Government procurement case of Dongfeng single-cab sludge suction truck (blue license plate, 5 m³) in Harbin: Vehicle selection and operational cost analysis under severe cold conditions. In Harbin, the average winter temperature falls below -20°C, posing significant challenges to municipal drainage system desilting and maintenance. During the winter of 2025, a municipal sanitation department in Harbin launched a procurement project for sludge suction vehicles to address urban pipeline blockages. After multiple rounds of technical evaluation and cost analysis, the department selected Chengli Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd.’s Dongfeng single-cab sludge suction truck (blue license plate, 5 m³), with a total delivery of 8 units. This article provides an in-depth analysis of this government procurement decision from the perspectives of blue vs. yellow license plate classification, freeze resistance, operational costs, and real-world application. I. Project Background and Core Requirements The Urban Management Bureau of a district in Harbin is responsible for daily maintenance of approximately 150 km of drainage pipelines within its jurisdiction. Most existing sludge suction vehicles are yellow-plate models, presenting challenges including high driver qualification requirements, restricted access to urban areas, and difficulty starting in winter. This procurement primarily targets replacement of aging vehicles, with the following core requirements for new models: • Driver licensing: Lower entry barriers for drivers; priority given to blue-plate vehicles operable with a Class C driver’s license to facilitate personnel allocation. • Freeze resistance: Reliable engine start-up at -30°C ambient temperature; hydraulic system must remain unfrozen and fully functional. • Operational efficiency: Capable of covering both main roads and branch streets in a single operation; 5 m³ tank capacity meets routine desilting demands. • Cost control: Purchase budget capped at approximately RMB 171,000 (per publicly available tender information); operational costs must be lower than those of current yellow-plate models. II. Comparison Between Blue-Plate (Class C License) and Yellow-Plate (Class B License) Solutions At the initial stage of the project, the procuring entity conducted a detailed comparison between blue-plate (drivable with Class C license) and yellow-plate (requiring Class B license) options. Key differences across three dimensions—driver licensing, vehicle specifications, and operational costs—are summarized in the table below: Comparison Dimension Blue-Plate Solution (Dongfeng Single-Cab Sludge Suction Truck) Yellow-Plate Solution (Same Brand, 5 m³ Model) Driver Licensing C1/C2 driver’s license required; standard drivers can operate B2 or higher driver’s license required; higher recruitment cost for qualified drivers Gross Vehicle Weight ≤4.5 tons (compliant with blue-plate standards) Approx. 6–8 tons (yellow-plate) Tank Capacity 5 m³ (Announcement Model No.: CLW5070GSSD6) 5 m³ (same capacity but heavier chassis) Urban Access Unrestricted access to main urban roads (blue-plate exemption) Restricted access to certain urban sections for yellow-plate trucks Purchase Cost (Reference) Approx. RMB 110,000–130,000 Approx. RMB 130,000–160,000 Annual Inspection Fee Approx. RMB 800–1,200/year Approx. RMB 1,500–2,500/year Insurance Premium Approx. RMB 3,000–4,000/year Approx. RMB 5,000–7,000/year Fuel Consumption (per 100 km) Approx. 10–12 L (Dongfeng chassis fuel efficiency) Approx. 14–16 L (under identical operating conditions) Driver Salary Approx. RMB 5,000–6,000/month (Class C drivers) Approx. RMB 7,000–9,000/month (Class B drivers) Estimated Annual Total Operating Cost Approx. RMB 80,000–100,000 (including labor, fuel, insurance, maintenance) Approx. RMB 120,000–150,000 Note: Operational costs are estimates subject to variation based on mileage and working conditions; purchase costs refer to publicly disclosed tender data and Chengli’s