The U.S. Postal Service is focusing on improving delivery, embracing new technologies, and implementing energy-efficient practices as part of its long-term strategic plan, Delivering for America. Postal leaders shared these goals with the Poway business community during a special meeting in Old Poway Park.
The Postal Customer Council meeting, held on September 19th, was part of National Postal Customer Council Week, which took place from September 18th to 22nd. These meetings, along with educational programs and seminars, provide a platform for postal staff to connect with business customers and exchange valuable insights.
The meeting began with a video message from U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, where he highlighted the key aspects of the Delivering for America plan. The plan aims to make the U.S. Postal Service financially self-sufficient and includes expanding ground transportation services nationwide, transitioning to a fuel-efficient fleet with electric vehicles, and investing in facility upgrades.
DeJoy emphasized the importance of propelling the organization into the future, adopting new strategies, and competing effectively in the marketplace. He expressed confidence in the highly motivated people and engaged management within the Postal Service.
One of the keynote speakers, Judith De Torok, the U.S. Postal Service’s vice president of corporate affairs, discussed the initiatives outlined in Delivering for America. She stated that improving service is a top priority, with 98 percent of national mail and package deliveries reaching their destination within three days. She also highlighted the significant improvements in first-class mail, marketing mail, and periodical deliveries.
De Torok emphasized the Postal Service’s focus on staffing, technology updates, ground deliveries, and energy-efficient practices. The organization plans to hire an estimated 9,000 employees for peak seasonal jobs and has converted 150,000 temporary employees to permanent career positions across the U.S. To enhance efficiency, the Postal Service is investing in machinery for package processing, implementing QR codes for printing postage, and introducing self-serve kiosks. The retail footprint will also remain open to provide customers with convenient access to postal services.
In terms of delivery services, the Postal Service is shifting towards greater reliance on ground transportation using electric and energy-efficient vehicles. In the coming year, approximately 10,000 electric postal vehicles will be introduced alongside battery-powered vehicles. Moreover, the Postal Service’s buildings will undergo upgrades, including solar roofs and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, to minimize environmental impact and enhance competitiveness.
De Torok also highlighted the Postal Service’s collaboration with colleges and universities to train future postal workers and the implementation of mentoring programs to bridge generational gaps in the workforce.
Ron Stroman, a member of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, discussed pricing policies during the meeting. He emphasized the need for quick adaptation to changing trends and technology, particularly with the decline in mail volume due to digital diversions and the e-commerce revolution. Stroman noted the critical role played by postal workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted the importance of postal reform legislation, which granted the Postal Service pricing authority and is expected to save $48 billion over 10 years.
Stroman revealed that future plans involve investing in the Postal Service’s network, facilities, and electric vehicles to address financial challenges. However, he acknowledged the necessity of biannual price increases to compensate for the decline in mail volume, particularly in marketing and advertising-related mail, within the framework set by the U.S. Postal Regulatory Commission.
Stroman shared his optimism concerning faster delivery times for letters and marketing materials as changes are implemented throughout the postal network. He expressed his commitment, along with the entire board, to creating the best postal network in the world and overcoming financial challenges through collaboration.
The Postal Customer Council meeting in Poway provided a platform for postal leaders to communicate their goals and strategies to the business community. By focusing on improving delivery, embracing new technologies, and incorporating energy-efficient practices, the U.S. Postal Service aims to enhance its services, remain competitive, and adapt to the evolving needs of its customers.