Background

Each year, the U.S. Postal Service experiences significant pressure on its operations during the holidays – its peak mailing season. During this period, the surge in mail and package volume strains the Postal Service’s processing, transportation, and delivery networks. After the peak mailing season ends, a post-peak period begins – driven by high volumes of package returns. To manage these demands, the Postal Service develops a comprehensive preparedness plan with seasonal initiatives and implements year-round strategies with permanent operational changes. When managed successfully, the peak mailing season is a prime opportunity for the Postal Service to attract customers, boost loyalty, and drive revenue.

What We Did

Our objective was to evaluate the Postal Service’s performance during the fiscal year (FY) 2026 peak and post-peak mailing seasons, the implementation of its peak mailing season preparedness plan, and operational changes to the network potentially impacting performance. For this audit, we conducted site visits to 10 facilities to evaluate peak season performance, and interviewed headquarters’ management to identify challenges and successes in implementing the peak mailing season initiatives and operational changes to the network.

What We Found

In general, the Postal Service successfully managed the FY 2026 peak and post-peak mailing seasons. Effective implementation of strategic initiatives, coupled with decreased mail volume and a service standard change, helped to improve service performance across all mail products when compared to the FY 2025 peak and post-peak mailing seasons. Key improvements included deployment of package processing equipment, increased staffing, and preventing and recovering packages that lacked proper scans or were missent. Lastly, while the Postal Service effectively reduced extra and canceled trips within highway transportation, it experienced challenges with estimating capacity limits within air transportation.

Recommendations and Management’s Comments

No recommendations were made regarding the Postal Service’s FY 2026 peak and post-peak mailing seasons preparedness and performance. Regarding the Postal Service’s air transportation challenges, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General is conducting a broader audit on the Effectiveness of Mail Transported by Air, and recommendations will be forthcoming.