding up to around Ł100 for the average postal worker. But this year, the company decided to scrap the traditional bonus, as part of a move to bring all local bank holidays into line."

April 18, 2003 -- According to Traffic World, "FedEx Freight income, revenue and yield is up as rivals struggle with tough economic tide."

April 18, 2003 -- The Strathearn Herald (U.K.) has reported that "local families have given tentative backing to a decision to lift charges from parcels posted to troops in Iraq. The new ruling, which applies to packages up to two kilogrammes in weight, takes effect from today (Thursday) following an outcry from the relatives of soldiers currently serving in the Gulf. While they are pleased that families won't have to keep paying airmail, having already dug deep to send out essential basics to the brave former Crieff High pupil - who has been out in Iraq since January - they had been considering putting an end to their own aid policy after spending 'a small fortune' on postage."

April 18, 2003 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has said it would conduct a public hearing, as required by statute, to determine whether DHL Airways is a U.S. citizen under law applying to U.S. air carriers. A DOT administrative law judge will conduct the hearing and issue a recommended decision on whether DHL is a U.S. citizen under the law, a qualification necessary to operate as a U.S. airline. DOT directed the judge to submit the recommended decision to the department by Sept. 2. The department will review the recommended decision before issuing a final decision. In late 2000, DHL Airways reported to the department its plans to undergo a reorganization and substantial change in ownership under which it would split into two separate companies: an air carrier, DHL Airways, and a foreign air freight forwarder, DHL Holdings. Subsequently, Federal Express Corporation, United Parcel Service and Lynden Air Cargo asked the department to review DHL’s citizenship. See also Reuters.

April 17, 2003 -- Reuters has reported that "ten years after the first Web browser opened up the Internet to mainstream society, one out of five Americans say they do not go online and have no plans to do so, according to a study released Wednesday. The report by the nonprofit Pew Internet and American Life Project suggests the 'digital divide' between online and offline Americans may be more persistent than originally suspected, as many people have no interest in browsing the Web or checking e-mail. After making dramatic inroads into American society for much of the 1990s, Internet adoption rates have leveled off at about 60 percent since October 2001. While many Americans are still signing up for Internet access, roughly the same amount are dropping offline, the survey found."

April 17, 2003 -- The Washington Post has reported that "Group 1 Software Inc. of Lanham has said that it will pay up to $10 million in cash for the assets of Sagent Technology Inc., a struggling California software firm. Group 1 is buying Sagent's two primary software products. One is a service for matching street addresses with geographic locations, similar to an existing Group 1 product. Another is software for moving information between databases."

April 17, 2003 -- The Kyodo news service has reported that "Japan Post will increase investment in its computer system for mail delivery in a bid to improve the unprofitable service, Japan Post President Masaharu Ikuta said Wednesday. While Japan Post is cutting back on computer system investments as a whole, "investment in the mail-related system is inadequate," Ikuta said at a regular press conference. Details of spending on the computer system for mail delivery will be included in an action plan Japan Post will work out in May, Ikuta said."

April 17, 2003 -- The Minneapolis Star-Tribune has reported that "the Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) opened forward areas in Iraq to ham-assisted messages just last week. The messages, up to 50 words, are relayed by ham operators through military gateway stations to almost any military address, or APO. The final relay might be a Pvt. Radar O'Reilly-type passing along greetings from home over a crackling field set. If the radio connection doesn't succeed initially, the message may be put into the Military Postal System and delivered like a telegram in a couple of days -- or walked over to a soldier whose unit is nearby." W4GDP "- - ···   ···- -"

April 17, 2003 -- The Pioneer Press has reported that "so many people want to show their patriotism by sending aid to soldiers fighting in Iraq the delivery services can’t keep up with the volume. Americans sending packages have inundated the military’s supply lines, forcing the American Red Cross to bar overseas donations of anything besides money, and the U.S. and Military postal services to enforce stricter mailing rules. Military and relief organizations are asking individuals and groups to hold off on sending care packages to troops unless they are being sent by friends or family members."

April 17, 2003 -- The Periodical Publishers Association (U.K.) has reported that British postal regulator "Postcomm has launched a three-month consultation to find out what users expect from the universal postal service currently provided by Royal Mail. The consultation document recently published by the postal regulator invites users of Royal Mail to comment for the first time on the universal service, to say what matters to them and how they expect the service to develop - for example in response to changes in technology. Until now, there has been no detailed definition of the universal service. UK legislation sets the minimum requirement for a universal postal service as at least one collection and one delivery of mail each working day at an affordable and geographically uniform price. However, as competition in postal services develops, with full market opening in 2007, Postcomm has made it clear that it wants to identify more clearly which services must be included."

April 17, 2003 -- The Taiwan News has reported that "Samuel J. S. Hsu, chairman elect of the Chunghwa Post Company, was officially inaugurated yesterday. One of Hsu's principal aims is to develop a proposal for the privatization of the Chunghwa Post Company within his first year in office.

April 17, 2003 -- Amazon.com has teamed with FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service to deliver the highly-anticipated "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" to excited fans across the country on Saturday, June 21 -- the first day the book is available to the public.

April 17, 2003 -- AftenPosten (Norway) has reported that "Norway's postal service claims it will soon become the first in the world to filter advertising that dumps into mailboxes everyday. Postal officials will be able to tailor ad deliveries to individual patrons, or block ads altogether."

April 17, 2003 -- The Daily Leader has reported that Postal Rate "Commission Chairman George Omas, Vice Chairman Dana B. "Danny" Covington and member Tony Hammond toured the DAILY LEADER's mail room along with officials of the National Newspaper Association, the Mississippi Press Association and several state newspapers. Newspaper concerns included rising postal rates combined with slower delivery of the papers. That situation can lead to frustration and inconvenience for the subscriber, newspaper representatives said."

April 17, 2003 -- Japan Today has reported that Japanese "post office workers have come to realize the importance of smiling under Japan Post, a new government-owned corporation that came into being April 1, and they look determined to offer more customer-friendly services, something that had not been expected of public workers, said many observers."

April 17, 2003 -- La Stampa (Italy) has reported that "Poste Italiane, the Italian post office, has launched a bond issue "Centro Aprile 2003" which can be subscribed to until April 29.

April 17, 2003 -- The Newspaper Target Marketing Coalition, an association representing some of the nation’s largest local mailers, today launched its new web site, NewspaperTMC.org. “This web site should allow the newspaper industry, the mail industry, and our advertisers to more efficiently learn about us,” said Dory Trinka, Direct Marketing Director of The Miami Herald, NTMC’s current President. “It will also give us a way to disseminate breaking news and other information more rapidly to our members and the industry,” she said. At its most recent meeting in San Jose California, the NTMC elected Laura Tarabini of The Sacramento Bee to be its Treasurer, and John Cownover of The Dallas Morning News to be its Secretary. Dory Trinka of The Miami Herald and Scott Pompe of Journal-Sentinel Direct in Milwaukee continue as President and Vice President, respectively. Mark Lester of The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City rounds out the board.

April 16, 2003 -- As Russia Post's international marketing team has noted in Direct magazine, "direct marketing in Russia is only a bit more than a decade old, but it's already become one of the nation's most dynamic marketing and communication alternatives. In fact, the DM business in Russia is virtually doubling with each passing year."

April 16, 2003 -- According to postal commentator Gene Del Polito, business mailers have a reason to celebrate with the enactment of postal civil service retirement reform, but the work of comprehensive postal legislative reform still lies ahead.

April 16, 2003 -- Eyefortransport.com has reported that "DHL Worldwide Express Inc. unit DHL Airways Inc. has named a new executive team following the recent appointment of Chairman and Chief Executive John Dasburg. The air cargo company said former interim Chief Executive and Senior Vice President-Operations Vicki Bretthauer would be chief operating officer. Ray Lutz was named vice president of business development and strategic planning. Former Senior Vice President-Corporate Finance and General Counsel Steve Rossum was named Executive Vice President-General Counsel and Head of Business Transactions, and former Senior Director Financial Planning and Analysis and Controller Phil Wegescheide was named vice president-finance and controller. Vice President-Human Resources and Labour Relations Chuck Thomson is to retire, but will continue in his current role until a successor can be found."

April 16, 2003 -- Pyerotechnics Development has launched an effort to get the Postal Service to release their address management data into the public domain. For more information, check out the Pyerotechnics Development web site.

April 16, 2003 -- The Financial Times has reported that "Former Royal Mail chief John Roberts has been taken on by Deloitte Consulting as an adviser on the postal industry. Roberts, who will help the post industry team to develop business across Europe, says the postal sector faces 'major challenges ahead. With the advent of e-mail and e-commerce, postal companies not only compete with new technologies but must embrace them if they are to succeed', he says."

April 16, 2003 -- According to David Bolger, UPS' director of public affairs, in a letter to the editor of the Wall Street Journal, "UPS's concern with Deutsche Post is not that it is German, but that it is state-owned, and it uses government subsidies to compete unfairly in the private sector."

April 16, 2003 -- The Financial Times (U.K.) has reported that "time is running out for Graham Corbett if he wants to complete his task of turning Royal Mail into a functional part of a competitive mail market. The chairman of Postcomm, the postal regulator, has less than a year before he steps down, and he has shifted into fifth gear. 'The big challenge this year will be access pricing,' Mr Corbett says, referring to the amount competitors who collect mail would have to pay Royal Mail to sort and deliver their post."

April 16, 2003 -- The Borneo Bulletin has reported that "delivery of mails, parcels and small packages by Air Mail and Express Mail to Singapore, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong will take more time than normal from April 14, 2003. The Postal Services Department, while announcing this yesterday in a press release, stated the delay is due to Royal Brunei Airlines' (RBA) rescheduling of some of its flights to these countries due to the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Delivery of mails to European countries (except for Great Britain), Japan, New Zealand, Korea and Canada will also be affected as the mail delivery service has to go through Singapore."

April 16, 2003 -- CEP News (Courier-Express-Postal) has reported that:

• The removal on a short-term basis of around 35,000 post boxes (CEP News 14/03) by Deutsche Post could have important - and unintended - consequences. In an interview with the German daily 'Bild' (15.4) Mr Hartmut Schauerte, spokesman for the German Christian Democratic party on issues relating to small businesses, described the post's action as 'definitely unprincipled' and added: 'We need to think about ending the letter monopoly'. The German liberal party FDP is also pressing for an early abolition of existing exclusive public service rights. The party's expert on postal matters, Mr Rainer Funke, told 'Bild': 'The postal monopoly must be dropped as soon as possible'. Last week Deutsche Post''s CEO Mr Klaus Zumwinkel intervened with an announcement that post boxes, which had possibly been removed prematurely would be put back again in a quick and unbureaucratic move.
• In Denmark, a decline in letter volumes and the reduction of the letter monopoly to 100 grams have caused the government to consider the abolishment of Saturday mail deliveries, according to Danish newspaper reports. Customers who wish to continue to have their mail delivered on a Saturday would have to pay extra for the service.
• Despite a definite increase in the Ground business's consignment volumes, Airborne is facing losses during the first quarter of 2003.
• DHL Airways is to remain an independent company even after the acquisition of Airborne Express by Deutsche Post. In an interview with the trade magazine 'DVZ' (15.4) DHL's communications director Mr Rainer Meier confirmed this news and added that Airborne would take over nearly the entire business in the US and Canada, leading to DHL Airways becoming 'more integrated in the international business of DHL'. The two companies' existing air hubs in Cincinnati and Ohio will remain in operation.

CEP News is without a doubt one of the best newsletters you can find that focuses on the courier, express, and postal market in Europe. For more information on a subscription to CEP News, contact the publisher.

April 16, 2003 -- DM News has reported that "representatives from the U.S. Postal Service and the mailing industry said at the Spring 2003 National Postal Forum here yesterday that more study is needed before a new system for processing and handling flats is implemented. John A. Rapp, USPS senior vice president of operations, discussed two research and development programs for flats that the postal service is considering. One program, the Flats Sequencing System, would raise flat-sorting technology to the same level of sophistication as letter mail by sorting magazines, catalogs and other flats into delivery order. The second, Delivery Point Packaging, would build on the Flat Sequencing System by sorting letters and flats into delivery order simultaneously, then bundling them into individual delivery packages. The Flat Sequencing System could be operational by 2006 with Delivery Point Packager following in 2007. The USPS hopes to decide regarding the systems by the end of fiscal year 2004."

