@papyrophilia posted a new topic, subject "USPS watchdog investigation 8/7/2020". It read: #### EDIT DUE TO FALSE FLAGGING: This thread is not “off topic”. The other Forum threads to which this specifically relates– _topically_ –are cited in this OP, as well as the _specific_ selling-on-Amazon related concerns in my editorial content. If you cannot understand how that makes this ON TOPIC, then please feel free to PM me. I might even respond. * * * * * * #### This is not a political post. Several Forum topics have addressed recent changes in USPS practices that have _directly_ lead to delays and difficulties with order deliveries, resulting in **Buyer frustrations and increased costs to Sellers** , due to INR A-to-z claims granted but the order shows up afterward, packages getting lost in distribution centers, reductions in USPO service areas and availability, and forced Buy Shipping choices that are more expensive to guarantee on-time delivery. * **Amazon's New Address Verification System FAIL** * **Post Office DILEMMA** * **USPS backs down on Post Office closings** * **Demand USPS returns to old service levels** * **USPS Mailing Times in July** * _…and others._ The following announcement _might_ bring some comfort to Sellers–though a request for investigation certainly does not guarantee any immediate practice changes. _(The article has been edited for relevance.)_ > ### First on CNN: Warren and other top Democrats ask USPS watchdog to investigate practices > > By Jessica Dean, Jeremy Herb and Ellie Kaufman, CNN > Updated Aug 7, 2020 > > Washington (CNN) - Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and other top Democrats on Friday sent a letter to the United States Postal Service inspector general asking her to investigate recent operational changes within the agency. > > The Democrats write that they are concerned about “modifications” to USPS “staffing and policies” recently put in place by new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. Appointed by President Donald Trump, DeJoy is a Trump fundraiser and ally. > > The group, which includes Sens. Gary Peters of Michigan, Tom Carper of Delaware, Ron Wyden of Oregon, Tina Smith of Minnesota and House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York, ask the inspector general to specifically look into the rationale for the operational changes, their potential impact on vote-by-mail in the 2020 election and potential financial conflicts of interest. > > The letter claims the changes at USPS have led to “slower and less reliable” mail delivery which “threatens the well-being of millions of Americans that rely on the Postal Service for delivery of Social Security checks, prescriptions, and everyday mail of all kinds.” > > _…snip…_ > > DeJoy, after taking over at postmaster general in June, changed USPS operations by cutting back workers' hours and denying overtime to some employees. > > _…snip…_ > > In heated discussions with DeJoy on Wednesday, congressional Democrats demanded the Postal Service repeal cutbacks that have slowed the mail already, months before the November presidential election. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told CNN on Thursday that Democrats called on DeJoy “to pull back on these cutbacks on overtime and employees, so all the mail can be delivered on time on Election Day.” > > _…snip…_ > > In a letter to DeJoy on Thursday, Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the postmaster general had confirmed the cutbacks in their Wednesday meeting, and they again called on him to reverse them. > > _…snip…_ > > * * * > > TM & © 2020 Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. > A WarnerMedia Company. > All Rights Reserved. After which, @Jes (Jes) added Thanks @papyrophilia After which, @papyrophilia added papyrophilia: > ask the inspector general to specifically look into the **rationale for the operational changes** I think that this must be explored beyond a vague reference to “cost savings.” There needs to be clear link between a problem solved by a change and a dollar value on that, in addition to alternative solutions, for every change made. It's almost like there needed to be a POA beforehand To which @papyrophilia replied Thanks for the tip, @RedWing–I had missed that. I truly don't want to assign malice to what might only be… _eagerness_ …but this look is _not pretty_. _**From** **nbcnews[dot]com:**_ > ### Organizational changes at Postal Service come amid slowdown concerns > > _Postmaster General Louis DeJoy imposed a new organization structure just days after meeting with the top two Democrats in Congress._ > > Aug. 8, 2020, 12:50 AM EDT > By Dennis Romero > > Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who is facing pressure from Congress over mail delays and concerns about how the U.S. Postal Service would handle mail-in voting during the November presidential election, is shaking up the agency's organizational structure. > > New managerial appointments came with **the removal or reassignment of nearly two dozen postal leaders** , illustrated by a new list of executive leaders but not expressly noted by the U.S. Postal Service's statement on the shakeup. > > The moves Friday also included a **hiring freeze** and a **request for “early retirement authority”** for nonunion employees. > > “This organizational change will capture operating efficiencies by providing clarity and economies of scale that will allow us to reduce our cost base and capture new revenue,” DeJoy said in the statement. > > _…snip…_ > > The leadership shake-up came two days after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer [had a closed-door meeting with DeJoy] that Schumer described as “heated.” > > _…snip…_ > > DeJoy, a major Trump donor who's the first postmaster general not to come from within the ranks of the Postal Service in nearly two decades, imposed cost-cutting measures in June that the Democratic leaders, as well as some Republicans in Congress who represent rural districts, want rolled back. > > David Partenheimer, a spokesman for the Postal Service, on Thursday denied that delays in mail delivery were taking place. _“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” - Maya