USPS Chief To Step Down After Guiding Postal Service Through Financial Turmoil, Pandemic, Cost Cuts, And Mail Delays

(MENAFN- Live Mint) Louis DeJoy, the Postmaster General of the United States, has announced his decision to step down after nearly five years at the helm of the Postal Service . His tenure was marked by the coronavirus pandemic, an increase in mail-in election ballots, and efforts to curb financial losses through cost and service cuts.

Resignation and transition

In a letter on February 17, DeJoy formally requested the USP S Board of Governors to begin the search for his successor. He pledged to assist in the transition to ensure minimal disruption to the Postal Service and the American people.

Challenges upon taking office

DeJoy took office in the summer of 2020 during President Donald Trump's first term. A former logistics business owner and Republican donor, he was the first postmaster general in nearly two decades who was not a career postal employee. Upon his arrival, the USPS was in financial turmoil, facing decades of losses and operational inefficiencies.

Operational and financial reforms

Under DeJoy's leadership, the Postal Service embarked on a major transformation. Key initiatives included:

Development of a 10-year plan to modernise operations and stabilise finances.

Implementation of cost-cutting measures, including overtime restrictions and reduced extra truck deliveries.

Investments in upgrading aging postal facilities.

Introduction of new package shipping products to drive revenue growth.

Efforts to make mail delivery more efficient through mail processing center consolidations.

Controversies and criticism

DeJoy's tenure was not without controversy. His cost-cutting measures led to mail delays, prompting criticism from lawmakers, particularly those concerned about the impact on rural mail delivery. A federal judge limited one of his cost-cutting practices ahead of the 2020 presidential election, ruling that it contributed to delivery delays.

Also, critics argued that consolidating mail processing centers could harm service quality. However, DeJoy defended the strategy, asserting that these changes were necessary for the Postal Service's long-term viability.

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