TOP

Here we grow again! US Postal Solutions welcomes our newest client University House Fullerton

US Postal Solutions, Inc. – Student Housing Mail Delivery & Package Management Software – welcomes our newest client, University House Fullerton, beginning July 1, 2013. We are proud to announce additional student housing mail delivery management and package management software services at another valued University House community. University House Fullerton is a 1,189 bed off-campus student housing apartment community located near the California State University – Fullerton, in Fullerton, CA.

- – -

US Postal Solutions is the nation’s leader in the student housing mail management industry, for both on/off-campus mail management services. The US Postal Solutions, Inc. companies offer mail delivery management, delivery services and package logging / package management software. For more information regarding US Postal Solutions, please call us today at (866) 378-8157 or visit us online at www.uspostalsolutions.com.

Read More
TOP

US Postal Solutions proudly welcomes our newest client The Lorenzo (Los Angeles, CA)

US Postal Solutions, Inc. – Student Housing Mail Delivery & Package Management Software – welcomes our newest client, The Lorenzo, beginning May 16, 2013. We are proud to announce  student housing mail delivery management service for the GPH Management. The Lorenzo is a 1,990 bed (growing to 3,800 beds when it will become the largest off-campus student housing community in the United States), Class A, off-campus student housing apartment community located near the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA.

- – -

US Postal Solutions is the nation’s leader in the student housing mail management industry, for both on/off-campus mail management services. The US Postal Solutions, Inc. companies offer mail delivery management, delivery services and package logging / package management software. For more information regarding US Postal Solutions, please call us today at (866) 378-8157 or visit us online at www.uspostalsolutions.com.

Read More
TOP

Congress Stops USPS Plans to Change Saturday Delivery

USPS & Congress Fight for Saturday DeliveryUSPS has no authority

In February 2013, the Post Office announced its plans to adjust its delivery schedule to  five days, cutting Saturday delivery for regular mail due to mail volume being down 25%. The announcement included an exception for package deliveries since packages deliveries were up 14% and expected to continue growing. After a ridged stand-off between Congress and the Post Office, the Government Accountability Office concluded on March 21 that the USPS has no authority to change its delivery schedule. This means the Post Office will not be able to move forward with their existing plans to cut cost, but rather look at delivery rate increases and layoffs as alternatives.

Keep your ears to the ground

Another area that could affected are properties that meet the qualification for Single Point Delivery Designation. Translation… On- and off-campus housing properties keep your ear to the ground and pay attention to what your local Post Office is considering. If they designate your property for Single Point Delivery, mail will come in a single bin for you to sort and deliver to your residents.

Other options

Like most services, mail delivery management can be outsourced to a company like US Postal Solutions to avoid the hassle and liability of handling mail yourselves. Some of the challenges with handling mail internally include privacy issues, loss, theft, and even terrorism, so liability and insurance come to the forefront to ensure the property is protected.

The Post Office is looking at all options to decrease spending, some even speculating that mail delivery will stop all together and Post Office Boxes will eventually be used for all mail delivery. That would not be a reasonable option for most Americans.

If you have an idea that would help the USPS save money, please leave a comment.

- – -

US Postal Solutions is the nation’s leader in the student housing mail management industry, for both on/off-campus mail management services. The US Postal Solutions, Inc. companies offer mail delivery management, delivery services and package logging / package management software. For more information regarding US Postal Solutions, please call us today at (866) 378-8157 or visit us online at www.uspostalsolutions.com.

Read More
TOP

US Postal Solutions proudly welcomes our newest client The Village on Telluride (San Marcos, TX)

US Postal Solutions, Inc. – Student Housing Mail Delivery & Package Management Software – welcomes our newest client, The Village on Telluride, beginning March 11, 2013. We are proud to announce additional student housing mail delivery management and package management software (PackageLog) service for the Asset Campus companies. The Village on Telluride (formerly Aspen Heights) is a 1,116-bed off-campus student housing apartment community located near the Texas State University in San Marcos, TX.

- – -

US Postal Solutions is the nation’s leader in the student housing mail management industry, for both on/off-campus mail management services. The US Postal Solutions, Inc. companies offer mail delivery management, delivery services and package logging / package management software. For more information regarding US Postal Solutions, please call us today at (866) 378-8157 or visit us online at www.uspostalsolutions.com.

Read More
TOP

Outsourcing Tips: Its Supposed to Cost Less

Outsourcing - money = servicesTo outsource or not to outsource

This is a question that has been at the center of many discussions between many CFOs and COO. Outsourcing has historically been a reasonable option for cutting expenses while receiving the same service. Assuming, of course, you are actually getting the same service. From a strictly financial perspective, its clearly the way to go. However, many argue that private corporations are notorious for paying lower wages and offering diminished benefits to their staff as compared to their university counterparts. This can all impact performance, which is at the end of the day, really what’s important. There are a few things you can do to ensure the best possible choice when considering outsourced services.

