WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) highlighted the results of an audit released today by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General of the St. Louis and Hazelton, Missouri, processing and distribution facilities serving Southern Illinois. The independent report confirmed widespread problems that have fueled months of delivery delays, lost packages, and substandard service impacting local families, small businesses, and municipalities.

“The simmering frustrations of people in my district have been validated with today’s report,” said Bost. “I appealed to the U.S. Postal Service for an audit of the St. Louis postal processing center because Southern Illinoisans have faced service failures, late utility bills, missed medications, and lost family documents for far too long. I’m thankful the Trump administration conducted the audit, identified the problems, and demanded accountability. It is past time to fix these staffing shortages, hold supervisors accountable, and get the machines in top working order.”

The Inspector General’s report included 12 recommendations, from filling vacant positions and improving supervisor oversight to fixing dock congestion and enforcing proper handling of registered mail, that USPS must implement to restore timely, reliable service. The Postal Service has agreed to implement all 12 recommendations by January of next year.

Earlier this year, Bost sent a letter to the USPS OIG calling for a new investigation into ongoing failures. This is not the first time the St. Louis Processing and Distribution Center has come under scrutiny. A 2022 USPS OIG audit already identified significant operational problems at the facility, including inadequate staffing, poor mail handling, and mismanagement that caused widespread delivery delays. Despite promises of improvement, complaints have continued from mayors, business owners, and residents in recent months.

Key audit findings include:

• Missed Clearance Times & Delayed Mail – The facility frequently missed deadlines for processing letters and flats. On June 3 - 4, 2025, over 2.5 million pieces of mail were delayed, far exceeding what was reported. Causes included staff shortages, poor supervisor oversight, inefficient sorting between facilities, lack of proper mail labeling, and inadequate machine maintenance (only 39% of preventative maintenance completed vs. 90% target).
• Late, Canceled, and Extra Truck Trips – From May 2024 - April 2025, 56% of all outbound trips were late, canceled, or extra. Driver shortages, contractor no-shows, and dock congestion contributed.

• Poor Scan Compliance – Load/unload scan rates were well below the 93% goal, hindering mail tracking. Causes included network issues, unclosed placards, and unrecorded extra trips.

• Registry Mail Security – Registered Mail was not transferred with proper hand-to-hand procedures or documentation, risking loss/theft of valuable items.