#316: Postal Banking?
.......................
Adam Clark Estes at Recode/Vox describes the many possible ways that the United States Postal Service could become viable, financially. Everything from postal banking to caregiving for the elderly. As one might imagine, I have opinions about his article's suggestions.
But first, do we have a problem? Most of the Post Office's red ink is due to a Congressional directive to pre-fund its retiree health benefits--something no other company (certainly not USPS's competitors) must deal with. But, a 30% decline in 1st Class mail over the past decade, and a dramatic decline in mail volume during the pandemic's early months ("Disinfect all surfaces!") has forced cost cutting and reorganization strategies on an institution otherwise only slightly in the red.
Curiously, we don't read about actual reform among the grab-bag of options. And this isn't surprising. Very few people are familiar with all facets of postal operations. Each is a separate experience: the stamps sold, the mailing fees charged, the letters and packages sorted, the mail delivered, the maintenance of machines, buildings and vehicles. And yet, I can tell you as a mailman who delivers, there's room for savings.
Decades ago the Post Office was known as a place where regimentation was the norm, and as a result employees (many former employees) 'went postal'. To its credit, the culture has changed. There's a gentle escalation of correction, when necessary. There are opportunities to be heard, opinions are even sought, surveys of employee satisfaction are conducted. But this is all standard for most businesses these days. What's lacking is what I have. That is, a reason to seek efficiency in my work, while maintaining standards. The reason my 'craft' (rural mail carrier) enjoys this search for productivity is that, originally, rural carriers were farmers (some still are), and, as their own boss, were used to setting a unique pace.
Exactly what does efficiency have to do with postal thrift? If the other crafts at the post office (the clerks, custodians, technicians and drivers) were all in control of their own time, the way I am, there'd be savings to be had in both money for the post office, and less employee time worked. I explain this, with an example of how it might work here. In fact, I once asked a supervisor to read my suggestion. She'd served in three of the above five crafts and had also supervised same (as close to a generalist as I have encountered). Her response:
"That is actually a very good article. The concept is right on target. The postal service would be so much more productive if this was put into practice!"
For those interested, I think there's also an over-abundance of middle-managers. Employees, organized as a co-op, with incentives for getting along, keeping standards high, and dealing with any problems within the co-op structure, could, with printouts and once-a-week meetings, handle 75% of what management personnel do to keep our craft in line. Specifically, complaints from customers, and other failures to meet guideposts, would be reported from supervisor to individual carrier, but otherwise, all other organizational matters would be handled within the employee co-op. Of course, this is all 'future perfect' imagining.
Ok, let's look at those ideas for making the post office solvent (my reactions in green):
* Keep offices open longer: in other words, become more like the 24-7 UPS store.
This doesn't sound likely. The Post Office has surely looked at this and determined the labor costs would be too high.
* Banking: affordable checking/savings accounts, debit cards, small loans, and other services.
A likely idea simply because the estimated annual profit would be $9 billion (a 2014 estimate), enough to cover any temporary shortfalls. But, would space be available? Would security be an issue? Otherwise, ...sure. Besides, as recently as the 1960s the USPS provided banking for its customers.
* Deliver groceries: probably in pre-packed, re-usable, indestructible containers.
One encounters grocery pickers in stores these days (those who fulfill online orders). So, instead of picking up their orders, shoppers would have them delivered to the front door. Ok, if there's a market for it.
* Caregiving: something that I've read about in France (and Japan, according to Estes).
My own experience with older customers is that they enjoy a wave and an occasional word. Would they want their mailman socializing? If they would, they probably need to get out more. I don't see it, though I could be convinced otherwise.
* Electric vehicle charging stations (in the parking lot).
I like this. Not only is there preliminary word that the next generation of USPS vehicles will be electric, but post office parking lots would seem like the perfect place for charging (perhaps limited during the busiest hours). The USPS as a trend setter, no less!
No comments:
Post a Comment