Contract Carriers Being Replaced by USPS Employees
The USPS launched a pilot program in Oklahoma City to insource trucking operations. The program is still in place three months past the six months originally proposed. The program has also been expanded to the Richmond, VA area, including Charlottesville.
Hauling of mail between hubs and local delivery units is the function of the program. In the past, these routes have been handled by contract carriers. Mike O’Brien of MultiChannelMerchant reports that some carriers have been notified that their contract will not be renewed. He also states that the insourcing of trucking will be fully phased in by 2025.
The USPS reports in LINK that the pilot program includes an agreement with American Postal Workers Union (APW) to create a new position called Postal Vehicle Operator. This position does not require a commercial driver’s license. APW and the USPS will be reviewing the program regularly.
Creation of the new position comes along side consolidation of routes and creation of Sorting and Distribution Facilities, as well as the recent reduction in moving mail by air.
Read More: Evan Katz, Government Executive