April 16, 2003 -- According to R.R. Donnelley Logistics President John Campanelli in the latest issue of Transport Topics, "these days, the hot topic of conversation in the mailing industry is the urgent need to reform the United States Postal Service. So what is postal reform all about? In essence it all goes back to the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, which is the governing structure that regulates how postal rates are made. It also requires the Postal Service to provide delivery to virtually all addresses in the nation, defined as the Universal Service Obligation. Unfortunately, the structure is outdated and in desperate need of reform."

April 16, 2003 -- According to the Journal of Commerce, "TNT International Express has appointed Peter Reed as vice president of sales and marketing in the United States."

April 16, 2003 -- Borsen-Zeitung (Germany) has reported that "analysts at Landesbank Baden-Wurttemberg have upgraded their recommendation for shares in Deutsche Post World Net, the German postal services and logistics group, from 'hold' to 'buy'. They have commented that the current business year has begun well for the company, and that earnings for individual areas of business were largely higher than expected last year."

April 16, 2003 -- Newstream has reported that "UPS has unveiled a new generation of the wireless, handheld computer used by its drivers, ultimately ensuring customers have the most up-to-the-minute tracking information available at all times. The fourth generation of the Delivery Information Acquisition Device, or DIAD IV, incorporates new radio communication links that allow it to communicate almost anywhere, anytime; dramatically expanded memory, and a color screen that allows alert messages to be color-coded for drivers. The incorporation of three different types of radio communication links in each unit will ensure that package delivery information is available to customers almost instantaneously. The color screen will make life easier for drivers as well as customers signing for deliveries. Urgent customer pick-up messages, for example, can be color-coded to alert the driver. And the 128 megabytes of memory -- 20 times that of the DIAD III -- positions UPS to provide future features, like customer preference notes, to enable drivers to personalize service even more."

April 16, 2003 -- The USPS NEWS LINK for Tuesday, April 15, 2003 has been posted on this site.

April 16, 2003 -- Publishers & ad mailers can enjoy unprecedented savings on Electronic Postage Data Acquisition, CAPS Reconciliation & Reporting with WindowBook's EZ PostageAudit . Mail owners can spend hundreds of hours collecting and entering postage data manually. EZ PostageAudit removes this burden by gathering the postage information electronically from mailers, the USPS CAPS program and, soon, the USPS PostalOne! Program. In addition to cost and time savings, EZ PostageAudit's electronic data acquisition improves the accuracy of your postage information and creates the platform for accurate data reporting.

April 15, 2003 -- A copy of the Senate's report on the Postal Service Civil Service Retirement reform bill has been posted on this site.

April 15, 2003 -- Mailing larger than letter-size pieces? Then the Mailing Industry-Postal Service Flats Summit is a meeting you won't want to miss. Check it out.

April 15, 2003 -- During the opening session of one of the premier gatherings of business mailers, mailing industry leaders and postal managers – the National Postal Forum – Postmaster General John E. Potter told the thousands of attendees in the audience, "Now is the time to revitalize the mailing industry. Now is the time for us to modernize the Postal Service. And now is the time for us to work together to make the most of a long period of postage rates stability."

April 15, 2003 -- Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (Germany) has reported that "DHL Worldwide Express, the express delivery subsidiary of German postal and logistics group Deutsche Post World Net, may suffer a setback in its plan to acquire parts of US express delivery company Airborne. The US Congress has placed restrictions on the transportation of military goods by foreign-controlled logistics and freight companies. No new information is reported to be available regarding the volume of transport currently carried out by Airborne or DHL on behalf of the US defence department. Deutsche Post is said to have expressed disappointment at the decision. However, the US government had opposed the stance of Congress, and, in individual cases, has the power to lift the restriction through a court ruling."

April 15, 2003 -- In the most recent issue of the Journal of Commerce, Deutsche Post CEO Klaus Zumwinkel wrote that "global logistics and distribution face new challenges at the beginning of the 21st century. Although the world‘s economic climate has suffered in recent years, the world is drawing closer together. We continue to eliminate physical and psychological barriers between countries, regions and people."

April 15, 2003 -- The Journal of Commerce has reported that "Europe's largest air-cargo carriers are protesting U.S. funding for increased airline security, saying it has helped carriers slash fares on highly competitive North Atlantic routes. KLM Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, Air France Cargo, British Airways World Cargo and Luxembourg-based Cargolux also say they have been shut out of ongoing discussions in Washington over future security measures for cargo they fly to and from the U.S. The airlines, which account for nearly 85 percent of Europe's air cargo market, will shortly distribute a white paper to governments, freight forwarders and shippers calling for a level playing field between the U.S. and Europe and the rest of the world as far as security and its costs are concerned." The Journal also has noted that "DHL Danzas Air & Ocean has announced that its freight forwarding and customs brokerage operations have been certified as full participants in the U.S. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program."

April 15, 2003 -- At the National Postal Forum here today, Charles Bravo, Senior Vice President of the newly formed Intelligent Mail and Address Quality group, informed an audience of attendees of the achievements regarding Intelligent Mail."

April 15, 2003 -- For many Americans, April 15 marks their annual late night trek to the post office to mail their taxes. To the IRS, it's a projected 30 million tax returns that are expected to enter the mail stream between now and midnight Tuesday. For the Postal Service, this April 15 marks a thirty percent increase in letter mail volume and the beginning of its third decade of operating without taxpayer support for postal operations. "There are three common misconceptions often heard about the Postal Service," explained Vice President and Consumer Advocate Francia Smith. "The check's in the mail; don't worry, my dog won't bite; and, the Postal Service gets taxpayer money."

April 15, 2003 -- PostalAnnex+, the nation's second ranked postal services franchise, today announced that they will continue to provide customers with a choice in shipping. Amid news of competitor MBE undergoing a massive franchise renaming effort, PostalAnnex+ points out that this will mean a reduction in shipping options provided by the newly branded UPS Stores, which will no longer be part of the FedEx Authorized ShipCenter(r) program. PostalAnnex+ sees a huge opportunity to step in and fill the void left by the competition. All of its 270 service centers are both UPS Authorized Shipping Outlets as well as FedEx Authorized ShipCenters. While branding may be important initially, it is convenience and quality service that keeps customers coming back, and the company predicts that many postal customers will opt for a choice of convenient, time-saving shipping options, rather than no choice at all."

April 15, 2003 -- Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc. (Japan) has reported that "Yamato Transport Co. (J.YMT or 9064) plans to almost double the size of its parcel collection network to 5,000 offices over the next five years, a company official said Monday. Japan's largest door-to-door parcel delivery company, Yamato currently has about 2,600 collection offices nationwide. The company recently finished a program to divide each of these offices into two sections dealing with different geographical areas in its collection operations. Yamato now plans to split these sections into two separate offices in a bid to make its delivery service faster and more convenient, the official said. In addition to its own parcel collection offices, it offers pickup services through some convenience stores and other tie-up partners. Yamato is also upgrading its mail delivery service this month to compete with Japan's public postal service, now run by a public corporation established April 1. The company also plans in future to set up 1,600 service offices to exclusively handle mail, the official said."

April 15, 2003 -- According to DM News, "the U.S. Postal Service will start reclaiming postage discounts from First-Class mailers who do not comply with its Move Update rules in May, Angelo Wider, USPS manager of finance, said at the Spring National Postal Forum here. The reclaimed discounts will be only for the portion of mailings not in compliance. The decision follows tests last year that revealed some mailers did not use Move Update properly. Under Move Update, which is designed to reduce undeliverable-as-addressed mail, mailers using automation or presort rates are required to update addresses every 180 days using the Address Change Service, National Change of Address, FastForward or other USPS-approved method."

April 15, 2003 -- The U.S. Postal Service has recognized 13 Postal Customer Councils(R) -- in six award categories -- for their achievements and innovations in communications, leadership, membership recruitment and program offerings in 2002. The awards were presented at the National Postal Forum held April 13-15 in New Orleans.

April 15, 2003 -- The Business Standard (India) has reported that "the Indian government will introduce a bill on regulating courier service firms during the forthcoming Parliament session, minister of state for communications and IT, Su Thirunavukkarasar, said here on Saturday. 'At present, the government does not have any control on courier service companies. It even doesn't know how many firms are working and how much and on what basis are they are charging. First, the government wants to regulate these firms. And at the same time, it is looking for some revenue from these firms,' he said. The government is also planning various steps to upgrade the public postal services. Clarifying that the department of posts would not be privatized, the minister said, 'For upgradation of postal buildings and their computerisation, the government is planning to spend Rs 1,500 crore during the tenth plan period.'"

April 15, 2003 -- The Journal of Commerce has reported that "an administrative law judge will resolve the dispute over the ownership of DHL Airways as part of an amendment to the $79 billion Wartime Supplemental Appropriations bill approved by the House and Senate on Saturday. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, also prohibits DHL Airways from carrying Defense Department cargo for the next six months. The measure is a victory for FedEx Corp. and United Parcel Service, which have argued that DHL Airways is effectively controlled by Deutsche Post World Net, the German mail and express giant. DHL and Deutsche Post have denied the charges, saying DHL Airways is owned and controlled by William Robinson, an American citizen. DHL had no comment on the amendment." See also The Deal.

April 15, 2003 -- Japan Today has reported that "nearly 16,000 college students have applied for 50 career-track positions at Japan Post, officials at the public postal corporation."

April 14, 2003 -- StockWatch has reported that "Stamps.com has received a Special Achievement Award from the U.S. Postal Service for the company's innovative development of NetStamps(TM) and for the application of NetStamps to the company's growing marketing efforts. The company award was presented to Craig Ogg, Vice President of Research & Development, in recognition of his role in developing NetStamps, and to Kyle Huebner, Vice President of Marketing and Strategy, in recognition of his role in utilizing NetStamps innovatively in the company's marketing initiatives. The award was presented today at the National Postal Forum in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the company is also exhibiting and demonstrating its online postage service, including NetStamps and its recently-launched Shipping Labels."

April 14, 2003 -- The Indiana Gazette has reported that "warm weather's the time when more temporary visitors to the area sign up to have their mail sent to them in care of General Delivery at the local post office windows, postal officials say. General Delivery service was used more commonly long ago, but it hasn't vanished from the mailscape. The folks who use the service could best be described as stuck in the middle. They're staying in town too long to let their mail pile up back home but not long enough to shell out for a post office box. The postmasters describe the people who use General Delivery service as transient. Long ago, that might have meant drifters or hobos. But not so much anymore. Like a cell phone or a laptop computer for accessing e-mail from the road, it's a tool for a mobile society."

April 14, 2003 -- A copy of Postmaster General Jack Potter's keynote address before the National Postal Forum in New Orleans has been posted on this iste.

April 14, 2003 -- "I am honored to be here today and honored to accept this award. But just like so many Americans who serve our government and our military, I was only doing the job that President Bush asked me to do - and mine was neither hard nor dangerous." Those were the words of Treasury Under Secretary Peter R. Fisher upon receiving the "Partnership for Progress" award from the U.S. Postal Service at the National Postal Forum in New Orleans.

April 14, 2003 -- Firstlogic, Inc., a mail automation and information quality software and services organization, has announced the immediate availability of FirstPrep 7.00, the latest version of the firm's powerful utilities solution set. A key component of the Firstlogic Postalsoft(R) suite, FirstPrep enables users to create supporting files, and sort and define data in preparation for processing in Firstlogic applications. Providing a single user interface, FirstPrep is a comprehensive Windows solution with functionality to map and setup files according to user-specified criteria."

