Security and Efficiency of the New Carrier Scanners and Electronic Locks
Background
The U.S. Postal Service’s Mobile Delivery Device – Technology Refresh (MDD‑TR) is a handheld mobile scanning device used by Postal Service employees to improve real-time delivery scanning capabilities. As a part of the Delivering for America plan, the Postal Service committed to modernizing the MDD‑TRs to improve employee efficiency, increase security of mail and package delivery, and ensure employee safety. Select MDD‑TRs also use electronic lock (eLock) technology as a part of a multi-factor authentication requirement to open mail collection boxes and cluster box units — adding another level of security to prevent mail from being stolen. Since 2023, the devices have received software updates improving carrier security and efficiency through address edits, global positioning system, and hazard maps. These improvements support the Postal Service’s commitment to creating a safe and secure work environment.
What We Did
Our objective was to assess the functional efficiency of the MDD‑TR and the impact on physical security of collection boxes through the deployment of eLock technology and public awareness campaigns. To accomplish our objective, we conducted interviews with Postal Service Headquarters and local management, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and further observed MDD‑TRs at 15 randomly selected facilities.
What We Found
The deployment of MDD‑TRs coupled with eLocks and additional public awareness efforts demonstrated the Postal Service’s commitment to mail security and carrier safety. However, we found external factors, such as connectivity issues and inclement weather, impacted MDD‑TR functionality. Additionally, internal factors—such as insufficient training, limited deployment of features, and inadequate oversight of battery capacity—impacted functional efficiency. Finally, the Postal Service could not identify lost, stolen, or missing devices, because facility management did not maintain an accurate MDD-TR inventory, resulting in an unrecoverable loss.
Recommendations and Management’s Comments
We made 12 recommendations to address the issues identified in the report. Postal Service management agreed with 10 recommendations and partially agreed with two. Management’s comments and our evaluation are at the end of each finding and recommendation. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) considers management’s comments responsive to all recommendations, as corrective actions should resolve the issues identified in the report.