BACKGROUND:

The U.S. Postal Service transportation network comprised of Postal Service vehicles and employees is called the Postal Vehicle Service. Postal Vehicle Service operations at network distribution centers include drivers using tractors to move trailers in or around a facility yard. Processing operations require timely unloading of mail from trailers as they arrive and timely loading of mail into trailers for immediate departure to avoid unnecessary moves.

Our objectives were to assess trailer loading practices and determine whether staffing of Postal Vehicle Service driver operations was efficient, effective, and economical. This report focuses on the Washington Network Distribution Center, which has 12 Postal Vehicle Service drivers who move about 1,611 trailers per week.

WHAT THE OIG FOUND:

Washington Network Distribution Center staff effectively unloaded mail from trailers as they arrived but did not always follow policy to effectively load trailers for immediate movement from the facility, resulting in unnecessary trailer yard moves. We also found drivers performed an average of 27 trailer moves daily rather than the standard 40 because management did not fully assess workload and staffing requirements. As a result, more driver workhours were expended than necessary. We estimate the Postal Service could reduce 3,492 workhours and save about $271,000 annually if standards are met. We also determined the Postal Service was not always conducting required annual reviews and was paying for unneeded trips. We estimate the Postal Service could eliminate or modify 60 highway contract trips for a savings of about $2.1 million annually. Finally, we observed Postal Vehicle Service drivers not wearing safety belts and some facility doors not operating properly or being kept open.

WHAT THE OIG RECOMMENDED:

We recommended the vice president, Capital Metro Area Operations, ensure that Washington Network Distribution Center managers follow prescribed standard operating procedures for loading mail into trailers; periodically assess driver workload and staffing to ensure compliance with trailer move standards; and eliminate 3,492 annual workhours. We also recommended management follow prescribed procedures for making highway contract routes efficient and verify eliminating or modifying 60 trips identified during our audit; and emphasize and enforce that drivers wear safety belts, repair exterior doors’ badge readers and locks, and ensure that exterior doors are not left open.