New USPS trucks (manufacturer, maker, manufacturer, name, etc.)
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The USPS has been using the same boxy, clunky-looking mail vans since 1987. As ugly as they are, these trucks have proven their worth over the past 30+ years. Still, many of them are in their final stages. That’s why the USPS has committed to buying thousands of new trucks.
The trucks, aptly named Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDVs), will feature comprehensive safety features and be optimized for package delivery. If you’re curious about who is building these new trucks and how much they cost, be sure to read on!
Where will the new 2022 USPS trucks come from?
USPS officially announced plans for its new mail truck fleet on February 23, 2021, which will take place in 2022. Wisconsin-based contractor Oshkosh Defense was awarded a contract to deliver 50,000 to 160,000 trucks between 2023 and 2033. The USPS initially committed $482 million to design and prepare the truck for manufacture.
We have a lot more to share about the new USPS truck, so be sure to check out our guide for more facts and tips!
Does USPS have new trucks?
USPS has announced its official plans to launch a new mail delivery tool on February 23, 2021.
The trucks will be released within 10 years and represent the most dramatic modernization of the USPS fleet in 30 years.
Who is making the new USPS trucks?
The USPS awarded defense contractor Oshkosh Defense a contract to produce a new postal service vehicle, aptly called the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV).
Oshkosh Defense is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and has other contracts with the U.S. military.
It won the contract under the Postal Service’s procurement policy, and the process included:
- Extensive testing of prototypes
- Production plan evaluation
- Technical Specification Discussion
Oshkosh was selected by two other companies, Workhorse, an Ohio-based startup offering an all-electric option, and Karsan, a Turkish company offering a plug-in hybrid design.
While Oshkosh Defense will be responsible for much of the design and manufacture of the vehicle, Ford will manufacture the engine, transmission and other components.
How many new trucks does the USPS have?
USPS has contracted Oshkosh for 50,000 to 160,000 Next Generation Transportation Vehicles (NGDVs).
This scope is a feature of Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts signed by both parties.
Under the agreement, the Postal Service will have the ability to order more NGDVs for a fixed term (10 years in this example).
When will the new USPS trucks be released?
If all goes according to plan (as USPS placed its first order of 50,000 in March 2022),
The first NGDVs are expected to appear on carrier routes in 2023.
More will be released in the 10 years ending in 2033.
How much will a new USPS truck cost?
The USPS contract was initially awarded $482 million to cover the cost of design and fabrication preparation.
The investment also includes factory tooling and expansion for the U.S. manufacturing plant where final vehicle assembly will take place.
The total cost of purchasing the actual vehicle could be around $10 billion.
What are the features of USPS’ new trucks?
Oshkosh’s next-generation delivery van will include many comfort and safety features.
Some of these features include:
- Air conditioning and heating
- airbag
- Backup and 360-degree camera
- Electric Parking Brake
- Advanced Braking and Traction Control
- Front and rear collision avoidance systems, including visual and audible warnings, and automatic braking
- Increase cargo capacity to maximize efficiency and better accommodate larger package volumes.
All of these features are pretty much set in stone, but one element of NGDV is under debate — the engine.
Oshkosh presents options for internal combustion engine and battery-electric powertrains. It remains to be seen how many of each type will be produced.
Is USPS Switching to Electric Vehicles?
Some of the new USPS vehicles will be electric, but it’s unclear how many.
In the original proposal, Oshkosh offered the option of an internal combustion engine and a battery-electric powertrain.
Internal combustion engines will be cheaper, and electric models will be more environmentally friendly.
USPS initially committed to at least 10% of its fleet being electric, but the initial order of 50,000 vehicles in March 2022 included 20% electric vehicles.
That means about 10,019 will be battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Despite the move toward a greener postal service fleet, some lawmakers think it’s not good enough. In fact, many Democratic lawmakers have pushed for electric vehicles to reach 75 percent.
Only time will tell how much NGDV ultimately uses electricity. In the future, they may prove their worth, especially on longer shipping routes in areas with high oil prices.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on USPS 3-Day Shipping, USPS Truck Handbook, and When USPS Trucks Ship.
in conclusion
Beginning in 2023, when Americans look out the window for mail, they will begin to see Oshkosh Defense’s next-generation delivery vehicle. These vehicles, while looking a little unwieldy, will be more fuel efficient, safer and better able to carry packages.
