You don't get paid for lunch, but you should ONLY be docked the time you're actually sitting for lunch. If the driver sits for 30 minutes for his lunch, then you don't get paid for that 30 minutes. If the driver decides to run his lunch (dumb idea), then you shouldn't be docked any time at all. Every day when I turn in my helper time I tell my center manager exactly how much time we sat for lunch. Whether it was the full hour while he was with me, or 30 minutes. If the helper is with me and I take ANY coded lunch, he doesn't get paid that time. You should keep your own times written down in a notepad or on a piece of paper. Make sure your drivers know you're keeping track of the time you're working. This will detract some drivers from skimping you some time to make their numbers look better. Now, on to safety. Do NOT work unsafe no matter how busy you are, or how much pressure you're under. Hustling back and forth to stops doesn't mean you work unsafe. You can still move a good pace while practicing safe work methods. If you're running in front of the package car, or "almost getting killed or badly injured 3 times" like you said, then YOU, and YOU alone need to take better precautions when you're on the road. Your driver isn't responsible if you can't stop to check for traffic, so there's no pushing the blame anywhere else on this. Work safe, and work safe. No other options. Watch what you're doing, where you're stepping, and watch for vehicles all around you at all times. I don't care how busy you are. We're all busy, and I wouldn't stand for an unsafe helper. I would chew them out for anything unsafe and stop them right there if I saw it. I stress safety with my helper(s) every day, and every year. The last thing I want to see is anyone get hurt doing this job. So again, WORK SAFE, GO AS FAST AS YOU CAN BUT ONLY IF IT'S SAFE! No more excuses. Your life > this job. Got it?
Thanks ! I've come across 2 new drivers that seem to be cowboying it. Matter of fact , If it wasn't for me watching , Not driving ,I would have been in a bad accident allready ! As far as crossing roads and streets,I lived in brooklyn and manhatten for 35 years . Enough said !
But thank you for your info.