Mail carriers and their vehicles are the last mile backbone of domestic US logistics: delivering packages, critical correspondences, medication and even voting ballots.
This humble vehicle is a crucial part of servicing a democracy.
Death by a Thousand Acronyms
Introduced in 1986
130,000+ units still in active service
0 Safety and comfort
$5K-10K yearly maintenance
17mpg efficiency
A Reality that Lacks
LLV Long Life Vehicle
Introduced in 1999
19,000+ units in active service
0 Safety with improved comfort
E85 Ethanol fuel capable
15mpg efficiency
FFV Flex Fuel Vehicle
Introduced in 2021
7,000+ units in active service
Modern safety and comfort features
ICE & EV options have compromised rollout with politization
9mpg ICE efficiency or 80mi EV range
NGDV Next Gen Delivery Vehicle
It’s Time to Rebuild the Fleet, from the Inside-Out.
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Ergonomics & Efficiency
for high e-commerce parcel volume management
When a paperclip holds your door release together,
there’s some serious work ahead!
A holistic package, focusing on
sustainable long term operation,
human centered functionality,
& elevating a public service.
Basic comforts
and refinement such as air conditioning, ride comfort and seating.
Safety,
with a high number of vehicle fires, repetitive injuries and a lack of part supply.
Operating Budget,
due to statutory policy cuts, declining revenue and liabilities.
25
Year
Extended Service Life
2000lbs @ 300cu.ft.
Extended Payload
Steer
by wire
Focused
Tech
Modular
Build
Long Term
Focused
25mi
700 stops
High Daily
Duty Cycle
Safety
First
Crash
Durability
Careful examination and going beyond the basic USPS RFI requirements can allow for optimization of ground transport and improve organizational efficiency.
Across the collective fleet, a lack of overall effort in providing a world class vehicle and bettering the perception of government is disappointing.
The lack of safety and repetitive long term injuries are tragic as well as taxpayer burdens in the long run.
Pain Points
We’ve seen enough. Let’s Get to Work.
Out of this world
Inspired by the Space Shuttle, Built like a sportscar and styled to remain timeless
Usability above all else
By reducing strain on both the carrier and the vehicle, this concept aims to improve efficiency, extend service life, reduce injuries and maintenance demands, and ultimately lower the long-term cost and liability of operating the postal fleet.
5th–95th percentile accommodation
for a broad range of carriers
Full standing clearance
with walk-through access inside the vehicle
Low step + optimized H-point for
up to 700 daily ingress/egress cycles
Durable
Clear frontal visibility
from the seated driving position
Approachable
Optimum Shape
Clean airflow is integrated into the profile, even with highway travel as a secondary use case.
Clear Intent
Simple, purposeful forms communicate tool-like durability.
Details
Maketh
Unbreakable
Forward section is designed to be crashed, with easy to replace bumpers and internal crash structure.
Protect what matters
Lights, sensors, and cameras are positioned above high-contact zones to reduce damage and downtime.
Space
Overall room to walk through cab has been increased for all body types.
Within Arms Reach
All controls fall within range of motion of target human factors range
Wraparound DLO
A pillars are pushed back to allow for an unobstructed view of corner-side zones
Asymmetric Thinking
Cargo Area extends into cab, with more encroachment on the non-driver side.
Timeless
High Safety
Extremely tough crash standards require bumpers to survive 5MPH impacts without operational damage. This requires large bumpers that protect bodywork and vital components.
Ruthless Modularity
Entire perimeter is protected by 9 bumper segments to isolate damage, lower repair complications and costs. Upper panels, follow same logic, and all are undone with hand tools.
This is The Delivery Shuttle
0% Noise, 100% Signal
All Systems Go
Zero Obstruction
Digital Mirrors and cut-off wheel provide 360° coverage for situational awareness
Seamless Integration
Full integration of Android Zebra barcode reader-phone for navigation and telemetry
Familiarity
Conventional controls along with gear shifter position being lifted from LLV to remove any learning
All controls are within reach and analog with hard wearing materials.
Each control lives within a group, that is modular and replaceable + upgradable
Command & Control
Turn it too Eleven
Seating surfaces are hardwearing and seat is body conforming, preventing spinal destruction.
Self Starter
Solar trickle charging keeps accessory battery charged during suspended service periods.
Durable
Survivable
Serviceable
Aluminum Chassis
Corrosion resistance with weight to strength ratio of extrusions.
Simple Bodywork
Zero painted panels, with recycled plastics and composite panels to ease replacement.
Safety First
Entire front & rear clip is crash absorbing, sacrificial and can be replaced in mere hours, keeping same unit alive for years.
Efficiency Second
EV only drivetrain dictates hardpoints that allow for more driver and cargo volume along with aero optimizations.
The Bigger Picture
Keeping units active and protecting drivers with minimal maintenance is key to reduce taxpayer burden and get return on investment.
NOTE: I’m not an engineer! This layup just stems from my automotive hobby.
Pull to Close
Sensor Suite is located above high impact region
Cooling system draws air from underbody
Zero Stress
Get Closer
Steer by wire reduces rotation to 200° and deeply inset wheels allow for closer curb positioning.
Keeping Cool
Window Beltline angles down to allow for easy letter insertion, to keep door closed and maintain interior temperature.
Curbside Workspace
All delivery related actions are curbside with doors opening up side by side for a “closet” like presentation. A deployable ramp aids heavy unloads.
A Quantum Leap
The biggest upgrade is to the delivery experience, with enhanced safety and zero friction, literally.
Beautiful Efficiency
Every Detail matters, however small, to elevate the package’s effectiveness.
Rethinking the Basics
Two points of interaction: Push to open and Pull to close. Always facing ahead.
No bending, twisting, or risky behavior.
Push to Open
Rubber trim surrounds wheel wells to reduce turbulence
Adaptable
to any locality
Region Specific Stamp Artwork