WASHINGTON, D.C.  – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today sent a letter to the United States Postal Office (USPS) Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan voicing concern over the USPS proposal to scale back operations at the Scarborough Distribution Center. The proposal, which could go into effect as early as this week, would move equipment from Scarborough to Nashua, New Hampshire and could result in less efficient and less timely mail delivery in southern Maine

“The APBS sorts outgoing Priority Mail generated within Maine and outgoing First Class parcels generated in the southern Maine service area,” Senator King wrote. “My concern is that such a move would result in delayed mail and reduced service standards, particularly during ‘peak season.’ Such a course of action cannot but raise the possibility of difficulty for Maine businesses who have come to rely upon USPS—as per previous promises and advertising—for vital delivery and customer satisfaction services.”

In addition to moving equipment, the USPS also intends to remove First Class next day delivery from the Scarborough facility. This would lead to extra costs in priority overnight for Maine customers seeking fast delivery.

Full text of the letter is below and available HERE.

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The Honorable Megan J. Brennan

Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer

United States Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW

Washington, DC  20260

Dear Postmaster General Brennan:

It has come to my attention that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) intends—as soon as this week—to begin the process of relocating an Automated Parcel Bundle Sorter (APBS) from the distribution center in Scarborough, Maine, to the center in Nashua, New Hampshire.  The APBS sorts outgoing Priority Mail generated within Maine and outgoing First Class parcels generated in the southern Maine service area.  My concern is that such a move would result in delayed mail and reduced service standards, particularly during “peak season.” Such a course of action cannot but raise the possibility of difficulty for Maine businesses who have come to rely upon USPS—as per previous promises and advertising—for vital delivery and customer satisfaction services.

I have also learned that USPS intends to change the delivery standards so that First Class next day delivery from the Scarborough distribution center will no longer be an option, resulting in extra charges for “priority overnight” shipping for customers who are seeking fast delivery.  Again, I believe this creates the prospect for diminished service in areas of southern Maine.

USPS has conducted internal analyses, I am told, that led it to believe that moving the APBS equipment will create more efficient operations and will offer an expanded area for some deliveries.  I request copies of these analyses be delivered to me by July 5, 2017.  Such information should include maps of the affected areas and any other assessments that led to these changes.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

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