Angelou_ To which @September1999 (September1999) replied USPS is a federal agency (via a rather convoluted structure). It seems that during the pandemic the federal authorities chose not to boost USPS resources, even though it's critical infrastructure including distribution of vital medical supplies. The resources could have been boosted including using military, although perhaps that did happen. I haven't researched in detail but I didn't hear of any efforts being made. Then @RedWing (Red Wing) said papyrophilia: > Thanks for the tip, @RedWing–I had missed that. Don't get me wrong, I do not think that. I'm just pointing out what seems to be mounting defense of the actions. @Abraxas_Roadtrip (Abraxas Roadtrip) replied Relax, folks. “They” have been threatening to close rural post offices, consolidate urban post offices, kill overtime and so much more since I began my career there in 1977. This is nothing new. Its all political, give and take for almost fifty years, between the union and the government. Oh yes, let us not forget when they were going to stop Saturday deliveries. Remember that? The base level employees are the ones who keep things going while the big boys fight. Those employees could tell them how to streamline the work, but as with most large businesses, no one at the top listens. It's easy to scare people when the USPS remains one of the few American icons left. I did note how the USPS slowed down about the time the Covid money was being handed out, and they were among those with outstretched fingers. “We're going broke! We'll have to close stations, reduce employee hours…” I've heard fifty years of it, folks, but the post office is still there. It always seems to survive the current administration's shenanigans. So @Mr_Blue_888 (i30_Media) replied Not just a Democratic complaint. Lots of rural red districts and states depend on the USPS. When meds and benefits checks don't show up on time you can bet their Republicans reps in Washington get an earful. Then @frsystems1 (Financial Resource Systems) said I live in a small rural area and they just recently merged two of the small post offices into one. People have to drive an extra 7 miles to check their P.O. boxes or just for service. I feel blessed to be only 6 minutes away from my P.O. I have not had any significant delays that I know of in mail delivery. Also, I did not renew my PRIME in April due to the pandemic. The delays were defeating the purpose. Then @BONE_DRY_WATER_SUPPL (BONE DRY WATER SUPPLY) said I ship plants. The recent changes have had a devastating effect on my service. Plants go into distribution center at Ybor City and come out days later. Plants have shipping damage which can only be explained by sitting in hot sun for hours. This is not a political message from me. It's just a small business owner begging for someone to figure out how to deal with USPS new service levels. Also, the “Insurance Claim Form” is purposely complicated - unnecessarity so. If USPS doesn't get packages where they are supposed to go in the time frame “guaranteed” . there should be an automatic refund on postage. To which @Ms_Neda_s (Ms_Neda_s) replied I just had a customer reach out to me for a package that was mailed 7/26 i put the tracking number in, it still shows pre shipment, meaning they have't even scanned, and that was 10+ days ago something has got to be done this is nutz To which @RamFan (The_Lighting_Company) replied **# U.S. Postal Service Reports Fiscal Year 2019 Results** “* _Operating revenue increase of $514 million_ * _Overall volume decline of 3.8 billion pieces_ * _Urgent need to advance legislative and regulatory reforms, along with continued aggressive management and innovation_ **WASHINGTON** \- The U.S. Postal Service reported operating revenue of $71.1 billion for fiscal year 2019 (October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2019), an increase of $514 million compared to the prior year. The higher revenues were driven largely by price increases and continued growth in the Shipping and Packages business, where revenue increased $1.3 billion, or 6.1 percent, which more than offset revenue declines in First-Class and Marketing Mail as a result of declining volumes in that segment of its business. Operating expenses for the year were $79.9 billion, an increase of $5.4 billion, or 7.3 percent, compared to the prior year. This was driven by an increase in workers compensation expense of $3.5 billion, of which $3.4 billion was directly the result of changes in discount rates outside of management's control.” * * * # USPS is done subsidizing Chinese package shipping Running a small business that ships low-weight merchandise, say 10 T-shirts or small hardware from China to the United States, made logistics costs easy. The U.S. provided for a large shipping discount of 40 percent to 70 percent. Such generosity came from U.S. membership in the Universal Postal Union (UPU). Founded in 1874, the UPU is the international postal organization in Switzerland, committed to smoothly running the international postal system. * * * The bottom line, USPS spends more than it takes in. It's a stand alone Government entity that survives from its various revenue options. There has to be a Legislative solution to right the ship. Without a Legislative solution the USPS has to reduce its expenses or risk running out of funds within the next 12 months. This is what we are jonesmary@example.net. If someone has details on the Congressional USPS Legislation, please post. I haven't seen anything. Stay safe! To which @niten_san (Niten-san) replied Nothing will be done. USPS knows you won't pay extra to use other carriers, so they can treat you however they want. After which, @encrypter46 (encrypter46) added If what is wanted is fast service by the PO, one must realize that its financial situation has always been bad for decades affecting the costs including OT. When one also realizes that its revenue is seized and used by other government agencies, it sheds much light on why it can't make a profit or at least break-even. It kind of reminds one of the Social Security situation. Then @Mike64220 (Michael) said BONE_DRY_WATER_SUPPL: > Plants go into distribution center at Ybor City and come out days later. Plants have shipping damage which can only be explained by sitting in hot sun for hours. Is there something USPS has to do with plants? Some inspection or something? All my packages go through Ybor as well but it's a fast turnaround there for me. I wouldn't think they'd be in the hot sun to cause damage though so not sure why that would be. I can't keep plants alive in most situations @Many-Land (Many-Land) replied Amazon…Why are you suppressing from the community?? Then @JohnCasey21 (JohnCasey21) said Why the F has this been flagged? After which, @system (system) added This topic is temporarily closed for at least 4 hours due to a large number of community flags. After which, @system (system) added This topic was automatically opened after 28 hours. Then @papyrophilia said ** **As the OP**, I want to thank everyone for their contributions to this thread.