HOUSTON – Earlier this year, I launched an experiment to test the efficiency of the United States Postal Service (USPS).
PREVIOUS: Houston, we have a mail problem. Here’s what we know
I mailed packages containing AirTags to two of KPRC 2′s sister stations across the country, allowing her to track the packages in real-time and measure how long it would take for them to arrive at their destinations.
In May, I was invited to the USPS Local Processing Center in Missouri City for an inside look at the new equipment and technology aimed at improving mail delivery. The post office reported that its goal with these upgrades was to ensure mail arrived on time more consistently. For a while, it seemed like the changes were working, and delivery issues had slowed down.
CLOSER LOOK: USPS South Houston Processing Center in Missouri City upgrades sorting equipment and processing technology
Officials with the United States Postal Service acknowledged that they had issues earlier this year with new processing technology. They have five state-of-the-art package sorting machines at the center.
The VP of Regional Processing Operation John DiPeri explained some of the new upgrades at the 400,000-square-foot facility. However, in recent months, problems have resurfaced.
Earlier this month, I spoke with a paralegal in Northern Virginia who reported that mail delays caused her firm to miss filing a critical motion in court, highlighting that the issues persist for some.
MORE: USPS problems in Houston continues, causing costly mishap for Northern Virginia paralegal
On the same day as this story aired, I shared a single mother and small business owner’s story, who says the postal problems have cost her thousands of dollars.
Zephra Bell, who recently launched her notary public business in May, shared her frustration over missing mail and inconsistent deliveries in her Southeast Houston neighborhood.
Bell says sometimes the mail will run once every two to three weeks.
She also experienced additional frustrations with incorrect deliveries. On multiple occasions, she says mail intended for her neighbors or people she doesn’t even know has shown up at her door.
Several viewers have also shared their stories with KPRC 2.
Kristie Cullum wrote:
I remember KPRC did a story about the Missouri City USPS distribution center and how it was “improving”. A priority mail envelope was mailed to my grandson at my address on August 22, 2024 from downtown Houston and I have not received it yet. I live in Katy, Tx. The envelope was sent from the Japanese embassy and contains my grandsons’ passport and his student visa. He is scheduled to fly to Japan September 12,2024 to study abroad at the Asia Pacific University. Through a series of unfortunate events there is no tracking number. Do you know of any way to find this piece of mail so my grandson won’t miss this opportunity to study for a semester in Japan. I’m at wits end of what to do, any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Jo Anne Gruter wrote:
I had a birthday card to Liberty Tx I sent from Pearland on August 12 (per postmark) and it took 17 days to get thru Houston. I thought it was stolen or being returned. The mail service is totally awful. I will use Fed Ex next time 17 days is not acceptable. Thanks for staying on this issue.
Aaron Wright wrote:
The USPS gives me headaches. I had a package back in July that sat at Missouri City sorting facility for 31 days before it was shipped to California. I even opened a case on it. Here are the screen shots of the tracking.I have Ebay business that I ship between 75 to 100 packages a month. They’ve made it scary to deal with, and they seem to not care.
Carina Deaktor wrote:
My son is getting married in November and they sent the invitations 3 weeks ago. People from out of state have already received the invitations. Some from Houston received the invitations, some also in Houston have not received them. Other friends and n Houston have not received it, but received the save the date. Addresses have not changed. It’s been really a mess.
Now, I’m sending another set of AirTag-tracked packages to KPRC 2′s sister stations to see if the USPS improvements have made any lasting impact.
You can follow along with the packages as they make their journey. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to track whether USPS delivery has improved since the processing center upgrades.