• Postal Service recently showcased new vehicles and modernized facilities in Carbondale to demonstrate how investments are being utilized

• Investments are modernizing the Postal Service, enhancing the work environment for employees, and ensuring long-term reliable service

• Improvements are made possible by the Delivering for America plan, a $40 billion nationwide investment to revitalize the Postal Service

CARBONDALE, IL — The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) today highlighted its investment of more than $386.5 million in Illinois, a part of the 10-year Delivering for America plan. This plan is designed to upgrade facilities, vehicles, and the employee experience. The organization recently demonstrated how these investments are being utilized at the newly transformed Carbondale Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC). They also unveiled the new fleet of delivery vehicles, including zero-emission electric models that are already in operation. This modernization, particularly of the delivery fleet and facilities, is a crucial component of the Delivering for America plan. This comprehensive $40 billion nationwide strategy aims to enhance the Postal Service's processing, transportation, and delivery networks, ensuring that the USPS continues to provide essential service to the American public. Further investments are anticipated in the coming years as part of this strategic plan.

"Through the Delivering for America plan, we are modernizing the Postal Service. The introduction of our new facilities and vehicles in Carbondale is a clear demonstration of this progress. This $40 billion investment over a 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 Illinois

As part of its universal service obligation, the Postal Service serves nearly 5.5 million addresses across Illinois six and seven days a week the organization has more than 29.5 thousand 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 the organization’s local operations in Illinois.

Of the total $40 billion investment under DFA, as of the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, approximately $386.5 million has been invested to enhance facilities, vehicles and employee experience in Illinois. Further investments are expected in the coming years as part of this strategic plan.

As of the first quarter of FY2025, investments across Illinois include:

• More than $92 million to renovate 166 existing facilities and more than $250 thousand to construct 2 new ones to create a more conducive and efficient work environment for our employees.

• More than $122 million to purchase 23 state-of-the-art sorting package sorting machines in Illinois. These new machines increase our operational efficiency and enhance reliability in sorting and delivering mail and packages across Illinois and the region.

• More than $164 million in Illinois for the replacement of our aging fleet with modern, efficient vehicles, including a significant investment in electric vehicles. So far this year, USPS has deployed more than 4,500 new delivery vehicles in the state that will be more reliable and effective for package and mail delivering, and that featuring enhanced safety features for our local carriers.

• Additionally, USPS has optimized S&DC parking structures to ensure enhanced efficiency and ergonomics for carriers while loading, parking, and charging their vehicles. This includes an investment of more than $6.8 million in infrastructure at strategic facilities within the state of Illinois.

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

The recent event at the Carbondale S&DC 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 Illinois. 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 Illinois 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 Carbondale 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 at the Carbondale S&DC represent the first set of modern vehicles that the Postal Service will deploy in Carbondale 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, 2024 represented the largest quantity of new vehicle deliveries in the Postal Service’s history. As of early 2025, the Postal Service has received more than 29,000 of the 106,000 new delivery vehicles.

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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