** I would also note for future readers that many earlier replies have been deleted at this time. Some of these addressed personal claims against political figures–please avoid these. **Please try to stick to Seller-related issues rather than politics moving forward**. To be clear, _in my opinion_ a functional, fiscally- and logistically-efficient, and responsibly managed postal service should be an _omnipartisan_ goal, as a public service. There is no doubt in my mind that improvements should be considered, implemented, and evaluated– _strategically_ and _cooperatively_ –toward the _common good_. **This new iteration of USPS issues (in the middle of a global pandemic) should concern _all_ FBM Sellers.** Please consider _compassionately_ your questions and replies. ### Otherwise, after a 28-hour-long time-out, carry on! Then @OopsieAmazon said OopsieAmazon: > recent changes in USPS practices that have _directly_ lead to delays and difficulties with order deliveries, resulting in **Buyer frustrations and increased costs to Sellers** , due to INR A-to-z claims granted but the order shows up afterward, packages getting lost in distribution centers, reductions in USPO service areas and availability, and forced Buy Shipping choices that are more expensive to guarantee on-time delivery. Good discussion and tips in the below-linked current thread for handling the customer service aspect of the USPS delays: **Current USPS delivery issues**. After which, @OopsieAmazon added Well, here's a twist on the whole situation. I can certainly see how this should also be investigated, which _is_ being called for, but I don't want to spell out my specific concerns for fear of getting too political or fantastical. See what you can gather for yourself from **cnn[dot]com/2020/08/12/politics/postal-service-dejoy-conflicts-amazon-trades-xpo-stake/index.html**. And this has _obvious_ ties to selling ( _and shipping!_ ) on Amazon: 20200812_210913.jpg1053×1799 564 KB 20200812_210959.jpg1067×1067 335 KB After which, @keyslife (KeysLife) added What everyone can do is to adapt and survive. Forget the red and blue politics, you are in this to make living and protect the jobs you are creating. So if there is politics, remove yourself from it. Amazon severed relationship with Fedex. Our Fedex salesman told me their planes fly all the USPS Priority mail items and gave me rates that are just a tad higher then priority mail but have the 2 days transit time. That allowed me to go SFP on lot of our items AND essentially double our sales on items we can do SFP utilizing Fedex One Rate. While I absolutely adore our Post Office and all the employees that work with us, we spend $653,000 on shipping last year and I will give that money to the carrier who is the most reliable to protect our reputation. So more and more of our shipping goes to Fedex One Rate. If things change, we adapt again. After which, @Marth (Marth) added Breaking news from the Washington Post (and no doubt searchable elsewhere as well): _The President of the United States admitted today that he does not want to fund the U.S. Postal Service because Democrats are seeking to expand mail-in voting during the coronavirus pandemic, making explicit the reason he has declined to approve $25 billion in emergency funding for the cash-strapped agency._ _“Now, they need that money in order to make the post office work, so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots,” Trump said in an interview with Fox Business Network's Maria Bartiromo. He added: “Now, if we don't make a deal, that means they don't get the money. That means they can't have universal mail-in voting, they just can't have it.”_ beyond words … Moderator edit(Ale_Amazon): Removed external URL. So @OopsieAmazon replied Marth: > _“Now, they need that money in order to make the post office work, so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots,” Trump said in an interview with Fox Business Network's Maria Bartiromo. He added: “Now, if we don't make a deal, that means they don't get the money. That means they can't have universal mail-in voting, they just can't have it.”_ > > **beyond words …** beyond _printable_ words… This should raise the ire of _all_ FBM Sellers, no matter how you vote, who you vote, if you vote, or how you feel about the management of the USPS in general. Whatever the reasons are, _we_ are the ones experiencing the right-now business consequences of all of these shenanigans. Thanks for sharing, @Marth! So @OopsieAmazon replied Some more updates. For example, I had not seen that the goal was to “eliminate 64 million working hours nationally”–is that yearly, I assume?