April 14, 2003 -- iWon has reported that "Canada Post and Gemplus (GEMP), the world's leading provider of smart card solutions, today announced the successful launch of their e-business trust services solutions featuring Canada Post's Electronic PostMark(TM) (EPM(TM)). The EPM(TM), which was officially introduced in June of last year, provides government and enterprise clients with advanced non-repudiation services, which include date and time stamping of electronic messages, digital signature, content security, and third party archiving and retrieval services for evidentiary usage."

April 14, 2003 -- According to the Laurinburg Exchange, "with more and more people filing their taxes online, post office officials say the usual frenzy of activity before April 15 has decreased significantly."

April 14, 2003 -- As the Orlando Sentinel has noted, "mail binds those separated by war."

April 13, 2003 -- The Korea Times has reported that "Korea Post, a semi-state postal service operator, has named Koo Yung-bo, 52, as president, succeeding Lee Kyo-yong. In a statement, Koo said he would take a bold step to improve the postal service’s competitiveness, seeking the real value of the postal service. The postal service operator, which has been in transition for partial privatization since 2000 as part of the government’s reform measures, is expected to draw up a mid-term business proposal in a month based on the instruction offered by Information and Communication Minister Chin Dae-je."

April 13, 2003 -- The National Association of Major Mail Users (Canada) has reported that:

• Canada Post is extending the deadline to use existing stock with Addressed Admail indicia and non-standard markings from April 1,2003 to December 31, 2003. Effective January 1, 2004, mail items bearing the words "Bulk/Nombre" in the Addressed Admail indicia or meter impression will be charged at the residue price. A decision on BRM indicia extension is expected by mid-week. Mailers should contact their sales representative about unused stock if they have not already done so.
• The International Digital Enterprise Alliance 2003 Addressing/Distribution Spring Conference in Florida hosted the launch of NAMMU’s Canadian mailing industry growth initiative: DESTINATION CANADA. U.S. mailers engaged in an interactive presentation on the Canadian marketplace and economic outlook, key issues such as privacy issues and trends, and a discussion of enablers to encourage more mail volume to Canada, as well as to Canadian service providers. President Kathleen Rowe expressed "great satisfaction" with the launch, acknowledging there are several requests from private companies for corporate presentations. DESTINATION CANADA is designed to demystify the Canadian marketplace, and high profile business opportunities and Canadian mailing industry enablers for those currently doing little or no business through postal channels in Canada.
• Despite the weather, a good industry turnout on April 1st was thoroughly engaged in the first NAMMU Data Management Forum. Hans Wobbe, (President, Datafix) NAMMU Director Data Management and Privacy, put together with Lianne Pepper, Director Address Management, a non-stop, thought provoking “buffet” of data management and privacy issues. This first session was designed to seek feedback and create the foundation for subsequent Council meetings. A series of focused sessions on time sensitive projects such as the Address Improvement Program will be coming in May. The next Data Management Council meeting will be in June. For more information, contact hwobbe@datafix.com.

April 13, 2003 -- The latest issue of PostInsight has been posted on the PostInsight web site.

April 13, 2003 -- Reuters has reported that "Congress approved a compromise measure on Saturday as part of an Iraq war spending bill to cut foreign-controlled airlines out of a key U.S. military contract, but gave the Bush administration flexibility to waive the restriction under certain conditions. The provision was narrowed by House-Senate negotiators to ease the potential impact on Germany's DHL Worldwide Express and its U.S. unit, after the White House expressed concern that tighter limits could affect Pentagon airlift operations in the Middle East. But lawmakers also required that the United States take a closer look at the ownership structure of Chicago-based DHL Airways, which was bought by DHL Worldwide three years ago. DHL Worldwide is owned by the German postal monopoly Deutsche-Post. Closer review of this deal, some have said, could influence policy on foreign ownership of U.S. airlines and possibly disrupt plans by DHL Worldwide to buy the ground operations of Seattle-based Airborne Inc. (for $1 billion and create a spin-off cargo airline." See also the Was hington Post and The Deal.

April 13, 2003 -- The Salt Lake Tribune has reported that "Provo-based Alpine Air Express, like any transportation concern, found itself vulnerable as the war in Iraq and unrest in the Middle East threatened to drive fuel costs up. But as the war winds down, leaders at Alpine Air -- a regional cargo carrier reporting annual sales of $20 million -- are feeling cautiously optimistic. The air-cargo company is poised to reap benefits from the uncertainty that ravaged its sibling -- the passenger air industry. The company factors fuel fluctuations into most of its contracts, including its biggest customer, the U.S. Postal Service, Dancy said. Fortunately, fuel costs have not, up to now, skyrocketed."

April 13, 2003 -- The Journal of Commerce has reported that "DHL Worldwide Express, a unit of Deutsche Post World Net, plans to invest millions in India for new infrastructure, customer service centers, and warehouses."

April 13, 2003 -- According to Traffic World, "shippers who are looking for the ultimate in cash management have turned to self-invoicing. All the information needed to create an invoice, send it to the carrier and pay according to terms is stored in their logistics software. This saves the carrier time and money because it doesn't have to deal with preparing the invoices and the bills get paid faster."

April 12, 2003 -- The Washin gton Post has reported that "House and Senate negotiators reached broad agreement last night on a nearly $80 billion spending bill that would defray the initial costs of the war in Iraq and provide more than $3 billion of aid to troubled U.S. airlines. But disagreements over a number of unrelated provisions affecting home-state projects and special interests stalled final action and held out the prospect of an unusual session today so the legislation can be completed before Congress heads off on a two-week spring recess."

April 12, 2003 -- On July 16, 2003, industry will hold a Flats Summit meeting in Washington, DC, to begin a closer dialog with the U. S. Postal Service concerning its future flats strategies (including delivery point sequencing of flats and delivery point packaging of letters and flats) and the impact of those strategies on the mailing industry. If flat-size mail is important to your business, don’t miss this key event! For more information, e-mail flatsconference@postcom.org or call 703-524-0096

April 12, 2003 -- The latest white paper from the Institute for Research on the Economics of Taxation entitled "Postal Reform Bills That Would Not Deliver" has been posted on this site.

April 12, 2003 -- Newsday has reported that "Army scientists have reproduced the anthrax powder used in the 2001 mail attacks and concluded that it was made using simple methods, inexpensive equipment and limited expertise, according to government sources familiar with the work. The findings reinforce the theory that has guided the FBI's 18-month-old investigation - that the mailed anthrax was probably produced by renegade scientists and not a military program such as Iraq's."

April 12, 2003 -- The Cyprus Mail has reported that "former Cyprus Communications Minister Averoff Neophytou said yesterday the island's postal service was still lagging behind European standards, and warned that unless the service was released from government control the situation would worsen."

April 12, 2003 -- According to the online magazine Slate said that "The House of Representatives this week approved legislation that allows the struggling U.S. Postal Service to pay less into a pension for its employees hired before 1984. In return, the Postal Service said it won't have to raise postage rates until 2006. Sounds like a good bargain, right? But the deal, which has been approved by the Senate and is supported by the White House, is primarily a boon to junk mailers and magazine companies. And it is bad news for the taxpayer. For while it appears to relieve the Postal Service of certain burdens, it adds to the burgeoning federal deficit. And the bargain ignores a larger problem with the Postal Service's retirement planning that will require either vast rate increases or a taxpayer bailout in years to come." PostCom to Slate: Aaahh, go to Hades!

April 12, 2003 -- InfoWorld wants you to "imagine a world with no Postal Service nor Federal Express. Whenever you wanted to send a document to someone, you’d have to find out how they accepted documents, find a trustworthy carrier to transport the document, and then negotiate delivery mechanisms, notification requirements, and security measures. This is the current situation of Web services. Web services networks such as the one provided by Grand Central Communications provide a solution to this problem. In much the same way that the Postal Service and Federal Express provide a trustworthy, auditable, and convenient way to deliver paper messages to other parties around the world, Web services networks can provide a trustworthy means of exchanging Web services messages. Grand Central’s network provides reliability, security, logging, and interoperability as part of every transaction."

April 12, 2003 -- World Trade has reported that "at a specially arranged customer forum, held on the eve of the World Mail & Express Asia conference and exhibition in Singapore recently, a number of major mail users highlighted poor service quality, particularly in terms of cross border mailings, as a significant factor affecting their businesses. The seminar brought together a group of major mail customers, including Readers Digest, The Economist, Health & Science Inc., McGraw Hill, MLA International Mailing, UNICEF and World Scientific, and represented a total annual spend on mail of some $66 million."

April 12, 2003 -- As cable, telephone and wireless companies compete to provide high-speed Internet access to homes," the New York Times has reported that "a new challenger is emerging based on a decidedly old technology. The idea is to send Internet data over ordinary electric power lines. Proponents argue that it can be a competitive alternative to digital cable, telephone digital subscriber line and wireless efforts to connect the "last mile" between homes and Internet service providers."

April 12, 2003 -- Reuters has reported that "two U.S. senators introduced a bill on Thursday seeking to cut down on 'spam,' the unwanted junk e-mail that by some estimates accounts for 40 percent of e-mail traffic worldwide. The bill, sponsored by Montana Republican Sen. Conrad Burns and Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, takes aim at a popular spam tactic by requiring Internet marketers to provide legitimate return addresses on their messages. Spammers often hide behind false return addresses to avoid the ire of their targets and to slip through filtering software. Marketers would also be required to honor requests to be taken off customer lists."

April 11, 2003 -- As the Washington Post has noted, "a bill that would fund the U.S. war in Iraq remained stalled late yesterday amid policy disagreements and a fierce lobbying battle over an unrelated issue that has involved Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) and a cast of former members of Congress. House GOP members continued to reject that Senate-backed provision, along with other Senate projects and special-interest provisions that House leaders say are not related to the wartime purposes of the bill. Among the items rejected by the House is a one-sentence provision that Stevens inserted into the bill in the final moments of debate on the floor last week. It would have the effect of prohibiting a German-owned overnight delivery service, DHL Worldwide, from handling Pentagon cargoes. High-profile lobbyists have been brought in by both sides, with former representative Bill Paxon (R-N.Y.) among those seeking to delete or weaken the Senate provision. On the other side are former senator Slade Gorton (R-Wash.), former representative Beryl Anthony (R-Ark.) and aides to former vice president Al Gore and House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.). The White House opposes the provision, and yesterday Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta reiterated that position in a letter to Young and Stevens. In a conversation with Young this week, Jeb Bush expressed concern that the Senate provision could harm plans by an American unit of Deutsche Post that is now based in California to move its 400 jobs to Plantation, Fla." For more, check out the reports by the Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones.

April 11, 2003 -- The Asahi Shimbun has reported that "Japan Post is no longer hiring career-track officials based on what universities they graduated from, sources said. The move to drop alma maters from the interview process essentially draws the curtains on a long-standing tradition of giving higher priority to graduates of elite colleges such as the University of Tokyo. Japan Post, the new public corporation that took over from the Postal Services Agency earlier this month, began recruiting for next spring's career-track positions on April 1. The deadline for applications is today. Students are still required to write down the name of their universities on their application forms, but will not be asked again if they are shortlisted to the interview stage, the sources said. The names of the universities will not be included on the forms given to the interviewers, thereby effectively eliminating any ivy league prejudices."

April 11, 2003 -- The Associated Press has reported that "bibles and other religious materials can be sent by family members to servicemen and women serving in the Middle East, a top postal official stressed Thursday. Postal Vice President Azeezaly Jaffer's comments came after a report that a North Carolina man was told by a postal clerk that he could not send a book of Bible verses to his son, serving in Kuwait, because of regulations against sending non-Islamic materials to Middle Eastern countries. 'The regulation is intended for mass mailings, but there is nothing precluding a family member from sending a Bible or Torah or Quran or whatever the case may be to a soldier that is stationed there,' Jaffer said. Materials mailed to service members overseas are handled by the Military Postal Service Agency, which delivers them to soldiers in the field."

April 11, 2003 -- Pravda has reported that "the Russian Telecommunications Ministry has worked out a concept for the development of the Russian postal market through 2010, Senior Deputy Telecommunications Minister Alexander Kiselyov announced at a meeting of the Federation Council's commission for information policies today. The Deputy Minister noted that the government would consider this concept on June 11, 2003. He noted that the concept was targeted at providing Russian citizens with universal postal services and at making postal agencies attractive for investors."

