The USPS vehicle fleet will add over 9,000 RAM ProMaster vans

By Miles Branman September 30, 2015

RAM ProMaster 2500 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

While USPS may not be in the best financial position as of late, it still has a job to do, and many of its specialized mail carrier vans are a bit well-aged at this point.

The postal service has now decided that FCA’s 2016 RAM ProMaster 2500 is the perfect vehicle for the job and has placed an order for 9,113 units. Fleet sales are the real money-makers for automaker, and FCA just hit a good-sized jackpot.

Now while over 9,000 vans sounds like a lot, it’s a tiny percentage compared to the 190,000 USPS vehicles currently operating across the country.

“While each and every one of our fleet customers is important to us, none command our attention like USPS,” said FCA’s fleet operations director Tim Kuniskis. “I can’t think of another more mission-critical service than literally delivering the goods of our nation on a daily basis, and we are honored that USPS chose the Ram ProMaster to help them meet their challenging duty.”

That’s high praise for RAM’s workhorse van, but once all the ProMasters are specially equipped for collecting and delivering mail and packages, they may prove to be the perfect tool to handle the postal service’s nearly 154 million delivery points across the U.S.

Each ProMaster will also use a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine making a substantial 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the vans only come with front-wheel drive, the USPS is fairly confident it can still deliver in all types of weather.

It will still be a while before the service completely replaces its massive fleet of Grumman LLV’s, (which ended production in 1994) probably because LLV stands for “Long-Life Vehicle.” Still, keep an eye out for a RAM van full of junk mail to be visiting your mailbox soon.

Editors' Recommendations

USPS taps self-driving big rigs to move mail between cities

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.