Data Reveals Worsening Service

Despite regular claims of “steady” service, the Postal Service’s own data shows that the only steadiness of service is in its worsening. Though the agency has granular service performance data, by weeks and months if not days; by geographic area if not by ZIP Code and processing facility; and by specific products within the classes of mail, what it chooses…

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Key Senator Asks for Details of Network Changes

As regular readers know, the Postal Service’s ongoing measures to implement elements of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s 10-Year Plan seldom are revealed directly to ratepayers or commercial mail producers. Rather, because of contractual obligations, information about facility changes and other matters having a potential impact on unionized employees is presented to the labor groups.  In turn, that information is often…

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The Dog Ate My Homework

Everyone is familiar with “the dog ate my homework” as characterizing any proffered excuse that falls short of being an adequate explanation for the related circumstance.  (Pity the poor kid whose dog really did eat his homework.)  The latest example is in one of the Postal Service’s weekly news releases bragging about its “stable” service performance.  In the December 11…

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Network Transformation and its Impact on USPS Data Files

The following article was provided by Deborah Damore, Director, Postal Affairs, Enru Logistics & Postal Optimization.  Enru is a Mailers Hub Cornerstone Sponsor. There are multiple facets to the Postmaster General’s 10-Year Plan, each having an impact on costs, revenue, employees, and USPS customers. The part of the plan causing some angst this month is resulting from Network Transformation.  The…

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USPS Begins Insourcing Transportation Work

Looking to reduce the Postal Service’s use of air transportation, and make feasible slower service for First-Class Mail, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy moved significant quantities of mail onto ground transportation routes for all but the greatest distances. Now, looking for ways to reduce the reliance on contractors for that service, the PMG is beginning to insource USPS transportation.  As reported…

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Mixed Messages from the USPS About Cost Reductions

Anyone familiar with the Postmaster General’s 10-Year Plan knows that part of the strategy to balance the agency’s books includes not only price increases but cost reductions from improved efficiency in USPS operations.  Many readers, particularly noting the changes now underway in the Postal Service’s processing, transportation, and delivery networks, conclude that some of the forecasted efficiency and savings will…

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