–or that “managers would try to quickly fix problems when they arise.” #### Has this been something that you've seen personally? How are managers fixing problems in your area? It is also interesting that this article reports “online sales” as a cause of _pre-June_ issues. Individually, several Sellers have recommended putting **a trace or tracer** on stuck or missing packages: * **Chicago Destroyed by looters, rioters** @Jes_Jes * **Issues resolving INR claim** @davidsbook * **Current USPS delivery issues** @ILFS_Inc **ETA:** I _think_ this is officially a _Missing Mail Search Request_ (faq[dot]usps[dot]com/s/article/Missing-Mail-The-Basics). I also _think_ this is different than _File a Claim_ (faq[dot]usps[dot]com/s/article/Domestic-Claims-The-Basics). * * * > ### U.S. postal service reorganization sparks delays, election questions > > AUGUST 12, 2020 / 6:04 AM / A DAY AGO > [Andy Sullivan], [Heather Timmons] > **reuters[dot]com** > > WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A shakeup of the U.S. Postal Service is leading to mail delays, union officials said on Tuesday, heightening concerns that an ally of President Donald Trump is destabilizing the service as millions of Americans consider whether to cast their ballots by mail in the Nov. 3 presidential election. > > _…snip…_ > > The reorganization, introduced in July, has resulted in thousands of delayed letters in southern Maine, as **delivery drivers follow a new directive to leave on time, even if the mail has not been loaded** , said Scott Adams, who represents about 550 workers as the president of American Postal Worker Union Local 458. > > **Another new directive requires mail carriers to head out on their routes immediately in the morning, carrying only packages and letters that were sorted the night before** , according to an internal memo seen by Reuters. That is requiring some carriers to double back to pick up a second batch later in the day, said Kimberly Karol, president of the Iowa Postal Workers Union. > > “It is on the ground costing more in manpower and man-hours than it is saving,” Karol said. > > Deliveries from online shopping during the pandemic had already stretched the post office to its limits. Delays have also been reported in at least 18 other states, according to media reports. > > _…snip…_ > > The plan hopes to **eliminate 64 million working hours nationally** to reduce personnel costs, according to another memo. > > The Postal Service has faced financial woes with the rise of email and social media, and a measure passed in 2006 requiring it to prefund 75 years of retiree health benefits over the span of 10 years at a cost of more than $100 billion. > > _…snip…_ > > In a speech on Friday, **DeJoy said managers would try to quickly fix problems when they arise. “We will aggressively monitor and quickly address service issues,”** he told the Postal Service Board of Governors. > > _…snip…_ > > _Reporting by Andy Sullivan and Heather Timmons; Editing by Heather Timmons and Aurora Ellis_ @primetime (primetime) replied And now there is this: (Google: Financial disclosures reveal postmaster general's business entanglements and likely conflicts of interest) > Raising further alarms, on the same day in June that DeJoy divested large amounts of Amazon shares, he purchased stock options giving him the right to buy new shares of Amazon at a price much lower than their current market price, according to the disclosures. So, it seems like a bet that Amazon's stock will soon be falling - _because of delivery problems??_ Same article includes this: > The Treasury Department also recently struck a loan deal with USPS that gives the Trump administration more leverage to push for higher shipping prices The plot thickens. I'd call for popcorn but this is hardly entertaining. To which @LBSO (LBSO) replied I read the article sighting Kimberly Karol, the head of the Iowa Postal Workers Union. Iowa has 6 electoral college votes, why would they remove equipment there? Is there a central hub there? @Dogtamer (Dogtamer) replied LBSO: > … > Iowa has 6 electoral college votes, why would they remove equipment there? Is there a central hub there? Why is ethanol federally mandated? @LBSO (LBSO) replied Dogtamer: > Why is ethanol federally mandated? You lost me on this one. Unless its sarcasm. After which, @Rushdie (Rushdie) added > **Mail sorting equipment being “removed” from post offices, leaving mail to “pile up”: union leader** > _A union chief says the changes, which have been more drastic than people realize, are costing more money — not less_ > > Igor Derysh - The Salon > August 12, 2020 > > Mail sorting equipment is being removed from U.S. Postal Service (USPS) offices amid a slew of operational changes implemented by new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, according to the head of the Iowa Postal Workers Union. > > … > > “We believe these changes, made during the middle of a once-in-a-century pandemic, now threaten the timely delivery of mail — including medicines for seniors, paychecks for workers, and absentee ballots for voters — that is essential to millions of Americans,” they wrote in a letter to DeJoy, calling the cost-cutting measures “counterproductive and unacceptable.” > > … > > _Please Google title for entire article._ …and excerpts from BBC August 13, 2020 > **_He, who shall remain nameless_ blocks postal funds to prevent expanded mail-in voting** > > On Thursday, he said his reason for blocking the funds was due to his opposition to mail-in ballots. > > “They want $3.5bn for something that will turn out to be fraudulent. That's election money, basically,” POS said in a telephone interview with Fox Business Network. > > “Now they need that money in order to make the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots,” he continued. > > He added: “Now, if we don't make a deal, that means they don't get the money. That means they can't have universal mail-in voting, they just can't have it.” > > … _Realized after posting, some of this has already been mentioned. Sorry about that._ After which, @primetime (primetime) added Rushdie: > He, who shall remain nameless Good strategy, I considered obliterating the name for the sake of forum peace. but I didn't. It's obvious. Rushdie: > they just can't have it.” This is breathtaking @Dogtamer (Dogtamer) replied LBSO: > You lost me on this one. > … Generally speaking, if I intend to make a tongue-in-cheek post, I'll use the /sarc ‘tag.' It is generally accepted, on both sides of the political aisle, that the primary responsibility for the Federal Ethanol Mandate lies at the feet of the so-called “Corn Lobby.” It is also generally accepted, on both sides of the political aisle, that Iowa's primacy of status in the Political Primary Process, in combination with the power of the Corn Lobby in