AREA MAIL PROCESSING (AMP) FEASIBILITY STUDY
Altoona PA P&DF to Johnstown PA P&DF

October 12, 2011

An Area Mail Processing (AMP) study was initiated to evaluate the transfer of mail processing operations from the Altoona PA Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DF) to the Johnstown PA P&DF.  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 Thursday, October 27, at 6 p.m. at the Altoona Area School District Junior High School auditorium, 1400 Seventh Avenue, Altoona PA 16602. Please use the door marked “Fine Arts” to enter the auditorium. Below are preliminary highlights from the study:

Business Case:
Proposed annual savings in the draft AMP feasibility study are approximately $1,389,917.  Below is a breakdown of this savings estimate:

Annual Mail Processing Employee Savings	    $600,455
Annual Management Savings	      $41,132
Annual Maintenance Savings	    $119,439
Annual Transportation Savings  	    $628,891

Postal Employees:
Due to the consolidation, a net decrease of approximately 9 positions is projected.  All bargaining employee reassignments will be made in accordance with the respective collective bargaining agreements.

Net Craft Employee Impact	-8
Net Supervisory/Management Employee Impact	-1

Local Customer Considerations:
The Altoona PA P&DF does not provide retail services.  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:
•	A total of 10 First-Class 3-digit pairs will be upgraded from 2-day to Overnight.
•	A total of 2 First-Class 3-digit pairs will be downgraded from Overnight to 2-day
•	The net impact to First-Class Mail volume is +0.1%.

Commercial Mailers:
•	Mailers who presort mail will continue to receive appropriate postage discounts. 
•	Mailers who drop ship mailings will continue to deposit them at the Altoona facility.

Written comments may be sent to:

Manager, Consumer and Industry Contact
Western PA District
1001 California Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15290-1007

All comments must be postmarked by November 11, 2011.