USPS Merges Expedited, Ground Shipping Units

The U.S. Postal Service is overhauling its mail and shipping structure, merging the expedited and ground operations into a single Shipping Services group.

Postmaster General John Potter named Gary Reblin to lead the combined package services unit as vice president, shipping services. Reblin, a 15-year USPS veteran, became vice president for expedited shipping in February 2008, where he oversaw express and priority mail products.

The moves come after USPS on May 6 said it lost $1.9 billion in the six months ending March 31 amid declining mail volume from the recession and as customers switch to electronic alternatives.

Six days later, Potter announced the resignation of Robert Bernstock as president of the Mailing and Shipping Services unit, to “pursue opportunities in the private sector” effective June 4. That is the unit now being restructured.

Besides merging the expedited and ground services, Potter said that Jim Cochrane is moving into a new role from vice president of ground shipping to vice president of a newly formed Product Visibility and Operational Performance group. There, he will lead development of scanning and tracking improvements.

Potter said the new alignment and jobs for these executives will produce more competitive package options and scanning information for customers. USPS said there will be no net increase in workforce, and staffing for the new groups will come mainly from people in its expedited, ground and intelligent mail units.

-- Contact John D. Boyd at jboyd@joc.com.