2012 Annual Report to Congress and Comprehensive Statement

Transportation

Postal-Owned Transportation

The Postal Service manages one of the nation's largest vehicle and alternative fuel capable fleets. We are testing a new fuel-injection gas engine, and a diesel engine to help extend the operating life of our aging fleet. We also are testing additional electric vehicles in New York and Virginia. These tests will continue into FY 2013.

Postal Vehicle Inventory

Vehicle Type

FY 2011

FY 2012

Difference (+/-)

Delivery and collection (1/2 - 2 1/2 ton)

192,088

190,897

-1,191

Mail transport (tractors and trailers)

6,083

5,985

-98

Mail transport (3-9 tons)

2,154

2,145

-9

Administrative and other

6,478

6,451

-27

Service (maintenance)

4,625

4,604

-21

Inspection Service and law enforcement

2,453

2,448

-5

Total

213,881

212,530

-1,351

Innovative Drop-Ship Discounts, Partnerships and Contracts with the Private Sector

The Postal Service has been innovative in developing discount programs to lower our customers' cost of mailing and shipping. Mailers have the option of bypassing Postal operations, including transportation, if they can perform these functions at a lower cost themselves.

Mailers and shippers, including package service competitors, then take advantage of the Postal Service's "last mile" delivery.

The Postal Service also has become one of the biggest customers of our competitors, contracting with them for long-haul transportation services, particularly for expedited services.

By bypassing commercial airline service, the Postal Service has improved service performance and consistency. To reduce the costs of air transportation, we have been converting to ground transportation whenever possible.

The Postal Service spent a total of $6.6 billion in fiscal year 2012 in transportation expenses. That's about $241 million or 3.8 percent higher than the previous year. The increase was driven largely by higher fuel prices. A one percent increase in fuel costs (diesel fuel, unleaded gas, and aircraft fuel) would result in a $28 million increase in our fuel expense.

Achievements

Total Surface Transportation mileage in September 2012 was about 2.6 percent lower than the mileage achieved in October 2011. This decrease in mileage is largely due to a reduction in the number of our contracts and efficiency gains through consolidations.