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Modern fleet

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 "There’s nothing new under the sun".

Ecclesiastes Ch1 v9.

2006 photograph of a Kent Postbus with driver Tim Kimber

Postbus with driver Tim Kimber at Wormshill near Sittingbourne, Kent, 2006.


The Post Office has always been reluctant to favour complete standardisation in its vehicle fleet as this would make it dependent on a single manufacturer. It would also prevent comparison of different marques over prolonged use, and appear to show preferential treatment.

2006 photograph of a Royal Mail DAF lorry typically used to carry business mail between large sorting offices2006 photograph of a Royal Mail Fiat Doblo car derived van

(Left image) DAF 26 tonne lorry, 2006. It carries rigid steel containers of loose mail, typically business post, between larger sorting offices. It features side loading for ease of access in smaller customer premises.
Fiat Doblo van, 2006. These first entered the Royal Mail fleet in 2006. These form a small part of the 14,769 Car Derived Vans (of all makes) in the Royal Mail fleet. (Right image)


As the owner of one of the largest road transport fleets in Europe, the costs of purchasing, maintaining and running its vehicles is now the driving force behind decision-making. This is particularly true in the open mail market.

In the past, coach-built bodies to Post Office specifications were fitted to manufacturers’ chassis. Today the business more typically adopts standard vans and lorries from manufacturers with minimal alteration.

2006 photograph of a Royal Mail Honda 650cc motorcycle used mainly in city areas with congested streets2006 photograph of a Royal Mail Peugeot Postal Acceleration Vehicle used to take postmen out to their delivery rounds

(Left image) Honda 650cc motorcycle, 2006. These motorcycles were introduced in 1999 to speed mail through congested streets.
Peugeot Postal Acceleration Vehicle, 2006. These vehicles are used to accelerate postal staff out onto delivery 'walks' that are some distance from the delivery office. (Right image)


Because the vehicles themselves are no longer so unique, a strong brand identity is more important. The distinctive red livery helps to maintain that special aura around one of the country’s most familiar and trusted names: Royal Mail.

Buy the book Moving the Mail... By Road

BPMA curator Julian Stray has written a new account of 400 years of postal transport by road, to accompany this exhibition. You can buy Moving the Mail... By Road for just £5.99 (+ P&P) in our Shop.