The mail truck has undergone significant transformations over the years, with early models dating back to the 19th century. The first mail trucks were horse-drawn carriages.
The introduction of motorized mail trucks in the early 20th century revolutionized postal services. The first mail truck was introduced in 1913.
These early motorized mail trucks were often modified from existing vehicles, such as Ford trucks. They were designed to carry mail and packages, but were not always designed with safety in mind.
The introduction of the mail truck had a significant impact on postal services, enabling the delivery of mail to remote areas and increasing efficiency.
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Electric Trucks Evolve with Improved Design
The new generation of mail trucks, or NGDVs, have a low hood that improves visibility for drivers. This design feature is a significant upgrade from the older mail trucks.
One of the biggest complaints about the older mail trucks was the lack of air conditioning, which made them uncomfortable to drive in extreme temperatures. The NGDVs have a heater and air conditioning unit to combat these issues.
The NGDVs are electric vehicles, a major departure from the gas-powered mail trucks of the past. This change is expected to have a positive impact on the environment.
Importance and Features
The new mail truck, or NGDV, has some amazing features that make it a game-changer for mail carriers.
The large windshield and low hood of the NGDV are designed to allow drivers of almost any height to see the road, which is crucial for mail carriers who spend a lot of time driving around neighborhoods.
This emphasis on visibility means that mail carriers can see shorter road hazards, such as children, pets, or wildlife that may step out into the road unexpectedly.
The climate control in the NGDV is a long-awaited upgrade that will keep mail carriers cool in the summer, which is especially important as climate change pushes summer temperatures higher and higher each year.
Heat stroke is a serious concern for mail carriers in the summer, and the NGDV's climate control will help prevent this from happening.
The NGDV's design should maximize visibility, control, reach, and accessibility to operators ranging from the 5th percentile adult female through the 95th percentile adult male of the general U.S. population, according to the NGDV Prototype Design Statement of Objectives.
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Technical Details
A mail truck's engine is typically a diesel or gasoline-powered unit, with the exact type often depending on the manufacturer and specific model.
The mail truck's transmission is usually a manual or automatic unit, with some models featuring a semi-automatic transmission for improved fuel efficiency.
Mail trucks usually have a maximum speed of around 65-70 mph, although some models may have slightly higher or lower top speeds.
The mail truck's braking system typically consists of disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear, with some models featuring anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for improved safety.
Mail trucks are often equipped with a range of safety features, including rearview cameras, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning systems.
The cargo area of a mail truck can range in size from around 10 to 20 cubic feet, depending on the specific model and configuration.
Mail trucks are often designed with a robust suspension system to handle the weight and stress of carrying heavy mail and packages.
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Variations and Options
The USPS is considering a variety of vehicle sizes for the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV).
The prototypes will represent a range of vehicle sizes, including different drive configurations.
Half of the NGDV prototypes will feature hybrid and new technologies, including alternative fuel capabilities.
The USPS is looking for advanced power trains and a range of hybrid technologies in the NGDV prototypes.
Oshkosh Defense was awarded the contract for design and manufacture of the NGDV to replace the LLV and FFV, delivering up to 165,000 vehicles over a ten-year period.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you legally own a mail truck?
Yes, it is possible to own a USPS truck, but you'll need to obtain permission from the United States Postal Service (USPS) and meet specific requirements. Learn more about the process and eligibility criteria for purchasing a USPS vehicle.
What are the new USPS vehicles?
The new USPS vehicles are the Oshkosh Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDV), a mail truck designed for the United States Postal Service. These vehicles are being built in a new South Carolina factory as part of a $6 billion contract.
What does the USPS do with old mail trucks?
The USPS typically scraps old mail trucks for parts, destroying the decals in the process. However, some exceptions may occur, as evidenced by a 2013 auction in Georgia where a retired mail truck was sold.
How many miles per gallon does a new USPS vehicle get?
A new USPS gas model vehicle gets 14 mpg when the air conditioning is off, and 8.6 mpg when it's on.
Do the new USPS vehicles have air conditioning?
Yes, the new USPS vehicles are equipped with air conditioning for improved driver comfort and safety. This feature is one of the many upgrades in the next generation of USPS delivery vehicles.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mail_truck
- https://www.jalopnik.com/new-generation-postal-trucks-may-look-goofy-but-mail-c-1851647926/
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/why-does-the-new-mail-truck-look-like-that/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_LLV
- https://postalmuseum.si.edu/collections/object-spotlight/long-life-vehicle
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