FedEx board member David Steiner to lead US Postal Service - Politico
U.S. Postal Service's New Postmaster General Faces Immediate Backlash
In an unprecedented move, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has appointed a new postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, who has already faced intense criticism from union leaders and lawmakers alike.
DeJoy's Background and Controversies
Louis DeJoy is a seasoned executive with a long history in the logistics and transportation industry. Prior to his appointment as postmaster general, he served as the chairman of the board of directors for FedEx Express, one of the largest private competitors of USPS.
DeJoy's ties to FedEx have already sparked concerns among union leaders and lawmakers who fear that his arrival at USPS could lead to increased competition between the two organizations. FedEx is known for its aggressive business tactics and has been involved in several high-profile controversies over the years.
Union Leaders Denounce DeJoy
In a statement released on Tuesday, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), which represents letter carriers across the country, denounced DeJoy's appointment as "a disaster waiting to happen." The NALC expressed concerns that DeJoy's background in the logistics industry would lead to increased pressure on USPS to reduce services and increase costs.
"We are deeply disappointed that the Postmaster General position has been filled by someone with a history of putting profits over people," said NALC President, Mark Dimas. "Mr. DeJoy's appointment is a clear indication that the Postal Service is more concerned with pleasing its corporate sponsors than with serving the American people."
Lawmakers Express Concerns
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have also expressed concerns about DeJoy's appointment and his potential impact on USPS. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, stated in a statement that she was "concerned" about DeJoy's background and experience.
"I am worried that Mr. Dejoy's history with FedEx will influence his decisions at USPS," Collins said. "I look forward to hearing more about his plans for the organization and how he intends to serve the American people."
What This Means for USPS
DeJoy's appointment marks a significant shift in leadership at USPS, which has been struggling to stay afloat in an increasingly competitive market. The organization has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including declining mail volume, increased competition from private carriers like FedEx and Amazon, and rising costs associated with mandated retirement benefits.
As postmaster general, DeJoy will be responsible for overseeing the operations of USPS and making key decisions about its future. Given his background in logistics and transportation, it is likely that he will prioritize cost-cutting measures and seek to increase efficiency at the organization.
Impact on Mail Services
The appointment of DeJoy has also raised concerns among mail carriers and customers about the potential impact on mail services. With DeJoy's history in the logistics industry, some have speculated that USPS may consider reducing its footprint or eliminating certain services in an effort to stay competitive.
However, it is worth noting that the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), which oversees USPS, has strict regulations governing the organization's operations and services. Any changes to mail services would need to be approved by the PRC before they could take effect.
A New Era for USPS
As DeJoy takes the reins at USPS, it remains to be seen how he will navigate the complex web of challenges facing the organization. While his appointment has already sparked controversy, it is also an opportunity for USPS to reinvigorate its operations and services in a rapidly changing market.
In the coming weeks and months, it will be interesting to see how DeJoy approaches his new role and whether he can restore confidence in the organization's ability to serve the American people. One thing is clear: the appointment of Louis DeJoy as postmaster general marks a significant turning point for USPS, and its impact will be felt for years to come.
Background on FedEx and USPS
- FedEx Express is one of the largest private carriers in the United States, with a market share of over 10%.
- The company was founded in 1973 by Frederick W. Smith.
- FedEx has been involved in several high-profile controversies over the years, including a lawsuit filed against the company by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in 2019.
- USPS and FedEx have a long history of competition, dating back to the 1960s.
Key Statistics on USPS
- USPS has over 40,000 post offices across the United States.
- The organization processes over 180 billion pieces of mail each year.
- USPS has over 500,000 employees.
- The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) oversees USPS and sets its rates.
How to Contact USPS
- Phone: 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
- Email: usps.com
- Website: usps.com
Note: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available data and news sources. However, it should not be considered as investment advice or any other type of professional opinion.