Postal Service contract drivers faulted for English-language violations

Insight summary

• •Many independent contractors for the U.S. Postal Service lack required English skills, security clearances, and engage in unsafe driving, threatening mail integrity and public safety.
• •In fiscal year 2025, the USPS had over 8,273 active delivery contracts costing about $593 million primarily in rural and underserved areas.
• •Security lapses include only 35% of contractors having valid badges and widespread badge sharing, compromising authorized access and mail scanning accuracy.
• •Local administrators often fail to enforce security screening and proper motor vehicle accident reporting, leading to nearly $1.9 million in extra payments.
• •Some contractors without completed background checks discarded mail or improperly handled deliveries, causing security breaches.
• •Insufficient English proficiency among some drivers impairs communication, safety, and compliance with contract requirements.
• •The USPS is urged to verify active security clearances, implement automated badge expiration alerts, and enforce English language requirements more strictly.