Soon to be driver, have some questions

Threshold

Member
If everything goes according to plan, I should get the call to go driving sometime this year. Anyways, here are some questions I hope some experienced drivers can answer for me.

1. Would you recommend a GPS unit, if so which one?

2. Does UPS make the uniforms in big & tall sizes?

3. How many hours do you work on a daily basis during peak and non-peak times of the year?

4. Are the shorts UPS provides the only option you have for hot weather clothing? Would it be possible to do a little switcharu inside the truck to more manly looking shorts while no one is looking?

5. Would being a proficient manual transmission driver give me a leg up on the test?

6. Is the trucks transmission synchronized, or would I need to double clutch?

7. Is it true sups don't allow you to rev-match downshift or heel and toe?

8. Do the trucks have a tachometer?

9. Any tips?

Thanks of answering my questions, I really appreciate it.
 

retired2000

Well-Known Member
no gps needed you will not have time to look at it anyways
uniforms do come in tall we have a driver that is 7'
driving a manuel transmission will give you a little heads up but most of the cars now are automatic.
no need to double clutch
no tachs in cars. gee they hardly have a heater.
 

Jack4343

FT DR Specialist
If everything goes according to plan, I should get the call to go driving sometime this year. Anyways, here are some questions I hope some experienced drivers can answer for me.

1. Would you recommend a GPS unit, if so which one?

2. Does UPS make the uniforms in big & tall sizes?

3. How many hours do you work on a daily basis during peak and non-peak times of the year?

4. Are the shorts UPS provides the only option you have for hot weather clothing? Would it be possible to do a little switcharu inside the truck to more manly looking shorts while no one is looking?

5. Would being a proficient manual transmission driver give me a leg up on the test?

6. Is the trucks transmission synchronized, or would I need to double clutch?

7. Is it true sups don't allow you to rev-match downshift or heel and toe?

8. Do the trucks have a tachometer?

9. Any tips?

Thanks of answering my questions, I really appreciate it.


1. I wouldn't waste the money on it. a $20 map book will serve you well. After awhile, you'll stop at houses without even looking at the house number.

2. Yes but you might have problems getting the correct size right when you order it. If it doesn't fit, have them send them back and re-order.

3. I report around 8am for a 8:30-8:40 start time. I leave work between 6:30-7pm most non-peak days. During peak, add at least an hour to that. I've left work after 10pm on quite a few peak days.

4. You can only wear the official uniform. Someone is ALWAYS watching. Just because you can't see them doesn't mean they can't see you. UPS has 300,000 + employees. Trust me, someone is always watching.

5. Yes, you must be good at driving a manual transmission. While all the new cars on automatics, you will probably take the driving test on a old, beat up P800 manual tranny with no power steering.

6. I have no clue on what "double clutch" is. LOL!

7. Downshifting is a big no-no. It wears out the tranny. Use the brake to slow down until the car begins to stall and engage the clutch.

8. No tach. I don't see why we'd need one anyway. I hardly look at the gauges I've got.

9. Tips? You'll be overwhelmed at first. Learn the DIAD well during training. Also, safety first! That is the most important tip I could give anyone. Accidents will get you fired. Always engage the hand-brake and the clutch in the lowest possible gear when stopped. Roll-aways are a huge no-no. Also, work fast but at a pace that you can live with for the next 30 years. Someone posted that on the board once and it's great advice. Read the other threads on the board. They are filled with good advice from drivers that have been around the block many times and then some.

Good luck and enjoy the money. It's good. You'll earn every cent of it. Invest wisely. Your body will give out before your mind will at this job.
 
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parcelmanbrown

Guest
good luck ..........you ll need it!you will be told the diad is you re bible,it thinks for you,you don't need to know anything.just drive and follow DOL.........if you're running behind you don't need to take a lunch!!!!!!don't listen to them work safe and at a good pace,look out for other vehicles(we have a big bullseye on our trucks)the most important thing is to get home to you're family every nite!!!!(you still have time to get out)
 

MR_Vengeance

United Parcel Survivor
If everything goes according to plan, I should get the call to go driving sometime this year. Anyways, here are some questions I hope some experienced drivers can answer for me.

1. Would you recommend a GPS unit, if so which one?
No need for GPS, use your brain.
2. Does UPS make the uniforms in big & tall sizes?
HR can take care that for you.
3. How many hours do you work on a daily basis during peak and non-peak times of the year?
8.30-18.00 depend on how much you screw you with.

4. Are the shorts UPS provides the only option you have for hot weather clothing? Would it be possible to do a little switcharu inside the truck to more manly looking shorts while no one is looking?

You might get away with it if it's brown..........if no1 noticed.

5. Would being a proficient manual transmission driver give me a leg up on the test?
Yeah, gotta know how to drive a stick.

6. Is the trucks transmission synchronized, or would I need to double clutch?

Yes, unless you drive a feeder truck, then you don't need Double clutching it.

7. Is it true sups don't allow you to rev-match downshift or heel and toe?

This is not a SCCA race track, no need for rev match and heel toe .

8. Do the trucks have a tachometer?
yes

9. Any tips?

bust your ass and make the cut then slow down........

Thanks of answering my questions, I really appreciate it.

good luck with the job.
 

Cementups

Box Monkey
^^I have never yet seen a UPS truck with a tach. This was brought up by me once when my throttle cable broke out on the road and I was about 8 miles from any sort of civilization. The mechanic on te phone asked me if I could tie opent he throttle with my shoe lace to make it back since I was done for the day. I agreed to do it since I am some what knowledgeable with cars. The mechanic asked me to tie it open at X,000 rpms and in turned I asked how the heck am I supposed to know wht that is if 1) I am nder the hood fixing the thing and 2) there is no tach in the truck.

If you are worried about a tach for shifting reasons, then being such a proficient manual driver, then you would know that you can drive a 5-spd on sound alone.
 
R

rocketman

Guest
you must have worked in a hub u should no what to expect if you ont you have no bussiness in a package car.
 

Threshold

Member
Thanks a lot everyone. About the tach thing, I know you don't need one, but it's always nice to have one, especially when the car you're driving is something you're not used to. As for heel and toe and rev-match downshifting, this is not something I do because I'm racing around (I hate that actually), but it's just the way I drive. I don't like to stay in neutral while the car is moving. I prefer to keep the car in gear.
 
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