By Doug Mager
While we often complain to our local post offices, rest assured they are not the problem.
Several years ago, sorting of mail was taken from the hands of our local post offices and moved to the Kansas City Processing & Distribution Center, a move initially done "to save time and money" as the Distribution Center employs the use of complicated machinery that can do sorting faster and more efficiently (supposedly) than our local folks.
At the time, for the most part, it worked pretty good. The major change was that all mail is loaded on a truck and sent to KC and after processing, then comes back to our post offices for delivery. While extra time was needed for transport, the USPS stood behind 2-3 day delivery window for most Priority Mail, First Class Mail and Periodicals.
But a perfect storm was inbound. Services were added including the "last mile" where the USPS helps companies like UPS, FedEx, and DHL make their deliveries. Add to that, the likes of Amazon, Ebay and other online giants are shipping more than ever on top of it all.
We'll add to this mix- sadly, good help is hard to find. In the not so distant past, a job with USPS meant great benefits and a decent retirement. While those bennies are still part of the deal, workers are finding themselves dedicated to the cause extra late in the day as well as weekends, all for the same basic compensation.
And just when we thought it couldn't get worse, a new problem has reared its ugly head- mail returned "undeliverable as addressed" even though it has gone to the exact same address for decades. I'm not a postal automation specialist but this sounds like a mechanical problem with one or more of the high dollar sorting machines in KC.
According to many I've talked with, the returned mail problem has been prevalent for quite some time and maybe it's hard to find qualified sorting machine technicians? We can only guess.
Mid America Live has spoken with many local post offices and found they've had to grow thicker skin as patrons often walk in quite upset and our local folks have no recourse to remedy the issue. "Our hands are tied" said one local postmaster who went on to say that if it doesn't get better they might consider another line of work.
Unfortunately, while that person has to do what they believe is right, it won't help the ever growing problem of mail not getting where it is supposed to in a timely manner- and at the end of the day, the USPS needs all the help they can get.
But it gets even worse from there. We, the users of the USPS are not allowed to be heard. In fact, it has been stated that only USPS employees are allowed to make complaints or suggestions to the USPS powers-that-be. Sadly, a lot of those complaints are never uttered because there could be repercussions for their actions and fear keeps them quiet.
Case in point, yours truly placed several calls to the toll free number listed for the Kansas City Distribution Center and got nowhere real fast. Seriously, the one live person who answered was likely part of the custodial team who listened intently but of course, had nothing to offer. Other than that, voicemails remain unanswered.
The most recent increase in postal rates is akin to a hard slap in the face. Over the years we didn't necessarily mind an increase as long as the service was good. But now, it is clear we pay more for less and there are no options available as there is only one USPS.
To be fair, economic hardship isn't limited to the USPS. We all feel the pinch in everything else we pay for, but as mentioned above, it's not like we can choose another postal service leaving us stuck with additional charges because our electric bill didn't make it there in time. Or that we've been driving for days with expired insurance. Yes, it is incumbent on us to know when bills are due, but again, we have no control of delivery time even after we've paid money in good faith for the service.
After reading the explanation below, I have to concur that the final suggestion of contacting our Congressional representative may be the best starting point. In fact, we all need to do it and keep doing it until we get results.
It might be our only hope.
The explanation:
Common Post Office Problems & Solutions Significantly Delayed/Missing Mail: If mail hasn't arrived in over two weeks or tracking hasn't updated, file a Missing Mail search request.
Package "Stuck" at Facility: Packages are often delayed in specific hubs (e.g., St. Louis, Springfield, MO) due to center backlogs.
No Mail Delivery/Blocked Access: If mail is not delivered for over two days, check for blocked mailboxes (snow or cars).
Mail Theft/Security Issues: Report stolen mail, fraudulent activity, or mail tampering to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (1-877-876-2455).
Persistent Local Service Issues: If a local branch is consistently failing, submit a complaint through the USPS Contact Us page or, for policy issues, the Postal Regulatory Commission.
Steps to take with tracking: Use the official USPS Tracking tool.
Report: Use the "Contact Us" form for local issues.
Investigate: Use the OIG Hotline for suspected employee misconduct or theft.
Escalate: For persistent, long-term failures, contact your local Congressional representative.
#MidAmericaLive