The bidding process can be a crutch

Bidding is just a numbers game, so make sure its not your primary focus. Sometimes the cheaper option actually is better, but most of the time you get what you pay for. Companies that offer their employees better wages, benefits, and incentives are going to be a little more expensive, but their staffs will likely be happier and more productive. Texas State has worked out a deal with a local building maintenance company whose salary and benefit structure is substantially less than that of Texas State. For this reason the university is now reconsidering those plans for outsourcing services claiming that “it takes two to three times as many (outsourced) custodians to complete the work of one Texas State employee.”

Would you hire new staff without an interview?

Interview your options like you would a potential new employee. This is an under-utilized technique, but can prove fruitful, giving you a better understanding of the company’s culture. Even a multiple interview process may be worth your while, since this may be a longterm arrangement. Come up with some important questions that relate to your needs, as well as as some scenarios that you have experienced. This part of the process should give you lots of information, before you move forward with this vendor.

Who the heck hired this nightmare vendor?

Check references. Check references. Check references. With the ability to communicate so easily across multiple platforms, why anyone wouldn’t check the references of a significant 3rd party service provider is baffling. A simple email should be enough to inquire about a client’s experience. Ask an assistant or intern to do it, just find a way to check at least 2-3 references. If the vendor is great, no worries, but if they are a nightmare, this will at least relinquish you from sole responsibility of hiring them having checked their references. Be wary of any company giving you a hard time with this very necessary practice.

Outsourcing services away from your operations is a big deal and the greatest of care should be taken when contracting a company to provide services. Standard pay and benefits for their employees, company culture, and how they run business is either going to be a benefit or a burden, so make sure it really is a win-win all around. Its supposed to cost less and not be a headache, so if neither are true, then you need to reconsider that relationship.

If you have anything you would like to add or an experience you would like to share, please comment below.

- – -

US Postal Solutions is the nation’s leader in the student housing mail management industry, for both on/off-campus mail management services. The US Postal Solutions, Inc. companies offer mail delivery management, delivery services and package logging / package management software. For more information regarding US Postal Solutions, please call us today at (866) 378-8157 or visit us online at www.uspostalsolutions.com.

Read More
TOP

Nothing Can Replace Great Customer Service

Nothing can replace great customer serviceSo yesterday I called our cell phone service provider (whom I will NOT mention) to discuss some minor technical issues with our current service. After telling a machine that I needed an agent and waiting 10 minutes to the worst possible music in the world, I was transferred to a customer service representative. I explain my issue and he proceeds to tell me that this is a technical support issues and transfers me to the technical support helpdesk. While I’m a little annoyed, I’m realize that I’m being impatient and get over it and now I’m looking forward to getting my issue resolved. When the technician comes on the line, I advise her of my issue and she then tells me this is a billing issue. I’m a bit agitated as the last customer service rep advised me there is a technical issue. “I don’t know why they told you that, sir. This is a billing issue,” says the technician. “Are you sure? It seems like a technical problem,” I tell her. Without a response to what I just asked, she says “I’ll transfer you now.”

In the end, it ended being a technical issue and I was transferred back to technical support, after asking to speak with a manager. I called thinking this was going to be relatively simple and it ended up taking me almost 2 hours to get my issue resolved, for something that probably should have only taken 20 minutes. Due to this ridiculous ordeal along with other earlier challenges, we have decided to drop their service at the end of our contract and move forward with another provider. 

Customer service is not just about answering the phone, its about finding solutions to a customers issues with as much attention to detail as possible. Developing a short, but valued relationship in order to best address the problem is how satisfaction is created. Not only does US Postal Solutions and PackageLog have operators available 24/7/365, the company prides itself on providing solutions to problems. There have even been cases where senior management are brought into the conversation to fix a mail management issue, because the goal is satisfaction and that attitude comes from the top down. Why go through so much trouble? Because… Nothing can replace great customer service!

If you have anything you would like to add or an experience you would like to share, please comment below.

- – -

US Postal Solutions is the nation’s leader in the student housing mail management industry, for both on/off-campus mail management services. The US Postal Solutions, Inc. companies offer mail delivery management, delivery services and package logging / package management software. For more information regarding US Postal Solutions, please call us today at (866) 378-8157 or visit us online at www.uspostalsolutions.com.

Read More
TOP

Is Insurance Important When Working With Mail and Package Delivery

idtheft_000Theft of any kind is an issue, but mail theft is particularly problematic due to the potential for sensitive information to be compromised. Mail includes bank information, credit card statements, and other sensitive materials that are highly valued by the recipient. Due to the significant increase in online shopping, all manner of packages are delivered via the same system and can include anything from food and clothing to expensive electronics and technology.

If a university is going to be responsible for their own mail management and package deliveries, it is imperative that they carry the proper insurance to ensure limited liability. US Postal Solutions, for example carries some of the highest insurance coverage in the industry that covers mail theft, loss, and even terrorism. There is no real way to measure the value of a given mail piece or package. If its an item purchased, that can be pretty easy to resolve with a simple receipt. However, if its sensitive material that compromises a students finances or personal information, this can get ugly fast. Liability could extend to damages done by the perpetrator especially if that person was employed by the management entity. In December 2012, George Washington University began an investigation for student mail theft where mail was stolen from a cart that was left unattended by a contract employee. Even if the perpetrator is not employed by the mail management entity, liability could still be enforced if negligence can be proven, which for a young student may not be too difficult.

