The much-anticipated replacement for the iconic Long-Life
Vehicle (LLV) used by the Postal Service to deliver the nation's mail for the
past 30 years was recently announced by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.
Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Defense has a 10-year contract to manufacture up to 165,000 next-generation delivery vehicles (NGDV) built in America.
The NGDVs will include battery-electric and low-emission internal-combustion-engine vehicles, and to keep up with the latest electric vehicle technology, they can be updated.
The vehicles, which will start appearing on streets in 2023, will have airbags, 360-degree cameras, improved ergonomics, front and rear collision avoidance systems, automated emergency braking, a walk-in cargo area, and air conditioning.
Orlando VMF Manager Luis Fernandez says, "It's an improvement. We thought they were going all-electric, but instead, they decided to go with a hybrid. The good news is it's going to be upgradable to all-electric."
Automotive Technician Samuel Maldonado Rios, likes the new vehicle, which he describes as "unique," adding, "I've never seen anything like it on the road.”
"With proper training, it will make our jobs easier once the vehicles start arriving," he says.
The new vehicles have an unusual look because of their shape," says Auto Tech James Campbell. "It has a lot of safety features which will be good for our letter carriers."
"The cameras will help with the blind spots, and I also like the collision warning," he adds.
Brandon Medina, who's on his second year as an auto tech in Orlando, agrees, "I like all the technology features. The fact that it has A/C and airbags for the carriers is good.”
"The technological advancements will be a challenge if we don't get adequate training, especially if some of them are going to be electric vehicles. That's a whole other ballgame,” says Medina.
Lead Auto Tech William Goris said they talked about the NGDVs since he got hired five years ago. "It's a unique design, and I'm excited it's finally coming."
"I know the carriers are going to be happy about the air conditioning, especially down here in Florida. The 360 camera is going to help a lot, too. That's a good safety feature, especially if there are kids around. And it has proximity sensors in the bumpers. It's like radar.
"The NGDVs are being built for us. Hopefully, they won't be a challenge for auto techs,’ says Goris.
“I remember seeing the prototypes when I first started, so I know a little bit about the new vehicles," said Auto Tech Kyle Woodbine. "The new trucks are not aesthetically pleasing at all, and I don't like the windshield. "It has a lot of safety features, which means we are going to need more scan tools," says Woodbine.
"I think it's time to move on," adds Rios. "The LLV deserves to rest in peace."
Automotive Technician James Campbell completes a differential
on a rear axle as part of preventative maintenance service.
Lead Automotive Technician William Goris (left) shows Auto
Tech Brandon Medina (right) how to install a new catalytic converter on an LLV
more efficiently.
Auto Technician Kyle Woodbine replaces a head gasket on an
LLV.
