The Postal Service continues moving forward with plans to upgrade its delivery fleet.
Last week, USPS asked select suppliers in the auto industry to submit proposals for next generation delivery vehicle prototypes.
This is the latest step in a multi-year effort to replace as many as 180,000 vehicles with newer models.
Once the proposals are received, the Postal Service will select multiple prototype options to analyze, evaluate and test a range of options.
“Our goal is to create the framework for a flexible and innovative delivery platform that will improve overall safety, fuel efficiency, customer service and revenue generation,” USPS said in a statement.
“We’re confident that the proposals we receive will help us obtain delivery vehicles that will allow us to continue meeting our customers’ delivery needs well into the future.”
USPS issued the request to suppliers that qualified during an earlier phase of the acquisition effort, which began earlier this year.
The initiative is part of the Postal Service’s broader efforts to invest in new equipment and technology.