Daytona Beach, Fla. — On July 15, 2010, the Postal Service will begin an expanded Area Mail Processing (AMP) feasibility study at the Daytona Beach Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DF). The purpose of the expanded study is to see if it makes sense to consolidate both originating and destinating mail processing operations into the Mid-Florida Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) in Lake Mary. This is only a study. No changes are being made at this time.

The need for the expanded study comes as the Postal Service faces one of the most difficult challenges in its history. The economic downturn and the continuing diversion of hard-copy messages to the internet have led to a drastic decline in mail volume, with the loss of nearly 26 billion pieces in the past year alone. Also, mail volume is projected to fall another 11 billion pieces in the coming year. Even when the economy fully recovers, the Postal Service does not expect mail volume to return to previous levels.

“As a result of volume loss, we have more facilities, equipment and personnel than we need to process a declining volume of mail,” said Daytona Beach Acting Postmaster, Todd Smith. “We have to reduce the size of our network because we are no longer receiving enough revenue to sustain its cost.

“One way to do that is to consolidate operations where feasible,” Smith added. “That’s why we’re doing this study. Consolidating processing operations and placing our people where we need them is essential, given economic realities. We’re only doing what any organization would do when faced with a 22 percent decline in its business.” In 2006 mail volume peaked at more than 213 billion pieces. Since then volume has steadily declined and is forecast to continue this trend, ending 2010 at about 166 billion pieces.

If the feasibility study supports the business case for changing mail processing operations, the Postal Service will hold a public meeting to enable members of the community to ask questions and provide feedback. This input will be considered in the final proposal.

"I want to assure everyone that mail delivery in Daytona Beach will continue as before,” said Smith. “Also, USPS retail services will continue to be available at convenient locations and hours.”

The Postal Service is soliciting the public’s input as part of the process. Comments should be mailed to:

Consumer Affairs Manager
USPS North Florida District
PO Box 40005
Jacksonville FL 32202-0005

All comments will be fully considered in any decision.

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A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no direct support from taxpayers. With 36,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, the Postal Service relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $68 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 28th in the 2009 Fortune 500.