Postal Service Network Streamlining
Filed under Mail Processing & Transportation
To remain financially viable, the Postal Service must effectively streamline its mail processing and transportation networks and optimize its workforce. Between fiscal years (FYs) 2005 and 2009, the Postal Service made progress in these efforts; however, management was unable to adjust resources quickly enough to fully offset declines in mail volume, resulting in a deteriorating financial condition. In FY 2009, the Postal Service experienced the largest 1-year decline in total mail volume since the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 — a drop of more than 25 billion pieces.
Loading ...Streamlining the network, while complying with its Universal Service Obligation, presents the Postal Service with many challenges in planning, developing, and implementing network rationalization initiatives. The economic downturn and resulting mail volume declines continue to complicate this difficult financial situation.
Consolidating mail processing operations and closing unneeded plants is controversial. With pressures from Postal Service stakeholders to maintain the status quo, the Postal Service has been limited in its ability to implement much-needed streamlining initiatives.
Where should the Postal Service look to gain greater efficiencies in its network?
This topic is hosted by the OIG’s Network Optimization directorate
17 Responses to “Postal Service Network Streamlining”
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February 21st, 2010 at 2:26 pm
GET RID OF MOST LETTERS. HAVE LETTERS SENT BY TELEPHONE FAX. IT IS MORE SECURE THAN E MAILS.
MOST PEOPLE HAVE PHONES. LICENSE THE SERVICE TO THE TELEPHONE COMPANIES FOR A FEE. HAVE THE TELEPHONE COMPANY COLLECT THE SENDING FEE FROM THE CUSTOMER.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Streamlining? What is happening in Philadelphia. Close one facility, move mail to another, and fail. The movement of mail and people from the Philadelphia L&DC to the Philadelphia NDC was poorly planned. Now, people are being accused of poor implementation! It was a poor plan, plain and simple. Where are the “planners” that are responsible for this mess. Even the best managers can’t implement a plan that was faulty from the start.
February 17th, 2010 at 11:18 am
If the U.S. Postal service would offer an 80% on letter carriers under civil service to retire with no peneltys, the post office could save about $79.000 per employee per year.
The post office could keep the 6 day delivery, keep all emlpoyees that have been hired, and the 80% would be made up through the years with NO cash pay out. What I am saying is the 80% is the same as working 40 years. Most civil employees already have 30 to 42 years already. Get with the program PMG.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
To streamline/improve financial conditions: Change residential delivery to every other day: Mon-Wed-Fri for one-half of the residential population, and Tues-Thurs-Sat for the other half, thereby significantly cutting delivery costs and labor. (I don’t need to see the bills and junk mail every day.) Maintain daily delivery for business districts and PO Boxes. Residences who want daily delivery could get PO boxes.
February 4th, 2010 at 4:37 am
We all know the OIG is just another mouthpiece for upper management. The craft employee is always going to be the target. If you really want to save the USPS some money, make management follow the agreement that they signed. Another thing, how about going after some of the abusive supervisors. Instead of promoting or finding them other jobs, put them in jail where they belong.
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:39 pm
I agree with the earlier post, it appears obvious the USPS is just positioning itself for privatization. And it is also true management violates the collective bargaining agreement constantly, and knowingly. Management is also doing craft work on a regular basis, while craft positions get cut. This comes from a P&DC. They most certainly do not earn the money they are given. It is well known. Do not assume this comes from disgruntled staff of craft, investigage the EEO de-merits of management, look at their files for a change, how many grievances were filed and LOST on their behalf. As far as offering a vote to assist in streamlining postal operations, how about flexibility with employees? If we can take some time off to attend to matters, just how efficient do you think that would be? To much paperwork? at $70,000 plus per supervisor, dont you think they can learn to earn it? Taking time off for sick leave MUST be under the FMLA or we’re toast. How about an unexpected situation, 3 days notice and MAYBE you’ll get approved. Im greatful for the job, and there is a job to be done, but I feel it can be looked at from a better angle.
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:05 am
- 1800 UPS managers to be retired or layed off with incentives and serverance pay…
- 11,000 workers of Walmart’s Sam’s Clubs to be layed off.
The news is full of options the private sector is practicing to cut cost. The USPS did try an incentive program but the results did not yield the numbers that were hoped for.
It’s time to target management for a retirement incentive and trim the redundency of positions.
This incentive need not be monetary. An arrangement with the Office of Personal Management to credit additional years to service time may cause thousands to opt for retirement. Also an option to invest unused sick leave in an annuity to fund Health Benefits in retirement would be an attractive incentive. I feel retirement incentives are the USPS first option for savings as the 5 day delivery option is not as popular with the public.