Those who have worked on very rural areas know it's a different game in the country. Customers actually are flattered and pleased that a driver gives them their package in person where they work. The one in a thousand who prefer to have their package waiting on their porch when they get home will let a driver know.
Another idea I have along that same line is creating a virtual card file. Drivers would submit information as to where a package could be indirected, then a supervisor would input that into the notes, so that when that address comes up, a cover driver would know the tricks. A rural cover driver could pull their really rural stops up, without scanning the packages, see if notes exist, void back the stop without scanning a package, and indirect it to the address on the note.
In rural areas drivers indirect residentials to businesses frequently. However, some choose not to, in an effort to "bring in those miles" so neccessary for running underallowed.
The real question is, could management accept a driver or center no longer running underallowed if they were saving 15% on their miles. That would be the difficult pill for the numbercrunchers to swallow.
Dusty,
You sound like a very "stand up" person --someone who I always enjoyed working with. So let me be clear --this is not a personal attack on you.
Some posters have suggested that I am singing the same old "management fear" song. Obviously they can believe what they want.
I am a retired UPSer for some time now --while I still own some UPS stock --I have smartly and greatly diversified over the past five years. I do not have a "Horse" in this race. I do have a great respect for all UPS people -Management and hourly ----I was part of both during my 36 years.
What is happening now --is truly major but I am not surprised that so many people are in denial.
First of all --do not confuse the reciever or consignee with the customer.
Sure the person way out on the rural route loves to see the friendly face of the UPS driver --I am one of those people now !! The "customer" who is paying the shipping bill wants huge discounts .
With Competition --like Fedx --non union being much able to control their cost ---they can still make a healthy profit and give huge discounts.
This can get complicated --but it comes down to two simple numbers ---cost per piece---and-- Revenue per piece.
Ups has reached a point of no return ----much of this discounted volume is driving overtime,grievances,feeders, drivers, miles , benefits --that will never be covered by the present revenue per piece.
Yes ---cutting top management will reduce some cost ----but it does not compare with the high cost --mainly unhappy unionized workforce.
Many feel they are overworked --the partimers under paid --file grievances like falling rain--fight against sales leads "not my job" --Have the attitude the UNION will save them -----By the way I am tired of being accused of bashing the union ---Just open your eyes --you know what is going on.
I feel the bridge has been crossed --If you believe that management will cut their very top people and life will go on the same merry way ---there is nothing more to be said.
It is sad --this is purely simple math ----I have no desire to hammer ups mgmt nor the people or union.
I would hope that many ,many things will change for the better ----but being a "realist" I doubt it.
Again -Sorry for posting what I believe is Obvious ---did not mean to offend anyone ----I truly hope I am very,very, wrong ---The very near future will tell !!!!