AREA MAIL PROCESSING (AMP) FEASIBILITY STUDY
Augusta GA P&DF to Columbia SC P&DC

June 27, 2011

An Area Mail Processing (AMP) study was initiated to evaluate the transfer of originating mail processing from the Augusta GA Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DF) to the Columbia SC Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC).  The initial results of the study support the business case for consolidation.  This study, currently in review at United States Postal Service Headquarters and its Area Office is subject to change.

A public meeting will be held to share the initial results of the study and allow members of the community to ask questions and provide feedback.  The public’s input will be considered prior to a final decision.  The meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2011, at 6 p.m., in the Performing Arts Theatre at the Columbia County Library at 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd, Evans GA 30809. Below are preliminary highlights from the study:

Business Case:
Proposed annual savings in the draft AMP feasibility study are approximately $551,397.  Below is a breakdown of this savings estimate:

Annual Mail Processing Employee Savings	$336,391
Annual Management Savings	$93,013
Annual Maintenance Savings	$190,231
Annual Transportation Cost 	($68,238)

Postal Employees:
Due to the consolidation, a net decrease of approximately seven positions is projected.  All bargaining employee reassignments will be made in accordance with the respective collective bargaining agreements.
Net Craft Employee Impact	-6
Net Supervisory/Management Employee Impact	-1

Local Customer Considerations:
Retail and other services currently available at the Augusta P&DF will not change as a result of the AMP.  Other customer considerations follow:

•	Local collection box pick-up times will not change as a result of the AMP.
•	Business mail acceptance will remain the same.
•	A local postmark will be available for stamped First-Class Mail.
•	Delivery of mail to residences and businesses will not change as a result of the AMP.
•	First-Class Mail Service Standard Changes:
There are no proposed overnight service downgrades.  
A total of 18 First-Class Mail pairs are proposed to be upgraded from 2 day to overnight service.  Mail sent from Augusta GA to Greenville SC, Charleston SC, Florence SC, Savannah GA and Charlotte NC is proposed to change to overnight service.
A total of 177 First-Class Mail pairs consisting of mail sent from Augusta, GA to Central/Southern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington DC is proposed to upgrade from 3-day to 2-day service.  
A total of 192 First-Class Mail pairs consisting of mail sent from Augusta, GA to parts of Louisiana, Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri and Southern Florida is proposed to change to from 2-day to 3-day service.   
The net impact to all First Class Mail is a service standard upgrade to 0.02% of the volume.

Commercial Mailers:
•	Mailers who presort mail will continue to receive appropriate postage discounts. 

Written comments may be sent to:
Manager Consumer Affairs
PO Box 40005
Jacksonville, FL 32203-0005

All comments must be postmarked by July 27, 2011.