Postal rates rise, job fair in Hernando set
Photo credit: United States Postal Service
In case you weren’t aware, the cost of those “Forever Stamps” and postage went up over the weekend.
The cost of stamps and postage rose, as of Sunday, Jan. 21, to 68 cents to send a letter with the United States Postal Service, which first announced the plan pending approval back in October.
Here’s how the new rates went up compared to the former price:
The Postal Service said there will be no change to the additional-ounce price, which remains at 24 cents.
“As inflationary pressures on operating expenses continue and the effects of a previously defective pricing model are still being felt, these price adjustments are needed to provide the Postal Service with much needed revenue to achieve the financial stability sought by its Delivering for America 10-year plan,” the USPS said in the news release. “The prices of the Postal Service remain among the most affordable in the world.”
Mail carriers have been continuing to deliver the mail during the past week’s snow and ice, but only where it is safe to do so. That’s according to Debbie Jean Fetterly, a spokeswoman for USPS in Alabama and Mississippi.
“Any amount of snow and ice can cause a dangerous situation for letter carriers,” Fetterly said in an email response to an inquiry by DeSoto County News. “Keeping a clear path to and around mailboxes will help letter carriers continue delivery as well as keep them safe from potential slipping and/or injuries. Customers can help ensure their letter carrier has safe access to mailboxes and front porches during deliveries by providing a clear path.”
Fetterly added USPS continues to attempt delivering the mail where and when possible.
“The U.S. Postal Service curtails delivery only after careful consideration, and only as a last resort,” she said. “Mail delivery may be delayed or curtailed whenever streets or walkways pose hazardous conditions for letter carriers or when snow is plowed against mailboxes. Any curtailed mail is attempted the next delivery day.”
Fetterly also announced that the Hernando Post Office is holding a job fair on Thursday, Jan. 25 to fill delivery positions with the USPS. It will be held at the Post Office from 9 a.m.-12 noon. The Hernando Post Office is located at 12 West Commerce Street. Fingerprinting will be done onsite as part of the application process.
The job fair is part of the Postal Service’s 10-year plan called “Delivering for America.” Postal officials will be onsite to share information about employment opportunities as a Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) and Assistant Rural Carrier (ARC).
Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) – At $20.38 per hour, an RCA will have a continuous, part-time job. This on-call position could be ideal if one is retired, self-employed, an at-home parent, an educator, night student, or if employed on an evening shift schedule. An RCA serves families and businesses in rural and suburban areas. This employee is responsible for the delivery and collection of mail, working part-time when regular carriers have scheduled days off or vacation days. An RCA also sells stamps, supplies, and money orders. An applicant must have a valid state driver’s license and demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record. A personal vehicle will be required. Becoming an RCA is the first step to becoming a full-time, regular rural carrier with full benefits.
Assistant Rural Carrier (ARC) – At $20.38 per hour, this employee will deliver and collect packages along routes in rural areas and will provide a variety of services to customers along an assigned route. The successful applicant will be required to provide their own vehicle for transportation. As an ARC, you may opt to provide service to your community on weekends and holidays or up to seven days each week,
