The above photo features one of the Grumman Long Life Vehicles (LLV) in the U.S. postal fleet, serving the Greensboro area. The U.S. Postal Service has over 100,000 of these vehicles, that were in production between 1987-1994. They are custom built for mail delivery, with the driver's seat on the right, the sides are flat so that they can get close to the curb. The front wheel axle is smaller that the rear to help with maneuverability. The LLVs were made to be in use for 20 years, but in 2009, the post office extended their usage to 30 years. While they are wearing out, replacing the entire fleet would cost over 4 billion dollars. A new prototype is in the works and some of the LLVs have been replaced by mini-vans.
Greensboro carriers often meet up at places like Sheetz for their lunch breaks, and it is not uncommon for as many as four trucks to be parked together while the carriers grab a quick lunch. Sometimes diligent citizens call and report these meet ups, only to be reassured that carriers have permission to assemble during lunch breaks. These LLVs weren't exactly built with comfort in mind and, driving them can be a pretty solitary job. A little fellowship over a hot dog or two may actually help provide much needed rest and relaxation. If today's weather turns bad as predicted, remember, regardless of weather, the mail carriers will deliver!
* reference and more about the quirky LLV, here.
Well, as usual, I've learned something from your blog. I have a son-in-law who delivers mail our in Colorado and initially he had to buy his own vehicle (got a right-hand drive jeep from Japan). Now he's got a USPS truck of some kind.
Posted by: Lowell | Monday, March 12, 2018 at 05:50 AM
Our letter carriers tend to drive mini-vans and small trucks similar to this. They often park at some central spot on their route and then deliver to the vicinity around them on foot before moving onto the next area.
Posted by: William Kendall | Monday, March 12, 2018 at 11:32 AM