Area Mail Processing Study

Sept. 22, 2009

APWU Area Local 453

PO Box 51825
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42102-6825

          This letter is an informational notice of the intent of the U.S. Postal Service to conduct an Area Mail Processing (AMP) study of mail processing at the Bowling Green, KY, Processing & Distribution Facility for possible consolidation of some operations into the Nashville, TN, Processing & Distribution Center.

          An AMP study involves a review of mail processing and transportation operations of a postal facility. The reason for the study is to review mail volume and determine capacity needs in order to increase efficiency and improve productivity. In doing so, we will be able to continue to provide universal service at a reasonable cost for a long time to come.

          The U.S. Postal Service is facing one of the most difficult challenges in its history. There has been a continual decline in single-piece First-Class Mail volumes over the past decade. The current economic downturn has led to an even greater decline in volume with the loss of over 9 billion pieces this past year alone. The Postal Service has to realign its processing and delivery network to match its resources with mail volume. The reality is we have an excess of equipment, staff and facilities to process a declining volume of mail. Consolidating some postal operations only makes logical sense given the economic realities. It would be fiscally irresponsible not to do so.

          We are soliciting public input as part of the study process. You may submit your comments to:

Attn: Thomas Long

Consumer Affairs Manager

PO Box 31631
Louisville, Kentucky 40231-9631

          All comments will be fully considered in any decision.

          If the feasibility study supports the business case for changing mail processing operations, we will hold a public meeting to allow members of the community to ask questions and to provide feedback. This input will be considered in the final proposal.

          If you have any questions, or need additional information, please consult Pamela Simms, at (502) 375-8557.

Sincerely,

ORIGINAL SIGNED

Steve Gregory

Manager, Customer Relations