Nov 25 2008
UPS Hiring Bicyclists
Last night on the evening news there was story about UPS hiring bicyclists to make their deliveries by bike in the area. Apparently UPS is hiring 28 bike delivery employees to make deliveries during the holiday season rush. The company has purchased a small fleet of mountain bikes equipped with a 200 pound capacity trailer and lights.
Reasoning behind this move to bicycles? UPS stated for every three bikes used during the holiday season the company will save $38,000 in vehicle operation and upkeep costs. When asked why the bikes were not painted brown they did not have an answer, however the bike riding employees will be wearing uniforms.
UPS did not mention anything about having less vehicles on the road or being environmentally friendly. It is nice to see a company turning to bicycles, however it would make me want to support them more if the reasons were more environmental green and not financial green.
A footnote to this is UPS was founded in Seattle where they started by making deliveries by bike over 100 years.
No matter the reason why it’s great to see them doing this. Maybe I could get an extra job for the holidays. Maybe they will seen some long term benies to it and continue.
Great news, no matter the reason, I hope something like that is started here in Wales, I’d love a part-time job, especially if it meant I could ride my bike.