USPS Audit Flags English-Proficiency and Safety Gaps Among Contract Drivers

A federal audit found security, safety and English-language gaps in the U.S. Postal Service's Contract Delivery Service program, which uses individuals and companies to collect and deliver mail, especially in rural areas. FreightWaves reported the findings August 21. The official Postal Service Office of Inspector General report was issued August 18 as report 25-136-R26.

The OIG reviewed operations at 10 delivery units and surveyed 213 officials responsible for administering contracts. In fiscal 2025, the program included more than 8,273 active contracts costing about $593 million. Auditors found that some carriers lacked required security clearances, some used unsafe driving practices, accident-reporting controls were incomplete and certain carriers could not demonstrate the English skills required by their Postal Service contracts. Only 35% of 69 interviewed carriers had a valid identification badge, according to FreightWaves' account of the audit.

The report also identified about $1.9 million in incorrect extra-trip payments made annually during fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The OIG issued 10 recommendations covering safety, security, oversight and operational controls. Postal Service management agreed with all 10, although the inspector general considered two responses only partially responsive.

These audit findings do not establish that every contracted mail carrier needs a CDL or violated an FMCSA rule. Vehicle class, interstate activity and the nature of each operation determine which commercial-driver regulations apply, while the Postal Service can impose separate contract standards. Carriers performing government work should document driver qualifications, badges, accident reporting, vehicle inspections and language screening required by the contract. CDL employers should separately continue following current federal and state qualification rules. The broader lesson is that outsourcing transportation does not outsource oversight: contracting agencies and motor carriers both need verifiable controls before a driver begins work.