Ricketts & Smith React to USPS Announcement of North Platte Mail Processing Transfer to Denver
Ricketts Calls on Postal Service to Pause Planned Changes Following Announcement Regarding North Platte Facility
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) was one of 26 U.S. Senators who called on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to pause planned changes to its processing and delivery network that could slow down mail delivery until the potential impacts are further studied by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) and addressed by the Postal Service.
The letter comes following this week’s news that USPS intends to transfer operations of the North Platte, NE Mail Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) to Denver, CO and convert the North Platte facility to a Local Processing Center. Ricketts has repeatedly engaged with USPS fighting to preserve the facility. In March 2024, Ricketts sent a letter with Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-3) requesting more information about the plans for the P&DC. Ricketts staff also attended the public input meeting on March 28th.
“We call on USPS to pause all changes, pending a full study of this plan by its regulator,” the senators wrote. “While USPS claims these changes overall will improve service while reducing costs, there is evidence to the contrary in locations where USPS has implemented changes so far. USPS must stop implementation, restore service in those areas where changes were implemented, and fully understand the nationwide effects of its plan on service and communities.”
“The Postal Service’s primary responsibility is to provide timely and reliable delivery to every community across the nation,” the senators continued. “While USPS must continue adapting as an agency to remain stable and serve the public’s current needs, it must proceed with caution and understand the implications of its plans in order to protect mail delivery for all communities.”
The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Susan Collins (R-ME), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John Barrasso (R-WY), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Steve Daines (R-MT), Kyrsten Sinema, (I-AZ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Angus King (I-ME), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jon Tester (D-MT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and John Cornyn (R-TX).
Smith Reacts
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), released the following statement after the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced it will transfer operations of the North Platte, NE Mail Processing and Distribution Center to Denver, CO and convert the North Platte facility to a Local Processing Center.
"This decision—leaving the entire Third District, more land area than the state of North Dakota, without a USPS Mail Processing and Distribution Center—is another in a long line of actions demonstrating USPS’ lack of concern for rural Americans. As American postal customer satisfaction and rates of on-time delivery are decreasing, there is strong evidence moving operations to Denver risks greater delays and inefficiencies. Furthermore, it appears our clearly voiced concerns were simply disregarded by USPS, as they were when processing at facilities in Grand Island and Alliance was consolidated to Omaha in 2013 and 2015. This is unacceptable for Nebraska communities, businesses, and seniors who are particularly reliant on USPS for delivery of prescription medicines.
"Failing to restore customer confidence is a losing strategy. To achieve the reforms that are desperately needed for USPS to overcome its serious fiscal problems and fulfill its constitutional mission to serve all Americans, USPS must focus more on improving service."