its local political machinery (largely underpinned by the economic clout arising from one of Iowa's leading agricultural products, corn), went far in producing that mandate. While it must be admitted that I do not necessarily agree with what appears to be the common consensus of the MSM's talking heads (on either side of the political aisle; I have always found that treading The Middle Path tends to produce better outcomes), I have absorbed enough lessons from the election-year political theater of the last 5 decades to sniff out at least the bare outlines of the most-likely premises underlying such motivations. After which, @spoonyfork (spoonyfork) added RamFan: > **# U.S. Postal Service Reports Fiscal Year 2019 Results** > > “* _Operating revenue increase of $514 million_ > > * _Overall volume decline of 3.8 billion pieces_ > * _Urgent need to advance legislative and regulatory reforms, along with continued aggressive management and innovation_ > > > **WASHINGTON** \- The U.S. Postal Service reported operating revenue of $71.1 billion for fiscal year 2019 (October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2019), an increase of $514 million compared to the prior year. The higher revenues were driven largely by price increases and continued growth in the Shipping and Packages business, where revenue increased $1.3 billion, or 6.1 percent, which more than offset revenue declines in First-Class and Marketing Mail as a result of declining volumes in that segment of its business. > > Operating expenses for the year were $79.9 billion, an increase of $5.4 billion, or 7.3 percent, compared to the prior year. This was driven by an increase in workers compensation expense of $3.5 billion, of which $3.4 billion was directly the result of changes in discount rates outside of management's control.” > > * * * > > # USPS is done subsidizing Chinese package shipping > > Running a small business that ships low-weight merchandise, say 10 T-shirts or small hardware from China to the United States, made logistics costs easy. The U.S. provided for a large shipping discount of 40 percent to 70 percent. > > Such generosity came from U.S. membership in the Universal Postal Union (UPU). Founded in 1874, the UPU is the international postal organization in Switzerland, committed to smoothly running the international postal system. > > * * * > > The bottom line, USPS spends more than it takes in. It's a stand alone Government entity that survives from its various revenue options. There has to be a Legislative solution to right the ship. Without a Legislative solution the USPS has to reduce its expenses or risk running out of funds within the next 12 months. This is what we are jonesmary@example.net. > > If someone has details on the Congressional USPS Legislation, please post. I haven't seen anything. > > Stay safe! it's a government service/infrastructure. It's not supposed to earn revenue any more than the police, fire department or military services. Then @Dogtamer (Dogtamer) said spoonyfork: > It's a government service/infrastructure. It's not supposed to earn revenue any more than the police, fire department or military services. Agreed. But as you and many others have long pointed out, such public services can only bleed away revenue in an off-hand way if WE allow them to do so. So @spoonyfork (spoonyfork) replied yes, the 2006 deal to pre-fund pensions was a huge contributor. @OopsieAmazon replied Rushdie: > **_Mail sorting equipment being “removed” from post offices, leaving mail to “pile up”: union leader_** Just saw this ^^^ and have a bit more info to share while SMDH. _Vigorously_. > ### Postal Service removes some mail-sorting machines, sparking concerns ahead of election > > _By Curt Devine, Bob Ortega and Paul P. Murphy, CNN_ > _Updated 2 hours ago Aug 13, 2020_ > > (CNN) - The US Postal Service plans to remove hundreds of high-volume mail-processing machines from facilities across the country, leading some postal workers to fear they may have less capacity to process mail during election season. > > Documents obtained by CNN indicate **671 machines** used to organize letters or other pieces of mail are slated for “reduction” in dozens of cities this year. **The agency started removing machines in June, according to postal workers.** > > While the reductions come amid decreased mail volume this year and are described by some postal officials as making the service more cost-effective, the effort overlaps with other actions implemented by the Postal Service that workers have blamed for **delivery delays**. The new procedures were described in a July memo and include staff hours being cut. > > _…snip…_ > > The Postal Service said in a statement that it “routinely moves equipment around its network as necessary to match changing mail and package volumes. Package volume is up, but mail volume continues to decline. Adapting our processing infrastructure to the current volumes will ensure more efficient, cost effective operations and better service for our customers.” > > **But the Postal Service's own document calls the move a “reduction” of equipment.** Postal workers in various locations said **machines have been dismantled** and that it wasn't immediately clear what the agency was doing with the parts. > > Some of these **machines have the capacity to sort up to 30,000 mail items and take only two Postal Service workers to run** , according two machine technicians CNN spoke with. > > They estimate it would take about 30 employees over their entire shifts – they have to have scheme training to do the work – to do that amount of work by hand. > > The reduction effort has prompted questions and concerns among some postal union leaders. > > A letter sent Wednesday from the National Postal Mail Handlers Union to the Postal Service headquarters asked, “Why are these machines being removed?” and “What is the anticipated staffing impacts in the facilities that are losing equipment?” **The letter also asked if it's true that all equipment planned for removal has not been used since early May.