I just signed up to be a driver going to be getting training soon then probably start driving.. Any tips for newbies? Whats the hardest part about being a driver? Is it hard to find your way around and try finding where each package goes? For some reason i have a feeling of getting lost out there on the road and not know where im going lol thanx
Tips for new drivers
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P
pickup
Guest
better minds than mine will respond to this but let me just say two things, don't hit nuthin' And depending where you are will make this advice more or less important. Stay hydrated, if you are heat exhausted, your awareness will just be about your body and not your truck and the things around your truck .
dannyboy
From the promised LAND
Stay focused on the job. Most important, stay focused on driving safe.
Now, you will be tempted to think that all this new and strange stuff is overwhelming. And it is. But remember, there have been a lot of UPSers to come before you, and they did it. They learned the routes, the short cuts etc. So unless you are really short on brains, it should be OK.
Dont get overly frustrated either. IF you get overwhelmed, just take a few seconds to regroup your mind.
And probably the best would be to find a driver that has at least 10-15 years in to mentor you. Dont ask him to do it for you, but to teach you how he does it.
d
Now, you will be tempted to think that all this new and strange stuff is overwhelming. And it is. But remember, there have been a lot of UPSers to come before you, and they did it. They learned the routes, the short cuts etc. So unless you are really short on brains, it should be OK.
Dont get overly frustrated either. IF you get overwhelmed, just take a few seconds to regroup your mind.
And probably the best would be to find a driver that has at least 10-15 years in to mentor you. Dont ask him to do it for you, but to teach you how he does it.
d
raceanoncr
Well-Known Member
P
pickup
Guest
slow and steady wins the race
fast and deadly smashes your face
fast and deadly smashes your face
MR_Vengeance
United Parcel Survivor
I don't know how many stops they send out rookies with now days, I can only imagine it's getting harder to make the cut now vs back in my days. The most important part is to remember where you going. Get a map of the route and highlight the area and streets, drive your own car on the route for the weekend, Get a feel of the area, mark down the even and odd number side of the streets if that helps. first few days expect nothing, pick up the speed as you go along into the second week. good luck.........
dannyboy
From the promised LAND
Lets put it this way.
You are invited to a party of UPS drivers. You dont know one, not one. So when you get there, your sup introduces you to all of them and they to you. All 250 of them. And of course, they all look alike, as they are all wearing brown
Now, right after the party, which you left right after meeting the last driver, I ask you what their names were, in the order you met them.
Would be pretty hard to do, wouldn't it. Only after you spend some time with the group of drivers would you be able to know the main 10%, an as time went on, more. Of course, anything that happens to make a driver really stand out, that name would be remembered earlier.
Same thing with a route. You will remember things that stand out pretty quick. But on the first few days, your mind will be on overload.
And believe it or not, the first day on your own is the day you will learn the most. Dont sweat it.
One last thing, once you punch out, punch out. Dont take UPS home with you.
d
You are invited to a party of UPS drivers. You dont know one, not one. So when you get there, your sup introduces you to all of them and they to you. All 250 of them. And of course, they all look alike, as they are all wearing brown
Now, right after the party, which you left right after meeting the last driver, I ask you what their names were, in the order you met them.
Would be pretty hard to do, wouldn't it. Only after you spend some time with the group of drivers would you be able to know the main 10%, an as time went on, more. Of course, anything that happens to make a driver really stand out, that name would be remembered earlier.
Same thing with a route. You will remember things that stand out pretty quick. But on the first few days, your mind will be on overload.
And believe it or not, the first day on your own is the day you will learn the most. Dont sweat it.
One last thing, once you punch out, punch out. Dont take UPS home with you.
d
Everyday you will be behind and everyday will have new challenges, but don't get down or try to catch up by driving crazy. You can't make up time by driving, and don't worry about it. They will send help and don't feel bad because you need it. At the end of the day all will be okay and just stay focused. If you live in an area that is really hot takes LOTS AND LOTS of water and learn how to use a PIt stop bottle....LOL
M
Mike23
Guest
If you feel like crying then cry 
Livin the Dream?
Disillusioned UPSer
It will really depend on what type of delivery vehicle they are using by the time you actually drive - my guess is that packages will simply be "transported" ala Star Trek
Been a year since I passed Integrad in MD. Still have Big Arms
Been a year since I passed Integrad in MD. Still have Big Arms
Catatonic
Nine Lives
ups1990
Well-Known Member
First of all, bring a lunch.
Bring water. Put some in the freezer overnight, you'll have cold water all day.
Buy a thomas brothers map book.
If you stay on the same route. Ask a fellow driver(s) on how best to run it.
Your frame of mind should be, "I'll probably be staying out late" By the third and fourth day, trust me, things will look better.
Drive safe, work safe while working with a sense of urgency.
Look around at the different drivers. Some are Men, Women, tall, short, slim, fat. Tell yourself. They can do it, so can I.
Bring water. Put some in the freezer overnight, you'll have cold water all day.
Buy a thomas brothers map book.
If you stay on the same route. Ask a fellow driver(s) on how best to run it.
Your frame of mind should be, "I'll probably be staying out late" By the third and fourth day, trust me, things will look better.
Drive safe, work safe while working with a sense of urgency.
Look around at the different drivers. Some are Men, Women, tall, short, slim, fat. Tell yourself. They can do it, so can I.
rod
Retired 22 years
longlunchguy
Runnin on Empty
Lots of good advice I, personally, have been a half hour behind for the last 10 years. If I can do it, so can you. But it does take time.
bigbrownhen
Well-Known Member
You will be overwelmed the first week or so, especially the first day by yourself on route. Just remain calm and do the job safely. Drive Safe, Work safe. Most important. Once you get the hang of things and think you got this, they will throw you a curve ball, over dispatch and give you a new area you don't know. Your first 30 days will be stressful, but you can do it, we have all been there. Good luck and be safe.
Post here and let us know how its going. There are alot of good people here who can give a little advice.
Post here and let us know how its going. There are alot of good people here who can give a little advice.
