Frunobulax
Member
I worked as a helper this year in Chicago, from November 23rd through
December 24th, and since my seasonal stint is now over, I thought I
would share my experiences and add a few words to the varied,
interesting, and passionate conversation that you all have managed to
create on BC.
Since my hire date, on November 2nd, I have been lurking on this site,
reading through almost every thread (and even some of the archives),
because I wanted to learn as much as I could about the company and its
operations, culture, and history. This site is positively--no other
word--addictive; and I managed in six weeks to receive, among much
else, a series of mini- (and in some cases maxi-) tutorials on
management-labor relations, the lore of package car driving, and the
importance of community, discipline, loyalty, and hard work. There are
a lot of interesting voices here; and after a week or two of immersion
in the site I was able to begin to identify and appreciate the various
personalities and their unique perspectives, preoccupations, concerns,
and quirks.
Briefly, by way of background, I have many years of varied work
experience and have run my own businesses since 2000. At the end of
2008, I decided for a variety of reasons (stability, benefits, and
others) to close down my law practice and to apply for a series
federal jobs in my primary areas of expertise: law and commodity
futures trading. The process took nearly eight months, from February
to mid-October, and although I was selected as among the most highly
qualified candidates and was interviewed, I was not selected. These
positions, for those who know the Federal GS hierarchy, were GS-13 &
14 level, and so not exactly entry level jobs. During this time, I ran
through my savings, had no unemployment insurance since I was
self-employed, had to write off tens of thousands in 2008-earned fees
because my clients were suffering, maxed out my credit cards, and on
and on. By late summer I was seriously scrambling. So by the time UPS
called me I was (to rather understate the matter) delighted to have
the work.
I should note that I do not fit the profile of a typical out-of-shape
"white-collar" desk worker. I am 6'3; 215 lbs.; I work out nearly
every day, walk 25 miles a week, lift weights, and am in physical
condition close to what I had at eighteen.
I was prepared for an extremely demanding physical job; and the helper
position did not disappoint. I worked a high-density urban (primarily
residential) route with perhaps twenty high-rise condiminum buildings
along the city's lakefront just immediately east of my own
neighborhood. We averaged 240 stops and 600 pieces a day. Peak days
were December 15th and 16th, when we banged out 680 (by 17:30) and 650
pieces respectively, along with 200-300 end-of-day pickups at the UPS
store. Several of these bulk stops lacked access ramps so I had to
take the handtruck up six-to-eight concrete steps with loads between
150 and 200 lbs. Once (and this was definitely foolish on my part) I
had 400 lbs. on the two-wheeler on a Walgreen's delivery--6 65 lb.
crates and three other pkgs.--but I forgot about the six-inch curb.
Busy corner. Many people watching me. Really should have done two
trips. Realized my mistake as I began to try to make the curb. Didn't
want to shame the Teamsters and UPS by backing off the challenge. Went
for it .... and ... got it up and over. Barely.
I loved the work. I have tremendous respect for you guys (and gals)
who are PC drivers. I liked everyone I met and worked with. (I briefly
worked two other routes with three other drivers.)
In fact, I enjoyed the experience so much that I am going to try to
make a career with the company. Two drivers are going to recommend me
to the center manager; and I'm going to see where it goes.
I have learned a lot as a (previously) silent visitor to your
community. Sorry for the long post. Respect to all of you. And sincere
gratitude for the experience and the opportunity to contribute during
peak.
Oh, and by the way: Tieguy and Upssocks are not the same guy; "How's
the View" is the greatest thread; DOL and airbusfxr will mend fences
once the mechanics have a new deal; and as for who has the hottest BC
female avatar ... diplomacy is required of newbies so I won't touch
that one.
Best on the holidays and New Year.
Brian
December 24th, and since my seasonal stint is now over, I thought I
would share my experiences and add a few words to the varied,
interesting, and passionate conversation that you all have managed to
create on BC.
Since my hire date, on November 2nd, I have been lurking on this site,
reading through almost every thread (and even some of the archives),
because I wanted to learn as much as I could about the company and its
operations, culture, and history. This site is positively--no other
word--addictive; and I managed in six weeks to receive, among much
else, a series of mini- (and in some cases maxi-) tutorials on
management-labor relations, the lore of package car driving, and the
importance of community, discipline, loyalty, and hard work. There are
a lot of interesting voices here; and after a week or two of immersion
in the site I was able to begin to identify and appreciate the various
personalities and their unique perspectives, preoccupations, concerns,
and quirks.
Briefly, by way of background, I have many years of varied work
experience and have run my own businesses since 2000. At the end of
2008, I decided for a variety of reasons (stability, benefits, and
others) to close down my law practice and to apply for a series
federal jobs in my primary areas of expertise: law and commodity
futures trading. The process took nearly eight months, from February
to mid-October, and although I was selected as among the most highly
qualified candidates and was interviewed, I was not selected. These
positions, for those who know the Federal GS hierarchy, were GS-13 &
14 level, and so not exactly entry level jobs. During this time, I ran
through my savings, had no unemployment insurance since I was
self-employed, had to write off tens of thousands in 2008-earned fees
because my clients were suffering, maxed out my credit cards, and on
and on. By late summer I was seriously scrambling. So by the time UPS
called me I was (to rather understate the matter) delighted to have
the work.
I should note that I do not fit the profile of a typical out-of-shape
"white-collar" desk worker. I am 6'3; 215 lbs.; I work out nearly
every day, walk 25 miles a week, lift weights, and am in physical
condition close to what I had at eighteen.
I was prepared for an extremely demanding physical job; and the helper
position did not disappoint. I worked a high-density urban (primarily
residential) route with perhaps twenty high-rise condiminum buildings
along the city's lakefront just immediately east of my own
neighborhood. We averaged 240 stops and 600 pieces a day. Peak days
were December 15th and 16th, when we banged out 680 (by 17:30) and 650
pieces respectively, along with 200-300 end-of-day pickups at the UPS
store. Several of these bulk stops lacked access ramps so I had to
take the handtruck up six-to-eight concrete steps with loads between
150 and 200 lbs. Once (and this was definitely foolish on my part) I
had 400 lbs. on the two-wheeler on a Walgreen's delivery--6 65 lb.
crates and three other pkgs.--but I forgot about the six-inch curb.
Busy corner. Many people watching me. Really should have done two
trips. Realized my mistake as I began to try to make the curb. Didn't
want to shame the Teamsters and UPS by backing off the challenge. Went
for it .... and ... got it up and over. Barely.
I loved the work. I have tremendous respect for you guys (and gals)
who are PC drivers. I liked everyone I met and worked with. (I briefly
worked two other routes with three other drivers.)
In fact, I enjoyed the experience so much that I am going to try to
make a career with the company. Two drivers are going to recommend me
to the center manager; and I'm going to see where it goes.
I have learned a lot as a (previously) silent visitor to your
community. Sorry for the long post. Respect to all of you. And sincere
gratitude for the experience and the opportunity to contribute during
peak.
Oh, and by the way: Tieguy and Upssocks are not the same guy; "How's
the View" is the greatest thread; DOL and airbusfxr will mend fences
once the mechanics have a new deal; and as for who has the hottest BC
female avatar ... diplomacy is required of newbies so I won't touch
that one.
Best on the holidays and New Year.
Brian
...you guys and gals get all the fun!!
