Atlanta Employees Gear Up for Holidays Amid Mail Supply Challenges
It’s that time of year again, folks! The holiday season is well and truly upon us, and in Atlanta, things are heating up at the local United States Postal Service Regional Processing & Distribution Center in Palmetto. This year, many USPS employees are gearing up to work through the holidays, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Yes, you read that right! While most of us are ready to kick back and relax, these dedicated workers will be hustling to get our holiday mail and packages delivered on time.
Holiday Work Schedule Confirmed
On Thursday, USPS confirmed that all employees classified as mail handler assistants or postal support employees will be working not only on Christmas but also on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It’s no doubt a challenge, but USPS assures everyone that they are taking measures to ensure the processing and delivery of all that holiday mail.
The Postal Service released a statement emphasizing, “We are currently in our busiest time of year, so we are employing measures to ensure we can process and deliver all holiday mail and packages on time, including flexing our workforce.”
Ongoing Space Woes and Backlogs
However, the spirit of the season isn’t the only thing in the air. There have been ongoing concerns about space limitations at the facility and backlog issues with trucks waiting to unload shipments. It seems like Georgia residents have faced persistent mail delays and lost packages, especially since the opening of the new Palmetto facility, which was part of a bigger effort to modernize USPS operations.
Earlier this year, things got pretty hectic. In March, it was reported that a mere 36% of First Class Mail was being delivered on time, leaving many residents anxious over missing important items like prescriptions and tax papers. Even though things have improved since then, latest statistics reveal that only 73% of First Class mail is now reaching its destination on time in Georgia. That’s significantly less than the USPS target of 93%!
Congress Takes Notice
This issue has not gone unnoticed by lawmakers. Recently, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy faced some tough questions in front of Congress. During a Senate committee hearing, Georgia’s own Senator Jon Ossoff urged him to “do better for my constituents,” while Rep. Rich McCormick declared, “You’re worse than if I took a horse and picked up the mail and delivered it down the road.” Ouch!
Despite these criticisms, both USPS and DeJoy are standing by their performance. They’ve pointed out their success in managing mail during election season and delivering packages in time for the holidays. DeJoy stated that he is making “changes that we need to make to provide a viable United States Postal Service.”
What’s Next for USPS?
In light of all these challenges, USPS is still committed to ensuring the best possible service, not just during the holiday rush but throughout the year. In a recent statement, the Postal Service noted that they have decades of experience under their belt when it comes to handling holiday volume. They’ve got proven plans in place for managing mail processing, transportation, and delivery.
So, while many of us will be toasting hot cocoa and singing carols, let’s not forget the hard-working men and women at the Palmetto USPS facility doing their part to make this holiday season special. So, the next time you see a USPS truck on the road, give them a wave—everyone appreciates a little holiday cheer!
