• Postal Service recently showcased new vehicles and modernized facilities in Utica 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

UTICA, NY — The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently highlighted its investment of more than $429 million in New York, 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 Utica 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 Utica 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 New York

As part of its universal service obligation, the Postal Service serves nearly 9.1 million addresses across New York six and seven days a week. The organization has more than 30 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 New York.

Of the total $40 billion investment under DFA, through the third quarter of 2024, approximately $429 million has been invested to enhance facilities, vehicles and employee experience in New York. Further investments are expected in the coming years as part of this strategic plan.

As of the second quarter of FY2024, investments across New York include:

• More than $277 million to renovate 522 existing facilities and more than $14 million to construct 22 new ones to create a more conducive and efficient work environment for our employees.
• More than $12.5 million to purchase 10 state-of-the-art sorting package sorting machines in New York. These new machines increase our operational efficiency and enhance reliability in sorting and delivering mail and packages across the state and the region.
• More than $116 million 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 3,200 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.
• New York has also received 58 electric delivery vehicles. To support these new electric vehicles, USPS has installed 74 charging stations at key facilities in the state – an investment of nearly $9 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

The recent event at the Utica 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 the state. 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 New York, 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 Utica 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 Utica S&DC represent the first set of modern vehicles that the Postal Service will deploy in Utica 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, FY24 represented the largest quantity of planned deployments in the Postal Service’s history, with 25,684 new vehicles acquired. Including FY23, we have received 26,904 total vehicles of the planned 106,000.

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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