Almost all of my extended family lives in Hampton Roads, and this issue has been affecting all of us. If you're someone who relied on timely mail delivery in Hampton Roads, this is harming you or someone you know. 

The decision not to use the SDUS machine correctly by USPS local management in Hampton is causing significant mail delays to those that live in or near Hampton.

Currently, mail that comes to or from anywhere south of Williamsburg 23185 is experiencing an artificially constructed minimum delay of 2 to 3 days.

This is not only inconvenient but also completely unnecessary as resources are already in place to ensure seamless operation through next day delivery of local mailings. The sorting machine in Hampton is already programmed for that.

If you mail a package from York County to Hampton, or Poquoson to Smithfield, or Phoebus to Carrollton, that package leaves the office that same night, in a container, on a truck that goes to Hampton. The container then sits at the dock for 2-5 hours, before a truck takes it to Richmond. If the truck came from south of Williamsburg, it gets sorted the day after it arrives in Richmond. 

Not turning on the machine every evening at Hampton to run all outgoing parcels through it is directly responsible for all local mailings in Hampton Roads experiencing a 2-3 day delay.
It is also directly contributing to the delays experienced with Richmond mail processing- because all local mailings go to Richmond, overloading the available resources there.

The SDUS machine has been paid for, and the building housing it underwent extensive renovations and staffing changes specifically designed to facilitate 24-hour operation. Despite being ready for use, with renovations complete and machine operators scheduled and working, the machine remains off every evening.

This inefficiency has had serious repercussions for individuals and businesses in the region, causing unnecessary stress and disruptions.

Imagine what a functioning machine was intended to provide — all Hampton Roads packages would be delivered next day, regardless of where dropped off. 

The infrastructure has been in place, workforce is prepared, and funding has already been allocated. We are simply asking for efficient use of these already existing resources. We are asking for compliance with regulation and the intended implementation of USPS modernization efforts.

I urge the USPS local management in Hampton to prioritize the needs of the community by turning on the SDUS machine. This small action will make a big difference, ensuring timely mail delivery and restoring faith in our local postal operations, as well as in the nationwide organization. 

Join me in demanding that the USPS do the right thing. Make our voices heard. Please sign this petition to turn on the SDUS machine now!