Postal Service to Acquire First Newly Designed Vehicles in 30 Years

WASHINGTON D.C -- Modernization is the key to the future and the United States Postal Service is a making multi-million investment to manufacture a new generation of delivery trucks.

According to USPS, the agency has a $482 million contract with Oshkosh Defense to design and manufacture the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) — a purpose-built, right-hand-drive vehicle for mail and package delivery.

"As the American institution that binds our country together, the U.S. Postal Service can have a bright and modern future if we make investments today that position us for excellence tomorrow," said Postmaster General and USPS Chief Executive Officer Louis DeJoy. "The NGDV program expands our capacity for handling more package volume and supports our carriers with cleaner and more efficient technologies, more amenities, and greater comfort and security as they deliver every day on behalf of the American people."

The NGDV's will be equipped with fuel-efficient internal combustion engines or battery-electric powertrains. The vehicles will also include air conditioning and heating, improved ergonomics, and a few more innovative upgrades.

The NGDV's will have include:

• 360-degree cameras
• Advanced braking and traction control
• Airbags
• Front-and-rear-collision avoidance system that includes visual, audio warning, and automatic braking

"Our fleet modernization also reflects the Postal Service's commitment to a more environmentally sustainable mix of vehicles," said 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."

Oshkosh Defense will assemble between 50,000 to 165,000 new vehicles during the next ten years as the agency works to replace the 230,00 fleet currently in use. Many of the vehicles have been in service for at least three decades.

The first NGDVs are estimated to appear on carrier routes in 2023.