What Kind Of Truck Is A UPS Truck? (Explained!)

One of the most famous package delivery companies is known as UPS. The standard UPS truck was built using the General Motors or Ford chassis and it had a manual transmission, steering wheel, and no air conditioner or radio. You could spot older models of this vehicle by their round headlights and turn signals mounted on an oblong hood made of fiberglass.

Key Takeaways

• The UPS uses a ubiquitous brown truck that serves as a delivery vehicle
• Once the UPS vehicles are sufficiently disguised, they are taken to a scrapyard where they will be crushed into pieces and sold off as metal scraps
• Non-UPS vehicles with no legal title are scrapped at the UPS hub where they were last used
• UPS uses different vehicles including freight/semi-trucks, box trucks, vans, etc.

What Kind Of Truck Do They Use At UPS?

The standard UPS truck was built using the General Motors or Ford chassis and it had a manual transmission, steering wheel, and no air conditioner or radio. You could spot older models of this vehicle by their round headlights and turn signals mounted on an oblong hood made of fiberglass. Recent updates have made the exterior more modern and shapely by changing the round turn indicators with LED lights shaped like prisms. The cars do not include the name of the manufacturer, badges, or logos.

Within North America, the majority of UPS drivers today either drive Freightliner Trucks or Navistar International chassis. Automatic transmissions and power steering have become commonplace on package cars as of late. UPS also runs Mercedes-Benz Sprinter box vans regularly (occasionally sporting Dodge badges) as well as Dodge Grand Caravan minivans to help deliver packages around the area.

UPS has placed an order for Modec electronic vehicles. These vehicles are considered to be very efficient when it comes down to the cost of delivering packages to people’s residences. In light of this, UPS decided that it was in their best interest to go ahead with placing this particular order because they understood how much money could be saved by investing into these vehicles and making them a part of their fleet below they will hopefully manage to avoid going out of business altogether because if they don’t get a hold on shipping costs, there is no telling where the company’s revenue stream might lead them.

What Happens To Old UPS Trucks? 

Vehicles used by UPS might be nearing the end of their lives and they may need to be replaced with new vehicles, but usually, they are stripped of any reusable parts and repainted with household paint in order to disguise the brand longer. This precaution is taken because trademarking can help protect its brand identity. Once the vehicles are sufficiently disguised, they are taken to a scrapyard where they will be crushed into pieces and sold off as metal scraps.

Non-UPS vehicles with no legal title are scrapped at the UPS hub where they were last used. The local police agency is notified before each vehicle’s destruction to ensure that there is no outstanding parking or traffic violation tickets. The Automotive Destruction Authorization number, or ADA number, is written on a sticker placed in each vehicle’s door jamb near where the vehicle’s VIN would go. 

Before a truck or trailer is sent to be crushed, the tires are removed and returned to inventory, the cabin area is cleaned out (empty boxes and other packing materials are not recycled), hazardous materials such as refrigerators/freezers (if present) have been removed by contractors trained to handle them and properly dispose of refrigerants in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency standards, and all tools required for proper maintenance are removed or replaced in order to standardize procedures nationwide. Upon inspection of these items and equipment, it was further noted:

Are UPS Trucks Manual Or Automatic?

UPS makes use of several different vehicles to ensure its global package delivery service runs smoothly and on time. The following list explains the transmission type and driver requirements for each vehicle, as confirmed by customer service representatives at three unique UPS facilities:

1. Freight/semi-trucks: Manual transmission is required for this position, and a commercial driving license is preferred (or previously reported as indicated in the above content).

2. Box trucks: All delivery personnel is required to have a manual or automatic vehicle and be able to drive stick. A Class D license is required.

3. Vans: Automatic transmission and drive a stick-shift box truck, must have the basic Class D license to apply.

FAQs

How Big Is A UPS Box Truck?

A UPS box truck is 26 feet long (8 meters). It’s 7 feet tall (2.2 meters), and 10 feet wide (3 meters). The size of the standard-sized box truck measures 5 feet tall, 7 feet wide, and 10 feet long. A typical vessel that handles packages around 45 inches in sizes such as those received by shippers of UPS and other shipping companies, it features an open cube-shaped cargo area that can carry up to, which is about as much stock as five 6-foot by 6-foot door units.

How Much Will UPS Trucks Cost?

UPS is foreseeing that large rigs, which work to transport cargo throughout America’s highways, will cost less than standard automobiles, being priced at approximately $20,000.

Why Do UPS Trucks Appear Like They’ve Been Repainted?

UPS has managed to save itself time and money by having one design that can be used over a series of vehicles. It’s reduced the need for training employees on different types of vehicles and led to simpler ways of servicing them. As everything is standard throughout their entire fleet, this means it’s also easy to maintain inventory which reduces costs even further! An amazing company with regards to efficiency: UPS!

What Are The Engines Found In These UPS Trucks?

The chassis of the FCCC is capable of withstanding 14,000 to 23,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight. The model comes standard with a 6.0-liter V8 engine made by General Motors and an Allison 1000/2000 series transmission that balances 308 horsepower and fluid, precise shifting that improves fuel efficiency. The chassis is constructed with a welded steel frame and high-tensile connecting members on the front end, as well as King airbag-equipped coil springs, unlike competing models which often use leaf springs.

What Kind Of Motor And Horsepower Do Ups Trucks Have? 

Even though there are a lot of options for engine types in the current year, there are still a few more out there that aren’t as widely available. This year 3L International has stayed with T444E primary and Cummins, Mercedes and Chevy followed suit.

It is estimated that the average horsepower for a semi-truck averages between 400 and 600 horses per load; however, the torque averages between 1,000 and 2,000 cubic feet.

Final Words

The most famous parcel service is known as UPS, who earned its reputation through stand-up achievement in all things delivery. The standard UPS truck was built using a Ford or Chevy chassis and had a manual transmission, steering wheel, and no air conditioner or radio. Older models could be identified by their oblong curved hood, which was made of fiberglass.

References:

https://jalopnik.com/i-dont-care-how-rich-you-are-you-cant-buy-a-ups-truck-1827367916
https://www.thrillist.com/news/new-york/ups-new-e-fleet-mini-trucks

Last Updated on November 16, 2022 by Magalie D.