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The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) recently debuted its new mail delivery truck, prompting one postal worker to compare some of its new features to "heaven." Last month, the USPS rolled out its first batch of the new Next Generation Delivery Vehicles in Georgia. Compared to the aging, unreliable fleet—often plagued by breakdowns and even occasional fires—the new trucks, equipped with modern safety features, are receiving high praise from postal workers.

In just a few years, the Postal Service's fleet is set to grow to 60,000 vehicles, with the majority being electric. These new trucks will eventually become the primary delivery vehicles across the country, from Maine to Hawaii, as part of the Postal Service's modernization efforts. The current postal fleet, made up of Grumman Long Life Vehicles first introduced in 1987, has lived up to its name by exceeding its 25-year lifespan. However, these aging trucks are long overdue for replacement as they struggle to keep pace with modern demands.

The Grumman trucks, known for their noise and poor fuel efficiency (just 9 miles per gallon), are becoming a costly burden to maintain. In the summer, they overheat, with only a small electric fan to provide relief. Their mirrors, crucial for visibility, frequently get knocked out of alignment. Even more concerning, nearly 100 of these aging vehicles caught fire last year, putting both carriers and the mail at risk.

The new delivery trucks come equipped with a long-overdue feature: air conditioning, something that has been standard in most cars for over 60 years. This upgrade is especially crucial for postal workers in regions like the Deep South and the desert Southwest, where summer temperatures can be blistering. Postal worker Avis Stonum said, "I promise you, it felt like heaven blowing in my face," while speaking about the new air conditioning in the vehicles.

Another postal worker, Richard Burton, highlighted the benefits of the new trucks' larger cargo space, which allows for easier handling of bigger packages. He also appreciates being able to stand upright inside, reducing back strain. In contrast, he recalls the old vehicles frequently breaking down in traffic, adding to the frustrations of daily routes.

National Letter Carriers Association President Brian Renfroe said that USPS union members are very pleased with the new vehicles and cited Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's efforts to get them rolled out quickly. "We're excited now to be at the point where they're starting to hit the streets," Renfroe said.

However, DeJoy previously faced criticism when he announced that 90 percent of the new USPS vehicles would be gas-powered. DeJoy emphasized that the issue wasn’t a lack of interest in electric vehicles but rather the steep costs involved. Beyond the price of the vehicles themselves, the expense of installing thousands of charging stations and upgrading electrical infrastructure made the switch financially out of reach, especially as the Postal Service faced significant quarterly operating deficits.

This summer, the Postal Service's environmental efforts came full circle when it received the Presidential Federal Sustainability Award from the White House. DeJoy called the recognition the culmination of "an interesting journey" for the agency.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press

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