STOCKTON, CA — 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 $639 million has been invested in the Postal Service’s operations in California, with further investments anticipated over the next several years. USPS recently showcased examples of these investments in Stockton. The event highlighted the modernized Stockton 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 Stockton 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 California

As part of its universal service obligation, the Postal Service serves the 15 million addresses across California six to seven days a week. The organization has more than 62,500 employees in the state. Thanks to the Delivering for America plan, the Postal Service is now taking action to address decades of deferred maintenance in our local operations in California.

Of the total $40 billion investment under DFA, as of the second quarter of 2024, more than $639 million has been invested to enhance facilities, vehicles and employee experience in California.

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

• More than $233 million to renovate 473 existing structures and more than $16 million to construct 24 new ones, creating a more conducive and efficient work environment for our employees.
• Over $176 million to purchase 60 state-of-the-art sorting package machines in California. These new machines increase our operational efficiency and enhance reliability in sorting and delivering mail and packages across California and the region.
• More than $195 million for the replacement of our aging fleet with modern, efficient vehicles, including a significant investment in electric vehicles. To date, USPS has deployed nearly 5,000 new delivery vehicles in the state that are more reliable and effective for package and mail delivery, and that feature enhanced safety features for our local carriers.
• California has also received 57 electric delivery vehicles. To support these new electric vehicles, USPS has installed 110 charging stations at key facilities in California – an investment of more than $18 million. These electric vehicles enhance safety and comfort for our dedicated employees while demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility in 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 featuring 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 California. 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 California 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 Stockton 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 Stockton 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.

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