Telematics...UPS is wiring your truck

[Ms.PacMan]

Would someone explain how the sensors work and where they are located for the mechanically impaired among us (namely me)?

If the sensor for an idle truck isn't in the ignition I can't picture how it works.

 

[stevetheupsguy]

Here's a problem solver. You know those globes that emit electric current? I mean the ones that you touch and the electricity follows your fingers. Have your mech rig you up a 110 outlet. Plug the globe in and the resulting interference will end your telematics nightmare.

To avoid GPS tracking? Go to your local dentist office. Ask to borrow one of those lead vests. Take the lead vest to your local tailor. Have local tailor create a cover for your DIAD.

 

[trplnkl]

Here's a problem solver. You know those globes that emit electric current? I mean the ones that you touch and the electricity follows your fingers. Have your mech rig you up a 110 outlet. Plug the globe in and the resulting interference will end your telematics nightmare.

To avoid GPS tracking? Go to your local dentist office. Ask to borrow one of those lead vests. Take the lead vest to your local tailor. Have local tailor create a cover for your DIAD.

Then you're fired for dishonesty and tampering with company property. LMAO

 

[mpeedy]

Would someone explain how the sensors work and where they are located for the mechanically impaired among us (namely me)?

If the sensor for an idle truck isn't in the ignition I can't picture how it works.

The seat belt is replaced with one that has a wire connected to it. Most personal vehicles have this to warn the driver that the seat belt is not on with a ding, ding, ding.

The bulk head door frame is wired with a magnet sensor. A magnet is mounted the the edge of the bulkhead door. When the bulkhead door is closed the sensor will sense the magnet on the door. When opened the sensor will sense the magnet is away. This the the same way that the doors on offices or small retail stores know someone has entered the front door. Except it makes some sort of noise.

The rest of the system plugs into your engine diagnostics port in the vehicle permanently . The system plugged into your package car vehicle can tell everything that the package car is doing, from rpm's, speed, gear, emissions, braking soft or hard, blinkers on and for how long, horn- if you use it properly when backing, how long you backed up for, clutch use, headlights on when driving or parked, battery charge, hazard lights on when parked, hazard lights on when driving. You get the picture. The mechanics have access to all the vehicle diagnostic reports. The vehicle reports diagnostics to the mechanics shop computer every couple of minutes. It will alert them to problems that the vehicle might have. This is good for them because they can see a potential road call problem befor it happens. They can also see what the car was doing before it broke down, possibly avoiding a tow or seeing it definatly needs a tow.

 

[Sammie]

Would someone explain how the sensors work and where they are located for the mechanically impaired among us (namely me)?

If the sensor for an idle truck isn't in the ignition I can't picture how it works.

Can't you see what's next? Microchips inserted under the drivers skin. They're only the size of a grain of rice. That way management can scan you guys at any given moment and what a great way to step up those messages!

 

[hondo]

Would someone explain how the sensors work and where they are located for the mechanically impaired among us (namely me)?

If the sensor for an idle truck isn't in the ignition I can't picture how it works.

Hi MsPacMan, I'm not a UPS mech. or truck driver, but I feel I know enough to respond. The computer controlling (or just monitoring depending on how old/simple or new/sophisticated) your truck's engine has many input sensors including: crankshaft rpm, accelerator pedal or throttle position, brake pedal (on or off), clutch pedal (on/off), vehicle speed, transmission gear, engine run time since started etc. The truck engine/computer manufacturer already has a definition of what constitutes an idling engine (accelerator pedal at rest position, trans in neutral/park or clutch disengaged, etc). If vehicle speed is zero, and computer doesn't see brake or clutch pedal input (which would show you're behind the wheel, possibly at a stoplight/ short RR xing/ bridge delay) UPS is probably recording this time, to gather information to create a "excessive idling" standard. Add a real time data recorder to count up the # of times engine was started throughout the day. Hint: if your DIAD shows you made 150 stops that day, I'm guessing that data recorder better show at least 150 engine starts.

 

[stevetheupsguy]

The seat belt is replaced with one that has a wire connected to it. Most personal vehicles have this to warn the driver that the seat belt is not on with a ding, ding, ding.

The bulk head door frame is wired with a magnet sensor. A magnet is mounted the the edge of the bulkhead door. When the bulkhead door is closed the sensor will sense the magnet on the door. When opened the sensor will sense the magnet is away. This the the same way that the doors on offices or small retail stores know someone has entered the front door. Except it makes some sort of noise.

The rest of the system plugs into your engine diagnostics port in the vehicle permanently . The system plugged into your package car vehicle can tell everything that the package car is doing, from rpm's, speed, gear, emissions, braking soft or hard, blinkers on and for how long, horn- if you use it properly when backing, how long you backed up for, clutch use, headlights on when driving or parked, battery charge, hazard lights on when parked, hazard lights on when driving. You get the picture. The mechanics have access to all the vehicle diagnostic reports. The vehicle reports diagnostics to the mechanics shop computer every couple of minutes. It will alert them to problems that the vehicle might have. This is good for them because they can see a potential road call problem befor it happens. They can also see what the car was doing before it broke down, possibly avoiding a tow or seeing it definatly needs a tow.

