The Missouri Farm Bureau is condemning The U.S. Postal Service’s plans to overhaul its mail processing. It would prioritize faster mail delivery for people who live within 50 miles of the Postal Service’s largest processing centers while slowing down mail delivery in rural areas by an extra day.
MFB President Garrett Hawkins told Missourinet that mail delivery should not be slowed down because of where your zip code is.
“Slowing delivery just based on zip code because we live farther from one of their 60 regional hubs around the country just is not fair when we pay for the same services as those who live in urban and suburban areas,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins penned a letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, saying that their members are “already frustrated” by slow delivery times and apparent inefficiency.
MOFB President @JGarrettHawkins sent a letter to @USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy this morning regarding concerns Missourians have with service in rural areas. The letter was also shared with Missouri’s Congressional delegation.#MOFarmBureau | #MOag | #agvocate pic.twitter.com/FyGZ3xRx4J
— Missouri Farm Bureau (@MOFarmBureau) November 13, 2024
The Postal Service said changes are necessary to address financial challenges and improve overall service quality.
“We had already heard real-life examples of what’s happening in rural areas from already slower delivery as changes have been made,” said Hawkins. “So, more members are now weighing in with specific examples of things that they see today.”
Hawkins said that further restricting access in rural areas only worsens the issue for people needing their paychecks and life-saving medications.
“When you eliminate that (afternoon) pickup, that means everything is delayed until the next day,” he said. “So, you’re talking at least 24-hours delay and even by the Postal Service’s analysis, they’re saying when you look at rural mail volume, 68% will be slowed or delayed.”
Hawkins wants a plan that prioritizes equal treatment between rural and urban Missourians.
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