In terms of the most popular vehicle on US roads, the USPS Mail may be one of them. Sure, it’s not fast, it lacks basic utilities, and it looks like a box, but it has a very important function. Delivering mail and packages to people all over the country. But how long does a mail truck last?
What is Grumman LLV?
This is the current mail truck of the United States Postal Service, and it stands for “Grumman Long Life Vehicle.” Grumman is the company that makes this delivery truck, and Long Life Vehicle is what this vehicle is supposed to do. And this will continue for a long time.
Running on a specific route, the annual mileage is surprisingly low. It’s not surprising to see a mail truck add just 10,000 miles per hour annually.
Most Grumman LLV trucks last over 200,000 miles. And that makes sense. These delivery vehicles undergo routine maintenance and repair to ensure that they are operating properly. This truck may not be the most reliable, but it relies on a few GM components. So it can be easy to get parts and repairs.
Is the Postal Service getting new mail trucks?
In recent years, the USPS has worked to acquire a fleet of new mail trucks. These will be provided by Oshkosh, and the majority will, in fact, be electric. According to Oshkosh Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) it was spotted in California. Therefore, the LLV may retire sooner rather than later.
The Postal Service isn’t the only plug-in delivery service. Amazon has partnered with an electric delivery truck, and that company probably won’t be the last to do so.
Although going electrified comes with some downsides, it can help make the fleet more efficient. Plus, you get good PR for being “green.”
However, electric mail trucks make sense. These vehicles drive short distances for the most part, and can simply charge once the route is complete. It should also be more comfortable than the current LLV, and that’s something mail carriers are likely to appreciate. Oshkosh has equipped the new truck with state-of-the-art safety equipment that is good to see.
