Project Title: Highway Contract Routes Survey Compliance
Start Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Estimated Report Release Date: September 2016

The Postal Service uses Highway Contract Routes (HCRs) to transport mail between plants, post offices, or other designated points where mail is received or dispatched. HCRs are contracts with independent drivers to travel specified routes. Postal Service policy states HCRs must be surveyed during the fall of the year before the contract expires. HCR administrative officials (usually plant transportation and network specialists managers) are responsible for completing the route survey.

Completing the route survey allows management to determine if opportunities exist to make adjustments that will improve service or result in more cost-effective transportation.

• Are surveys of HCR contracts being conducted as required?
• What are the benefits of conducting surveys?
• What are the challenges of completing them?

Source / Comments: Are Highway Contract Route Surveys Helpful? | USPS Office of Inspector General