SIVACRACY.NET: UPS Working To Minimize Left Turns

Sounds like some sort of creepy conservative political initiative, doesn't it? But actually, it's an effort to speed up delivery time, according to this article (via NTodd) which touts software that reportedly makes UPS drivers more productive. Here's an excerpt:

Collectively, the hundreds of UPS trucks driven in Minnesota have cut an estimated 353,755 miles over the past two years.

The software also allows better route planning. That already is something of a science at UPS, which has sought to minimize the number of left turns a driver must make, wasting time waiting for oncoming traffic before turning.

The software sounds terrific from a technology standpoint, but I suspect the drivers have to work harder than ever if they are now making more deliveries per day.

Comments

I worked for UPS as a temporary driver's helper during the Christmas season of 1988. I have never worked so hard or been so miserable in my life. You have to run, no sprint, to get every package delivered. And you don't go home until you get every package delivered... somewhere. If you come back with undelivered parcels it is severely frowned upon and affects your performance appraisals adversely.

Posted by: Jardinero1 | December 21, 2006 06:49 PM

yes, i have heard of the way they drive their delivery people. supervisors determine a top time, not an average time, for a route, and set that as the expectancy. i.e., +2 standard deviations above a normal performance is expected. if it can be done, then everyone should be able to do it i.e., all drivers are expected to be above average.

so, when on a new route or when being periodically evaluated, the drivers all know to drag their feet and keep that top time down.

Posted by: prowan | December 22, 2006 10:48 AM

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