Upgraded mail fleet in the works

A new 21st century mail truck design is underway as the U.S. Postal Service looks to modernize its fleet of vehicles.

The USPS announced Feb. 24 that it will spend $482 million over the next 10 years for a fleet of new vehicles to deliver the mail. Officials said this is the first phase of a multibillion-dollar effort to replace its delivery fleet with new vehicles equipped with either fuel-efficient internal combustion engines or battery electric powertrains that can be retrofitted to keep pace with advances in electric vehicle technologies, according to a USPS press release.

The new vehicles are expected to begin circulation in 2023, replacing many vehicles that have been in use for 30 years.

The new vehicles will include air conditioning and heating, improved ergonomics, 360-degree cameras, advanced braking and traction control, air bags, and a front- and rear-collision avoidance system that includes visual and audio warnings, and automatic braking. The vehicles will also have increased cargo capacity to maximize efficiency and better accommodate higher package volumes stemming from the growth of e-commerce.

“Our fleet modernization also reflects the postal service’s commitment to a more environmentally sustainable mix of vehicles,” said Postmaster General and USPS Chief Executive Officer Louis DeJoy. “Because we operate one of the largest civilian government fleets in the world, we are committed to pursuing near-term and long-term opportunities to reduce our impact on the environment.”

Delaware's U.S. Sen. Tom Carper said he is pleased that the USPS will modernize its fleet.

“The U.S. Postal Service reaches every household in America – from those in the largest cities to those in the most rural communities. It’s a critical part of our nation’s infrastructure, but its operations have long been overdue for an upgrade,” Carper said in a press release. “By investing in a new, modern delivery fleet that reduces its carbon footprint and saves money over the long term, USPS is taking significant steps toward bringing its operations into the 21st century.”