Network Changes: Local Transportation Optimization in the New Orleans Region

In October 2023, the U.S. Postal Service deployed a major change to operations when it began piloting its Local Transportation Optimization (LTO) initiative. The initiative was designed to reduce the number of transportation trips to and from select post offices and increase the amount of mail transported on each trip. In addition, mail collected at optimized post offices remained there until the next day, delaying its entry into sorting operations. As of January 2025, the Postal Service had implemented LTO across 17 regions, including 56 post offices in the New Orleans region. The Postal Service has since expanded the LTO pilot program to a nationwide initiative, renaming it to Regional Transportation Optimization, and adjusted service standards. Implementing potential cost saving initiatives that result in mail taking longer to reach customers increases the risk that customers find quicker and more reliable alternatives.