** > > Chris Bentley, president of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 297, which covers Kansas and part of Missouri, told CNN that **postal management has already taken out four machines in Kansas City, two machines in Springfield, Missouri, and one machine in Wichita, Kansas.** > > Bentley said that even though total mail volume is currently down, **he didn't understand why the machines were being removed rather than simply turned off and kept in place in case they are needed in the fall, when the Postal Service expects volume to increase** with mail-in ballots, campaign materials and other mail. > > “The comparison would be that if you have a room in your house that you are not using much anymore, you might turn the light switch off to that room, but you wouldn't call an electrician and have all the wiring removed from that room,” he said. > > Lamont Brooks, director of the clerks division of the American Postal Workers Union, said **the Postal Service hadn't informed the union it was removing machines until the union asked about the issue in June, when it started getting calls from mail clerks about the dismantling of machines.** > > _…snip…_ > > Still, Paul Hogrogian, national president for the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, said he does not expect the dismantling of processing equipment to have a widespread impact on mail delivery time across the country, including in election season. > > “A lot of the machines they are taking out … a lot of them haven't been used in a while anyways,” he said. > But he said **it may be too early to tell if the Postal Service is taking out too many** and that he has heard that plans to remove a few dozen of the machines are on hold. > > “Maybe they are jumping the gun. Maybe they are not,” he said. > > While Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump loyalist, began his job in June, Hogrogian said he understands that plans to reduce equipment were in place before DeJoy started. > > Last Thursday, the Postal Service told Democratic senators in a letter that the service is working to maximize the efficiency of processing and sorting equipment. “In some instances, we may be able to shift or remove equipment as appropriate,” the letter said. It came in response to questions raised during a meeting of DeJoy, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. > > Democratic lawmakers last week called on the Postal Service inspector general to investigate operational changes at the agency. > > Keith Combs, an American Postal Workers Union local president for the Detroit district, said that **not only does the machine removal slow down the operation, but it also makes it a lot more difficult to keep the mail-sorting operation going** There's a smaller pool of secondary machines available if another machine breaks down. > > Combs said four machines have been removed in his area, and the remaining machines need to be reprogrammed to run more routes, which also **increases the time it takes to process and sort the mail.** > > As a result, Combs says, workers are being told they **need to stop running the mail-sorting machines at a certain time – to stop any overtime accrual.** > > Combs has received reports from his union members that **they're being told to not worry about delayed mail and to "let the mail wait to another day."** > > _…snip…_ > > That also occurred in Maine, according to American Postal Workers Union Local 458 President Scott Adams. **Sorted mail was 10 minutes late to the mail trucks, according to Adams, and was left because of new Postal Service protocols to not hold trucks for late mail.** > > While most of these delays center on second- and third-class, or bulk, mail, union members have told Combs this has, at times, included first-class mail. > > “The Postal Service must complete the mission,” he says. “Every piece of mail must go.” > > _This story has been updated to note that Vice previously reported the story._ > _TM & © 2020 Turner Broadcasting System, Inc._ > _A WarnerMedia Company._ > _All Rights Reserved._ * * * Rushdie: > **Realized after posting, some of this has already been mentioned. Sorry about that.** No worries at all! @Dogtamer (Dogtamer) replied spoonyfork: > yes, the 2006 deal to pre-fund pensions was a **huge** contributor. I would submit that **that** execrable action by our Congress critters underpins much of the problem which USPS currently faces - but ultimately, those so-and-so's aren't the core problem. The blame lies squarely at the feet of We The People, for failing to pay attention to things that REALLY matter. @spoonyfork (spoonyfork) replied yes, and the USPS spokesperson is framing it as ‘moving machines around like we always do' when in fact they are ‘deactivating machines'… After which, @spoonyfork (spoonyfork) added Dogtamer: > spoonyfork: > >> yes, the 2006 deal to pre-fund pensions was a **huge** contributor. > > I would submit that **that** execrable action by our Congress critters underpins much of the problem which USPS currently faces - but ultimately, those so-and-so's aren't the core problem. > > The blame lies squarely at the feet of We The People, for failing to pay attention to things that REALLY matter. well WE THE PEOPLE put the 2006 people in charge that signed that bill into law that crippled USPS…The USPS has been under attack for quite some time now. After which, @Dogtamer (Dogtamer) added spoonyfork: > … > yes, and the USPS spokesperson is framing it as ‘moving machines around like we always do' when in fact they are ‘deactivating machines'… Hey, there may be a silver lining for that spokesperson: Amazon **loves** doubletalk. After which, @spoonyfork (spoonyfork) added From your post I understand that you think Amazon loves doubletalk. I will be happy to help you with this issue…please provide the following: 1.) your birth certificate 2.) a picture of your first-born 3.) … To which @OopsieAmazon replied Dogtamer: > spoonyfork: > >> it's a government service/infrastructure. **It's not supposed to earn revenue** any more than the police, fire department or military services. > > Agreed. > > But as you and many others have long pointed out, **such public services can only bleed away revenue in an off-hand way if WE allow them to do so**. Agreed @spoonyfork and agreed @Dogtamer. The USPS is a public service–like schools and interstates–that _should not_ (IMHO) be expected to break even, much less turn a profit, but We The People _should_ expect that it (like similar entities) are managed as efficiently as possible without sacrificing quality, meaningful service, or efficacy. We are the ultimate responsible party for accountability and good stewardship. **However…this is not that.