AREA MAIL PROCESSING (AMP) FEASIBILITY STUDY
Huntsville AL P&DC to Birmingham AL P&DC  

November 29, 2011

An Area Mail Processing (AMP) study was initiated to evaluate the transfer of destinating mail processing operations from the Huntsville Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) to the Birmingham AL 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 Wednesday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m., at Decatur Utilities, 1002 Central Parkway, Decatur, AL 35601.  Below are preliminary highlights from the study:

Business Case:

Below is a breakdown of the estimate of annual savings:

Annual Mail Processing Employee Savings	   $  3,694,268
Annual Management Savings	   $     607,569
Annual Maintenance Savings	   $  2,707,377   
Annual Transportation Savings 	   $  1,330,422

Proposed annual savings in the draft AMP feasibility study are approximately $8,339,636

Postal Employees:

Due to the consolidation, a net decrease of approximately 118 positions is projected.  All bargaining employee reassignments will be made in accordance with the respective collective bargaining agreements.

	Net Craft Employee Impact					-  115
	Net Supervisor/Management Employee Impact			-      3	 

Local Customer Considerations:

•	Retail and other services currently available at the Huntsville facility will not change at this time
•	Local business mail acceptance times may change as a result of the AMP.
•	Local collection box pick-up times may change as a result of the AMP.
•	A local postmark will be available for stamped First-Class Mail at retail locations.
•	Delivery times of mail to residences and businesses will not change as a result of the AMP.
•	The proposed consolidation would support a 2 to 3 day service standard for First-Class Mail.

Commercial Mailers:

•	Mailers who presort mail will continue to receive appropriate postage discounts. 
•	Mailers who drop ship to Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) 356-358 can expect changes if the AMP is approved.

Written comments may be sent to:

Manager, Consumer and Industry Contact
Alabama District 
PO Box 395
Birmingham AL 35201-0395

All comments must be postmarked by December 29, 2011.