Our Tireless UPS Delivery People!

I read this article a couple of days ago, it’s only a year old, so I bet there’s still much truth to it. It really blew me away! Wow, everything about these people is tracked and that would drive me (pardon the pun) nuts!

I won’t regurgitate the entire article, but I will list a few things that really stood out to me:

1. They’re always being watched! Apparently that little computer they carry (called a “Delivery Information Acquisition Device,” or DIAD) around tracks their every move, including when they leave the “package cars” (truck) and how much time it takes them to make their rounds. They are actually being timed…and have literally been trained to have a sense of urgency! Take note, USPS, holy fricking Christmas, do you people need this training (or at least a sense of “Yes, we understand you’ve been in line for an hour-and-a-half, and we’ll do our best to get you back out there, and not spend so much time chatting up the gal in front of you and acting like we have all the time in the world…”)!
2. They go to boot camp! Okay, that sounds cool. I’d assumed as much, just never called it as such.
3. Backing up is discouraged! They could run into things…and people!
4. They don’t drive “trucks”! As I mentioned above. See #1.
5. They’d like us to meet them halfway! This one interested me the most. Really? I’d love to do that…but I thought that might be frowned upon, for, you know, maybe appearing too aggressive and “getting up in their grill,” and all. I will gladly do this! See second-to-last paragraph, below!
6. Facial hair is frowned upon. Okay, I can see this…a little (it’s an appearance they want to put forth), but to have military-style regs about it? Yeah…that’s a bit much….
7. They don’t turn left! Ha! Loved this one! Their routes are all planned to not make left-hand turns! I’ve heard of stuff like this! It takes time and slows them down! And, they say that it has saved them “100 million gallons of gas and reduced carbon emissions by 100,000 metric tons since 2004.” Wow!

Well, you can read the rest of the article. It was quite eye-opening. In any event, I do greatly appreciate how the drivers do give the best service, are always friendly, and always professional—and I especially love their sense of urgency! Thank you all for your efforts, dedication, and cheery attitudes!

Now, this is so freaking funny! Synchronistic! As I was writing this, the UPS “package car” actually pulled up in front of the house! So, yes, I darted out front to meet them halfway! And the young buck I met up with met me with a big smile and a friendly, professional manner! Thanks, UPS Guy!

Now, y’all do your part in helping them out!