Here’s How You Can Buy a USPS Mail Truck
As the United States Postal Service (USPS) gears up to get its new mail trucks, a surplus of Grumman LLV models will likely enter the market. While these delivery vehicles are certainly not practical for daily use to a niche audience, owning a USPS mail truck is exciting. These vehicles have become a mainstay on American roads. Additionally, once the new Oshkosh NGDV enters service, the LLV will undoubtedly be missed. So, what does it take to buy a USPS mail truck?
Is GovPlanet legit?
GovPlanet is a surplus site where ordinary citizens can buy old government vehicles, and it is legitimate. You will find a range of fleet vehicles and other exciting items, including the occasional mail truck for sale.
USPS vehicles are not always available through GovPlanet but pop up occasionally. More will likely become available as the postal service transitions from its fleet of Grumman LLV trucks to the new Oshkosh NGDV.
How can I get bidding privileges on GovPlanet?
So, if you are set on buying a USPS mail truck and going the GovPlanet route, you will need to set up an account. This is as straightforward as entering your email and setting a password. Once you do that and your contact information is verified, you can begin placing bids.
According to It Still Runs, old Grumman LLVs typically sell for under $5,000. Because of this, you do not have to break the bank to get a unique hobby car. However, it is worth noting that the Grumman LLV does lack a fair amount of creature comforts. So, keep that in mind before you buy.
How old are the USPS mail trucks?
Production of the Grumman LLV started in 1987 and ended in 1994. At the time of its production, the LLV was given a lifespan of about 24 years, but that has increased as these trucks have proven they can last.
The life of a mail truck is not an easy one. There is a lot of slow maneuvering, and they are constantly stopping and going. That said, for nearly 30 years, the Grumman LLV has been serving the postal service. So, with proper maintenance, they can stand up to quite a bit of rugged use.
Is it legal to own a USPS truck?
While you cannot go out and buy a new mail truck, it is still possible to own a USPS delivery vehicle. Occasionally, they will pop up on auction sites. Additionally, Grumman LLVs that never went into postal service use also come up for sale.
Now, impersonating a mail carrier is another story. That has some serious consequences, as it is a Federal crime. If you do buy an old mail truck, that is something that you will want to keep in mind.
