Rep. Jim Costa Unveils Bill to Modernize USPS Fleet and Improve Service Nationwide

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and David Valadao (CA-22) introduced H.R. 3098 - FAIR Fleets Act, legislation aimed at modernizing the United States Postal Service (USPS) vehicle fleet while ensuring that both urban and rural communities receive an equitable share of modern, fuel-efficient delivery vehicles.

“Every American, whether they live in a big city or a rural town, deserves reliable, timely postal service,” said Congressman Costa. “The FAIR Fleets Act ensures that underserved areas, which too often face delays and aging equipment, are given the same level of service as more populated regions. This bill is about fairness and better efficiency in our mail system.”

“In the Central Valley and rural communities across America, families and businesses depend on the Postal Service,” said Congressman Valadao. “Too often, deliveries are delayed because the USPS lacks the resources to modernize, which is why the FAIR Fleets Act is so important. This bipartisan bill gives USPS the tools to upgrade its aging fleet with more fuel-efficient vehicles—improving reliability and reducing costs—to ensure people receive dependable mail services no matter where they live.”

BACKGROUND
The USPS operates one of the world’s largest civilian fleets, with an estimated 246,000 delivery vehicles used to deliver mail and parcels, many of which are over 30 years old. These vehicles, particularly the Grumman LLV model, are beyond their original intended service life.

The FAIR Fleets Act amends Title 39 of the U.S. Code, requiring the USPS to assess and modernize fleet distribution, prioritizing underserved areas such as rural towns, Tribal lands, and high-poverty urban neighborhoods. The bill mandates a strategic plan to improve fleet availability. It directs the USPS to submit annual reports to Congress detailing vehicle distribution, progress in underserved areas, and further recommendations for equitable service improvements.