[MetroMPG]

The amount of money being spent on fuel on a mail route in that vehicle must be near worst-case scenario. I wonder if doing the math might show that getting a more efficient vehicle would be the best way to go.

Speaking of which, I saw a Toyota Prius on a mail route for the first time just this week. A vehicle with regenerative braking + electric assist + idle stop/engine off coasting is pretty ideal for that type of use.

Not saying that specifically getting a Prius makes economic sense. But I'd definitely get your relative to crunch the numbers and see what does make sense.