The Wall Street Journal recently published an article titled “Trucks Hauling Mail Violate Safety Rules and Cause Deadly Crashes.” The article highlights the increasing number of crashes involving mail trucks and the violations of safety regulations by the companies that operate them.

According to the article, the United States Postal Service (USPS) contracts with private companies to transport mail by truck. These companies are supposed to adhere to safety regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), such as limits on the number of hours drivers can be on the road and regular vehicle maintenance checks. However, the article notes that many of these companies have been found to violate these regulations, leading to dangerous conditions on the road.

The article cites several examples of fatal crashes involving mail trucks. In one case, a driver for a contractor of USPS fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a line of cars, killing one person and injuring several others. In another case, a contractor driver crashed into a group of motorcyclists, killing seven.

The article also notes that the USPS has been criticized for its role in these crashes. While the USPS is not directly responsible for the safety of the trucks, it is responsible for selecting the contractors that operate them. Critics argue that the USPS should do more to ensure that these contractors are following safety regulations.

The FMCSA has attempted to address these issues by increasing its oversight of the companies that transport mail. In 2020, the agency launched an investigation into several contractors that were found to have violated safety regulations. However, the article notes that the FMCSA has limited resources to enforce these regulations and that many violations go unpunished.