ATLANTA — Dozens of concerned residents have contacted 11Alive about missing mail and packages connected to a new United States Postal Service processing center that opened recently in Palmetto.
The new center opened on Feb. 24, as some of the operations at the Atlanta, Augusta, Macon and Duluth area processing and distribution centers shifted to the regional center in Palmetto.
The move was part of the postal service's 10-year plan, "Delivering for America," which was introduced in 2021 with the goal of expediting service across the country and helping the USPS save money.
United States Sen. Jon Ossoff
11Alive spoke with Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is launching his own inquiry into the matter.
"When I hear from my constituents that they’re having issues with the postal service, that impact family, safety, and security, or just the orderly delivery of mail necessary for quality of life and commerce, I take action," Ossoff said.
Ossoff said he reached out to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for detailed answers.
“I write to express concern regarding numerous reports of missing and delayed mail in the metro Atlanta area, reportedly connected to the Atlanta Regional Processing and Distribution Center in Palmetto. Postal customers in Georgia are increasingly reporting untraceable or stalled packages to local news outlets, in some cases for up to weeks,” Sen. Ossoff wrote in a statement. “The timely delivery of mail across the nation is a vital public service. I urge you to expeditiously investigate the reported delays across the metro Atlanta area and to take any necessary and appropriate actions to ameliorate any issues.”
United States Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock
“Georgians depend on a reliable postal service to pay bills, do their jobs, and connect with loved ones," Warnock said in a statement. "While human error and obstacles may arise amid consolidation of distribution centers, these delays have been going on too long and the onus falls on the United States Postal Service to provide transparency on what is happening and what they are going to do to fix it. My office will continue to monitor these developments and help Georgians where we can to hold USPS accountable.”
Georgia Rep. Mike Collins
On X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Collins posted, "My colleagues and I sent a letter to USPS months ago concerning their failures in Georgia. Yesterday, I went to the source myself in Palmetto where we've heard many complaints. Bills, checks, and medicines flow through the mail. Livelihoods depend on USPS following through on their word. When can Georgians expect the improvements promised?"
Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pits
On Saturday, Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pits said he's never experienced anything like what he's heard is happening in Palmetto.
“If the guy who represents the unions and the employees is correct and there’s some personnel moves that were made that have contributed to this problem, that needs to be addressed," Pitts said.
Pitts said he plans to work with federal lawmakers to remedy this situation because what people need via the mail is a lifeline for his constituents.
“Mail that comes to an individual could be a social security check, a business’ new order, or whatever," Pitts said. "So it's impacting people and businesses, and something needs to be done.”
Pitts said he’s already contacted Sen. Ossoff and plans to meet with him soon. In the meantime, he’s hoping the mail delays don’t hurt county operations in Fulton.
“People who have mailed in their taxes would be held up, and we would be sympathetic if it's due to that," Pitts said. "This could impact our operations to the extent of people who use the mail to communicate with us."
Georgia Rep. Barry Loudermilk
Rep. Loudermilk posted on X:
"Reports of alleged mail theft at the Marietta Post Office and mail delays throughout the state are deeply concerning and warrant more transparency from USPS to those affected. My office is working diligently to ensure these matters are quickly resolved."
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.