A recent audit conducted by the Postal Service’s inspector general revealed significant issues at a new regional processing facility in Virginia. These problems included water-damaged mail left unprocessed for months and a worker found asleep at a forklift. The audit, dated March 28, raised concerns about the Postal Service’s plans to modernize its processing network, as the Richmond facility is the first of 60 regional processing centers that USPS plans to launch nationwide to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Despite the Postal Service’s estimate that the $23 million facility would produce $15 million annually in savings by consolidating operations, the audit found that work hours and overtime actually increased after the center opened. Only 66% of first-class mail has been delivered within two days in Virginia in the current fiscal year, compared to a national average of 87%. This has resulted in Virginia being ranked worst in the nation for on-time service, with no other region in the U.S. falling below 80% on-time delivery according to the inspector general’s office.
Postal Service officials responded to the audit and stated that they agree with most of the 10 specific recommendations for improvement made in the report by the inspector general. They have undertaken extensive efforts to address these challenges and issues in Richmond, leading to continued performance improvement. However, Virginia lawmakers including Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, along with several U.S. Representatives, issued a joint statement calling on USPS to fix the problems identified in the report. They noted a lack of coordination between USPS and the staff at the Richmond Regional Processing and Distribution Center, emphasizing the need for clearer guidance and additional resources to improve service.
The audit identified “a general inattention to detail” at the Richmond facility, resulting in mail being left on or around machines, large amounts of machinable mail in manual processing, and mail over two months old left in a container in the truck yard. Additionally, auditors observed a mail handler sleeping on a parked forklift, further highlighting the operational issues at the facility. Despite the intentions to improve efficiency and save costs through consolidation, the Richmond center has struggled to meet delivery expectations and is affecting the overall on-time service in Virginia.
The concerns raised by the audit underscore the challenges faced by the Postal Service in modernizing its processing network. While USPS is working to address the issues identified in the report, continued oversight and improvements are needed to ensure efficient and reliable service for customers. It is crucial for USPS to coordinate with lawmakers and stakeholders to implement necessary changes at the Richmond Regional Processing and Distribution Center and prevent similar issues from occurring at other planned facilities nationwide. By prioritizing operational excellence and addressing the deficiencies highlighted in the audit, USPS can work towards achieving the expected savings and improving service quality for customers in Virginia and beyond.
