Congressman Mike Bost says an audit of US Postal facilities in the St. Louis area confirms concerns he's received from constituents about delays and poor service.
On Wednesday, the US Postal Service Inspector General released an audit of the St. Louis and Hazelton, Missouri processing and distribution facilities.
The Inspector General reviewed data from May 2024 to April 2025. They also made a site visit in early June to interview management and watch processing operations.
The audit looked at the amount of delayed mail, and the number of late and canceled mail trips from the centers.
The inspector general found more than 2.5 million pieces of delayed mail during their observation on June 3rd and 4th. Staff shortages and poor oversight were the main contributors of the delays. 56% of outbound trips from the facilities were late or canceled because of driver shortages and dock congestion.
In response to the report Bost says, "It is past time to fix these staffing shortages, hold supervisors accountable, and get the machines in top working order.” Bost had sent a letter to the Postal Service Inspector General requesting an audit in June.
The Inspector General made 12 recommendations to improve service at the facilities. The suggestions include filling vacant positions, and training on operating procedures. The report says the Postal Service has agreed to implement all 12 recommendations by January of next year.
Audit Results:
Office of Inspector General
