OIG

We recommended management develop package status descriptions that explain missing scan events and enhance explanations for messages such as for “Out for Delivery”, “In Transit”, or nondescriptive facility names on its tracking websites.  

The Postal Service’s strategy is not the norm in state, local, and private pension funds, which are typically invested in a diversified mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets. There are also federal examples of more diversified investments.

In a recent multi-agency investigation, OIG agents responded to a source within USPS about an Indiana postal employee who was allegedly conspiring with an external drug trafficking organization.

We found that Postal Service personnel were not consistently following the process for reviewing and approving late trip payments outlined in its internal policy, Highway Contract Route Exceptional Service Performance Payment Reconciliation.

Paper products are vital to the Postal Service’s business model. A graphic paper shortage can affect the Postal Service’s supply of essential operational items such as stamps, envelopes, labels, and postal marketing direct mail.

We recommended management develop a plan to identify all repair and maintenance costs at the retail facility level; direct responsible personnel to record the cost of all completed work in the appropriate data systems; and address all outstanding maintenance issues identified at selected facilities.

While the specific programs resulted in retention improvements at pilot sites, we found schedule flexibility and working too many hours continue to be the top challenges for non-career employees nationwide.

Fraud involving theft of checks from the U.S. Mail comes in various forms, from the small and simple to the extensive and complex. Whatever the shape or size, when a Postal Service employee is involved in the theft, the OIG will investigate.