Study Removal

The AMP process is complete once the final Post Implementation Review (PIR) has been evaluated by Headquarters and feedback is provided to the area. AMP studies will be removed from this USPS.com site one year after the final PIR is complete.

Last updated: 01/09/2017

Continued from above
Single-Piece First-Class Mail volume has declined by 35 percent over the last decade. Significant declines in overall First-Class Mail volume and revenues which fund postal operations have required that the Postal Service business model be adjusted to ensure that the network of processing facilities, transportation routes, and other interconnected infrastructure operates with greater efficiency than ever before. Area Mail processing is a key element of this important effort.

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More Information About Area Mail Processing

What is Area Mail Processing? ›
AMP Guidelines ›
Benefits of Consolidation ›
Overview of the AMP Process ›

What is Area Mail Processing?
Area Mail Processing (AMP) is the consolidation of some mail processing operations from one or more postal facilities to other facilities to improve operational efficiency and/or service. AMP may involve the consolidation of originating operations (canceling and sorting locally generated mail), destinating operations (sorting and preparing mail received from more distant areas for local delivery), or both. The intent is to make more efficient use of Postal Service assets such as equipment, facilities, staffing, and transportation.

Today's mail processing system-a network of large, centralized mail processing facilities-represents about three decades of experience with AMP initiatives. However, as we continue to experience shifts in the types of mail we handle and changes in how and where mail enters our system, we must continue to examine opportunities for improvement. 

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AMP Guidelines

The Postal Service has developed a formal process for the review and implementation of Area Mail Processing proposals. This process is defined in Handbook PO-408, Area Mail Processing (AMP) Guidelines PDF | HTML.

Benefits of Consolidation
The benefits of AMP are as follows:

• AMP centralizes mail processing operations to better use resources, including space, staffing, processing equipment, and transportation.
• AMP takes advantage of state-of-the art technologies available at the gaining facility so originating and/or destinating mail can be processed more efficiently.
• AMP supports network rationalization and reduces redundancies.
• AMP should have minimal impact to customer services. Business mail entry, retail, and delivery services are expected to remain unchanged in most cases. Indicia requirements for postal meters and permit imprints for local mailers remain the same. Local postmarks will continue to be available at Post Offices. ZIP Codes will not change as a result of AMP.

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Overview of the AMP Process
The major events that occur during the AMP process are summarized below:

• With the bottom-up approach, the process begins when the district manager or senior plant manager notifies the area vice president (AVP) about their intention to conduct an AMP feasibility study. The AVP informs Headquarters' vice president, Network Operations (VPNO). With the top-down approach, the VP Network Operations contacts the AVP about initiating a feasibility study.
• When either one of the approaches is used, communication to stakeholders must occur when there is a clear intent to proceed with an AMP feasibility study. The notification of intent to perform the study will include an invitation to the public to submit any comments or concerns to a Postal Service representative.
• Within two months, the AMP feasibility study is complete, approved by the district manager (DM), and submitted to the AVP along with the required documentation.
• Within 45 days after submission of the study, the DM must conduct a public input meeting. Fifteen days are provided for the public's submission of additional written comments after the meeting and for the district's summary of the meeting.
• Also, after the DM's submission of the study, a 60-day review is conducted concurrently by the area and Headquarters management. Every AMP worksheet is verified and issues are resolved; after which, the study is provided to the AVP for consideration.
• Following receipt of public comments and finalized AMP worksheets, the AVP determines if the AMP proposal should advance to Headquarters. If the AMP is supported, the AVP must sign the Approval Signatures page and submit the AMP proposal to the SVP Operations. Generally, this step should be completed within two weeks. If the AMP is not supported, the AVP must submit an explanation to the VP Network Operations.
• The Consumer Advocate also receives a copy of the Completed AMP proposal. A review by the Consumer Advocate ensures that adequate attention and resolution were given to the public input at the district and area levels prior to the consideration of the AMP by the VP Network Operations.
• The VP Network Operations takes into account costs and benefits outlined in the AMP proposal along with summaries of public input when making the final decision to approve or disapprove the consolidation. A decision is expected within two weeks of receipt of the proposal.
• Prior to the implementation of an approved AMP, national-level employee organizations must be notified and local employee organizations must be briefed in accordance with current employee agreements.
• The area must conduct two Post-Implementation Reviews (PIRs) to assess whether planned savings, work hours, and levels of service are met. The first PIR will cover the first and second full quarters after implementation, and the final PIR will cover the first full four quarters following implementation.
• The AMP process is complete once the final PIR has been evaluated by Headquarters and feedback is provided to the area.

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