In a significant leadership change, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced the appointment of David Steiner, a board member of FedEx and former CEO of Waste Management, as the new postmaster general. Steiner's selection, revealed on May 9, 2025, comes at a time when the USPS is grappling with substantial financial challenges and increasing scrutiny regarding its future.
Steiner's appointment follows the resignation of Louis DeJoy, who stepped down in March 2025 after nearly five years in the role. The USPS Board of Governors, led by Chairwoman Amber McReynolds, expressed confidence in Steiner's ability to guide the agency during this pivotal moment. "Dave is the right person to lead the Postal Service at this time to ensure this magnificent and historic organization thrives into the future," McReynolds stated.
Steiner is expected to assume office in July 2025, pending the completion of background and ethics checks. His selection has sparked immediate concerns among postal unions and some lawmakers, who fear that his ties to FedEx, a major competitor of USPS, could signal a shift towards privatization of the postal service.
In a statement, Steiner emphasized his commitment to maintaining USPS's role as an independent establishment of the executive branch. "I deeply admire the public service and business mission of this amazing institution, and I believe strongly in maintaining its role as an independent establishment of the executive branch," he said.
The appointment comes as USPS reported a staggering net loss of $3.3 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, more than double the loss experienced during the same period last year. The agency anticipates ending the fiscal year with a total loss of $6.9 billion. Despite these challenges, USPS had begun the fiscal year on a more positive note, reporting a rare $144 million net profit in the first quarter, typically bolstered by the holiday season.
Steiner's background in waste management and logistics is seen as both a potential asset and a conflict of interest. Critics, including Brian Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, argue that appointing someone from a competing company raises serious concerns about the future direction of USPS. Renfroe stated, "His selection isn’t just a conflict of interest — it’s an aggressive step toward handing America’s mail system over to corporate interests. Private shippers have been waiting to get USPS out of parcel delivery for years. Steiner’s selection is an open invitation to do just that."
Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Steiner's appointment could lead to a decline in service quality, particularly in rural areas. "FedEx has a very different agenda than the public postal service. And they’re a major competitor of the United States Postal Service," he said.
Despite the pushback, some industry leaders have expressed optimism about Steiner's leadership. Kevin Yoder, executive director of Keep US Posted and a former Republican congressman, called Steiner's appointment a "pivotal moment for the Postal Service." Yoder stated, "We are optimistic that Steiner’s leadership will strengthen the institution’s mission of delivering reliable, affordable mail services to every American, every day."
The Postal Service is currently navigating a 10-year reform plan initiated by DeJoy called Delivering for America, which aims to modernize operations and address ongoing financial losses. The plan has received mixed reviews, with some praising its efficiency improvements while others criticize it for leading to mail delays and unsustainable postage increases.
As USPS continues to face financial pressures, the agency has raised prices for its services, including a proposed increase in the price of a first-class stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents in July 2025. In the second quarter of fiscal 2025, USPS delivered approximately 82% of first-class mail on time, a slight decline from 84% during the same period the previous year. On average, first-class mail arrived within three days, but officials acknowledged that there is room for improvement.
Steiner's leadership will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics as he steps into this challenging role. The USPS Board of Governors has expressed hope that Steiner will help the agency remain independent, competitive, and committed to its mission of serving every American household.
As the Postal Service approaches a critical juncture, the implications of Steiner's appointment will be felt across the nation, particularly in the context of ongoing discussions about the future of postal services in the United States. The stakes are high, as the agency not only serves as a vital link for communication but also employs approximately 650,000 individuals across the country.
In summary, David Steiner's appointment as the next postmaster general marks a significant transition for the USPS amid pressing financial challenges and potential shifts in its operational model. As he prepares to take office, the future of the Postal Service remains uncertain, with many eyes watching to see how his leadership will shape the agency's direction.
