The United States Postal Service (USPS) reported a staggering loss of $9 billion for the fiscal year 2025, contributing to a total deficit of $25 billion over the past three years. This financial downturn has raised alarms about the potential for insolvency by 2028, prompting calls for immediate reforms from industry stakeholders.
The Coalition for a 21st Century Postal Service (C21), representing a vast spectrum of the $1.9 trillion postal-reliant industry, has emphasized the urgency of the situation. C21 encompasses mailers, shippers, and various supply chain businesses, collectively employing nearly 8 million people across the nation. The coalition believes that collaboration between the USPS and its business customers is crucial to reversing this trend.
Newly appointed Postmaster General David Steiner has expressed his commitment to implementing reforms by the end of the first quarter of 2026. C21 members have conveyed their support for his initiative and are eager to contribute their insights. Art Sackler, Executive Director of C21, highlighted the need for USPS to engage with its customers, who rely on its services for delivering essential items such as prescription medicines, household goods, and important documents.
“USPS must work with its customers – the people who send prescription medicines, household goods, newspapers and magazines, not to mention bills, statements, catalogs, greeting cards, and documents required by law and much more,” said Sackler. He pointed out that the USPS cannot sustain these substantial losses while simultaneously reducing service and increasing prices without seeking assistance from Congress.
The coalition’s members, representing various sectors including e-commerce, financial services, and retail, emphasize that they possess valuable knowledge and resources that could help strengthen the USPS. Businesses contribute to approximately 90% of USPS’s revenue through postage and mailing services. C21 aims to foster public-private partnerships that benefit both the postal system and its users.
As the USPS navigates these financial challenges, C21 advocates for a dual approach: improving service quality while managing operational costs. They stress that without significant improvements, the institution that has served the nation for over 250 years may face an uncertain future.
The coalition’s diverse membership reflects the essential role that the USPS plays in the economy, generating $19 trillion in sales and providing vital services to millions of Americans. C21 stands ready to collaborate with the new Postmaster General to ensure a sustainable future for the USPS, reinforcing its importance as a cornerstone of communication and commerce in the United States.
For more information about the coalition and its initiatives, visit www.21stcenturypostal.org.