April 11, 2003 -- Le Figaro (France) "Sud PTT, the French postal workers' union, is worried about the future of eight sorting offices in western France."

April 11, 2003 -- Die Welt (Germany) has reported that "Manfred Harnischfeger has been appointed as director for communication by Deutsche Post, Germany's postal service operator. Mr Harnischfeger worked for Bertelsmann, Europe's largest media group, for 30 years and acted as the company's official spokesman for a long time."

April 11, 2003 -- Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has told congressional leaders that including any language in the war funding bill that would fundamentally change rules governing who can serve as a military support transport or the rules of citizenship governing airline ownership should be eliminated.

April 11, 2003 -- Number 10 Downing Street has announced that "the free postal service to Armed Forces personnel serving in the Gulf will start next Thursday, 17 April. Friends and families will be able to send letters and packets of up to 2kg in weight free of charge to British Forces Post Office (BFPO) addresses in the Gulf."

April 11, 2003 -- The U.S. Postal Service soon will publish a proposed rule that would "amend the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) to clarify when it is permissible to use Delivery Confirmation service and Signature Confirmation service, particularly the limitation of these services to parcel-shaped mail for First-Class Mail and Package Services mail."

April 11, 2003 -- "A press release arrives: "Merrill Lynch chairman joins Royal Mail Board." Quite a coup, eh?" The Guardian asked. "The top banana at the thundering herd to help out our posties. Well, not quite. The man in question is Bob Wigley, chairman of Merrill's European investment banking business, and he is joining the Royal Mail as a non-executive director at the invitation of chairman Allan Leighton."

April 11, 2003 -- iWon.com has reported that "Group 1 Software has announced significant enhancements to its MailStream Plus software solution. These enhancements will enable users to take advantage of USPS programs that simplify and accelerate mail presentation and acceptance. Additionally, MailStream Plus has been Presort Accuracy Validation and Evaluation (PAVE)-certified by the USPS for new presort regulations that go into effect April 30. MailStream Plus is a comprehensive solution for mail preparation that presorts mail for the highest attainable postal discounts from the USPS."

April 11, 2003 -- Inside Scotland has reported that "the disappearance of the traditional pick up time plates on post boxes is down to a deterioration in the service, fed up MP Brian Donohoe claimed. He accused the PO of failing to keep to pick up time with the result that mail was taking days to get to its destination."

April 10, 2003 -- The Washington Post has reported that "a major wartime spending bill providing $62 billion for Pentagon operations in Iraq was stalled yesterday by a series of disagreements between House and Senate Republicans over unrelated issues. Negotiators were also seeking to resolve what has become an increasingly heated dispute over a one-sentence provision that Stevens quietly inserted into the Senate bill in the final moments of debate last week. It would have the effect of prohibiting a German-owned overnight delivery service from handling U.S. military cargo. The provision, which is supported by U.S. carriers United Parcel Service Inc., and FedEx Corp., has picked up support in both houses as a signal of U.S. displeasure over Germany's staunch opposition to the war in Iraq. Deutsche Post, the German postal monopoly whose U.S. unit would be affected, 'doesn't pay taxes in the U.S.,' Stevens said. 'If American companies are available, [the Pentagon] ought to use them.' But other members are wary of taking a step that some industry sources said could complicate a merger between Deutsche Post's DHL Worldwide Express and Seattle-based Airborne Express, another overnight cargo handler. That merger is under review by the administration, and yesterday Rep. Ernest J. Istook Jr. (R-Okla.) said he opposed the provision, reasoning, 'I don't think we should be doing something to change the ground rules in the middle.' Istook is chairman of the transportation subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee."

April 10, 2003 -- The Wall Street Journal has said that "the U.S. and Old Europe haven't exactly been seeing oeil-to-eye of late. But American politicians looking for payback ought to be careful lest they aim at the French and hit Americans instead. Consider the Senate amendment tucked into last week's war funding bill that would tighten U.S.-ownership rules for air-cargo carriers and disrupt Deutsche Post's bid to acquire a portion of Seattle-based Airborne. The sneaky provision is courtesy of delivery rivals UPS and FedEx, which are only too happy to block more formidable competition. We like a French joke as much as the next guy. But in today's global economy a boycott against a "French" or "German" company can easily be a blow against American workers. Our politicians are figuring this out, albeit slowly."

April 10, 2003 -- According to Dow Jones, "House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, has said he wants all extraneous provisions dropped from a war spending bill, including one that could interfere with the merger of Airborne Inc. (ABF) and DHL Worldwide Express. 'Our bill is clean, their bill should be clean and the conference committee should be clean,' DeLay said."

April 10, 2003 -- MediaDailyNews has reported that "after securing a Congressional vote that is expected to keep postage rates stable through 2006, the coming war over postal reform remains to be fought. The scene now shifts to a commission on postal reform headed by former Fannie Mae chairman Jim Johnson which is due to report July 31, and efforts to put its recommendations into law. The MPA [Magazine Publishers Association] told the commission in February it favors new labor arbitration procedures, cost-based rates and work-sharing with private companies who might perform some postal functions for less, said Jim O'Brien, director of distribution and postal affairs for Time Inc. But the industry needs to press its case now before Congressmen and Senators who will have to turn any recommendations into a Postal Reform law before they become effective, O'Brien said."

April 10, 2003 -- The Japan Times has reported that "Japan Post aims to slash procurement costs in its mail delivery operations by 10 percent this fiscal year, according to Masaharu Ikuta, president of the new government-affiliated corporation that took over the Postal Services Agency on April 1. The proposed cost reduction is required to turn around the mail delivery division, which is losing money hand over fist, according to Ikuta, former chairman of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., a leading shipping line."

April 10, 2003 -- The Asahi Shimbun has reported that "Japan Post plans to discontinue about 2,800 unprofitable stamp and postcard vending machines from this summer in an effort to save 1 billion yen annually, sources said. The move-affecting about 80 percent of the machines-was prompted by the burgeoning number of outlets that sell stamps and postcards, such as convenience stores, rendering most of Japan Post's machines unprofitable. As of April 2002, there were about 3,300 stamp and postcard vending machines nationwide, most of which are located outside post offices. Only about 500 of the machines are used for the minimum 50 daily transactions required to break even."

April 10, 2003 -- Logistics Management has reported that "DHL has put UPS and FedEx on notice that it is now a serious competitor in their home market. Analysts say the impact of the merger will be more a growing rumble than a sudden explosion."

April 10, 2003 -- The Associated Press has reported that "the post office is launching a national test of a system to detect any new anthrax attack, 18 months after anthrax-by-mail terrorism killed five. The search for whoever sent the deadly spores, meanwhile, is going slowly. The new biological detection system has been tested for several months in Baltimore and will now go to 14 other cities for evaluation, said Tom Day, postal vice president for engineering." As the Washington Times has noted, a successful test could bring the irradiating of Washington-destined mail to an end.

April 10, 2003 -- Eyefortransport.com has reported that "DHL Worldwide Express is exploring the possibility of setting up shop at Senai Airport in the southern Malaysian state of Johor."

April 10, 2003 -- New Straits Times (Malaysia) has reported that "in recent weeks Pos Malaysia has come under criticism for delivery delays, inefficiency and discourteous counter service. Delays in postal deliveries are not new. There are many stories from all over the world of letters being delivered late, very, very late or where the addressee died a long time ago, although very much alive when it was first posted. But such stories are rare and become world news. A recent study by the New Sunday Times showed that delays in local postal delivery have generally deteriorated since privatisation 11 years ago."

April 10, 2003 -- Docent(R), Inc., a provider of integrated software solutions proven to directly drive business performance through learning, today announced that Poste Italiane SpA, one of the world's largest post offices, is to rollout the Docent Enterprise(TM) Learning Management Server (LMS) to 150,000 employees."

April 10, 2003 -- Business Eastern Europe has reported that "the Croatian cabinet is preparing new legislation on the postal services in order to protect the state postal monopoly Hrvatske Poste (HP). According to local media reports HP is complaining that private companies are distributing normal mail, in breach of existing rules that limit private companies to the distribution of advertising material. EU regulations allow state postal services to maintain their monopolies until 2009."

April 10, 2003 -- Postcode Anywhere - WSDL v1.1 provides access to The Royal Mail postal address data base & other postcode and geographic related datasets.

April 10, 2003 -- According to the Sierra Times, "postal officials' refusal to ship Christian literature to an Army National Guardsman stationed in the Middle East is drawing legal attention from a Virginia civil liberties organization."

April 9, 2003 -- As the Washington Post has noted, "the House has passed S.380. The issue will soon be sitting on the President's desk. Once signed, domestic postal rates for all classes and categories of mailers will be held steady until 2006. Now here's the way to pass legislation...tak e a look at the roll call vote.

House postal task force leader John McHugh (R-NY) said that "We now have before us an agreement that sets up a brighter future for the Postal Service," said Rep. McHugh, chairman of the House Government Reform Committee’s Special Panel on Postal Reform and Oversight. "I am thrilled so many members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, realized the importance of this legislation and put it on the fast track to success. "You don’t have to be an economist to realize that an unnecessary rate increase would have major consequences, especially in our current economic environment, and with an industry already in peril," Rep. McHugh said. "The mailing industry has sales of $900 billion and employs nine million Americans, and mail advertising alone generates $775 billion. For non-profits who depend on mail services, this bill is the difference between sink or swim." Rep. McHugh says the bill’s success will benefit every postal customer because it will keep the Postal Service from imposing another postage rate hike for at least another three years. See also the Washington Times.

April 9, 2003 -- Leaders of the nation's $900 billion mailing industry have applauded Congressional passage of legislation to correct the existing statutory formula for funding the U.S. Postal Service's pension liability. Passage and enactment of this legislation will delay any new postage rate increases until at least 2006. Others (MPA; R.R. Donnelley joined in as well.

April 9, 2003 -- Reuters has reported that "the White House opposed a bid in Congress on Tuesday to tighten enforcement of rules limiting foreign ownership of U.S. airlines that if approved could disrupt plans by Germany's Deutsche Post to acquire ground delivery operations at Seattle-based Airborne Inc. White House Budget Director Mitch Daniels, in a letter to lawmakers considering the change as part of their negotiations on a nearly $80 billion war-time spending bill, said the plan would adversely impact the Pentagon's immediate need for flexibility in contracting air cargo services."

April 9, 2003 -- Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (Germany) has reported that "Deutsche Post (DP), the German postal service operator, has announced the closure of thousands of post-boxes, in a move which affects 9,000 of 14,000 local communities."

April 9, 2003 -- Dow Jones has reported that "Singapore Post Ltd. is waiting for the industry regulator, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, to approve its application to raise postal rates. It made the comments in a statement to the Singapore Exchange."

April 9, 2003 -- The U.S. Postal Service has announced an enhancement to its CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System) software, used by mailers to verify their mailing lists, which will allow shippers to identify whether addresses are classified as business or residential. The software enhancement is called the Residential Delivery Indicator (RDI).

April 9, 2003 -- The Wash ington Post has reported that "as Congress puts the finishing touches on legislation to pay for the war in Iraq, members have been busy attaching special-interest riders with no connection to the war or the fight against terrorism. Late last Thursday night, for example, the Senate approved a provision that sources said would effectively prevent a German company from competing with FedEx Corp. and United Parcel Service Inc. for lucrative U.S. military cargo business, at least through September. The one-sentence provision, which did not mention any of the affected companies by name, was passed without debate as part of a thick package of last-minute amendments offered by Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. It simply stated that none of the funds in the nearly $80 billion bill could be used to pay an air carrier "not effectively controlled by citizens of the United States."

April 9, 2003 -- The Associated Press has reported that "the trial of a class-action lawsuit accusing United Parcel Service Inc. of discriminating against hearing-impaired employees opened Tuesday. The case covers more than 900 current and former UPS employees nationwide who say they were skipped for promotions or were given inadequate training and safety instructions because they were hearing impaired. Plaintiffs are also targeting UPS' policy of denying hearing-impaired workers jobs operating delivery trucks weighing under 10,000 pounds. The U.S. Postal Service and FedEx Corp. allow some deaf drivers to operate delivery vehicles under 10,000 pounds."

