Daily printout: Nov. 20

The Postal Service unveiled a new prototype for retail locations in Athens, GA, on Oct. 8, part of the Delivering for America plan’s emphasis on modernizing the organization and improving customer service.

The prototype space features upgraded retail counters and expanded self-service options. Customers are also able to avail themselves of certain government services, such as fingerprinting and identity verification, as well as USPS Smart Lockers, which offer a safe and secure option for package delivery.

“The Athens prototype is just the beginning of our journey to reimagine our retail spaces,” said Elvin Mercado, the Postal Service’s retail and Post Office operations vice president, who was recently named acting delivery operations vice president, and who attended the Athens unveiling.

“By incorporating cutting-edge technology and modern design, we’re creating an environment that not only meets but exceeds our customers’ expectations. This is about more than updating our facilities; it’s about building the future of USPS,” Mercado said.

The retail space is next to the Athens Sorting and Delivery Center, a new type of facility that supports the Postal Service’s improved operational system under Delivering for America. S&DCs combine several delivery units into a single large facility that serves multiple ZIP Codes in a geographic area.

In addition to Athens, USPS plans to open retail prototypes in Waco, TX, and Fort Lauderdale, FL, with nine additional locations planned across the United States.

Overall, the Postal Service has dedicated more than $17 billion from the Delivering for America plan’s $40 billion self-funded investment budget to drive the transformation of the organization’s network.

The Postal Service is inviting employees to audition for an upcoming advertising campaign that will focus on how the organization serves business customers.

Employees who are selected to participate could be featured in a variety of ads, including TV commercials.

The casting call is open to all employees.

These types of roles are often depicted in the organization’s ads: customer services supervisors, letter carriers, mail handlers, motor vehicle operators, postmasters, processing clerks and retail associates.

No prior acting experience is required.

The USPS Employee Casting website has instructions on creating and submitting audition videos and uploading a current headshot. Employees who have trouble accessing the site from a postal computer should try using a personal device or a home computer.

The employee casting website is accessible year-round. USPS conducts advertising campaigns throughout the year that need on-screen participation from the organization’s workforce. Employee submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Filming is expected to start early next year, with the commercials to begin airing in February.

Employees who have questions should email the casting team.

In its latest episode, the “Mailin’ It!” podcast looks at how the Postal Service is gearing up for its busiest time of year.

The guest is Sheila Holman, the organization’s marketing vice president, who discusses USPS Operation Santa, the new holiday ad campaign and this year’s seasonal stamps.

The 19-minute episode is available on Link and other postal websites, as well as most podcast platforms.

The Postal Service is reminding managers at sites that use Voyager fuel cards to keep current on their card management duties as the peak holiday season begins.

Site managers should:

• Ensure that new Fleet Commander Online and Fleet Asset Management System users complete the Fleet Card Program Training for Site Managers course through the MyHR website.

• Enter and review all required data and ensure the accuracy of all drivers’ information when creating or reactivating driver profiles.

• Make sure that all drivers have their own personal identification number, or PIN. Sharing PINs is not allowed, and each driver should have a PIN.

• Remind drivers to memorize their PIN. Entering an incorrect PIN too many times will lock the card, requiring a call to the issuing bank to unlock it.

• Make sure that each vehicle, including leased vehicles, has its own fuel card. Sharing cards between vehicles is not allowed.

• Purchase only regular unleaded fuel. There are no vehicles in the postal fleet that require upgraded fuel types.

• Reconcile fuel purchases in the Fleet Asset Management System each month. Site managers who have a large number of vehicles should reconcile fuel purchases more often.

The Fuel Cards Blue page has more information about the Voyager program.

Employees with questions can email the fuel fleet team.