Washington, D.C. — After an extensive two-month search, the United States Postal Service has appointed David Steiner as its new postmaster general. Steiner, a veteran of the business world with experience on the board of FedEx and as the former CEO of Waste Management, steps into a crucial role during a period marked by significant financial challenges for the agency.
The Postal Service reported a staggering $3.3 billion net loss for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, a figure that more than doubles the losses recorded during the same period last year. As USPS anticipates closing the fiscal year with losses of approximately $6.9 billion, Steiner faces immediate challenges aimed at stabilizing the agency’s financial standing.
Steiner’s appointment was announced during the final moments of the Postal Service’s Board of Governors meeting, where Chairwoman Amber McReynolds emphasized the importance of this decision. “Selecting a new postmaster general is one of the most significant responsibilities undertaken by our board,” she stated.
Pending necessary ethics and security clearances, Steiner is set to assume his new role in July. He expressed admiration for USPS, emphasizing its mission as a vital public institution. Although he represents a company competing with USPS, Steiner aims to engage with the agency’s unions and management to foster a strong employment environment.
His appointment comes at a time when privatization discussions concerning USPS have surfaced, with some prominent figures advocating for substantial changes to the agency’s structure. A national survey indicated that 60% of voters oppose efforts to privatize the Postal Service. Such sentiments represent a significant concern for the communities that depend on USPS for reliable mail delivery.
Steiner’s predecessor, Louis DeJoy, initiated a transformative plan titled “Delivering for America,” designed to reshape USPS operations over the next decade. Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino credited DeJoy with guiding the agency through a crisis spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic while navigating significant organizational challenges.
Despite ongoing financial hurdles, USPS reported increased revenue for first-class mail and package services this quarter, though overall volume has decreased. As the agency looks to implement further rate increases, Steiner’s leadership will be pivotal in balancing financial realities with service commitments.
This quarter, USPS met 82% of its first-class mail delivery goals on time, down from 84% the previous year, yet it remains committed to improvement. Chief Performance Officer Joshua Conlin stated that enhancing service remains a top priority, with ongoing efforts to identify and address performance issues.
National advocacy groups have expressed cautious optimism regarding Steiner’s leadership, hoping for a renewed focus on the agency’s mission of delivering dependable mail services to all Americans. As he prepares to take the helm, the eyes of both supporters and critics will be watching closely to see how Steiner navigates the formidable challenges facing the Postal Service.