April 9, 2003 -- The Wall Street Journal has reported that:

• The U.S. Postal Service reached an agreement with its largest letter-carrier union to study new ways to review and eliminate mail-delivery routes amid a slump in most kinds of mail. The deal is aimed at reducing complaints from carriers who have accused their bosses of going too far during inspections to justify the elimination of routes. In the past year, the Postal Service has eliminated more than 1,250 mail-delivery routes in cities across the country, assigning stops along those routes to other carriers.
• Italy's state-owned postal service Poste Italiane SpA said Tuesday it achieved its first profit in fifty years in 2002 and reiterated plans to list on the stock market in the second half of 2004. See also the Financial Times
• The U.S. Postal Service said it will test a Biohazard Detection System to detect anthrax in 14 postal facilities across the country.
• Singapore Post Ltd. is seeking to raise postal rates for the first time in eight years, a move which if successful could help lift revenue.

April 9, 2003 -- The Journal of Commerce has reported that "United Parcel Service on Tuesday named Stephen Flowers, a veteran UPS manager with wide international experience, as new president of the UPS Americas Region, which includes more than 50 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean."

April 9, 2003 -- The Glasgow Herald (U.K.) has reported that "the regulator for the UK's postal service yesterday accused the head of the Royal Mail of "holding customers hostage" following a warning that the Highlands' postal service may be scrapped. Martin Stanley, chief executive of Postcomm, said that comments made last week by Allan Leighton, chairman of the Royal Mail, threatening to increase the isolation of remote communities, were "inexcusable". In an open letter, Mr Stanley said that any failure to deliver a full postal service to the Highlands area would be met with "vigorous enforcement action by Postcomm".

April 9, 2003 -- Les Echos (France) has reported that:

• The French post office (La Poste) has revealed that it has set up a venture-capital subsidiary. The new entity, which is known as XAnge Capital, will begin operating with a capital stock of around 50m euros. Its chairman, Herve Schricke, explained that it will invest in companies operating in areas related to those of La Poste, namely express parcel services, mail and financial services.
• The French post office (La Poste) is planning to launch its employee-savings programme at the end of the month. It hopes to have attracted deposits to the value of 130m euros by the end of 2003, rising to 2.6bn euros in the longer term. According to the French financial press, the La Poste venture will need a partner and financial advisers if it is to succeed.

April 9, 2003 -- WNCT.com has reported that "the U.S. postmaster general faces a lawsuit for allegedly violating the rights of a Lenoir serviceman and his family. Lawyers for the Rutherford Institute, a nonprofit civil liberties organization, plan to file the complaint Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington. Jack Moody Jr. said Monday he wanted to send his son, Pfc. Daniel Moody, Scriptures and religious comic books, but was rebuffed by the postal supervisor in Lenoir because it was against regulations pertaining to overseas military mail."

April 9, 2003 -- Expatica.com has reported that "Germany's postal service is gradually eliminating the deliverymen at its parcels service, announcing Tuesday it would set up 500 new automated locker rooms for do-it-yourself customers. Declaring a pilot project that began in January 2002 with 90 locker-rooms a success after 55,000 customers used the service, Deutsche Post said it would expand it from the Frankfurt and Dortmund areas to four other main urban areas. When a parcel has to be picked up, customers receive an SMS text on their mobile phone. They then drive over to the 'parcel station', insert a plastic card in a machine and enter a secret number. A box in the wall opens automatically. The parcel is inside."

April 9, 2003 -- DM News has reported that "The U.S. Postal Service is discontinuing its Global Direct-Mexico service, a postal spokesman said yesterday. The service provides mailers sending letter mail, publications and direct mail items with direct entry into Mexico. Though it has been available since November 1993, few customers have used it. No customers use the service currently, the spokesman said. A Federal Register notice announcing the discontinuation of the service is expected this month."

April 9, 2003 -- According to the Motley Fool, "Deutsche Post-owned DHL Worldwide Express wants to buy Seattle-based Airborne's ground operations in a deal worth $1.05 billion. Airborne's 116 planes and air business would then be spun off to meet ownership requirements. Current regulations hold that foreign interests can't own more than 25% of U.S.-based airlines. So, by creating a separate company owned by Airborne's shareholders and not DHL, the German firm could circumvent this rule. FedEx and UPS have complained for years that the Chicago-based DHL Airways is heavily reliant on its German parent for support and resources, although technically it's an American company. The two shippers are finding more traction now for their past and present arguments, given the current pro-U.S./anti-German/anti-French feelings filling Congress' halls. It's not lost on anyone that the German government owns 70% of Deutsche Post. Lobbying is a fact of life and business in Washington, but that doesn't make UPS's and FedEx's actions right. Keying off anti-German sentiment to preserve market share and impede competition is political influence at its worst."

April 8, 2003 -- As the Wall Street Journal has noted, "the U.S. Postal Service is on the verge of putting off the next increase in postage rates until 2006 as a result of legislation that would change how it contributes to a worker retirement fund. The House is expected Tuesday to approve a proposal that would let the agency shrink the payments it makes to a pension fund for employees hired before 1984, freeing up extra funds to reduce the Postal Service's debt and hold rates steady. The Senate passed an identical bill last week, which is supported by the Bush administration."

April 8, 2003 -- As the editor of DM News has noted, "the postal service is in dire need of reform. Let no one think that this reprieve [the passage of S.380] should change anything on the agenda for the President’s Commission on the Postal Service. The USPS needs a new business model, and this provides the opportunity to present a meaningful plan to Congress. What this does, though, is offer time -- time to get the work done without the worry of another rate hike nagging in the distance. Time for the Postal Rate Commission to approve negotiated service agreements with mailers. Time to explore phased rates more thoroughly. Time to get meaningful reform through."

April 8, 2003 -- The Journal of Commerce has reported that "industry analysts say DHL Worldwide's proposed acquisition of Airborne Inc. will receive intense scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Transportation."

April 8, 2003 -- Traffic World has reported that "Freight Glove, like shrink wrap, encapsulates cargo but is impenetrable, waterproof and can be locked.

April 8, 2003 -- The Canberra Times (Australia) has asked, "Why do governments operate commercial enterprises (ie, provide goods or services on a 'user pays' basis), as well as undertaking their 'core' responsibilities (policing, defence, education, health, social welfare, etc), paid for by the community generally through taxation? And a second question is: What are the costs, benefits and risks in government operating business enterprises? Although the fundamental role of government is 'to govern', over the years governments have also got themselves involved in business activities, for a variety of reasons. There is a downside for government providing commercial services."

April 8, 2003 -- R.R. Donnelley Logistics President (and PostCom director) John Campanelli told the President's Commission on the Postal Service that "It is evident that the real strength of the postal service, where they have developed significant economies, brand equity and public favor, is in the first and last miles of delivery – bringing hard copy communication and merchandise to and from the home, and small business. This is the competitive strength of the USPS, and any good business leverages their strengths and does not make them easy to replicate. There is a reason why no other service goes to over 100 million addresses 6 days a week. It is hard to do. Maintaining and extending this unique asset is paramount to the Postal Service and mailing industry’s success in the future. Daily delivery to and from the home and small business – that’s the USPS’ strength. Much of everything else the Postal Service does can be done more effectively by the private sector."

April 8, 2003 -- The Associated Press has reported that "Airborne Inc. lashed out Monday at rival package carriers United Parcel Service and FedEx Corp. over a proposal being considered by the U.S. Senate to toughen ownership rules for air carriers. Seattle-based Airborne contends the amendment, added to a Senate appropriations bill last week, is aimed at derailing DHL express mail company's planned $1.05 billion buyout of Airborne's ground-delivery operations. DHL is a unit of German postal service Deutsche Post, Europe's largest mail company. Representatives of UPS and FedEx denied that they are trying to quash competition."

April 8, 2003 -- The testimony presented to the President's Commission on the Postal Service at its April 4th meeting in Los Angeles has been posted on the Commission's web site.

April 8, 2003 -- SmartMail Services® (www.smartmail.com ), the leading nationwide expeditor of flat-sized mail and lightweight parcels, announces its selection to expedite domestic deliveries for Deutsche Post Global Mail slated to begin later this month. SmartMail CEO and President Jim Martell says, "Winning this business expands our geographic reach and ability to service more customers. We are excited about the growth potential and look forward to working closely with Deutsche Post Global Mail." Deliveries expedited by SmartMail will benefit from the company's expansive network of processing facilities and premium services designed to ensure timely delivery. The quality SmartMail has built into its processes gives their customers greater control over their deliveries, while lowering their operating costs.

April 8, 2003 -- Yahoo News has reported that "more than 3,000 Mail Boxes Etc.®(MBE) locations around the United States will begin re-branding to The UPS Store(TM), in the process extending affordable shipping rates to consumers and small businesses."

April 8, 2003 -- Dow Jones has reported that "FedEx Corp. has said its regulatory struggles in China aren't over yet. It and other international express delivery companies are now focusing their attention on the drafting of an amended postal law."

April 8, 2003 -- The Kyodo News Service has reported that "although the nation's ordinary mail delivery market was opened to private firms on April 1 with the inauguration of Japan Post, no major private carriers have expressed willingness to enter the market. Instead, they are out to compete with Japan Post in the parcel and business-mail delivery markets."

April 8, 2003 -- The Newspaper Association of America has told the President's Commission on the Postal Service that "the Postal Service of today has strayed from its public- service mission of providing universal mail delivery at reasonable and non- discriminatory rates. Its costs are uncontrolled, it's lost millions on non-postal ventures, its advertising budget is among the highest in the country despite its monopoly status, and it seeks to take sides in competition in private markets. All of this occurs because the Postal Service has very little oversight."

April 8, 2003 -- According to Dow Jones, Ernst & Young has maintained that "we expect the growth in the logistics industry to pick up again in line with an overall economic recovery."

April 7, 2003 -- The Wall Street Journal has reported that "FedEx Corp. and United Parcel Service Inc. are using a must-pass bill funding the war to try to disrupt a German rival's ambitious plans to expand in the U.S. In what amounted to a night assault, Washington-style, the shipping giants last week won a Senate amendment meant to pressure regulators to toughen enforcement of U.S.-ownership rules for air-cargo carriers against Deutsche Post AG, owner of DHL Worldwide Express. The provision was inserted without debate by Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R., Alaska) at the urging of House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R., Mo.), and establishes a foothold for DHL's rivals to build on in House-Senate negotiations over the nearly $80 billion package."

April 7, 2003 -- Want a job rebuilding the Postal Service's network? If so, take a look at the positions available notices (1 and 2) posted by the USPS.

April 7, 2003 -- The Kyodo News Service has reported that "personal computer (PC) manufacturers and Japan's public postal corporation have agreed to join hands in recycling used home PCs starting Oct. 1, an industry group said Monday. Under the agreement, Japan Post will collect used home PCs at more than 20,000 post offices nationwide and its staff will visit PC users' homes to collect their used PCs, the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) said. The same uniform fee will be charged in either case, making it possible to provide the PC recycling service nationwide at the same fee, JEITA said."

April 7, 2003 -- WhatTheyThi nk has reported that "thanks to some savvy reengineering to our multi-mailing equipment specifically adding special Quad/Tech manufactured pockets Quad/Graphics can now multi-mail books with a spine-to-face measurement of 9 inches. Previously, our equipment could only handle books up to 8-7/8 inches wide. These adjustments coupled with two new discounts from the U.S. Postal Service and an expansion to the time in which clients can submit files confirm one thing: good things can get better. Multi-mailing, quite simply, is the process of merging together the mailstreams of several different titles to create one large mailstream presorted for postal efficiencies and, consequently, postal discounts."

