PALMETTO, Ga. — Concerns continue to mount over missing mail and missing packages, with the issue at hand stemming from one United States Postal Service distribution center in metro Atlanta.
It's an issue that has become so large that United States Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) has launched an inquiry into what's going on at the postal facility, demanding answers as to what's causing it, as well as whether they are taking any actions to resolve it.
11Alive first reported on these issues last week when postal customers started complaining their packages couldn't be traced at all. They said the issues are centered around one postal facility in Palmetto -- which is located mostly in Fulton County but also in part of Coweta County.
Mitchell Taylor, the president of the American Postal Workers Union, spoke with 11Alive on Thursday. He said that he believes the delays all have to do with the facility not properly planning before opening up. He said he thinks this will continue to be a problem until someone steps in, reassesses and fixes the design.
"This level of impact and movements and disruption. I've been doing this for 20 years, 20 years plus at union and I haven't seen it like this," Taylor said. "They're supposed to go in and out of that facility in like 30 minutes -- drop off, pick up and be out. Ideally, that's the way you want it to be. But, that's not happening."
Taylor believes that's the crux of the issue at a recently opened regional post service facility in Palmetto that was actually created to make things more efficient.
"It never should be that long," Taylor said. "You should never be in a facility for three or four hours."
He believes poorly designed truck routes, coupled with inadequate training of employees at the new site has led to massive delays.
"I don't think it was designed to handle what they're trying to do with it," Taylor said.
The regional facility, which Taylor said was the first of its kind, opened up on Feb. 24. Taylor emphasized that poor planning has led to trucks loaded with mail sitting at the facility for hours -- logjamming the entire process.
"Trailer after trailer. I mean, you know, 30 trailers, 40 trailers trying to get in," Taylor said.
Taylor said he is begging residents in the community to help postal workers at the facility by asking their local politicians to intervene.
"You got good employees that's going to get the job done," Taylor said. "This is a small blip, but it's something they shouldn't be experiencing."
We reached out to USPS officials regarding Taylor's claims, but we have not heard back.
Those experiencing delays or who have not received mail can contact the newsroom with your concerns as we continue to cover this story. Fill out our online form below, and someone from our news team will follow up with you.