Posted on 04/06/2014 7:26:42 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
In 2004, UPS announced a new policy for its drivers: the right way to get to any destination was to avoid left-hand turns. Even if that means following this route that a UPS driver described to an incredulous press member:
"We're gonna make a right turn onto 135th to Western. We'll make another right on Western down to 139th. Righ turn on 139th and go down to the end of the block and we'll make another right turn."
When better tracking systems emerged in 2001, the package delivery service took a closer look at how trucks performed when delivering packages. As a logistics company with some 96,000 trucks and several hundred aircraft, much of UPS's business can be distilled to a series of optimization problems around reducing the amount of fuel used, saving time, and using space more efficiently. (Trucks in UPS facilities park just a few inches apart with their side mirrors overlapping to save space.)
UPS engineers found that left-hand turns were a major drag on efficiency. Turning against traffic resulted in long waits in left-hand turn lanes that wasted time and fuel, and it also led to a disproportionate number of accidents. By mapping out routes that involved "a series of right-hand loops," UPS improved profits and safety while touting their catchy, environmentally friendly policy. As of 2012, the right turn rule combined with other improvements -- for the wow factor, UPS doesn't separate them out -- saved around 10 million gallons of gas and reduced emissions by the equivalent of taking 5,300 cars of the road for a year.
Describing the policy in a speech, the CEO of UPS told his audience, "I can see a few of you smiling out there, and I know what you may be thinking. But it really works."
If you don't believe it, well, that's why Mythbusters exists. The program sent a truck out to deliver packages following a normal route and a left turn hating UPS route. They found the UPS approach saved gas but took a bit longer:
Mythbusters likely failed to save time on the route by following the rule even more stringently than UPS. While the no left turn rule has an appealingly simple and algorithmic quality to it, you will see UPS drivers take left turns on occasion, especially in residential neighborhoods without much incoming traffic. Asked how often UPS drivers turn right, a driver told ABC:
"A guesstimate, I would probably say 90%. I mean we really, really hate left turns at UPS."
Since UPS uses software to map out routes, it can send drivers on right turn heavy routes while making exceptions when a left turn is easier and faster. As an amicable senior VP of the company said in an interview about the rule, "That's why I love the engineers, they just love to continue to figure out how to make it better."
Except in the countries with left-hand traffic, where I assume the routes favor left-hand turns.
LOL, my mother and sister avoid left hand turns at all cost. Mom started driving in 1965.
Heck, everyone who lived in California when I lived there knew the same thing - especially in Los Angeles where they still have very few sissy lights (i.e., left turn arrows). You may have to wait several cycles to make your turn.
Ford Fusion ‘tis not a truck.... but see post #9..... :)
I can’t tell you how many times I see some dipwad in a car trying to make a left turn across traffic with a left hand turn lane from a gas station, etc. on the corner that also has an exit on the cross street where either a left-left turn (with signal) or three quick rights could save them time. Yet they just sit there demanding a dumbass left turn.
There’s a reason they have jug ear loops in New Jersey.
Oh' you are thinking much too small..
Big Gov won't be so blatant as to offer up an “allowable” route.
When the "OMVCA" ( Obama Motor vehicle Control Act) goes into effect, you will be offered a menu of options when you try and turn your car on:
Key or speak in your destination
Option 1. Walk or ride bike to destination: Earn 100 carbon credits
Option 2. Take pubic transportation: Earn 50 carbon credits
Option 3. Drive predetermined government approved route: Fee of 5 cents per mile driven
Option 4. Disregard Government mandated options: Fee of 25 cents per mile driven.
Thank you for your voluntary participation in saving our future from Climate Change.
You may now start your vehicle
Failure to pay "Fee" immediately after trip will disable your vehicle until fees are fully paid...
Haha, so funny you post that. I immediately started wondering what number was the UPS driver...
That's not how it works at all. They raise their prices to whatever they want. They make huge profits. They don't pay their workers any money. Then they dump chemicals into reservoirs after they kick puppies.
I feel vindicated. My family has made fun of me for years because I plan my routes to avoid left turns unless there’s a left turn light. It seemed like defensive driving common sense.
They also never, at least almost never, back up. That’s pretty self explanatory but it’s a good policy for everyone. If you must reverse do it in as short a space as possible.
And slowly!!
FedEx and UPS are merging. They will be called FedUp.
I worked in Montgomery, Al for 2 years. That is the most unfriendly left hand turn area I’ve ever been in. Trust me, you’ll go out of your way to avoid left turns.
That scenario is so likely to come true.
Sad but very likely.
UPS is properly pronounced “OOPS” based on the quality of their service. And the particular color of brown they paint their trucks is also highly appropriate.
A company that continues to go in circles will never grow beyond its current scope. It takes courage to venture out and make a left hand turn, it is neither a waste nor folly.
I remember when UPS came out with this several years ago, so I’ve sorta watched....the local drivers in our area turn left as often as they turn right.
Capitalism and innovative thinking at its finest.
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