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Editor’s Note:  The issue of asset loss and recovery is a growing industry problem facing all who utilize reusable packaging assets.  The RPA is continuing to monitor this problem and seek solutions to help better manage and recover valuable reusable assets

MILWAUKEE — The U.S. Postal Service is requesting customers return postal service owned mail transport equipment, like plastic and cardboard mail tubs and trays.

The USPS says this equipment is essential in accepting, sorting and moving mail within the processing network and is very expensive to replace. Customers can help by locating and returning misplaced, forgotten, misused or excessive equipment.

The USPS says they invested $120 million this year to restore equipment inventories to healthy levels for the fall mailing season — more than twice last year’s investment.

“We are in a financial crisis and simply cannot afford this type of unnecessary expense.” The equipment is federal property and its return would be appreciated. Anyone possessing Postal Service mail transport equipment is strongly encouraged to return it,” Milwaukee Postmaster Paul Nistler said.

Small amounts of equipment can be dropped off at local Post Offices or nearby mail processing and distribution centers.

Arrangements can also be made for the Postal Service to pick up large amounts of equipment and/or pallets by sending an email to hqmte@usps.gov, with “Equipment Pickup Request” in the subject line.

The message should include the company name, address where the equipment is located, type of mail transport equipment, quantity, and contact name and phone number.

There is also a mail transport equipment recovery hotline, 866-330-3404, that can be used to report misuse of equipment, such as hoarding or recycling.

The maximum penalty for theft or misuse of postal property is a $1,000 fine and three years of imprisonment.

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