How many USPS trucks have caught fire?
The Grumman LLV has been the US Postal Service’s humble steed for nearly 40 years- but there’s a problem.
Why do mail trucks catch on fire?
They occurred on rural routes and city streets all over the country. Although one engineering report found occasional lax maintenance practices that may have resulted in an increase in the number of fires, the most likely explanation for the fires is that the trucks are simply too old and are deteriorating on the road.
How many mail trucks have exploded?
More than 400 USPS mail trucks have exploded since 2014, according to a Vice report published last year. Between the risk of driving a ticking bomb around, and doing it in historic heat waves without air conditioning, an updated truck is just about the least the federal government can do.
How often do mail trucks catch fire?
every five days
A new investigation by Motherboard, Vice’s long-form investigative enterprise, details the alarming trend, in which more than 400 U.S. Postal Service delivery trucks have been damaged or destroyed by fires since May 2014. That means on average, a USPS delivery truck is catching fire every five days.
What kind of engines do mail trucks have?
Grumman LLV
| Grumman Long Life Vehicle | |
|---|---|
| Class | Mail truck |
| Related | KurbWatt, Kubvan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.2 L (134 cu in) LN2 I4 2.5 L (151 cu in) LN8/L38 I4 |
What causes vehicles to catch on fire?
While some car fires are caused by collisions, they are more often caused by problems with a vehicle’s electrical wiring, fuel system or even cigarettes left in the car, leaving the engine to catch fire Your best line of defense is to have these systems checked out at every service call.
Are USPS trucks insulated?
With no air-conditioning, a lack of insulation, and some older trucks that are a *literal* fire hazard, they definitely don’t seem fit for the “neither snow nor rain nor heat” kind of commitment for which the Postal Service is known.
How common are vehicle fires?
From 2014 to 2016 an estimated 171,500 car fires occurred each year resulting in an annual average of 345 deaths, 1,300 injuries, and $1.1 billion in property damage. Although they have become less common with improved vehicle safety measures, these dangerous fires do happen, especially following a crash.
Do USPS trucks have heat?
The Grumman “Long Life Vehicle” — the U.S. Postal Service’s now-ubiquitous delivery van, which first hit the streets in 1987 — didn’t have a back window. It didn’t have an air bag. It didn’t have air conditioning. The heating system was unreliable.
Are US postal trucks catching fire?
Hundreds of US Postal Service delivery trucks are catching fire as they continue to outstay their 24-year life expectancy Kristen Lee 2020-07-10T17:26:14Z Facebook Icon The letter F. Email icon An envelope. It indicates the ability to send an email. Twitter icon A stylized bird with an open mouth, tweeting. Twitter LinkedIn icon
How long do US postal trucks last?
Hundreds of US Postal Service delivery trucks are catching fire as they continue to outstay their 24-year life expectancy Kristen Lee 2020-07-10T17:26:14Z Facebook Icon The letter F. Email icon An envelope. It indicates the ability to send an email. Twitter icon
What are the biggest problems facing the United States postal service?
An aging delivery fleet is yet another problem the USPS faces, in addition to a dwindling budget and pandemic-related health issues. The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, passed in 2006, requires the USPS to calculate and build a fund for covering pensions and healthcare over the subsequent 75 years.
How many right-hand drive trucks does the USPs have?
A USPS spokesperson told Business Insider that the USPS currently has more than 141,000 right-hand drive LLVs in its fleet. The person was “unable to provide information about injuries” but said that the agency implements mandatory maintenance schedules and preventative maintenance-inspection procedures for the existing fleet.