USPS_mailboxes_generic (South Bend Tribune file photo) |
Continually plummeting mail volumes are forcing the U. S. Postal Service to examine whether some Gary postal operations should be consolidated with South Bend.
A Postal Service news release issued Friday indicates a feasibility study will review mail processing and transportation operations at both sites in order to increase efficiency and productivity.
The economic downturn and Internet use are blamed for slipping ‘snail mail’ usage, with 26 billion fewer pieces of mail handled nationwide in 2010. Volume is expected to drop another 11 billion pieces in the coming year, according to the news release.
“As a result of volume loss, we have more facilities, equipment and people than we need to process a declining volume of mail,” said Lynn Smith, USPS Greater Indiana District manager, via the news release.
If the feasibility study supports merging some operations from Gary into South Bend, a public meeting will be scheduled to talk about the change.
Comments about the study or proposed change can be submitted to Consumer Affairs Manger, 3939 Vincennes Road, Indianapolis, IN 46298-9631.
