OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Oshkosh Defense will be making the next generation mail truck for the United States Postal Service.
It is the last company standing, in a competitive process that started five years ago.
While the new mail truck design came out of the company’s headquarters in Oshkosh, it hasn’t been decided yet if the trucks will be produced here.
“Either way you look at it, this is a great day for Oshkosh Corporation.” John Pfeifer, Oshkosh Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer, tells FOX 11.
Oshkosh Defense might be best known for its Department of Defense work, but company leaders say delivering new trucks for the USPS isn’t straying from what it does best.
“We service so many different industries, from fire and emergency to airport to the access equipment industry to refuse collection and concrete placement, this is a new category for us, but it’s right in the middle of our sweet spot,” said Pfeifer.
This is USPS’s first large-scale fleet upgrade in three decades. Initially, it is paying Oshkosh Defense $482 million to bring its design work to production. Then, between 50,000 and 165,000 trucks will be built over the next 10 years. They will make a mix of battery powered and low emission vehicles.
“That is billions of dollars is what that represents,” said Pfeifer. “I can’t give you the specific number. It depends on the exact quantity. It depends on how many are electric versus internal combustion, but that is a big material contract for us.”
“This is great news because we’ve committed to move forward a more environmentally sustainable mix of vehicles in our fleet,” said Louis DeJoy, USPS Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer.
USPS says its workers helped in the design.
“These vehicles will provide improved safety and ergonomic features, additional cargo space for packages and other critical components designed for the unique work our carriers do every day,’ said Kristin Seaver, USPS Chief Retail and Delivery Officer and Executive Vice President.
Oshkosh leaders believe the ability to provide electric and internal combustion options likely played a role in winning the contract.
Production of the new trucks and their road debut are both expected to happen in the second half of 2023.
Ethisphere also named Oshkosh Defense one of the most ethical companies in the world on Tuesday. 135 companies across 22 countries received the honor. It’s the sixth year in a row Oshkosh Defense has been on the list.
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