At the end of the day it comes down to whether or not you feel its worth the risk. US Postal Solutions has concluded that its not worth the risk and recommends any mail managing entity be insured under any circumstances. If not, when all is said and done, the university is the one that pays for it all regardless of who is at fault. 

If you have anything you would like to add or an experience you would like to share, please comment below.

- – -

US Postal Solutions is the nation’s leader in the student housing mail management industry, for both on/off-campus mail management services. The US Postal Solutions, Inc. companies offer mail delivery management, delivery services and package logging / package management software. For more information regarding US Postal Solutions, please call us today at (866) 378-8157 or visit us online at www.uspostalsolutions.com.

Read More
TOP

US Postal Solutions proudly welcomes our newest client Sterling Central (Orlando, FL)

US Postal Solutions, Inc. – Student Housing Mail Delivery & Package Management Software – welcomes our newest client, Sterling Central beginning February 1, 2013. We are proud to announce the addition of The Dinerstein Companies to our long-list of happy customers. Sterling Central is a 1,527-bed off-campus student housing apartment community located near the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida.

- – -

US Postal Solutions is the nation’s leader in the student housing mail management industry, for both on/off-campus mail management services. The US Postal Solutions, Inc. companies offer mail delivery management, delivery services and package logging / package management software. For more information regarding US Postal Solutions, please call us today at (866) 378-8157 or visit us online at www.uspostalsolutions.com.

Read More
TOP

Why Was My Property Chosen for Single-Point Delivery?

photo 4The USPS decided in 1978 to designate certain properties for single-point delivery, and in 2000 it further confirmed this notion with specificity toward university student housing.

“For it is the status of the majority of the residents as students and not any particular characteristic of the building, that compels single point delivery” — Francia Smith, Vice President and Consumer Advocate, USPS (Smith 2000).

The USPS has reasoned that student resident communities fall under the Postal Operations Manual’s definition of “transient communities”.

“The reason for the policy is that unmarried college and university students are a highly transient group, and single point delivery is the most efficient method of delivery to a transient population. Single point delivery is similarly the only delivery option available to on-campus dormitories and other types of transient communities for similar reasons. ” – See Postal Operations Manual 631.5.

There was some backlash to this requirement (specifically from the NMHC), but the post office stood firm and this policy is still the standard. Due to the severe budgeting issues seen with the USPS today, this trend is being extended to new developments by requiring them to use Cluster Box Units rather than individual mailboxes. This assists in keeping the USPS as efficient as possible as it relates to the mail delivery process.

Though new developments will usually have a few options to choose from, student housing properties fit directly in the policy and are typically not given any other option. This is where companies like US Postal Solutions comes in as a partner to assist with mail delivery management. In combination with PackageLog, an inbound package management software, US Postal Solutions is able to efficiently manage all university mail on property. It’s a kismet public-private partnership that universities across the nation take advantage of to not get bogged down by the enormous amount of mail received each year. 

If you have anything you would like to add or an experience you would like to share, please comment below.

- – -

US Postal Solutions is the nation’s leader in the student housing mail management industry, for both on/off-campus mail management services. The US Postal Solutions, Inc. companies offer mail delivery management, delivery services and package logging / package management software. For more information regarding US Postal Solutions, please call us today at (866) 378-8157 or visit us online at www.uspostalsolutions.com.

Read More
TOP

How Does A Property Receiving A Single-Point Delivery Affect Resident Mail?

Mail Delivery ManagementThis can all be very confusing, so we would like to clarify what this all means to your property. The post office has designated your property as a Single-Point Delivery location, which means that they will deliver all mail for your location to a single point on your property (typically this can be designated by the property manager). This translates to you or any third-party designee (namely a mail management firm) that you will be responsible for the final delivery process and all that this entails. If you are unfamiliar with the deliver process, its important to note that there are a few things that will effect the operations of your mail management system moving forward.

First - Responsibility for mail delivery management including sorting and delivery for all recipients on property, as the post office will only complete a  mail drop at a single location (single-point).

SecondMail Forwarding/Change of Address, a critical part of the management process, will be the responsibility of the property management as agent for the residents. (i.e. If this is not updated regularly, the property will continue to receive mail from past residents indefinitely.)

Third – It will be the responsibility of the property management to see that all packages and parcels (registered, insured, certified and Express) are properly delivered to residents and staff as property management are liable for all damages and loss. 

Built from our experience and knowledge, US Postal Solutions offers state-of-the-art package management software; PackageLog, to alleviate any and all of these concerns. Call or send us an email and we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about inbound package logging software.

 If you have anything you would like to add or an experience you would like to share, please comment below.

- – -

US Postal Solutions is the nation’s leader in the student housing mail management industry, for both on/off-campus mail management services. The US Postal Solutions, Inc. companies offer mail delivery management, delivery services and package logging / package management software. For more information regarding US Postal Solutions, please call us today at (866) 378-8157 or visit us online at www.uspostalsolutions.com.

Read More