April 7, 2003 -- The Philippine Star has reported that "PricewaterhouseCoopers has been selected as financial adviser of the government for the privatization of the Philippine Postal Corp. (Philpost), the only postal operator in the country. Finance undersecretary Eric Recto told reporters over the weekend that PricewaterhouseCoopers will handle both phases of the privatization process from valuation to actually drawing up a privatization plan for Philpost."

April 7, 2003 -- CNN has reported that "the U.S. Postal Service has chartered two Boeing 747 cargo jets to deliver a huge amount of mail -- 750,000 pounds each week -- to U.S. troops deployed in the Middle East."

April 6, 2003 -- According to the Buffalo News, "the prices at the UPS Store will be on average about 20 percent less than what Mail Boxes Etc. charged. Although the new name will of Mail Boxes Etc. will be the UPS Store, customers can still ship their packages using Federal Express, DHL or Airborne. However, the cost of shipping via FedEx will rise because Federal Express is eliminating discounts it used to give to Mail Boxes Etc. once they rename their stores after its competitor. DHL and Airborne have not yet said how they will react to the change to the UPS Store."

April 6, 2003 -- SmartMoney.com has reported that "Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., says he appears to have blocked an effort to interfere with the Deutsche Post AG's (G.DPW) purchase of freight carrier Airborne Inc. (ABF). McCain was cautious in his declaration because the area of law in question is complex and the door may still be open to future attacks. The provision in question was sponsored by Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, who through a spokeswoman denied that he intended to interfere with Deutsch Post's Airborne purchase. Stevens simply wanted to reaffirm existing U.S. law that military airlift contracts should go to U.S. companies."

April 6, 2003 -- AME Info (Dubai) has reported that "the agreements were signed during a visit by a high level delegation led by Mr. Abdulla Al Daboos, Director General of Emirates Post, to the three countries, as part of Emirates Post's strategy to enhance postal cooperation and explore further business opportunities in the region."

April 6, 2003 -- AuctionBytes.c om has reported that "Package In-Transit Coverage offers discounted insurance for packages shipped via major carriers, including UPS and U.S. Postal Service. The company has been providing package insurance since 1989 and has been helping online auction sellers for 4 years."

April 6, 2003 -- The U PI has reported that "he Postal Service has chartered two cargo planes to help deliver more than 700,000 pounds of mail per week to soldiers stationed in the war zone. Mail volume to Kuwait increased to 750,000 pounds of mail per week in March from nearly 21,000 pounds per week in October, the Postal Service said Saturday. One of the chartered planes files six days a week from the East coast. The other files three days a week from the West coast. The agency said each delivers the mail to the military's postal system in Kuwait for distribution." See also the report by CNN.

April 5, 2003 -- According to the Puge t Sound Business Journal, "A move is afoot in Congress to block the proposed $1.05 billion acquisition of Seattle-based Airborne Inc.'s ground-shipment business by German shipper Deutsche Post, according to a report Friday by thedeal.com, an online business and politics news organization. A draft amendment is circulating in Washington, D.C., that would limit the amount of revenue that U.S. airlines and cargo carriers can earn from foreign sources, reported thedeal, citing unnamed sources."

April 5, 2003 -- This Is North Scotland has reported that "Post regulator Postcomm went head-to-head with Post Office chief Allan Leighton last night as a row erupted over his warning that services across the Highlands and Islands are under threat. A spokesman said there was no question of ending the Universal Service Obligation (USO) under which the Royal Mail must maintain daily deliveries everywhere - except when circumstances make this impossible. The storm broke over remarks Mr Leighton - a former Asda boss - made during a visit to Inverness and Stornoway that it could prove impossible to maintain services. He said: 'If the USO is under threat anywhere, it is here in the Highlands and Islands because the cost is significantly more than the price of a stamp.' He said deliveries can cost five times that in the Highlands and 15 times that in some islands."

April 5, 2003 -- WJRT-TV has reported that "some Flint letter carriers say they're upset with a new policy that forbids them from wearing yellow ribbons or putting one on their postal vehicle. According to a Postal Service spokeswoman, the issue started when some postal employees asked to wear pins that read "No War." The Postal Service said no way. But those workers said hey, wait a minute. You're allowing others to wear yellow ribbons and put them on the mail trucks. So to be fair to everybody, the postal service is now saying no to all ribbons and pins."

April 5, 2003 -- The American Postal Workers Union has told its members that "the implementation of the agreement to offer early retirement opportunities to APWU-represented employees has been delayed, pending the issuance of new regulations governing the authority of federal and postal agencies to offer early retirement."

April 5, 2003 -- The latest issue of the USPS' Newslink has been posted on this site.

April 5, 2003 -- According to the Journal of Commerce, "DHL Worldwide plans to go ahead with its purchase of Airborne Inc. even if the U.S. Department of Transportation rejects the deal. If Airborne and DHL, which is owned by Deutsche Post World Net of Germany, cannot obtain DOT approval, DHL would acquire all of Airborne and then transfer Airborne's freighter fleet to a third-party operator."

April 5, 2003 -- As USA Today has reported, Iraqi cabbies as serving as a make-shift Pony Express. "Some letters are scribbled on torn scraps of paper. Others are neatly scripted on fresh white stationery. They're even folded in blue-and-red airmail envelopes. But there are no mail flights to Baghdad these day. The dwindling number of taxi drivers shuttling between the Iraqi capital and Jordan have found a crucial new purpose since most of Baghdad's phone lines were knocked out last weekend. They have been delivering messages to what has become the world's most-isolated capital, though the informal system has mostly shut down with coalition troops so close."

April 5, 2003 -- The Journal of Commerce has reported that "United Parcel Service said no on was injured in a bombing outside its office in Istanbul, one of two bombings Thursday in the Turkish capital. UPS spokesman John Flick downplayed the incident, describing it as "a firecracker in a Coke can." Flick said there was no damage to the UPS facility, which was just a kiosk on the street."

April 5, 2003 -- Advertising Age has reported that "the U.S. Postal Service is close to settling a deal with Capital One Financial Corp. to provide discounts on first-class mail after the first 1.225 billion pieces sent. The savings for Capital One -- a major credit-card direct marketer -- will vary between three and six cents, while the deal is estimated to save the Postal Service $13 million a year, because it will not have to return undeliverable direct-mail pieces. Capital One is the fourth-largest postal customer and biggest producer of first-class mail."

April 5, 2003 -- El Pais (Spain) has reported that "the German postal services operator Deutsche Post has combined its three newly acquired courier companies in Spain - Guipuzcoana Euroexpress, DHL and Danzas - under the single name of DHL."

April 4, 2003 -- Indeed, the House will consider H.R. 735 on Tuesday, April 8 under unanimous consent.

April 4, 2003 -- RTE Online (Ireland) has reported that "the [Irish] Commission for Communications Regulation (Comreg) has instructed An Post to renegotiate its agreements with other EU postal operators for the delivery of international mail into Ireland. Comreg said that if the losses from this service - over 19m last year - were continued, it could put An Post's ability to fulfil its universal service obligation in jeopardy." See also Ireland Online.

April 4, 2003 -- Inquiring minds want to know? What's happening with CSRS? Here's the answer:

• The Senate has passed its bill (S. 380) to revise the way the USPS pays into its Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). The funding fix will free up almost $3 billion in USPS expenses this year.
• The House was supposed to vote on its version, HR 735, but debate on a spending bill to fund the war in Iraq put it off schedule. The House is expected to bring the CSRS bill to the floor for a vote on April 8. It is expected to be approved.
• When the House bill is passed, the deal is effectively done. Current postage rates will remain in place until at least 2006. Industry groups are urging their members to thank the members of Congress who worked to make this happen.

April 4, 2003 -- DM News has reported that "local direct marketers have more power to turn their congressmen into advocates for postal reform than do large corporations and lobbyists, according to a speaker here yesterday at Direct Media's Mailer Conference and Co-Op. And it isn't even a lot of work, said Jim O'Brien, director of distribution and postal affairs at the Time Inc. division of AOL Time Warner, which he said is the U.S. Postal Service's largest customer. After going over the grim situation at the USPS and the ray of hope presented by proposed postal reform legislation, O'Brien stressed the need for all DMers to get involved before it was too late."

April 4, 2003 -- Les Echos has reported that:

• Jean-Paul Bailly, chairman of the French post office (La Poste), yesterday announced plans to bring his organisation up to a level where it can compete with its German and Dutch counterparts, Deutsche Post and TPG respectively, by 2007. This strategy, which is intended to prepare La Poste for the liberalisation of the European postal sector, involves a 1bn-euro programme to modernise the French group's mail-services division, including more than 600m euros for automation equipment. Christian Kozar, head of La Poste's mail services, points out that only 60 per cent of its activities are automated, compared with 90 per cent for both Deutsche Post and TPG.
• Jean-Paul Bailly, chairman of the French post office (La Poste), said yesterday that his organisation is planning to raise its 17.8 per cent stake in French insurance group CNP Assurances. Observers point out that, if La Poste does increase its share of CNP's capital, the French savings bank Caisses d'Epargne is likely to follow suit. La Poste and Caisses d'Epargne are the joint-owners of Sopassur, the French holding company which, in turn, controls 36 of CNP.

April 4, 2003 -- GovExec.com has reported that "mail-handling centers would immediately shut down and employees would be evacuated at the first sign of a biohazard under a new security plan being developed by the Postal Service."

April 4, 2003 -- SinoCast has reported that "After Director of State Post Bureau Liu Liqing confirming listing proposal of China Post, the postal reform plan submitted recently suggested abolishing State Post Bureau, which is critical during the course of postal reform, and establishing State Post Holdings Corp., reported local media. At this rate, government functions under State Post Bureau such as postal administration, stamp issuing, formulation of system standards, postage and international postal services will merge into Ministry of Information Industry. According to insiders, Chinese government is likely to allow overseas strategic investors to participate in funding the State Post Holdings Corp.

April 3, 2003 -- PostCom has been told that HR 735 has been pulled from floor consideration today because of Congress' attention to the war funding bill.  It will be considered and approved in due order.

April 3, 2003 -- The San Francisco Chronicle has reported that "air traffic controllers, postal workers and other public employees brought much of France to a halt Thursday with a one-day strike over government plans to overhaul the pension system. The nationwide walkout grounded many commercial flights and limited train service, forcing commuters in Paris to squeeze into packed subway cars or walk to work." C'est dommage.

April 3, 2003 -- PostCom has been told that the plan up on Capitol Hill is for the House to take up and pass HR735 TODAY with the earlier agreed upon colloquy and amendment. Then, NEXT WEEK they will come back and take up and pass S.380 so as to avoid/overcome any procedural glitches associated with having two bills with the same text. The bill with the Senate number will, it appears, be the operational for purposes of the President's signature. Don't ask....It's more of that "sausage-making" that you really don't want to know about. 

April 3, 2003 -- The Washington Post has reported that "the Senate passed legislation yesterday to allow the U.S. Postal Service to scale back some of its pension payments, a move that would keep postal rates flat until fiscal 2006. The House is scheduled to consider an identical bill today. Under both bills, the Postal Service would keep billions of dollars it would have paid into the Civil Service Retirement System fund, which covers employees who joined the agency by 1983. Projected savings include $2.9 billion this fiscal year and $2.6 billion in fiscal 2004, according to USPS estimates. The Postal Service would be required to use the money to pay down its $11.2 billion debt and stave off rate increases over the next three years. It could not use the money to pay bonuses to its executives." It's now time to thank all those who made this possible...and there are MANY.

April 3, 2003 -- As the Wall Street Journal has reported, "getting more flexibility to adjust prices is just one way the Postal Service is trying to find new revenue. Postmaster General John Potter is urging mailers to let the post office try "phased" rate increases that would be tinier but more frequent than typical increases, which usually take almost a year to be decided. Also being considered are discounts for sending mail during particularly slow periods, like the post-Christmas slump."

April 3, 2003 -- Dow Jones has reported that "Dutch postal and logistics company TPG NV (TP), through its subsidiary TPG Post Holdings GmbH in Germany, Thursday said it acquired a 100% stake in Blitzpunkt GmbH, an unaddressed mail distribution company based in eastern Germany. Blitzpunkt, which generated revenues of around EUR10 million in 2002, delivers 355 million leaflets and 19 million free newspapers per year. The company gives TPG Post access to 8,000 round-based deliverers offering full coverage to over 1.9 million households in the Saxony and East Thuringia (Gera) regions in the former East Germany. The acquisition also establishes a stepping stone for further regional expansion."

