The United States Postal Service (USPS) will not proceed with moving mail processing tasks from Missoula to Spokane as previously explored. This decision follows the USPS’s assessment of Missoula’s Processing and Distribution Center under the 10-year Delivering for America plan that seeks to revamp the entire processing network. Although initial plans included shifting some operations to Spokane, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy paused these changes due to concerns raised by senators, at least until the new year.
Sen. Steve Daines and former Sen. Jon Tester raised concerns from Missoula postal workers that relocating processing could cause delivery delays and job losses in Montana. On Friday, the USPS declared that some local mail operations will stay in Missoula, aligning with a nationwide strategy aimed at saving $3 billion annually by enhancing efficiency and service quality. This means mail delivered locally in Missoula will be processed within Montana, as stated by the postal service.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy emphasized, “Our proposed operational strategy will generate substantial savings for the Postal Service.” The Delivering for America plan will direct up to $12.2 million towards upgrading the Missoula facility, enhancing employee work environments, and equipping the site with the necessary resources and technology to ensure high-quality local service.
The $12.2 million investment will improve and streamline package and mail processing, address maintenance backlogs, and refurbish bathrooms and break rooms. Although the initial plan to transfer operations to Spokane suggested potential layoffs, the updated strategy foresees “no anticipated employee impacts.” Additionally, the facility’s enhanced processing capacity may eventually require hiring more staff, according to the USPS release.
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