I don't disagree with you. And I get it sucks. I'm not trying to be a phallus when I say this: This is a business, and it needs to be run like one. UPS is always going to be looking to reduce windshield time, because windshield time is a cost with no revenue associated. While drivers get paid to drive and deliver, the customer only pays UPS to deliver. I have said for years, UPS has a simple business model that has allowed it to remain profitable if not competitive. It pays a total compensation package to its service providers that is way above anything the competition pays, and then it beats them like rented mules to get its money's worth. Not saying it's right, and I know it sucks (other than the paycheck) but that's how it is.
Hopefully it will not reduce helpers per say- Say instead of dropping a helper off with a handcart and a diad to walk off an apartment building, you met a PVD and gave them the apartment? or a small neighborhood (say the one with the gated communities and long driveways)? And if that PVD was a preloader who came out in his car and made PVD money for a few hours (as long as he could stay under ICC), that's a win-win isn't it? Anyway, that is what I would be looking to do if possible were I still in a center. And I'd give most of my drivers a jumper as well. Again, if possible.
From a center management perspective, I could also see this thing being a huge cluster. Peak drivers have always gotten the least challenging work, or cake work as you put it. Because with few exceptions, in my experience, that is all they can handle. So in my center, that usually meant giving Peak routes the business and pickups leaving the knowledgeable drivers to do the resi. I am not sure how some Joe Shmoe off the street is supposed to efficiently run off 20 resi stops out of a 4 door sedan. Even with an app telling him where to go.