Would be nice if they programmed this to sound an annoying alarm, like your car door being open, to let you know something needs attention. I'm sure that would drastically reduce unwanted behavior.

 

[stevetheupsguy]

Then you're fired for dishonesty and tampering with company property. LMAO

But I only installed my globe to feel more at home, since I spend more time here, than there.

My DIAD is like my pet, so I got it a comfy little coverall, to look fancy and prevent dings. Ha Ha

 

[Ms.PacMan]

Thank you mpeedy and hondo for the explanations.

Sammie - I'm sure that's been discussed.

You are so right Steve. An annoying beeping noise would drastically reduce unwanted behaviors.

 

[Coldworld]

Not sure about other contracts, but there is some language in ours about off area lunch. As long as it is not across town.......

Here, as long as you do the job, keep your nose clean, you can travel 5-6 miles off area no problem. Further if there is no place to eat during lunch. But not to be abused.

Lunch is where you GET OUT OF YOUR TRUCK, FORGET UPS EXISTS, AND HAVE SOME DOWN TIME. Clear enough? Its your time. And lunch starts when the key comes out of the car, not when you head to lunch.

d

danny,, please explain this more as some mgrs might disagree with you on this.

 

[upshawk]

What about drivers that record their lunch while the package car is moving. Maybe a driver is doing a couple of quick on area errands(bank etc.). Does anyone see that as a problem. We have drivers that record part of their lunch on the drive back to the center. Could these habits lead to problems down the road?

 

[Coldworld]

Browniehound:

Sorry for being so long. Please at least read the last paragraph.

I had a copy of the Telematics training (both for district management and drivers) on my computer. I went re-read the materials to ensure I didn't misrepresent what we were taught.

First, let me start with the seat belt. Its NOT true that drivers are wearing their belt all the time and backing only when necessary. At least it wasn't true for the 1500 drivers tested.

There was a remarkable change in this behavior when it was presented to the drivers. I was amazed at the relatively low seat belt usage when the system was first put in. Its now higher than 99.8%

Next, recording while driving. Again, I was surprised at how high the usage was before implementation.

I know you want to focus on the bulkhead door issue. I don't know what to say. The methods say to close it, so close it. I once posted that when I was a driver, I didn't close the door all the time. If my sup came up and said that I had to close it and that he would know if I didn't.... Well, I would start closing the door and move on.

The system has also found much excessive idle time going on. I'm not talking about 10 degree weather and the driver is just trying to get through the day. I'm talking about pure unnecessary idling. This reduction alone saves a tremendous amount of fuel. Feeder has been monitoring this since the early 1990's.

The tests have shown that from an automotive side, road calls are reduced and maintenance expense is also reduced. This is a major part of telematics savings.

You say its a waste of money. Think about it. UPS does NOT spend money without tremendous thought. (Sometimes we think way too much). Why would the management committee spend so much money if it were a waste?

This system started in one building in Georgia and proved to save money. It then moved to two, then three, then to 1500 drivers. This year its moving to one center in each district and one whole district (somewhere in New England).

There is a very easy way to prove that this is a waste of money. If BEFORE the system is put in their center, all drivers in started wearing their seat belt, eliminating idle time, closing the bulkhead, etc. then the system would show no savings. So far this has not been the case.

Last thing... I may be wrong but I think its a misconception that "The contract states information from technology can't used to disipline an employee". We were told that the contract now allows discipline based on thechnology but is limited. Here is the article: "No employee shall be discharged on a first offense if such discharge is based solely upon
information received from GPS or any successor system unless he/she engages in dishonesty"

P-Man

This term is so outdated, and hopefully in future contracts is changed to another term. UPS has been know to use "dishonesty" from the most basic rookie mistake to twisting and turning something so minor to something that can be used for firing...if the employee knows they are doing something or not. UPS has to try to hold on to this vague language because if they dont have it they would NEVER be able to get rid of anyone unless your stuffing packages down your pants or smoking crack at lunch. I cant remember how many times they used dishonesty on someone who absolutely was not.

 

[dilligaf]

Hi MsPacMan, I'm not a UPS mech. or truck driver, but I feel I know enough to respond. The computer controlling (or just monitoring depending on how old/simple or new/sophisticated) your truck's engine has many input sensors including: crankshaft rpm, accelerator pedal or throttle position, brake pedal (on or off), clutch pedal (on/off), vehicle speed, transmission gear, engine run time since started etc. The truck engine/computer manufacturer already has a definition of what constitutes an idling engine (accelerator pedal at rest position, trans in neutral/park or clutch disengaged, etc). If vehicle speed is zero, and computer doesn't see brake or clutch pedal input (which would show you're behind the wheel, possibly at a stoplight/ short RR xing/ bridge delay) UPS is probably recording this time, to gather information to create a "excessive idling" standard. Add a real time data recorder to count up the # of times engine was started throughout the day. Hint: if your DIAD shows you made 150 stops that day, I'm guessing that data recorder better show at least 150 engine starts.

