Well, it's almost here. This will be my 5th consecutive peak working at my center..My second as an official UPS employee & my very first (cover) driving...Any advice from some of you UPS icons?..
Best of luck to all.
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1) Get a rechargeable LED spotlight. I got mine for like $20 at home depot and it goes like a week on a charge.
2) When parking on any incline in the winter be super careful. Even if it's an automatic, you have it in park with the handbrake on, your truck can take off without you sliding down the road (It happened to me twice last winter).
3) Reduce your speed in the ice and snow, especially when turning. It will take longer to stop. Sounds like common sense, but it's easy for newer drivers to get package fever and want to gun it.
4) When it's snowing it's sometimes hard to see where roads/driveways are and it's pretty easy to get stuck and then realize you're ripping up someone's lawn accidentally.
5) If it looks like you might get stuck, don't try it. EC it. In some districts you can get hit with an accident for needing a towtruck.
6) You will likely have a helper and spend a good portion of your day sorting while the helper delivers. Stay calm and organized. Don't be afraid to hop out and deliver some if you get caught up sorting.
7) Get rid of big bulk early when possible. You will save a
ton of time and headaches if you can break trace and deliver a couple big huge stupid boxes in the morning to help you move around the rest of the day.
8) Treat your helper well. They are doing the schittiest part of our job for a fraction of what we make. Be firm but respectful. If you're at a stop that has iffy dog(s), don't send your helper--go yourself. If you pack your lunch and the helper doesn't have a lunch or money, offer them something from your lunch like an apple or a bag of chips. If you buy them lunch, you'll be in for the stray cat syndrome where they'll expect it everyday.
9) Be careful when walking on ice/snow, especially on hills or icy driveways. You might want to request ice cleats for yourself and your helper. I personally rarely use them, but lots of people swear by them.
10) Always keep a couple of bags of sand on the driver side steps. They'll save your butt.
11) Know the rules for DoT hours and keep track of your DoT hours. It's your responsibility.
12) Take your full lunch and do it at a business where you can get away from the work. You and your helper will need the rest and a place to warm up.
