Efficiency of Operations at the Columbus OH, Processing and Distribution Center
Background
This report presents the results of our self-initiated audit of Efficiency of Operations at the Columbus Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) in Columbus, OH (Project Number 22-041). We conducted this audit to provide U.S. Postal Service management with timely information on operational risks at this P&DC. We judgmentally selected the Columbus P&DC based on a review of overtime, penalty overtime, cancelled trips, late trips, extra trips by Postal Vehicle Service (PVS) and Highway Contract Route (HCR) drivers, and overall scanning performance. The Columbus P&DC is in the Lakeshores Division and processes letters, flats, and parcels; and it services 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 Columbus P&DC. To accomplish our objective, we focused on these four audit areas: mail clearance times, delayed mail, late and extra outbound trips, and load scans. Specifically, we analyzed the Columbus P&DC’s Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) data for workhours, overtime, and penalty overtime for fiscal year (FY) 2021. Additionally, we reviewed Surface Visibility Web (SVWeb) data for late and extra trips, as well as load scans and trailer utilization for FY 2021. Further, we identified mail clearance times through interviews with Columbus P&DC management and compared them with operations shown in the Run Plan Generator report.
During our site visit from January 10 – January 14, 2022, we interviewed P&DC management and observed mail processing for clearance times and delayed mail, logistics operations, and trailer utilization.
During the week of January 10, 2022, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) also audited three delivery units serviced by the Columbus P&DC. We will provide the results of those audits to district management in separate reports.