Report highlights USPS reforms
In the semiannual report to Congress, the U.S. Postal Service's inspector general reported the postal service experienced financial improvements and saw a decrease in the amount of delayed mail from Oct. 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013. Utilizing direct mail software when sending marketing campaigns through the USPS continues to be a good idea for companies. While the USPS makes changes, ensuring marketing pieces reach the correct customers can help businesses cut mailing costs.
USPS Inspector General David Williams showcased how the postal service is working to reform its workforce and services by enhancing how quickly the service is able to deliver mail. The USPS identified areas for improvement, such as creating more mail stream visibility, as well as making investments that may help the service conduct these changes. The report determined mail transportation equipment caused delays in mail processing plants by creating congestion.
After its implementation in January, the USPS has already utilized the intelligent mail barcode (IMb) to develop stronger visibility about its services. IMb tracks mailing pieces from when they enter the USPS to when they are delivered. According to Post and Parcel, the USPS hopes IMb will create complete clarity about the mail stream by 2014.
Despite halting plant closures, the USPS reduced the amount of delayed mail year-over-year at the 43 largest processing and distribution centers by 56 percent. The report also depicted how the USPS recovered lost assets, gaining more than $72 million in fines, restitutions and recoveries.
In the report, Williams reported the improvements in mail delivery speed and return of compensation will help the USPS stay financial viable into the future. The service will continue to look toward tools and analytics to identify any weaknesses.