RICHMOND, Va. — The Postal Service’s top watchdog uncovered that the hub for mail service in Central Virginia has been without consistent leadership for over a year, causing issues with communication, supervision, and planning that cost the Postal Service $2.3 million in “questioned” costs.
An audit released Jan. 27 says Richmond’s Regional Processing and Distribution Center in Sandston has gone without permanent leadership for 14 months following its launch, and three of its four senior leadership positions remain vacant after seeing high turnover among temporary managers.
“These positions are essential to effective operations, especially the plant manager, who is responsible for setting the operational tone and communicating expectations to staff,” the audit says.
Though Postal Service management told investigators that there is a plan to fill the positions by March 30, 2025, auditors say the lack of leadership creates a trickle-down effect of trouble for mail delivery.
