Below is an updated statement regarding mail processing consolidation.
Please note: service to the customers in Elmira and the greater 148 ZIP Code area will not deteriorate under this initiative.
United States Postal Service Statement regarding the
Proposal to Consolidate Mail Processing from Elmira to Rochester
The turbulent economy has resulted in a substantial decrease in mail volume in the past two years, significantly affecting the Postal Service’s revenue. For FY 2008, these factors resulted in a mail volume loss of 9.5 billion pieces, or 4.5 percent. In FY 2009, mail volume losses accelerated to 25 billion pieces. The Postal Service has also projected an additional 10 billion piece loss in FY 2010 which began October 1. The three year volume decline of 22% exceeds that of losses seen during the Great Depression.
The Postal Service is looking to react appropriately to mail volume declines while improving service and efficiencies. One of the initiatives under consideration is the consolidation of automated mail processing from Elmira to Rochester.
Though the plan has not been finalized, here are a few key points:
- Mail service to the Elmira area and other 148 ZIP Codes will not deteriorate.
- The delivery standard is one day (overnight) for mail originating in Rochester or Elmira, for delivery in the greater Elmira area; the standard will remain the same.
- The proposal would not be under consideration if service was at risk.
- Mail collected from the greater Elmira area is currently transported to Rochester for initial sort, consolidated with mail coming from other parts of the country, and then brought back to Elmira for final sort.
- Mail would be finalized in Rochester and then brought to Elmira and other hubs in the 148 ZIP Code area for delivery.
- The consolidation of mail processing and reconfiguration of transportation routes would result in transportation, processing and administrative cost savings for the Postal Service. Until the plan is finalized, exact savings cannot be calculated.
- In addition, many Post Offices in the greater 148 ZIP Code area would get their mail earlier in the day. Thus, time of delivery would be earlier in those locations.
- The Postal Service will work within the framework of contractual union agreements to provide information and notification to labor organizations and employees.
- Finally, no employee will be removed from Postal Service employment as a result of this proposal.
It is important to note that the Postal Service is a self supporting agency that receives no tax dollars, but depends upon revenue from postage sales to pay operational costs. Due to the mail volume decreases, revenue is down while expenses like utilities and gasoline are up. Cost-cutting initiatives are being implemented around the country, including mail processing, retail and delivery route consolidations in order to bridge a $7 billion financial gap. We continue to look for ways to reduce costs and maintain the efficiency of mailing operations to keep universal mail service viable.
