• Postal Service recently showcased new vehicles and modernized facilities in Rockford to demonstrate how investments are being utilized
• Investments are modernizing the Postal Service, enhancing the work environment for employees, and ensuring long-term service reliability
• Improvements are made possible by the Delivering for America plan, a $40 billion nationwide investment to revitalize the Postal Service

ROCKFORD, IL — The U.S. Postal Service today highlighted its investment of nearly $497 million in Illinois, as part of the 10-year Delivering for America plan. This ambitious plan is designed to upgrade facilities, vehicles, and the employee experience. USPS demonstrated how these investments are being utilized at the newly transformed Rockford Sorting and Delivery Center (SDC).

As the Postal Service continues to move towards its vision as the nation’s preferred delivery provider in the country, USPS also unveiled its new fleet of delivery vehicles, including zero-emission electric models that are already in operation.

This bold modernization, particularly of the delivery fleet and facilities, is a crucial component of the Delivering for America plan. The 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 transforming and modernizing the Postal Service. The introduction of our new facilities and vehicles in Rockford 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 Acting Postmaster General and CEO Doug Tulino. "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 more than 5.5 million addresses across Illinois six and often seven days a week. USPS also boasts an engaged workforce of more than 30,000 employees in the state. As it continues to evolve and strengthen its 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 Delivering for America, as of the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, more than $497 million has been invested to enhance facilities, vehicles and the 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 $121 million to renovate 277 existing facilities and nearly $82 million to construct 12 new ones. These new and renovated facilities help create a more conducive and efficient work environment for USPS employees.

• More than $123 million to purchase 23 state-of-the-art package sorting machines in Illinois. These new machines increase operational precision and processing efficiency to allow faster, more reliable delivery across Illinois and the region.

• More than $164 million in Illinois for the replacement of the Postal Service’s aging fleet with modern, efficient vehicles, including a significant investment in both gas and electric vehicles. To date, USPS has deployed more than 4,800 new delivery vehicles across the state that feature enhanced safety features and larger cargo capacity.

• Additionally, USPS has optimized SDC parking structures to ensure enhanced efficiency and ergonomics for letter carriers while loading, parking, and charging their vehicles. This includes an investment of nearly $7 million in infrastructure at strategic facilities within the state of Illinois.

New vehicles improve service reliability, reduce emissions and enhance employee experience

The Rockford SDC event showcased 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 safety and the employees experience.

These vehicles are not only enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of mail and package delivery in Washington 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 Rockford SDC. 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 the organization’s carbon footprint and operational costs.

Deployment of new vehicles based on operational needs

The vehicles showcased at the Rockford SDC event represent the first set of modern vehicles that the Postal Service will deploy in Rockford 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, the Postal Service announced its 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 SDCs key to Delivering for America plan

State-of-the-art SDCs are pivotal to the success of the Delivering for America plan. These upgraded facilities 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, SDCs 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 SDCs also extends to the deployment of the Postal Service's new vehicle fleet. These enhanced centers serve as essential hubs, contributing to improved service reliability in a financially self-sufficient manner.

Beyond their functional roles, SDCs play a significant part in enhancing the customer experience. By streamlining operations in a disciplined and precise manner, these new facilities are part of a modern processing and transportation network capable of providing the American public with the world-class service they expect and deserve decades into the future.

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