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Audit Reports

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    Efficiency Birmingham PnDC Cover
Sep
09
2024
Report Number:
24-129-R24
Report Type:
Audit Reports
Category: Service Performance

Efficiency of Operations at the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center and Mail Processing Annex, Birmingham, AL

Background

The U.S. Postal Service needs effective and productive operations to fulfill its mission of providing prompt, reliable, and affordable mail service to the American public. It has a vast transportation network that moves mail and equipment among about 330 processing facilities and 31,100 post offices, stations, and branches. The Postal Service is transforming its processing and logistics networks to become scalable, reliable, visible, efficient, automated, and digitally integrated. This includes modernizing operating plans and aligning the workforce; leveraging emerging technologies to provide world-class visibility and tracking of mail and packages in near real time; and optimizing the surface and air transportation network. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) reviews the efficiency of mail processing operations at facilities across the country and provides management with timely feedback to further the Postal Service’s mission.

This report presents the results of our self-initiated audit of the efficiency of operations at the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) and Mail Processing Annex (MPA) in Birmingham, AL. We judgmentally selected the Birmingham, AL, P&DC and MPA based on a review of first and last mile failures; workhours; scanning compliance; and late, canceled, and extra trips. The Birmingham P&DC and MPA are in the Gulf Atlantic Processing Division. The P&DC processes letters, and the MPA processes packages and flats. The Birmingham P&DC and MPA service multiple 3-digit ZIP Codes in urban and rural communities.

Objective, Scope, and Methodology

Our objective was to evaluate the efficiency of operations at the Birmingham P&DC and MPA. To accomplish our objective, we focused on five audit areas: mail clearance times, delayed mail, late and extra outbound trips, dock scanning, and security of registry items. We reviewed Surface Visibility Web (SVWeb) data for late, canceled, and extra trips, as well as scan compliance for the period from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024. Further, we identified mail clearance time goals for the Birmingham P&DC and MPA and compared them with operations shown in the Run Plan Generator report.6 During our site visit the week of July 8, 2024, we interviewed P&DC and MPA management and observed mail processing and dock operations.

Report Recommendations

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

Provide training to supervisors on the proper use of the Low Cost Universal Sorter and monitor for compliance.

Closed $0 Agree
2

Implement procedures at the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center to verify that mail arriving at the manual letter operations unit does not contain mail that could be processed on automated equipment.

Closed $0 Agree
3

Verify supervisors at the Birmingham Mail Processing Annex are trained on proper mail flow procedures in processing operations and these procedures are followed.

Closed $0 Agree
4

Verify employees responsible for reporting delayed mail at the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center are trained on proper reporting procedures and delayed mail is accurately reported in the Mail Condition Visualization System.

Closed $0 Agree
5

Verify appropriate transportation schedule changes are implemented based on the review performed in March 2024 at the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center and Mail Processing Annex to reduce dock congestion and minimize late trips.

Closed $0 Agree
6

Develop and implement a plan to verify scanning at the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center and Mail Processing Annex is consistently completed in accordance with policy.

Closed $0 Agree
7

Reiterate policy and verify all drivers are using wheel chocks and trailer door locks at the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center and Mail Processing Annex.

Closed $0 Agree
8

Communicate policy and verify facility doors are secured at the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center and Mail Processing Annex.

Closed $0 Agree