Postal Service showcases new vehicles and modernized facilities in Kokomo

The event highlighted the modernized Kokomo Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC) and showcased the new delivery vehicles, including zero-emission electric vehicles that have already begun serving routes.

As part of the Delivering for America Plan, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is investing $40 billion across the nation to modernize and revitalize its services.

As of the second quarter of 2024, more than $330 million has been invested in the Postal Service’s operations in Indiana, with further investments anticipated over the next several years. USPS recently showcased examples of these investments in Kokomo. The event highlighted the modernized Kokomo Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC) and showcased the new delivery vehicles, including zero-emission electric vehicles that have already begun serving routes. This modernization, especially of the delivery fleet and facilities, forms a crucial part of the Delivering for America plan - a $40 billion strategy to enhance the Postal Service’s processing, transportation, and delivery networks.

"Through the Delivering for America Plan, we are modernizing the Postal Service. The introduction of our new facilities and vehicles in Kokomo is a clear demonstration of this progress. This $40 billion investment over the next decade represents more than just an upgrade; it's a commitment to our employees, our customers, and the future of the postal service," said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. "These new, state-of-the-art facilities and vehicles will significantly boost our delivery capabilities, ensuring we remain competitive in today's rapidly evolving marketplace." 

Delivering for America investments in Indiana

Of the total $40 billion investment under DFA, as of the second quarter of 2024, more than $330 million has been invested to enhance facilities, vehicles and employee experience in Indiana.

As of the second quarter of FY2024, investments across Indiana include:

• More than $42 million to renovate 126 existing structures and more than $144 million to construct six new ones to create a more conducive and efficient work environment for our employees.
• More than $100 million to purchase 18 state-of-the-art package sorting machines in Indiana. These new machines increase our operational efficiency and enhance reliability in sorting and delivering mail and packages across Indiana and the region.
• More than $63 million for the replacement of our aging fleet with modern, efficient vehicles, including a significant investment in electric vehicles. To date, USPS has deployed more than 1700 new delivery vehicles in the state that will be more reliable and effective for package and mail delivery and feature enhanced safety features for our local carriers.
• Indiana has also received 53 electric delivery vehicles. To support these new electric vehicles, USPS has installed 252 charging stations at key facilities in Indiana – an investment of nearly $10 million. These electric vehicles enhance safety and comfort for our dedicated employees while demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility while operating the nation’s largest federal fleet.

New vehicles enhancing employee experience, improving service and reliability throughout the region, and reducing carbon emissions 

Today's event highlighted the Postal Service's acquisition of several new vehicles, notably the Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDVs). These vehicles are purpose-built, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the Postal Service.  

Designed with employee safety and comfort in mind, these new vehicles provide an improved working environment for dedicated letter carriers in Indiana. Key features such as improved visibility, ergonomic seating, and user-friendly interfaces enhance the Postal Service employees' experience. 

These vehicles are not only enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of mail and package delivery in Indiana but also elevating the customer service experience. With increased cargo capacity, these vehicles can transport more packages per trip, reducing the number of trips required and improving efficiency. Their improved reliability also minimizes downtime for maintenance and repairs, ensuring consistent and timely delivery service. 

The event highlighted Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) currently operating out of the Kokomo S&DC. These zero-emission vehicles, along with the new gas-powered vehicles engineered for higher fuel efficiency, underscore the Postal Service's commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility. These investments aim to reduce both the Postal Service's carbon footprint and operational costs. 

Deployment of New Vehicles based on operational needs 

The vehicles showcased today represent the first set of modern vehicles that the Postal Service will deploy in Kokomo and the surrounding communities. Over the next five years, the region is set to receive dozens of other new vehicles that will be deployed based on several factors, including delivery volume, infrastructure readiness, and operational needs.

Ongoing commitment to modernizing America’s largest and oldest federal fleet 

In December 2022, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced the Postal Service’s intent to purchase 106,000 vehicles through 2028, with at least 66,000 of those vehicles being battery electric. 

As this announcement has become reality, fiscal year 2024 represents the largest quantity of planned deployments in the Postal Service’s history, with over 27,000 new vehicles to be acquired. So far, the Postal Service has received 19,400 of the 27,000 vehicles planned for this year.  

State-of-the-art S&DCs key to Delivering for America Plan 

State-of-the-art Sorting and Delivery Centers (S&DCs) are pivotal to the success of the Delivering for America Plan. These centers are designed to enhance operational efficiency through swift and accurate mail sorting and delivery, a critical aspect of the plan's effectiveness. 

In addition to streamlining operations, S&DCs provide improved work environments for Postal Service employees. This focus on employee well-being not only boosts morale but also increases productivity. 

The strategic role of S&DCs extends to the deployment of the Postal Service's electric vehicle fleet. These centers serve as essential hubs, contributing to service reliability and aligning with sustainability goals. 

Beyond their functional roles, S&DCs play a significant part in enhancing the customer experience. By streamlining operations and offering more options, these centers provide a seamless experience for customers, further elevating the Postal Service's commitment to exceptional customer service.