Despite concerns of slowdown, new USPS service plan takes effect
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The U.S. Postal Service is implementing the Regional Transportation Optimization initiative starting today, a plan that has sparked concerns from lawmakers and regulators about the impact on nationwide delivery.
As previously reported by News-Press NOW, the RTO will discontinue end-of-day collections at a majority of offices, leaving outgoing mail and packages to sit overnight for pickup the next morning when mail is dropped off for delivery.
As a result, the plan will add an extra day to delivery times for mail sent at an RTO post office.
The changes impact offices located more than 50 miles from USPS Regional Processing & Distribution Centers, an estimated 24,000 post offices that comprise nearly three-fourths of the nation's facilities. Some mail and packages -- particularly within the 50-mile zones -- will move faster through the network.
Rural customers and those outside the 50-mile zones, which include numerous cities in Northwest Missouri like St. Joseph, are expected to be impacted by the changes, which could mean longer wait times for mail-order prescriptions, Social Security checks and business transactions.
USPS officials announced the plan will be rolled out in two phases, with the first taking effect April 1 and the second on July 1.
The U.S. Postal Service is in the fourth year of its 10-year plan to boost profitability and improve processing, transportation and delivery networks by investing $40 billion in its network. Plans include investments to upgrade facilities in the Kansas City metro area network.
As a result of these refined service standards, the Postal Service projects at least $36 billion in savings over 10 years from transportation, mail processing, and real estate cost reductions.
The plan comes amid growing discussions about the prospect of privatizing the U.S. Postal Service, a plan that has sparked backlash from postal workers and unions.
Postal workers have been staging protests across the country in recent weeks in response to the suggestion, including protests in St. Joseph.
Union leaders have warned that allowing private corporations to run the U.S. mail system will ultimately hurt everyday citizens, particularly rural customers. The USPS is required to deliver to residents in areas as opposed to private companies, who can choose to deliver in areas or not.
The RTO initiative will be rolled out despite concerns from the Postal Regulatory Commission, which called on the agency last year to pause its network reforms, citing difficulties with the ongoing rollout and the need for more impact studies.
