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Audit Reports

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Apr
14
2022
Report Number:
21-229-R22
Report Type:
Audit Reports
Category: Delivery / Mail Processing, Service Performance

Mail Transport Equipment

Introduction/Objective

This report presents the results of our self-initiated audit of the U.S. Postal Service’s Mail Transport Equipment (MTE) Program (Project Number 21-229). Our objective was to assess Postal Service management of the MTE program. See Appendix A for additional information about this audit.

Background

MTE consists of containers (including sacks, pouches, trays, wheeled containers, pallets, etc.) used to contain mail during processing and while transporting it between postal facilities, delivery units, and mailers.

The Postal Service purchases and distributes MTE to transport mail. The use of MTE is provided as a courtesy to convey mail to and from facilities and mailers and it may not be retained or used for unauthorized purposes. Additionally, to reduce processing costs, all MTE must be properly containerized or finalized as Postal Prepared Finished Goods (PPFG) and must have a Mail Transport Equipment Labeler (MTEL) placard affixed prior to it being returned to the Mail Transport Equipment Service Center (MTESC).

The Postal Service’s MTESC network is comprised of 14 contractor-operated centers that are responsible for processing, repairing, storing, and distributing MTE in a timely and efficient manner. The Mail Transport Equipment Support System (MTESS) supports MTESCs and processes orders for facilities and large mailers.

The Postal Service Mail Transport Equipment Ordering System (MTEOR) allows users (facilities and mailers) to order MTE online, providing a fast, reliable, and convenient place for facilities and mailers to request MTE from the MTESCs. Large mailers place their MTE orders through MTEOR and receive direct delivery from an MTESC, while local mailers also use the MTEOR system but receive MTE from postal facilities.

U.S. Postal Service Headquarters is responsible for monitoring and managing all MTESC inventory to address the needs of both internal and external customers. Headquarters also uses forecasting reports in MTEOR to determine the appropriate levels of MTE to purchase. Additionally, facility managers are required to manage, administer, and determine the application and control of MTE in their jurisdictional area.

Report Recommendations

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

Identify, monitor, and follow up with Postal Service facilities and mailers that are not following the established requirements for proper handling, use, and return of excess of Mail Transport Equipment to the Mail Transport Equipment Service Centers.

Closed $12,487,996 Agree
2

Provide refresher training related to Mail Transport Equipment return handling procedures and misuse to employees at non-compliant Postal Service facilities and mailers.

Closed $0 Agree
3

Monitor the weekly inventory reporting to ensure Postal Service facilities and large mailers are compliant with the Mail Transport Equipment reporting requirements.

Closed $199,063,148 Agree
4

Establish a threshold for those local mailers subject to inventory reporting and finalize and implement requirements to account for Mail Transport Equipment inventory.

Closed $0 Agree
5

Update Handbook PO-502, Mail Transport Equipment, to establish a comprehensive audit policy addressing the audit frequency and threshold for Postal Service facilities and mailers subject to audits and documenting audit results.

Open $0 Agree
6

Coordinate with the Vice President, Logistics, to review, monitor, validate, and update information in the Facility Database, Mail Transport Equipment Ordering System, and Mail Transport Equipment Support System to ensure mailer information is accurate and current.

Closed $0 Agree
7

Correct security, and access control deficiencies at the 10 Postal Service facilities and two Mail Transport Equipment Service Centers.

Closed $0 Agree