Over the past few weeks, USPS told KPRC 2 the reason for package delays at the Missouri City sorting facility is because the postal service is in the process of modernizing its mail system.
Viewers tell KPRC 2′s Corley Peel, that their packages are also stuck at the North Houston facility.
Small business owner Axel Ryker said he has hundreds of packages stuck inside that facility.
“We have confirmed at least 600-800 packages there right now. They have been sitting for the last two weeks,” said Ryker.
Ryker said he stops by the facility almost every day, hoping the packages he ships out will make it to customers. He said inside the facility is a mess.
READ MORE: Houston, we have a mail problem. Here’s what we know
“When you pull into the loading dock where all the carriers drop off the mail it’s just an insane amount of packages piling over, envelopes falling on the ground, it’s stacked up over six feet and it’s very very hard to walk around to maneuver,” said Ryker.
Sources tell KPRC 2 that USPS brought trucks filled with mail from the Missouri City facility to the North Houston Facility to help with the backup. The move appears to have only made things worse for the North Houston facility.
Ryker said the delays have cost his business more than $10,000. If his packages don’t ship soon, Ryker said his business may have to shut down online orders.
READ MORE: Packages remain stuck, delays continue at Missouri City USPS sorting facility
KPRC 2 has reached out to USPS several times over the past few weeks, asking when the issue will be resolved. They have not said how long it could take.
USPS said they are working on the issues and they encourage anyone with delayed packages to reach out. They sent the following statement:
As part of its 10-year Delivering for America plan, the Postal Service is working to modernize our mail and package processing network. For decades, our outmoded network has created significant financial losses, increased deferred maintenance costs, deteriorated workplace conditions for our employees, and failed to efficiently integrate mail and package processing and delivery. The transformation of our network is necessary and fundamental to our continuation as an organization and a service to the American people and our business customers.
In the Houston area, network adjustments are ongoing. We have initiated the complex transition of the North Houston Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) to a Regional Processing & Distribution Center (RPDC). Under our 10-year plan, we are combining and centralizing mail processing operations in approximately 60 new RPDCs nationwide over the coming years, which will handle originating mail and all package processing. Many of the RPDCs, such as North Houston, will be developed from existing postal facilities. The entire USPS geography is being assessed to determine the most appropriate mix of facilities within each regional ecosystem.
These new RPDCs will allow USPS to better use resources — including space, staffing, processing equipment and transportation — to take advantage of state-of-the-art technologies that process mail and packages more efficiently, while also creating brighter, cleaner, and more modern workplaces for postal employees.
As part of our network transition, we are also establishing Local Processing Centers (LPC) throughout the nation. The Missouri City, TX facility is designated as the South Houston LPC. Nearly all LPCs will be developed from existing postal facilities. It’s anticipated that up to 180 stand-alone LPCs will be opened in the next few years. The LDCs will process destination mail and transfer mail and packages to delivery. The LPCs will be modernized with standard designs in workflow and refined operations, with benefits similar to the RPDCs, including repositioning of machines to improve mail flow, removing obstructions from the workroom floor, improving overall visibility (i.e., lighting), and improving employee common areas.
This process, as with any such transition, takes time. The Postal Service will adhere to all legal, statutory, contractual, and regulatory requirements as network modernization continues in the coming years.
As with any transition, some unintended and temporary disruptions may occur. We are taking steps to ensure packages are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible and apologize to any customers who may be experiencing issues with delivery of their items. We strongly encourage customers who have concerns to contact us either online or via our toll-free number. When customers reach out, they can provide vital details to our customer service staff. A number will be assigned to each case, which allows the Postal Service to fully research the situation and provide a suitable resolution for our customers. Customers may call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777), or visit our website at www.usps.com/help.