Background Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are powered industrial vehicles modified to enable driverless operation. Beginning in June 2019, the Postal Service spent [redacted] to purchase and deploy 350 AGVs between October 2019 and April 2022. These AGVs move wheeled or palletized mail transport equipment for processing and dispatch operations within a facility. The Postal Service…
Background In November 2014, the Postal Service deployed the Automated Delivery Unit Sorter (ADUS), which automated the sorting of smaller packages in delivery units and small processing and distribution centers. Further, in 2021, as part of the 10-year Delivering for America Plan, the Postal Service kept its commitment to accelerate investments in new package sorting equipment to…
Background Each year the U.S. Postal Service is required to report on compensation in the annual Comprehensive Statement of Postal Operations (Comprehensive Statement). For calendar year (CY) 2022, the annual salary of each Postal Service employee was limited to $226,300. Two exceptions granted under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (PAEA) allow the…
Background Each year, the U.S. Postal Service network stresses to accommodate the peak mailing season â Thanksgiving through New Yearâs Day. Increased mail volume and operational changes during peak season significantly challenge the Postal Serviceâs processing and distribution network. In preparation for the fiscal year (FY) 2023 peak mailing season, Postal Service management executed a…
Background Flat-shaped mail, or âFlatsâ, refers to large envelopes, magazines, and other flexible, rectangular mail that meet certain criteria. The Postal Service processes Flats using automated mail processing equipment and manually, as necessary. Each class of U.S. mail is legally required to cover its costs. The Postal Service has been challenged with processing Flats in…
Background Postal Service employees who sustain a work-related injury or occupational disease are covered by the Federal Employeesâ Compensation Act (FECA). These benefits include wage-loss compensation, medical and rehabilitation services, and death benefit payments to surviving dependents. The Department of Laborâs (DOL) Office of Workersâ Compensation Program has the exclusive authority to administer, implement, and…
Background A post office suspension occurs when the U.S. Postal Service temporarily stops operations at a Postal Service-operated retail facility. A facility may be suspended due to a natural disaster, termination of a lease or rental agreement, lack of qualified personnel to operate the office, irreparable or severe damage to the retail facility, or the…
Background The U.S. Postal Service operates over 29,000 retail facilities, which provide postage, products, and services to patrons in all areas and communities in the United States. To ensure these facilities are safe for both customers and employees, the Postal Service provides preventive maintenance and repair resources for their upkeep. This includes employee workhours to…
