Klobuchar Pushes for Solutions to Address Postal Delays in Bemidji and Other Communities

Letter

Dear Mr. DeJoy:

I write regarding recent reports of increased Amazon package volumes overwhelming post
offices, with Amazon packages being prioritized over mail from other customers at the Bemidji
Post Office and across the country Postal workers and customers have contacted my office to
express their concerns about the resulting mail delays, stress on postal operations, and impact on
postal workers. These delivery issues are unacceptable, and I urge you to take the steps necessary
to support our postal workers and ensure the timely delivery of mail.

Postal delays have real effects on the millions of Americans who rely on the USPS for deliveries
that are critical to their health and livelihoods, including federal benefits, business mail,
medications, paychecks, and more. For instance, the Eckles Township Rural Fire Association
did not receive mail for three days, delaying $400,000 in checks sent by local governments that
was needed to pay for recent fire equipment purchases. Other constituents are waiting on
insurance payments and time-sensitive hospital bills, and business owners are concerned that
they cannot rely on the USPS to deliver invoices, payments, checks, and other business mail on
time. Amazon cannot be allowed to cut in line ahead of Minnesota residents and small
businesses.

I have spoken with local Minnesota postal leaders who have agreed that all customers should be
treated fairly and are working to fill positions in Bemidji. I urge you to ensure post offices
receive all the support possible to address the increased package volume.

While the influx of Amazon packages in Bemidji has called attention to staffing shortages, post
offices across Minnesota are struggling with inadequate staffing levels that have made postal
workers' jobs even more difficult. While USPS has provided flexibilities to improve worker
recruitment and retention, these efforts have been insufficient at many post offices. The
Rochester Post Bulletin recently reported that since 2017, the number of Rochester postal
carriers decreased by 17 percent, even as the population and number of mailboxes in the area
have increased. My constituents are concerned that postal workers are being assigned mandatory
overtime, working 6 days per week, and frequently coming into work on Sundays and holidays
to deliver additional packages. As we enter the peak holiday mailing season -- when Minnesota
postal workers often deliver through snow and winter storms -- USPS must do everything in its
power to support these workers and set them up to successfully serve their communities.

With that, I ask you to answer the following questions by December 15, 2023:

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1. Will you commit to ensuring all postal customers receive equal service and that corporate
customers like Amazon are not prioritized over local businesses and residents?
2. What steps is the U.S. Postal Service taking to ensure that rural routes allow for the
delivery of mail in a timely fashion given the spike in package deliveries?
3. How has Amazon's contract with USPS affected the ability to deliver other packages and
mail?
4. What additional flexibilities can USPS provide post offices to address staffing shortages?
5. What steps is USPS taking to improve its hiring process, and how have these efforts
reflected feedback from postal workers?
6. What is your plan to ensure Minnesota post offices reach full staffing levels, and when do
you anticipate achieving this goal?

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Source