Ready for a trip down memory lane? Buckle up as we explore a unique aspect of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS): their right-hand drive vehicles.
Yes, you read that right—on the “wrong” side, if you will, just like in the UK! If you’ve ever wondered why your mail carrier hops out on the right, we’re here to unravel this mystery.
Grab your time travel gear as we journey through the evolution of USPS vehicles—from horses to horsepower and left to right. Let’s hit the road!
The Evolution Story of USPS Vehicles
The United States Postal Service (USPS) started way back in 1775. Mail carriers initially traveled on foot or rode horses.
Using horses and wagons was a big step forward—it made mail delivery faster and allowed us to reach more people.
The 20th century brought motorized transportation, and USPS hopped on the bandwagon. They started using vans and trucks tailored for postal needs.
Remember the Jeep DJ-5 dispatch carriers of the 1950s? It was basic, rugged and versatile!
Welcoming Right-Hand Drive to the USPS Family
The idea of right-hand drive vehicles wasn’t an immediate hit in the USPS fleet.
For a long time, they used vehicles just like the ones you’d see on any American road—with the driver’s seat on the left.
But in the late 20th century, they wanted to get better and safer. Enter the Grumman Long Life Vehicle (LLV) in 1987.
With the driver’s seat on the right, mail carriers didn’t have to step out to handle mail. Delivery got faster, and accidents went down.
Why Did They Go Right with Their Drive?
So, when did the USPS start thinking ‘right’? Well, the LLV in 1987 sparked the shift. They saw the benefits and decided to go for it.
The biggest reason? Easier access to roadside mailboxes. In the U.S., mailboxes are mostly on the right side of the road.
So, having the driver’s seat on the right meant mail carriers could deliver mail directly into the box without leaving the vehicle.
This cut down delivery time and also kept mail carriers safe from traffic. So, it was a no-brainer—both practical and safe.
In a nutshell, the USPS vehicle journey is all about changing with the times. The move to right-hand drive was a key part of this journey keeping in mind efficiency and safety.
Speaking of safety, did you know that mail trucks avoid driving in reverse?
Behind-the-Scenes: Right-Hand Drive USPS Vehicles
You may think getting right-hand drive vehicles for the USPS is as easy as buying a car. Well, it’s not quite that simple.
Since right-hand drive isn’t the norm in the U.S., they work directly with specific manufacturers to create vehicles that fit their needs.
Take the Grumman Corporation, for example. They custom-made the right-hand drive Grumman LLV just for them back in 1987.
Fast-forward to today, and they’ve got Oshkosh Defense gearing up to roll out their new fleet, keeping the right-hand drive tradition alive.
Training Day: Learning to Drive Right
Switching to right-hand drive in a left-hand drive world can feel a bit weird at first. That’s why every new USPS employee gets training to drive these vehicles safely.
They teach them everything—from understanding the new driving perspective to judging distances correctly and getting used to controls being in different places.
All this training ensures mail carriers can handle these unique vehicles like pros.
Upkeep of Their Right-Hand Drive Fleet
Keeping right-hand drive vehicles in top shape can be a bit tricky. With these vehicles not being standard in the U.S., tracking down parts and mechanics can sometimes be a challenge.
But don’t worry, they’ve got it under control! USPS has solid internal maintenance programs and mechanics trained to handle their unique fleet.
So, despite the different design, their vehicles are always ready to hit the road.
To sum it up, getting, training for, and maintaining their right-hand drive vehicles come with their fair share of hurdles. But, for the USPS, the benefits of using these vehicles to deliver mail far outweigh any logistical challenges.
What’s Next for USPS Vehicles?
Coming soon to a neighborhood near you, the USPS unveiled plans for the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) in 2020. And guess who’s building their new fleet?
It’s Oshkosh Defense, a top-notch tactical vehicle manufacturer!
The NGDV isn’t just about looking cool. It’s packed with better ergonomics, cutting-edge vehicle tech, and top-notch safety features.
Plus, it’s all about being green! We’re talking fuel-efficient engines and even battery-powered rides—helping USPS leave a smaller footprint on our planet.
Although, of course, not everyone agrees with this.
Right-Hand Drive: Still Riding Shotgun in the NGDV
With all these cool updates, you might wonder if they’re keeping the right-hand drive. Well, of course, they are! The advantages of right-hand drive are too good to pass up.
It’s all about making mail delivery easier and safer for their carriers. So, it’s no surprise that they’re sticking with what works in their next-gen vehicles.
The USPS Next Generation Delivery Vehicle Review Video
Here is the Oshkosh Next Generation Delivery Vehicle. Man, does it look like it got an extra scoop of dorky! But don’t let its looks fool you.
The video review includes an interview with James Boxrud, Strategic Communications Specialist at United States Postal Service.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A journey through the history of USPS vehicles, from horses to horsepower, and right-hand drive mysteries unraveled.
It’s all about keeping mail delivery speedy and safe. From custom-made vehicles to specialized training, the USPS doesn’t shy away from the extra mile to make their unique fleet work.
As we look forward to their next-gen vehicles, it’s clear: the right-hand drive tradition isn’t going anywhere. So, the next time you see a mail truck, give a nod to its unique design—it’s all part of delivering your mail efficiently and safely!