Next USPS Delivery Van To Be Built In South Carolina, Ford Tapped As Component Supplier

The U.S. Postal Service’s Next Generation Delivery Vehicle is inching closer to reality as Oshkosh Defense has announced the mail truck will be built in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The mail truck will be built at a repurposed warehouse, which will have “innovative features needed to accommodate a large-scale manufacturing operation that meets the technical requirements of producing cutting-edge vehicles for the USPS.” The company didn’t go into specifics, but said production is slated to begin in the summer of 2023.

This promises to be a boon for the city of Spartanburg as Oshkosh Defense expects to hire more than 1,000 employees for the plant. The company also noted additional jobs are expected to be created through the supply chain.

Also Read: Workhorse Isn’t Happy It Missed Out On $6 Billion USPS Contract, Files Legal Challenge

In other news, Ford has confirmed they will be supplying a number of components for use in the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle. Details are limited, but Oshkosh Defense’s Alexandra Hittle told The Detroit Free Press, “Ford is providing components across both ICE and BEV models including powertrain, drivetrain, suspension and cabin interior components.”

Oshkosh Defense has been contracted to build between 50,000 and 165,000 vehicles over the course of 10 years. When the NGDV enters service, it will replace and expand the current delivery fleet which includes a number of vehicles that have been in service for more than 30 years.

Given the age of the existing Grumman LLV, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the NGDV promises to be safer, more comfortable and more environmentally friendly. Besides having efficient engines and an available electric powertrain, the NGDV will have air conditioning and improved ergonomics.  The model will also have safety features such as air bags, traction control, a blind spot warning system, automatic emergency braking and a 360° camera system.