April 3, 2003 -- Business Day (Thailand) has reported that "state-owned Communication Authority of Thailand (CAT), said yesterday that it will turn its loss-making postal unit to churn out profits within the next five years. Thai Postal, the postal service unit of CAT, has been incurring losses over the past few years and has been the stumbling block for privatisation of the CAT. CAT vice-president Prajin Kecharananta said that the organisation would seek help from global freight giants such as Federal Express (FEDEX) and DHL, to find out ways to make its 1,300 branches productive over the next five years. He said improving the quality of customer service was of priority, which could be achieved with partnerships with FEDEX and DHL."

April 3, 2003 -- Here's a blast from the past. UPI has noted that "the Pony Express postal service began on this date in 1860 when the first riders left St. Joseph, Mo., heading west, and Sacramento, Calif., heading east. For $5 an ounce, letters were delivered within 10 days. The Pony Express lasted less than two years, becoming obsolete when the overland telegraph was completed in Oct. 1861." Hmmm....Five bucks an ounce and delivery within 10 days....Let's hope that THIS past is not prologue.

April 3, 2003 -- The Daily Camera has reported that "NETdelivery, a former venture capital darling that aspired to revolutionize postal services worldwide, is headed in a new direction after essentially shutting down and starting over."

April 3, 2003 -- DM News has reported that "the U.S. Postal Service is offering a new data product called Residential Delivery Indicator that it said helps direct marketers reduce shipping costs by verifying whether a delivery type is classified as residential or business."

April 3, 2003 -- The Journal of Commerce has reported that "U.S. third-party, contract logistics business grew at a faster rate than the domestic economy in 2002 for the eighth consecutive year, according to consultant Armstrong & Associates."

April 3, 2003 -- Traffic World has reported that "FedEx Ground continues to pace FedEx Corps.' earnings, leading the company to a strong third quarter, which ended Feb. 28. Defying bad weather, a pending war and a stagnant economy, FedEx increased its sales and earnings."

April 3, 2003 -- The Times has reported that "Royal Mail faces the prospect of being broken up if it blocks access to its delivery systems by rival operators. Graham Corbett, the postal regulator, said that the state organisation may be forced to spin off its sorting offices and distribution centres if it was felt that Royal Mail was unfairly obstructing competitors. The postal group is obliged to allow other postal companies to use its infrastructure, but the regulator has yet to determine the price. Mr Corbett is braced for a legal tussle with Royal Mail when he sets an access price within the next couple of months."

April 3, 2003 -- MDC Corporation Inc. ("MDC") of Toronto has announced that its wholly owned stamp operation, Ashton-Potter, has been awarded a long-term contract by the United States Postal Service ("USPS") to provide definitive and commemorative postage stamp products. This contract award positions Ashton-Potter as one of the largest producers of postage stamps in the world.

April 3, 2003 -- As the Kentucky Post has noted, "family members of service members can send messages at no cost to military personnel anywhere in the world simply by calling a MARS (amateur radio) operator. Messages are relayed by voice over the assigned frequency, eventually reaching the soldier's military postal address." You betcha, says PostCom's chief executive, W4GDP.

April 3, 2003 -- CEP News (Courier-Express-Postal) has reported that:

• The Portuguese post has apparently reported a higher deficit than expected for the last financial year.
• In connection with Tuesday's transformation of the Japanese post into a public corporation, the former postal administration declared that it aimed to reduce payroll costs by almost 250m euros within the next four years and introduce performance-related remuneration systems.
• TNT Express claims that its Russian turnover doubled last year.

CEP News is without a doubt one of the best newsletters you can find that focuses on the courier, express, and postal market in Europe. For more information on a subscription to CEP News, contact the publisher.

April 3, 2003 -- Computing magazine (U.K.) has reported that "the British Post Office has opened its new card-based benefits payments account. Supplier EDS is providing the systems to allow issuing of cards, opening of accounts, receipt of automated payment, despatch of statements and PIN advice."

April 3, 2003 -- According to the Asahi Shimbun (Japan), "private players won't likely be impressed with its makeover. The Asahi Shimbun Japan Post has only been in business since Tuesday and is well in the process of emulating private sector practices. But private delivery firms are hardly likely to welcome a leaner, meaner rival that also happens to be a public corporation. Private companies wishing to enter the potentially lucrative market for mail delivery can expect to be tied down by numerous restrictions that do not apply to Japan Post. And they will not be able to expect the same tax breaks granted to the entity, which is tasked with providing mail services and operating the nation's postal savings and life insurance plans."

April 3, 2003 -- The U.S. Postal Service has announced that "Global Direct-Mexico is an international mail service that is available on the basis of a service agreement between the Postal Service and a qualifying mailer. Under this service a mailer may enter letter mail, publications, and direct mail items that meet applicable eligibility, makeup, and preparation requirements. Although this service has been available since November 17, 1993, few customers have used it. Given the administrative overhead necessary to maintain a program with infrequent use, the Postal Service has decided to discontinue Global Direct-Mexico as a published service."

April 3, 2003 -- Traffic World has reported that "in a series of labor battles over the last seven months, the Teamsters union has been overrun at Overnite Transportation. At least 21 of the 26 terminals that had been represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have voted for decertification since last summer. The Teamsters once claimed to represent as many as 4,000 of the 8,500 or so workers at Overnite who actually touch freight. Now the union is down to 687 workers out of a total work force of more than 13,000 at the Richmond, Va.-based carrier, according to company figures."

April 3, 2003 -- Anita Bizzotto, the Postal Service's chief marketing officer has announced that:

• The international pricing and customized solutions functions are being reassigned to Stephen Kearney, vice president, Pricing & Classification. John Napa, will move to Pricing & Classification to continue his work as the manager, International Pricing. Michael Plunkett, manager, Pricing Strategy, will have the added responsibility for the international customized mail agreements in addition to his current work on negotiated service agreements for the domestic marketplace.
• The international product development function will be reassigned to Nicholas Barranca, vice president, Product Development. Janet Mitchell will become the manager, International Product Development. Robert Michelson will also move to Product Development and take on a new position as the manager, Product Strategic Planning, focusing on the long-range strategic planning for all postal products.
• James Wade, vice president, International Business will focus on coordination with the State Department for the development of U.S. Government policy positions on key international postal issues involving the participation of international organizations such as the Universal Postal Unior (UPU). This activity takes on increased significance as the State Department has the lead role or UPU policy maters to be decided at next year's Universal Postal Congress. International Business will also continue as the focal point for global business development initiatives underway with foreign postal administrations to improve service and build revenue.

April 2, 2003 -- Eyefortransport.com has reported that "for many companies, the operations and logistics impact of product returns are just now becoming obvious, along with the realization of the impact the problem has on profit margins, customer satisfaction and operating efficiency. In these tough economic times when companies are experiencing slow or negative growth, the cost of a poorly designed returns management and handling process is becoming increasingly significant."

April 2, 2003 -- The Business Times has reported that Standard & Poors yesterday assigned an A-plus long-term rating to Singapore Post, Singapore Telecom's wholly-owned postal arm which is seeking a mainboard listing on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). Sound management, a high level of automation and a small and concentrated service area mean low costs S&P said the rating is based on SingPost's dominant market position, low operating costs, strong profitability and good cashflow protection, despite an expected increase in debt and reduction in profit margins. 'Although SingPost enjoys monopoly protection in the domestic and international letters and postcards business until March 31, 2007, the businesses reserved for SingPost accounted for only about 40 per cent of total domestic mail traffic in fiscal year 2002,' said Sharad Jain, credit analyst at S&P's corporate and infrastructure finance ratings. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, SingPost made net profit of $101 million on turnover of $381 million." See also the reports by Dow Jones and TheDeal.Com.

April 2, 2003 -- The latest issue of USPS Newslink has been posted on this site. Take note of the change that will affect the email addresses of all postal employees.

April 2, 2003 -- In a report for a study done under contract to the President's Commission on Privatization, Global Insight has reported that:

• The potential net benefits for investing in standardization initiatives at all stages of postal processing and delivery could be at least 3 times the savings presently sought by the USPS in its goal to reduce costs by $5 billion over five years (2002-2007) through implementation of the USPS Transformation Plan.
• Savings of at least $13.5 billion net over five years would be available through investments that postal managers, suppliers, and other experts believe are available to the USPS with returns on investment that would exceed current required investment thresholds.
• The largest savings targets for additional savings through end-to-end process standardization would include annual savings of $800 million per year from the core processing functions and $780 million from the back office delivery functions. Savings in customer service and transportation costs through network consolidation, rationalization and standardization would add another $2 billion over five years plus associated indirect costs.
• For the USPS even to achieve its current goal of reducing costs by $5 billion over five years will be a significant accomplishment that will exceed past experience of the USPS in investing in productivity and cost reduction.
• More importantly, collaboration would be required from stakeholders (i.e., customers, employees, communities and their Representatives in Congress, and regulators, some of whom might be impacted by standardization initiatives. Collaboration to achieve standardization cost reduction benefits that would result from such initiatives would represent a sharp departure from past experience but would grant postal management an opportunity to envision future operations in terms of performance and productivity that is generally not thought possible today.

April 2, 2003 -- At the open session of USPS Board of Governors meeting in Washington, CFO Dick Strasser gave the Quarter II financial report. Most of the numbers are not good. The reasons include lower than anticipated volume, higher fuel costs, and the following statistic: For the first time ever the Postal Service is delivering to over 140 million delivery points. Here are the essential numbers from Strasser's presentation:

• Revenue for the quarter was $16.4 billion (below plan).
• Volume was 46.9 billion pieces (below plan).
• Expenses were $15.8 billion (below plan).
• First-Class mail volume declined for the sixth consecutive quarter.
• First-Class work-shared mail was down for the third consecutive quarter.
• Net income YTD was $1.65 billion.

April 2, 2003 -- Then, of course, there's the way ABC News has been reporting things these days: "The Postal Service finished the first half of its fiscal year its highest revenue period $1.65 billion in the black, the agency reported Tuesday. Chief Financial Officer Richard Strasser reported that while mail volume is still down because of the uncertain economy, the Postal Service has been able to cut costs and increase productivity." Excuse me....With all that spin, I'm a little dizzy.

April 2, 2003 -- According to CRM magazine, "Canada Post, one of the world's largest and most technologically advanced postal companies, recognized a need to consolidate its many technology systems to better serve customers. By putting CRM at the center of its business, Canada Post introduced an eOrder system for its more than one million commercial customers, and automated four call centers. In addition it launched Canadapost.ca, now the most-visited Web site in Canada, which offers customer self-service, including package tracking, rate calculators, and outlet locations. Based on the integration of mySAP CRM into all facets of the enterprise, Canada Post saved $16.25 million (C$25 million) in revenue through an integrated order-to-cash process and resulting improvements in customer data accuracy at time of receipt."

April 2, 2003 -- Pitney Bowes Inc. has announced its sponsorship of a series of business seminars aimed at helping multicultural business owners learn how to leverage direct mail to protect, grow and acquire customers. The seminars, which will be conducted by the U.S. Postal Service, will demonstrate the latest direct mail strategies for efficient and effective customer relationship management. The business sessions -- for African American and Hispanic business owners -- will be held in New York City.

April 2, 2003 -- According to NewsFactor, "when PayPal filed for its successful IPO last year, it listed a slew of competitors in the online payment arena. But those rivals, including Citibank, Wells Fargo, Yahoo, Microsoft and the U.S. Postal Service, barely sport as much market share combined as PayPal commands on its own."

April 2, 2003 -- The Bangkok Post (Thailand) has reported that "the Thai cabinet yesterday endorsed the new board of the Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT) to oversee its privatisation. CAT Telecom is to be listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand but the money-losing postal service is not."

