Mail Transport Equipment

This report presents the results of our self-initiated audit of the U.S. Postal Service’s Mail Transport Equipment (MTE) Program (Project Number 21-229). Our objective was to assess Postal Service management of the MTE program. See Appendix A for additional information about this audit.MTE consists of containers (including sacks, pouches, trays, wheeled containers, pallets, etc.) used to contain mail during processing and while transporting it between postal facilities, delivery units, and mailers.The Postal Service purchases and distributes MTE to transport mail. The use of MTE is provided as a courtesy to convey mail to and from facilities and mailers and it may not be retained or used for unauthorized purposes. Additionally, to reduce processing costs, all MTE must be properly containerized or finalized as Postal Prepared Finished Goods (PPFG) and must have a Mail Transport Equipment Labeler (MTEL) placard affixed prior to it being returned to the Mail Transport Equipment Service Center (MTESC).The Postal Service’s MTESC network is comprised of 14 contractor-operated centers that are responsible for processing, repairing, storing, and distributing MTE in a timely and efficient manner. The Mail Transport Equipment Support System (MTESS) supports MTESCs and processes orders for facilities and large mailers.