That's not necessarily true. There are many times that I run off multiple stops at one time. IE Business complexes and next door neighbors in resi areas.

 

[dilligaf]

danny,, please explain this more as some mgrs might disagree with you on this.

Absolutely agree. Even if I am sitting on the floor of my truck, I won't answer ODS's and will only answer customers if directly aproached. Lunch time is MY personal time, not UPS's. I can go up to 1 mile off rte and I don't abuse that (I do, however, push the limit). And the minute a sup starts pushing the issue of when lunch starts I remind them that DOT regulations state (not verbatim) "if I'm in the seat driving I'm on duty". They cannot argue that point, legally or legitamately.

"And lunch starts when the key comes out of the car, not when you head to lunch."
Cold, is this the part you were asking Danny about? If so, you answer is hilighted in red from my earlier post.

 

[LastBest&Final]

Coldworld, I couldn't agree more with you. One honest mistake shouldn't get someone fired, instead they should go through progressive discipline. Termination for being dishonest needs to have an exact specified list of dishonest acts in the contract. Get rid of all the loose and vague language in the contract. It would lesson the amount the company and the union spends on needless grievance hearings and provide a better understanding to the employees.

 

[LastBest&Final]

Browniehound:

Sorry for being so long. Please at least read the last paragraph.

I had a copy of the Telematics training (both for district management and drivers) on my computer. I went re-read the materials to ensure I didn't misrepresent what we were taught.

First, let me start with the seat belt. Its NOT true that drivers are wearing their belt all the time and backing only when necessary. At least it wasn't true for the 1500 drivers tested.

There was a remarkable change in this behavior when it was presented to the drivers. I was amazed at the relatively low seat belt usage when the system was first put in. Its now higher than 99.8%

Next, recording while driving. Again, I was surprised at how high the usage was before implementation.

I know you want to focus on the bulkhead door issue. I don't know what to say. The methods say to close it, so close it. I once posted that when I was a driver, I didn't close the door all the time. If my sup came up and said that I had to close it and that he would know if I didn't.... Well, I would start closing the door and move on.

The system has also found much excessive idle time going on. I'm not talking about 10 degree weather and the driver is just trying to get through the day. I'm talking about pure unnecessary idling. This reduction alone saves a tremendous amount of fuel. Feeder has been monitoring this since the early 1990's.

The tests have shown that from an automotive side, road calls are reduced and maintenance expense is also reduced. This is a major part of telematics savings.

You say its a waste of money. Think about it. UPS does NOT spend money without tremendous thought. (Sometimes we think way too much). Why would the management committee spend so much money if it were a waste?

This system started in one building in Georgia and proved to save money. It then moved to two, then three, then to 1500 drivers. This year its moving to one center in each district and one whole district (somewhere in New England).

There is a very easy way to prove that this is a waste of money. If BEFORE the system is put in their center, all drivers in started wearing their seat belt, eliminating idle time, closing the bulkhead, etc. then the system would show no savings. So far this has not been the case.

Last thing... I may be wrong but I think its a misconception that "The contract states information from technology can't used to disipline an employee". We were told that the contract now allows discipline based on thechnology but is limited. Here is the article: "No employee shall be discharged on a first offense if such discharge is based solely upon
information received from GPS or any successor system unless he/she engages in dishonesty"

P-Man

Why not wire the seat belt and the bulk head door sensors with the relay that won't let you shift out of park until you step on the brakes? It would ensure a 100% compliance.

 

[pretzel_man]

Why not wire the seat belt and the bulk head door sensors with the relay that won't let you shift out of park until you step on the brakes? It would ensure a 100% compliance.

I don't know why they chose this approach. Maybe it was cheaper and easier to implement. Maybe the device they purchased was already programmed to do this.

It doesn't change what is being asked.

P-Man

 

[pkgdriver]

That's not necessarily true. There are many times that I run off multiple stops at one time. IE Business complexes and next door neighbors in resi areas.

Yep Dilli,that's the way I was taught to do it if it applies. Fewer times out of an 86 P1000... the better.

 

[dilligaf]

Yep Dilli,that's the way I was taught to do it if it applies. Fewer times out of an 86 P1000... the better.

Ehhh gads, I hate those old trucks that you have to climb into on your hands and knees! LOL

 

[scratch]

Ehhh gads, I hate those old trucks that you have to climb into on your hands and knees! LOL

When the bottom of your kneecap is level with the lowest step on your package car, you know its going to be a long day. I hate the old P800 and P1000s, along with their manual steering. If I run 150 stops out of one of these, it beats me to death.