April 2, 2003 -- The Daily Yomiuri (Japan) has reported that "The launch of Japan Post on Tuesday is just the first step toward the full privatization of postal services. Private sector business expertise is expected to be introduced into the public corporation's three postal services--mail delivery, postal savings and kampo life insurance. For Japan Post to be fully privatized, it will have to enhance efficiency by cutting through red tape. The corporation's establishment marked the first drastic reform of the country's 132-year-old modern postal system, which has been run by the government since 1871."

April 2, 2003 -- The New Zealand Herald is cautioning: "Send your Easter eggs early if you want them to get there on time. For the first time in six years posties will not deliver mail on Easter Saturday, meaning no mail will be delivered over the four days of the Easter break."

April 2, 2003 -- According to Deutsche Welle, "Deutsche Post has prohibited business travel to China, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore for fear of the flu-like disease Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that originated in Asia and has killed 61 people so far. The postal services group has also advised its employees not to take personal trips to the region. Managers are expected to have video conferences instead of flying to Asia." I wonder if anyone's warned the Postal Service's "globe- trotters?"

April 2, 2003 -- The National Business Review (New Zealand) has reported that "Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton has unveiled the Government's bid to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for freeing up trade in services under its General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). Mr Sutton said the New Zealand submission had been tabled in Geneva according to the WTO deadline of 31 March, and noted that it was non-binding and subject to further change. According to the WTO, GATS, which came into force in January 1995, is intended to be an exclusive set of multilateral rules covering international trade in services. Negotiated by the governments themselves, it sets the framework within which firms and individuals can operate internaionally. The GATS has two parts: the framework agreement containing the general rules and disciplines; and the national "schedules" which list individual countries' specific commitments on access to their domestic markets by foreign suppliers."

April 2, 2003 -- The Deal.Com has reported that "Critics are blasting Deutsche Post Worldnet AG's $1 billion acquisition of Airborne Inc., charging the deal would violate a federal law barring foreigners from owning domestic airlines. The two largest players in the industry, Airborne rivals FedEx Corp. and United Parcel Service Inc., have been especially critical, contending that Deutsche Post is using the company's monopoly profits from German mail delivery to subsidize its global expansion. Others question the fairness of a company owned by the German government competing against private businesses. Largely absent from the debate has been whether the deal would benefit consumers. Richard Corrado, senior vice president for marketing with Seattle-based Airborne, says the March 25 merger would, contrary to rivals' claims, stimulate delivery industry competition and reduce prices for shippers."

April 2, 2003 -- Bloomberg has reported that "air-cargo shippers including FedEx Corp. and Airborne Inc. won a 14-month extension for installing systems that warn of potential midair collisions. The extension until Dec. 31, 2004, from Oct. 31 means shippers won't have to take hundreds of planes out of service to install the systems and instead can add devices during regular maintenance, said Steve Alterman, president of the Cargo Airline Association."

April 1, 2003 -- According to the Mailers Council's Robert McLean, "if HR 735 comes up for a vote on Thursday of this week, any amendment offered within the bill will have the support of both majority and minority members of the Government Reform Committee. Ranking Minority Member Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Chairman Tom Davis (R-VA) have agreed to an amendment in the nature of a substitute that will include new language. It calls for a study of the military service retirement payment issue. The language calls only for a study and would not change current policy. Rep. Waxman likely will offer, and then withdraw, the same amendment offered during the full committee markup. He has decided NOT to offer another amendment filed with Rules that would propose a substantive change to the military time issue. The Rules Committee is expected to consider the bill at 1 p.m. today. The House is likely to consider the bill on Thursday."

April 1, 2003 -- The Postal Service has reported that it continued its drive for excellence by raising the national average for on-time delivery of First-Class Mail with a next-day delivery standard to an unprecedented 95 percent. It achieved this score during Quarter II (Nov. 30, 2002 through Feb.17, 2003) while delivering to a record 140 million addresses during one of the worst winters in recent memory. The record breaking achievements were reported at the monthly meeting of the Postal Board of Governors

April 1, 2003 -- The Journal of Commerce has reported that "air-cargo volume for U.S. air carriers rose 4.4 percent in February, with a 5.3 percent increase in freight and express traffic offsetting an 8 percent drop in mail shipments compared with year-ago levels, according to the Air Transport Association. Domestic mail dropped 15.1 percent, but international mail jumped 11.3 percent, due in part to letters and packages shipped to U.S. troops based in the Persian Gulf."

April 1, 2003 -- Traffic World has reported that "by an overwhelming 84 percent of those voting, rank-and-file Teamsters have ratified the National Master Freight Agreement covering approximately 65,000 freight workers through 2008. The pact covers ABF Freight System, Roadway Express, USF Holland and Yellow Transportation."

April 1, 2003 -- AFP Asia has reported that "Japan Post kicked off its first day as a corporation to fanfare and anxiety as it took over the nation's postal services and some 359 trillion yen (3.0 trillion dollars) in savings and insurance funds. President Masaharu Ikuta, in noting the biggest change in the postal services' 132-year history, promised to improve services and vowed the firm would accumulate net profit of 4.0 trillion yen in the four years to March 2007. 'We promise to work together so that people will say that postal services have improved since the launch of Japan Post,' Ikuta said at a banner-unveiling ceremony at the headquarters in Tokyo."

April 1, 2003 -- The Financial Times has reported that "Royal Mail will increase stamp prices next month after the industry regulator changed its licence to include new price controls. The mail operator has also launched a publicity campaign to encourage people to continue collecting their benefits from post offices despite the government introducing direct payments into bank accounts today. More than 13m benefits claimants will be affected by the change. Last year, the Post Office predicted it would have a marked impact on its business. Yesterday, it conceded that 70 per cent of those affected planned to carry on collecting benefits at their local post office, using either an existing bank account, a basic bank account, or the Post Office's own card account."

April 1, 2003 -- Le Figaro (France) has reported that "the French finance minister, Francis Mer, and his industry counterpart, Nicole Fontaine, will both appear before the French senate's economic affairs commission today to answer questions about the future of the French post office (La Poste). Mr Mer is expected to be asked, among other things, about the possibility of expanding La Poste's ranging of banking services, with the organisation acting as a distributor for the financial products of other companies. Observers point out that La Poste is obliged to become more efficient as it prepares for the liberalisation of the postal services market. Its public-service mission, they say, costs it at least 200m euros per year."

April 1, 2003 -- UPI has reported that "as long as armies have marched to war, the letters and bundles from home have followed them. Archaeologists have found woolen socks at Hadrian's Wall, the Roman fortifications separating England and Scotland, and documented that they were sent by women to soldiers stationed at the northern extremity of the Roman Empire. Anthrax changed all that, but word still hadn't gotten around, however, and stressed that only family members and friends -- in other words, senders a soldier could vouch for -- could send mail directly to service members. But there are alternatives. Most familiar is a reincarnated, electronic version of Operation Dear Abby. The new edition, designed by the Navy and accessible at http://anyservicemember.navy.mil, is a year-round program based on e-mail. Click on "send a message" and type in your name, your state or territory, the branch of service you'd like your e-mail to go to, and a message of up to 1,000 characters, in the neighborhood of 100 words. You can include other information if you want to, such as your own e-mail address, but that isn't required."

April 1, 2003 -- The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) has noted that "In the 12 years between the last Iraqi conflict and this one, internet technology has profoundly transformed the experience of Americans going to war. Perhaps at the top of the list is that fretful parents of soldiers now can scan their email inboxes for proof that just moments before the message arrived, their children were able to tap out a few words on a keyboard halfway around the world. That kind of comfort was a long time coming. From the trenches of World War One to the terrors of World War Two and right up through Vietnam and the first Gulf War, the only reliable way parents and wives and husbands had to contact their loved ones overseas was by the agonizingly slow postal service."

April 1, 2003 -- CNET News has reported that "a long-running dispute between Intel and an ex-employee over the right to send mass e-mail gets another court hearing, in a free-speech tussle that has heavy-hitters lining up on each side. The issue of whether and how organized labor can use e-mail to reach current and potential members has become increasingly heated, as unions have begun eyeing the Internet as a vehicle for reaching a large number of people at far less cost and effort than mass postal mailings or lunchroom bulletin board postings."

April 1, 2003 -- According to the Financial Times, "the status of the post office - together with all its resources and influence - is about to change. From today, it will become a semi-autonomous public corporation in a step that Junichiro Koizumi, prime minister, hints could lead to its outright privatisation. Comparing the post office to Osaka castle, a medieval fortress, Mr Koizumi says that today's status change is like attacking the first moat. The real aim is to storm the castle itself. The imagery of feudal Japan is not accidental. In 1875, the cash-strapped Meiji government, desperate to knit a fractious country together, asked influential local businessmen to establish post office branches by providing land and buildings. In return, the postal shoguns received privileges, including tax exemption and generous stipends. Not much has changed. The job of postmaster is often handed down from father to son."

April 1, 2003 -- The Washington Times has reported that "the World Trade Organization yesterday failed to meet a deadline on crucial agriculture talks as the Bush administration pushed ahead with a proposal to move forward talks on another front: trade in services. U.S. Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick yesterday presented the United States' wide-ranging offer, which reaches deeply into numerous sectors of the economy. 'Services are the essential infrastructure of a modern economy,' Mr. Zoellick said. Services account for about $276 billion, or 28 percent, of U.S. exports, he said, and eight out of 10 U.S. jobs are in the service sector. American services are already widely open to international competitors, and the American proposal is not designed to go beyond existing law. Banking, legal services, telecommunications, express delivery, energy services, health care, higher education and environmental services are covered under the U.S. proposal, which falls short in some areas requested by major trade partners. The U.S. Postal Service's monopoly on mail delivery, public school operation and policy, public services such as water distribution, and local health, safety and consumer laws are not affected, Mr. Zoellick's office said."

April 1, 2003 -- In the same vein, Scoop NZ has reported that "without approval by Iowa's legislature or Gov. Tom Vilsack, the Bush administration plans to submit offers next week at the World Trade Organization (WTO) that could require the state to open public services to foreign, for-profit ownership and strictly curtail state regulation of banking, insurance, electricity, water systems, transportation, alcohol distribution and professional services including those provided by doctors, lawyers and accountants. States would be required to conform their policies to global rules established as part of negotiations occurring under the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The threat to numerous state laws and policies was revealed only weeks ago when the European Union's (EU) demands of the U.S. were leaked from secretive talks being held at the WTO's Geneva headquarters." See also the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

April 1, 2003 -- As the Washingto n Post has noted, "in times when budget deficits run large, the White House looks for savings in retirement and health programs. Fortunately for federal retirees, that's not the case with President Bush's fiscal 2004 budget. The budget does not call for any reductions in civil service pension cost-of-living adjustments or in the government's share of health insurance premiums."

April 1, 2003 -- According to Forb es , "DHL Worldwide Express said on Tuesday its China business grew by a sizzling 45 to 50 percent in 2002, a rate the firm expects to match or beat during the next two years."

April 1, 2003 -- The Business Times (Singapore) has reported that "Singapore Post, the 100 per cent owned postal unit of Singapore Telecommunications Ltd, is positioning itself as a compelling dividend buy with its proposal to pay $80 million in net dividends to shareholders after its initial public offer (IPO)."

April 1, 2003 -- ChannelNewsAsia has reported that "Singapore Post not only wants to raise funds through a stock market listing, it is also putting a plan in place to issue bonds. It hopes to raise S$300 million through the local Singapore dollar bond market by issuing unsecured 10-year bonds. The money raised will be used to fund its day-to-day operations plus capital expenditure, like a new delivery centre."

April 1, 2003 -- The National Association of Major Mail Users (Canada) has reported that "addressing changes related to municipal amalgamations is now live on the Canada Post website. URL addresses for the English and French web pages: http://www.canadapost.ca/business/offerings/address_mana gem ent/can/municipal _amalgamations-e.asp."

April 1, 2003 -- As Fortune Small Business wrote about UPS, "James Casey transformed a tiny messenger service into the world's largest shipper by getting all wrapped up in the details of package delivery."