USPS to Audit Three Post Offices in Kansas City Area
Increasing complaints spark audit
The United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) is set to audit three post office locations in the Kansas City area. The decision comes in the wake of a stream of complaints regarding delayed mail in Johnson County, Kansas. Sen. Roger Marshall, representing Johnson County, had sought a response from the Postmaster General back in February to address these persistent delays.
In March, an inclusive letter co-signed by all four U.S. Senators from Kansas and Missouri requested an audit, which has now been approved. The locations set for an audit include Hickman Mills Post Office, Kansas City, MO; Robert L. Roberts Post Office, Kansas City, KS, and; Shawnee Mission Post Office, Mission, KS. The criteria for selecting these particular locations remain unclear.
Public sentiment towards postal service
During a visit to the Shawnee Mission Post Office, customers were asked to comment on their experiences with the services. While some presented a positive outlook, admitting that the service was top-notch, especially during warmer months, others, however, had mixed reviews. Some customers reported that the mail service was inconsistent, especially during periods when their regular carrier was absent.
Several complaints included issues such as delayed or lost mail, damaged packages, difficulties in tracking parcels, and complications getting reimbursed for lost or damaged packages even when insured. One woman spent significant time trying to locate a passport that had been lost in the mail, emphasizing some of the issues customers have been experiencing.
Historical issues
An earlier audit, more than a year ago, had emphasized on delayed mail in Kansas City, Missouri. The audit had been instigated by Sen. Josh Hawley’s concerns. It primarily but not exclusively looked into Clay and Platte County locations. The results of the audit were published in August, highlighting mail delays in seven out of ten reviewed postal stations, and the processing and distribution center.
Additional discrepancies involved inaccurate or missing package scans, along with instances of packages being improperly scanned as delivered. Management cited staffing issues, a lengthy hiring process, and a lack of applicants as primary challenges.
Recommendations and Outlook
The audit, in conclusion, offered several recommendations to the management at the reviewed locations. These included the implementation of a hiring and retention plan, the development process to reduce absenteeism, and a daily review and enforcement of package scanning performance.
Currently, USPS Public Affairs has been contacted to comment on the follow-up of the past recommendations and address the presence or absence of any improvements. The public remains keenly interested and concerned about the outcome of the upcoming audit, which may bring about much-needed reforms in the USPS service in the Kansas City area.
