The US Postal Service (USPS) has recently revealed its next-generation mail truck after a competition between different vehicle manufacturers. The new truck will be built by Wisconsin-based defense contractor Oshkosh, which won the multi-billion-dollar 10-year contract to build more efficient vehicles for the postal service.
In recent years, private delivery services have overshadowed USPS, which has endured derision over being slow and less reliable. Investing in a modernized fleet is just part of its soon-to-be-announced plan to once again become the nation’s preferred delivery service provider.
While Oshkosh Defense is still working on the final designs for the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV), the new trucks will have either battery-electric powertrains or fuel-efficient internal combustion engines. All of the new models are expected to be easily retrofitted as electric vehicle technology evolves.
According to USPS, the NGDV will also be much safer than current models. Some of the main safety features will include advanced braking and traction control, 360-degree cameras, and a front and rear collision avoidance system with visual and audio warnings as well as automatic braking. Added cargo capacity will also accommodate more packages and maximize efficiency.
“Our fleet modernization also reflects the Postal Service’s commitment to a more environmentally sustainable mix of vehicles,” said USPS CEO 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.”