** This is _either_ a throw-the-baby-out scenario of ignorance based on gut feelings or the _perception_ of low-hanging fruit in the glaring absence of actual data– _or_ an intentional exacerbation of extant problems for…variously _hypothesized_ reasons that have nothing to do with the aforementioned accountability and good stewardship. **Whatever this is, the consequences are real, right now, startling, and stark for 3P FBM Sellers.** Like Alice, “I often give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it”–so I am trying to attribute unintentional ignorance **rather than malice** to all of these choices…but it's becoming more difficult everyday. @Dogtamer (Dogtamer) replied spoonyfork: > From your post I understand that you think Amazon loves doubletalk. > > I will be happy to help you with this issue…please provide the following: > > 1.) your birth certificate > 2.) a picture of your first-born > 3.) … I'd be over that entertainingly-pithy post if I weren't over its accuracy, my friend! To which @Dogtamer (Dogtamer) replied OopsieAmazon: > **Whatever this is, the consequences are real, right now, startling, and stark for 3P FBM Sellers.** Like Alice, “I often give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it”–so I am trying to attribute unintentional ignorance **rather than malice** to all of these choices…but it's becoming more difficult everyday. Hanlon's Razor remains my best guess. Dadgummit. @spoonyfork (spoonyfork) replied Dogtamer: > spoonyfork: > >> From your post I understand that you think Amazon loves doubletalk. >> >> I will be happy to help you with this issue…please provide the following: >> >> 1.) your birth certificate > 2.) a picture of your first-born > 3.) … > > I'd be over that entertainingly-pithy post if I weren't over its accuracy, my friend! Greetings, Thanks for your continued patience. We are currently researching your issue in partnership with the responsible team and will provide an update as soon as any additional information becomes available. To which @gypsy_seamstress (Gypsy Seamstress) replied If things change, we adapt again. Sounds good in theory, however when you live in a rural area shipping Fedex or any carrier other than USPS is usually not an option. Then @Dogtamer (Dogtamer) said spoonyfork: > Greetings, > > Thanks for your continued patience. We are currently researching your issue in partnership with the responsible team and will provide an update as soon as any additional information becomes available. Okay, now you've made me ruin another keyboard. One of these days, I'll hopefully remember to swallow the liquid **before** I take the chance that reading a reply is gonna make me guffaw… @spoonyfork (spoonyfork) replied and when you mostly ship lightweight items, it's the difference between about $4 (USPS) and $13 (UPS) and $19 (FedEx). So @OopsieAmazon replied Dogtamer: > **Hanlon's Razor** remains my best guess. …in the spirit of **Occam's**? Both in terms of simplicity and known quantities? @Dogtamer (Dogtamer) replied OopsieAmazon: > …in the spirit of **Occam's** ? > Both in terms of simplicity and known quantities? Aye - on both counts. Then @keyslife (KeysLife) said gypsy_seamstress: > Sounds good in theory, however when you live in a rural area shipping Fedex or any carrier other than USPS is usually not an option. That's what I thought as well. I am as rural as you can get, the Florida Keys is a chain of islands connected with bridges. So I thought Fedex/UPS would never give us any good rates since we are more trouble then we are worth. To my surprise both Fedex and UPS wanted our business. So it's worth a call exploring your options, even if you are rural. @spoonyfork (spoonyfork) replied The USPS should never have been put into the hands of a person that has a financial interest in seeing it dismantled. Terrible watching the country vandalized by grifters before our very eyes Then @gypsy_seamstress (Gypsy Seamstress) said keyslife: > That's what I thought as well. I am as rural as you can get, the Florida Keys is a chain of islands connected with bridges. So I thought Fedex/UPS would never give us any good rates since we are more trouble then we are worth. To my surprise both Fedex and UPS wanted our business. So it's worth a call exploring your options, even if you are rural. Sounds encouraging. Are they picking up your packages? We are 40 miles from the nearest Fedex facility, 35 miles from the nearest UPS store, and 25 from the nearest Fedex drop box. Definitely not sustainable for us. Then @keyslife (KeysLife) said Yes they are picking up. We are 25 miles from Marathon Airport where Fedex Air needs to deliver our packages, we rarely have anything for Fedex Ground. The way it works with Fedex, their drivers deliver in the morning and then the same delivery driver swings by our place and picks up at our place. So I think as long as there are Fedex deliveries in your area, they will pick up since the same delivery guy/gal is already in your area. Then @RamFan (The_Lighting_Company) said spoonyfork: > it's a government service/infrastructure. It's not supposed to earn revenue any more than the police, fire department or military services. I am not sure if you understand the difference between Revenue and Profit. Yes, the USPS is suppose to earn Revenue to cover its costs, employee pensions, and future capital expenditures (trucks, equipment, post offices, etc.). The USPS is NOT structured is a service/infrastructure, like the fire and police departments. USPS is suppose to break even or generate a small profit for future capital expenditures (reserves). Currently USPS is spending more money then it is taking in. USPS can do this because they are not contributing the full amount due for their Employees Pension Plan, creating a future liability for retired