The Proof of Concept test with Amazon.com––postponed twice
due to Hurricane Sandy––kicked-off on Saturday Nov. 17.
The new pilot program will leverage the Postal Service’s
capabilities to process, scan and deliver packages on the day of receipt. The delivery
test involves 454 large Post Offices on the East Coast––from Westchester NY to
Richmond VA.––and will run through the holiday season.
“We anticipate receiving about 3.4 million packages from
Amazon.com during this test,” said Manhattan Postmaster Robert Brown. “We are
very excited about this opportunity and fully expect to meet Amazon’s
expectations of 100 percent scanning and on-time delivery rates.”
 |
| FDR Mailhandler Gardenia Joe scans one of thousands of packages from Amazon.com during pilot program |
Here’s how it works:
Customers go to Amazon.com and purchase items to be shipped
for next day delivery. Amazon.com will process and presort their customers’
orders according to zip-codes. Amazon will transport pallets loaded with the packages overnight to designated Postal facilities where, that morning, employees will
scan the items on arrival. Letter Carriers will then deliver the packages that
same day, making sure to scan the packages on delivery.
“It’s early yet, but all indicators are that we are getting
100 percent scans, and delivery is on-time.” said Franklin D.Roosevelt Supv. Silas Burgess III.
“This is a big contract for us,” added FDR Mailhandler Gardenia
Joe. “We all want to do the best job we can to make sure this test runs
smoothly.”
“I welcome the
opportunity to be part of this test,” said 26-year Letter Carrier Scott
Demarest.
“We need the revenue and this is a good time for the Postal Service to shine.”
“We need the revenue and this is a good time for the Postal Service to shine.”
“This is a golden
opportunity for the Postal Service to grow volume and increase revenue.” said
Brown. “We are counting on every employee to embrace the challenge and do the
best job possible to ensure 100 percent success.”
Phase 1 of the program will conclude on Dec.31. Packages will
be delivered seven days a week until Christmas on city delivery routes.