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Audit Reports

Mar
02
2022
Report Number:
21-130-R22
Report Type:
Audit Reports
Category: Delivery / Mail Processing, Facilities

Air Mail Not Moving As Assigned

Background

The U.S. Postal Service spent about $3 billion to transport mail via air in fiscal year (FY) 2021, an increase of about $53 million over FY 2020. These costs consisted of contracted services from [redacted], commercial airlines, [redacted] , auxiliary transportation, supplemental ad hoc charters, and terminal handling services (THS) operations.

The air network relies on Postal Service processing facilities to tender mail timely and to use volume arrival profiles (VAP) to support efficiency in THS operations. The VAP details the hourly percentage of mail Postal Service facilities are required to deliver to THS facilities while still allowing THS personnel enough time to prepare and tender the mail to the appropriate airline.

Report Recommendations

# Recommendation Status Value Initial Management Response USPS Proposed Resolution OIG Response Final Resolution
1

Reinforce procedures for mail processing personnel to ensure they are following the terminal handling services requirements for routing mail on the correct network and hub.

 Closed $34,196,824 Agree
2

Some or all of the recommendation is not publicly available due to concerns with information protected under the Freedom of Information Act.

 Closed $0 Agree
3

Reinforce the requirement for Postal Service liaisons conducting the monthly Delegates Assigned to Generate Growth and Evaluate Resolutions meetings to address ongoing terminal handling service issues and consult headquarters to identify potential resolutions for implementation.

 Closed $0 Agree
4

Consider implementing-as applicable at mail processing facilities-best practices that may include displaying updated dispatch and routing signage and daily container quality checks.

 Closed $0 Agree