Simple hacks for the UPS driver - On topic please

[soberups]

I'd like to start a thread to share simple "hacks" that could make things easier for drivers. Here are a few that I have come up with during my 28 year career.

This is the "zip tie Mag Light holder." All you need is a zip tie and a Phillips head screwdriver to solve the problem of keeping your flashlight handy. The location may vary according to the model of truck you drive but the idea is the same.

 

[soberups]

The same trick can be used to keep a Squeegee handy. I bought mine for $1 at a dollar store, its perfect for keeping my mirrors clear on rainy days.

 

[soberups]

Bungee cords are a drivers best friend. I use one to keep a roll of paper towels handy. I have a roll bungeed to the overhead vent, above my rear-view monitor. Its totally out of the way yet easy accessible. I just removed a roll from one of the paper towel dispensers in the locker room, there are several of them in our building and the janitor refills them when empty. Very handy for cleaning windows or dirty hands! Mounting location may vary according to vehicle type.

 

[soberups]

Large, flat irregs that wont fit on a shelf can be stood upright and bungeed to the lip of the shelf so that you arent walking on them or tripping over them all day.

 

[soberups]

An empty milk crate or plastic cat litter bucket makes an excellent receptacle for tire chains and a trailer stinger if your car is so equipped. Use a bungee cord to secure it into the back corner. An attachment point for a bungee hook can be made by loosening one of the nuts on the back door frame with a 1/2" wrench. This keeps chains and stingers from sliding all over the floor and getting in the way.

 

[IVE GOTTA PACKAGE 4U]

I make sure to have a spare pair of underwear. Just in case I have a really bad day.

 

[olroadbeech]

in feeder everything in the cab has to be secured or put in a box on the catwalk behind the cab.

you are right, bungees, zip ties, duct tape, are all good friends to have.

several drivers have been killed ( none UPS ) when they had a rollover and tire chains hit their heads.

DOT told us that but they very rarely if ever enforce that. it's just good common sense.

 

[FrigidFTSup]

You're like McGyver. Very interesting and practical ideas.

 

[joeboodog]

One of my customers gave me this container to keep biscuits in. It belonged to a little white fuzzy dog that would love my visits and when she passed away they gave me her treat box.

 

[Johney]

That flashlight wouldn't last one night in our building. You can't leave anything in our p/c's it will vanish. Handcarts during peak? If it's not locked down? Gone.

 

[FrigidFTSup]

Handcarts during peak? If it's not locked down? Gone.

Stop at the closest mall. I found 3 UPS carts during my last stop there. Air driver swung by Monday morning and magically everybody had access to a cart.

 

[Billy Ray]

The same trick can be used to keep a Squeegee handy. I bought mine for $1 at a dollar store, its perfect for keeping my mirrors clear on rainy days.
View attachment 57837

....that's every day, right?

 

[Turdferguson]

A sprig of fresh mint in your shoe will give you that shower fresh feeling all day long

 

[1BROWNWRENCH]

An empty milk crate or plastic cat litter bucket makes an excellent receptacle for tire chains and a trailer stinger if your car is so equipped. Use a bungee cord to secure it into the back corner. An attachment point for a bungee hook can be made by loosening one of the nuts on the back door frame with a 1/2" wrench. This keeps chains and stingers from sliding all over the floor and getting in the way.
View attachment 57840

Good way the stop the floor getting all beat down by the stinger.

 

[1BROWNWRENCH]

Just don't bungee stuff to the defroster ducts. They were never meant to support anything at all and will break apart. It's just thin plastic.

 

[soberups]

That flashlight wouldn't last one night in our building. You can't leave anything in our p/c's it will vanish. Handcarts during peak? If it's not locked down? Gone.

My flashlight goes in my locker at night. As far as handtrucks go, you guys need to start filing grievances. The contract language is quite clear and the solution is simple.

 

[soberups]

Ok smart ass... Why is it in the cab all over the dash board?

My truck gets washed once a month if I am lucky, and half of my route is gravel roads.

 

[1BROWNWRENCH]

My truck gets washed once a month if I am lucky, and half of my route is gravel roads.

Mind the rocks that may get in the door track before trying to close it

 

[1BROWNWRENCH]

Put a rubber band on your DR bag spindle so it doesn't get pulled into the keyless pogostick.

 

[soberups]

No driver should be without a 1/2" box wrench. A cheap old rusty one works just fine. All mirror bolts on package cars are 1/2", so having a wrench allows you to tighten and adjust your mirrors as needed.