Questions for anyone who might know the answers

Forty6and2

I'm Broken
1. Can temporary cover drivers put in for an 8 hour day (like regular full-time drivers can?)

2. Can temporary cover drivers add their names to the over 9.5 opt-in/opt-out list?

3. Is a temporary cover driver required to go through the 30 day probation period again when they finally go full-time?
 

browniehound

Well-Known Member
1. Can temporary cover drivers put in for an 8 hour day (like regular full-time drivers can?)

2. Can temporary cover drivers add their names to the over 9.5 opt-in/opt-out list?

3. Is a temporary cover driver required to go through the 30 day probation period again when they finally go full-time?


First, you need to define "temporary cover drivers". Where I'm from we have drivers who are full-time cover drivers and we have temporary drivers for peak and the summer months.

Cover drivers are just like any other full-time driver and have the right for 8 hours and the 9.5 list. These cover drivers have made the seniority list and have passed a 30-day probationary period.

We hire temporary drivers off the street to cover summer vacations and peak routes, but these drivers have no seniority rights. So I'm guessing that they are not protected by the contract.

So, it sounds like your definition of a cover driver is different than what we call "cover drivers" in my center.

So here is my opinion since you asked twice, your "cover driver" is equal to a "temp" where I'm from. In that case, I think you have no rights:dissapointed:"

Brownie
 

Forty6and2

I'm Broken
I am a part-time preloader at my center who was given the opportunity to become a "TCD" or Temporary Cover Driver in one of the centers that works out of my hub.

My primary job (for now) is part-time preload. When my center (Rio Salado) needs me to drive for them- then I able to get full-time hours. When I drive, I am guaranteed at least 8 hours- but mostly abused to the maximum amount.
I retain my seniority at my part-time primary job. But I have hardly any when it comes to cover driving. I choose my vacations after all of the full-time route drivers and swing drivers choose their vacations.

The easiest way to describe my situation is "I am a full-time employee when UPS needs me to be full-time. But when UPS doesn't need me to be full-time- I am only part-time."

In order for me to become a "TCD"- I already had to pass my 30 business day driver qualification. But I'm still curious to know if I will have to pass it again when I have the opportunity to go full-time.
 

Jack4343

FT DR Specialist
1. Can temporary cover drivers put in for an 8 hour day (like regular full-time drivers can?)

2. Can temporary cover drivers add their names to the over 9.5 opt-in/opt-out list?

3. Is a temporary cover driver required to go through the 30 day probation period again when they finally go full-time?

I'm not sure 100 percent but I'll try...

Since I'm guessing you are a part-time employee working as a cover driver, I'd say you cannot put your name on the 9.5 opt in/out list nor request an 8 hour day.

To answer your other question, I do not believe that once you have qualified as a cover driver (30 days probation) that you have to go through the qualification process again when you are promoted to full-time.
 

Forty6and2

I'm Broken
Thanks for the help everyone and if anyone thinks they might be able to clarify the rules even further- be sure and take a stab at it.
 

RockyRogue

Agent of Change
Get used to that...I like it that way sometimes...Nice to go home early sometimes!

I worked with a driver that stayed a cover driver for a jaw-dropping period of time (I think 10 years). Once in a while he'd have a day off to do whatever and he LOVED it. Two years ago, a route went up for bid. He'd run it as a cover driver in all seasons and LOVED it. He put his name on the bid sheet, not really expecting to get it. He came in one day, manager threw him the keys to a package car and said, "You won the bid on X route. Go run it." I saw him just today, actually. He still loves his route. -Rocky
 

Forty6and2

I'm Broken
I've been preloading for almost 3 years now. (It will be July 18 to be exact.) My name is number 36 on our seniority list, but it's number 6 for the center I want to drive out of. It shouldn't be too much longer hopefully.
 

RockyRogue

Agent of Change
My name is number 36 on our seniority list, but it's number 6 for the center I want to drive out of.

I didn't think you got a choice on where you were based if its a hub operation. I thought they just put you where they needed drivers at the time. Obviously, I'm wrong. If you have some education, are you sure you want to do this for the rest of your life?? Good luck! -Rocky
 
In our center, you would be called a cover driver, meaning that you are a part timer that covers as needed on routes. We also have "swing drivers", they are full time seniority drivers that do not have a bid route. Some places call swing drivers, unassigned drivers.
The swing drivers have all the same rules and perks as a FT bid driver, some of us even have seniority over some bid drivers. The "cover" drivers do not have the 8 hour request or the opt in/out. So they can work you up to 12 hours and you have no recourse. I suppose the company's theory on this is if you don't want to work 12, don't drive.

It's no secret of anything magical, the more you drive, the better you will get.
 

Forty6and2

I'm Broken
I'm unhireable anywhere else....I've interviewed and interviewed at other places and more other places. UPS and my family is all I have right now and frankly I'm tired of looking for a new job and interviewing and not being able to get one. So I just look at it like "its the only thing I'm qualified for."
 

Overpaid Union Thug

Well-Known Member
[QUOTE

3. Is a temporary cover driver required to go through the 30 day probation period again when they finally go full-time?[/QUOTE]

I'm not sure about the first two questions but I know the answer to this one. You don't have to complete the 30 days again. It's in the contract but I can't remember the article number and all that. I recently went full-time that's one of the first things I researched.
 

brownrodster

Well-Known Member
We have no part time cover drivers in my area. Full time drivers with no bid route are called cover drivers. We seem to always have enough drivers for a few to have the day off most days. If we are ever in desperate need sometimes and air driver or two will del some random bulk stops to take some stress off the normal drivers.

Sorry, I don't know the answers to your questions.
 

Forty6and2

I'm Broken
thats o.k. the center i drive for has 8 full timers out on disability right now. gosh when they all come back i won't be able to drive anymore....
 

helenofcalifornia

Well-Known Member
OK, you said it so I am gonna ask: Why are you "unhireable?" Is it because you interview poorly? And there are plenty of people who would love to work for UPS and will never be hired.
 

RockyRogue

Agent of Change
OK, you said it so I am gonna ask: Why are you "unhireable?" Is it because you interview poorly? And there are plenty of people who would love to work for UPS and will never be hired.

That's a good question, Helen. I interviewed for a bunch of jobs--over a half dozen--before I got the job I have now. I'm bracing for a 3-6 month post graduation job hunt....-Rocky
 
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