USPS employees. Therefore the USPS was not designed to subsidized Chinese businesses with shipping rates that are below cost. USPS employees can't work overtime when shipping volume is constant or down. Future freight rates may need to increase to cover the cost of operating the USPS. These changes that are currently being implemented will save the USPS from running out of money within the next 12 months. The USPS is not part of the Federal Government. USPS is a separate government entity, not funded by our Tax dollars, similar to Amtrak. This is how the USPS was founded and charted. Nothing has changed except Congress trying to limit how USPS can become more efficient (cut unnecessary locations, costs, and raise package rates). You know there is a problem when your competitors, FedEx and UPS drop off their packages for delivery with USPS, clearly some rates are too low. Then @spoonyfork (spoonyfork) said i disagree with pretty much all of that. how much revenue / profit do other government services generate (fire department, police, military)? by the way, people love to say the USPS is not part of the government…yet in 2006 the government forced it to pre-fund pensions for employees that haven't even been born yet…one of the main reasons we are in this trouble…someone once said the most frightening words in the English language are, “I'm here from the government and I want to help.” By the way, the 6 governors of the USPS are presidential appointees…they selected the postmaster that is now dismantling sorting machines. That also tells me it is not the independent entity people like to claim it is. I am not sure if you understand the USPS is in the constitution…so the move to privatize it is foolish. In any event, it's a shame it's being sabotaged. So @RamFan (The_Lighting_Company) replied You can think what you want. Read the USPS Charter, its pretty clear what its purpose is. There are other Quasi Government agencies that are set up the same way, think Amtrak. Some States use Toll Roads to fund bridge and road construction. Why should the USPS deliver packages from FedEx and UPS at a loss? That you believe should be funded by US Taxpayers? I think that is a really bad idea. spoonyfork: > In any event, it's a shame it's being sabotaged. Agreed! Employees should not be able to get overtime if there is no increase in volume. We should not be taking USPS funds to subsidize FedEx, UPS, and foreign competitors. Those funds should stay with the USPS to properly fund employee retirements and standard operations. Then @spoonyfork (spoonyfork) said dont really care about UPS and FEDEX or the deals they do or don't have with USPS. the issue at hand is the dismantling of sorting machines, restriction of OT, during a global pandemic when people are relying more heavily on USPS in the short term. @LBSO (LBSO) replied spoonyfork: > yes, and the USPS spokesperson is framing it as ‘moving machines around like we always do' when in fact they are ‘deactivating machines'… I guess we'll find out when/if voters did not get their ballots in time. @spoonyfork (spoonyfork) replied the issue now is rampant complaints of lost packages/delayed packages. we really don't need to wait. So @spoonyfork (spoonyfork) replied LBSO: > spoonyfork: > >> yes, and the USPS spokesperson is framing it as ‘moving machines around like we always do' when in fact they are ‘deactivating machines'… > > I guess we'll find out when/if voters did not get their ballots in time. personally i recommend walking your absentee ballot over to your clerk's office. Then @R_s_Books_Mags (R_s_Books_Mags) said I have experienced the same thing. I sent the package 7/22 and it hasn't even been checked in yet. This is infuriating. @LBSO (LBSO) replied spoonyfork: > personally i recommend walking your absentee ballot over to your clerk's office. I'm not worried about it. To which @OopsieAmazon replied #### Y'all… > ### U.S. Postal Service to raise prices on commercial packages, starting Oct. 18 > > marketwatch[dot]com/story/us-postal-service-to-raise-prices-on-commercial-packages-starting-oct-18-2020-08-14 > > Published: Aug. 14, 2020 at 1:56 p.m. ET > By [Tomi Kilgore] > > The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) said Friday that it is planning a **temporary price increase on all commercial domestic competitive packages** , starting Oct. 18. The price increase, which was approved by the Governors of the Postal Service last week, is **in response to increased expenses and “heightened demand” for e-commerce package volume amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as expected holiday e-commerce**. The price increase will go into effect at **1 a.m. Eastern on Oct. 18 and remain until 1 a.m on Dec. 27**. The increases will apply to parcels shipped via Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, Parcel Select and Parcel Return Service. Among the planned increases, rates for Parcel Select Ground, which currently starts at $6.92, will increase by 40 cents; Priority Mail Express Commercial, which currently starts at $22.75, will increase by $1.50; and Parcel Select Lightweight, which currently starts at $1.81, will increase by 24 cents. * * * #### Some more details from federalnewsnetwork[dot]com/management/2020/08/usps-seeks-rate-hike-on-commercial-packages-amid-spike-in-deliveries/ Click here > ### USPS seeks rate hike on commercial packages amid spike in deliveries | Federal News Network > > August 14, 2020 2:20 pm > By Jory Heckman > > After months of President Donald Trump calling on the Postal Service to increase prices for its commercial package customers, the agency has agreed to seek rate hikes that would last through the end of the year. > > The Postal Service [is asking the Postal Regulatory Commission] to approve a temporary price increase for its commercial package business that's substantially lower than the president's request to quadruple those rates. The rate change, if approved, would go into effect Oct. 18 and last through Dec. 27. > > The Postal Service has seen a surge in package delivery during the coronavirus pandemic that has given the cash-strapped agency enough funds
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