PS Form 4533 MVS Schedule Still in Effect

In the last edition of The American Postal Worker, we reported that the APWU had inquired to the USPS on whether the use of the PS Form 4533 MVS Schedule was still in effect.

By letter dated Feb. 23, 2023, the USPS responded to the Union’s inquiry:

“The following Postal Service policies from the PO-701, Fleet Management Handbook, are still in effect and are expected to be followed:

Section 213.1 - “Establish routes of travel serving regular runs from information provided on Form 4533.”

Section 233.13 - “The fleet manager is responsible for ensuring the reasonableness of the required service and for preparing:

MVS schedules using Form 4533, MVS Schedule.”

The Postal Service provided instructions to field Postal Vehicle Service (PVS) management, which stated that every driver should receive a Form 4533 daily, and that every driver placed in a schedule/route/run is expected to receive a Form 4533.”

The 4533s have been utilized in PVS operations for many years. These are specific operating instructions for the schedule to be performed by the operator on the assignment. The PO 701 Fleet Management Handbook provides instructions on the MVS schedule.

The 4533 MVS Schedule is Exhibit 222.22 in the PO-701. It gives the frequency, schedule number, vehicle requirement, vehicle assigned, arrival and departure times and operating instructions at each location, and whom to contact in an emergency. The travel instructions for each location are listed on the schedule rack.

Creation and updating of the 4533s is bargaining unit work to be performed by MVS Craft employees.

It is imperative that each PVS operation utilizes the 4533 and provides current information.

Geotab Telematics Technology

We received information in December 2019 about testing the feasibility and usefulness of Geotab Telematics Technology in postal-owned vehicles. The telematics device transmits engine odometer readings, eliminating the need for manual entries. It also records speed, locations, and engine hours to give fleet management a better picture of the vehicle’s usage.

After assessing the previous phase of the test, the Postal Service informed the union of a significant opportunity to reduce fuel consumption. Long engine idle times, aggressive acceleration, and speeding are contributing factors to poor fuel economy. Vehicle scorecards were provided for all operators based on the frequency of the above factors. This three-month phase showed the vehicles with the best fuel economy to positively reinforce the need to promote good habits.

In December 2022, we received notification that the Postal Service decided to implement the program. They determined that using telematics technology reduced fuel consumption and improved overall vehicle maintenance and repairs. The data includes real-time vehicle tracking and location, as well as performance. The device alerts the driver based on harsh driving behaviors. These reports are paired to vehicles, not drivers. They will be available to all vehicle operators and their management team without identifying the actual driver.

The contract was awarded to Geotab for the use of their Telematics Technology. Installation and use are underway. Postal management estimated completion in Fiscal Year 2025 on all postal-owned vehicles, including delivery, non-mail hauling, and PVS vehicles. We have requested information and a meeting on the impact to our members.

We received information that the contractor is charging $75 for the 30-minute installation as an excess mileage fee to come to the facility. The device can be installed when the vehicle is in for scheduled maintenance. There should be local Article 32 notifications for these installations.

Article 32.1.C states: When a decision has been made at the Field Level to subcontract bargaining unit work, the Union at the Local Level will be given notification.

The National Shuttling Step 4 (Q00V-4Q-C 06000460) states: The Local union Article 32.1.C notice is required before the beginning of the work being subcontracted.