MTAC Workgroup #87
Improving the Drop Shipment Process
August 5, 2004
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MTAC Workgroup #87MTAC Workgroup #87
BackgroundBackground
• Workgroup formed to address two main issues:
• Delays in mail off-loading
• DOT service hours changes
• Several workgroup meetings held.
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MTAC Workgroup #87MTAC Workgroup #87
• To address these issues, the workgroup is pursuing several changes:
– Process improvements
– Replacement of the existing DSAS system with FAST (Facility Access and Shipment Tracking)
– Integration with other USPS systems to improve timeliness and accuracy of data.
IntroductionIntroduction
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MTAC Workgroup #87MTAC Workgroup #87
Fall Mailing Season InitiativesFall Mailing Season Initiatives
• USPS is planning to:
• Manually review and update drop shipment and annex locations
• Implement a Fall Mailing Season Campaign to create awareness for:
• Key drop shipment policies
• Importance of communicating holiday hours changes.
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MTAC Workgroup #87MTAC Workgroup #87
Enhancements - SchedulingEnhancements - Scheduling
1. Scheduling-
• FAST will require appointments/notification for all customer mailings
• This requirement will allow USPS to build a complete arrival profile for each facility.
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MTAC Workgroup #87MTAC Workgroup #87
Enhancements – Appointment AvailabilityEnhancements – Appointment Availability
2. Appointment Availability-
• FAST will enable mailers to provide additional content detail (e.g. level of sort and product type)
• This new data will enable USPS to manage appointment availability based on:
• Work effort, and
• Facility processing capability.
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MTAC Workgroup #87MTAC Workgroup #87
Enhancements – OverallEnhancements – Overall
3. FAST will include enhancements that make it more user friendly-
4. The Drop Ship Product will be available for download online (free of charge)
• Weekly updates
• Integrated with FAST to improve data accuracy
5. Improved reporting capability.
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MTAC Workgroup #87MTAC Workgroup #87
System BenefitsSystem Benefits
• Accept more appointments
• Reduce driver wait times
• Reduce delayed mail
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MTAC Workgroup #87MTAC Workgroup #87
Next StepsNext Steps
• Finalize system requirements
• DDU entry
• Periodical notification
• Origin entry
• Confirm pilot approach and participants