Delivery Workers Finally Receive Air Conditioning Units In Trucks To Give Them Comfort & Safety

Jul 11, 2023

Delivery workers have been very essential in American culture. From delivering your mail and packages on a timely basis to braving the heavy traffic and unattended dogs on one’s porch, one would not actually think that they have the easiest job out there. 

Despite their exhausting job, it is surprising to know that their trucks and vehicles are not equipped with the necessary tools to make their jobs much more efficient and easier. Turns out, the popular delivery service United Parcel Services (UPS) was not offering air-conditioned trucks until they agreed on June 2023 that they would start installing cooling functions on their new trucks nationwide. 

In a statement that UPS shared on their website, they revealed they had consolidated feedback from their units and are now agreeing on new heat safety measures that would benefit their employees. 

“We have reached an agreement with the Teamsters on new heat safety measures that build on important actions UPS rolled out to employees in the spring, which included new cooling gear and enhanced training. We care deeply about our people, and their safety remains our top priority. Heat safety is no exception,” they explained. 

UPS clarified that they have been “open to solutions” that keep their employees safe during hot days. They pointed out that their smaller units have raised that air conditioning units would be the “top priority” measure that they need for their members. 

“The Teamsters raised A/C as a top priority for their members, and the new solutions we’ve agreed to will improve airflow, temperature and comfort for our employees,” they pointed out.

UPS’s big move to enact changes on their end is quite a monumental one. In the same statement, they said that they would continue to consult with experts and scientists to determine the right approach to come up with the best solution yet. 

“We know coming to work rested and staying hydrated are the most effective methods for staying safe in the heat,” they said. 

Based on the new agreement, adjustments would be made on the newly-purchased vehicles to be provided to the hottest part of the country first by January 2024. 

UPS would be improving airflow and creating heat barriers in the cargo area. They have also agreed to create a task force that would be focused only on exploring further solutions to effectively cool the place. 

Cab fans would also be installed on package cars to package cars to provide more airflow for their drivers. Additional fans would be installed on existing vehicles on June 2024. 

Cargo Floors would also be equipped with new heat shields to minimize the heat inside. New tests made by the company said that it would reduce the floor temperature to 17 degrees Fahrenheit. 

“We have agreed that these will be included in the production of new package cars moving forward and retrofitted into existing package cars within 18 months of contract ratification,” the company said. 

Lastly, an air vent will be installed in the cargo area to ensure that drivers and assistants inside would get fresh air. The said improvement would both be added to new cars and existing vehicles. 

“Enhancements to existing vehicles described above will be made to our standard package cars, which represent approximately 95% of our U.S. package delivery fleet, and in remaining vehicles where designs permit,” the statement concluded. 

What can you say about the delivery service’s new business move for their workers? Do you think that it should be imperative in the first place? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones who you think need to know about this!