I worked as a driver helper for a few years. I've had some good drivers, some great drivers, and some horrible drivers. Just like everything else in life. People are people, and the job can be hard at times (Driving a Package Car). Yea, I know everyone thinks it's a mindless easy job, but it's physical labor and you have to deal with traffic and customer crap. It can be challenging.
The reason I work at UPS part time is to stay in shape. Plain and simple. I do very well outside of UPS, but they pay me to work out. That's my mindset, and I'm sticking with it. Plus, I happen to really like my Supe.
So a few years ago I decided to do the Driver Helper, as I could get away from my Day job for a few days a week during December.
First guy I had as a Driver was a Klingon. He was lacking any social grace at all. He dropped the friend-Bomb more than an L.A. Rapper, and needed a bath more than my old Beagle. He did nothing but scream at me all day to run faster. I'm in great shape, but when you have ice and snow everywhere, a broken leg is not worth the risk. H
I had a few more that hard to work with, and a few that were fine to work with.
One in particular was a great guy. Except he expected me to operate a DIAD at a 2 year full time Driver level when I only useed a DIAD while I was Driver Helping and just barely knew the minimums. He expected me to be as proficient with it as if I'd used it daily for two years and the training you get is absolute bare minimum. I had not seen one in a year, so other than knowing how to scan, down arrow, f5, front door, and stop complete, I knew NOTHING else. If I got into a jam, he was livid.
And, the worst thing, he would leave me in an icy, snowy neighborhood with a handcart piled high with packages, and take off for a few hours. One route, I had to walk 2.9 miles before I was done. I know this because I have a fitness tracking app on my phone. 2.9 miles with a cart full of packages in freezing temps, no water, no toilet, and 30 stops or so to do by foot. Toting a hand cart piled so high with parcels they toppled at every single bump. He'd then pick me up, and drop me off somewhere else to do the same thing. I rarely ran deliveries from the truck to the door. Heck, that would have been a relief. At least you get to sit for a few minutes and get some heat.
He is lucky I did not get hurt, mugged, run over, whatever. Once, I was stopped by Sheriff wondering what the hell I was doing walking in a "target enforcement area" neighborhood walking down the street with a cart full of packages at dusk. I told the Deputy I was a Driver Helper and the driver was off doing other things. He shook his head and said, "Now I've seen everything. You need to get another job buddy, this is not the neighborhood to be walking around with a cart full of packages at dusk." Even people at the door would say, "Where is your truck? Is UPS that stingy with expenses you guys gotta' walk now?"
One thing I did learn, I personally am glad I am not a UPS Driver. It's not for me. I respect our drivers very much. I really do. But I am so much happier with my full time career in white collar. I am sure there are easier days and routes than I experienced during holiday rush, but to me, what a Package Car Driver does is not something I'd ever be remotely interested in doing. And a Driver Helper is absolutely not for me. I'll stay part time Hub for the exercise, and do my full time career.
I am glad I did it though. I now have huge respect for our Drivers, and anyone that helps them.