TORRINGTON – They may not wear red suits and have long white beards, but the familiar rumble of their trucks and the ring of the doorbell sparks just as much excitement.
From dolls to video games, from frying pans to grandpa’s new recliner, these guys have delivered it all, and though they may not drive sleighs pulled by flying reindeer, their brown UPS trucks get them just as far.
David Gerrard and Troy Hunt are just two of Torrington’s UPS drivers who help deliver millions of packages a day nationwide. With the additional packages flowing through the system during the holiday season, Gerrard and Hunt appreciate their jobs, their community and their coworkers a little extra.
Like every worker, Gerrard and Hunt face a set of obstacles unique to their job.
“Dogs,” was the first answer for both of them when asked what obstacles they face.
Especially in rural areas outside of Torrington, Gerrard and Hunt literally faceoff with dogs off leash. Both have been bitten more than once and both have learned to always face the dog when approaching the door with a package so as to prevent any chance of a sneak attack from behind.
“They’re just doing their jobs,” Hunt said, “but it’s hard because I am, too.”
Weather usually makes itself a challenge during this time of year as well, but a fairly warm winter thus far and little snow has made deliveries much easier. Snow and ice are hard enough to drive on but add to that a hand-me-down truck with 400,000 miles on it and pack it full of packages, and that is a recipe for a long day of deliveries.
On-time deliveries are becoming increasingly difficult for companies across the country. Supply shortages, labor shortages and inflation all cause delays further up the chain than local delivery drivers have control over.
“Logistics is nuts,” Hunt said. “We do 10 or 11 hours every day – 12 hours now – and it’s just back-to-back and there’s people that are impatient or will get upset…It’s a weather delay in Kentucky and a plane can’t leave and that delays us.”
Gerrard and Hunt assure each person on their routes will get their packages, even if it turns out to be a little later than originally planned.
“If you don’t get your package that day,” Gerrard said, “you’re gonna get it the next day or the next day after that. It will get delivered by us. We always make sure that it does.”
“On top of your neighbor, the guy down the road, to the loop and back,” Hunt added on.
It is especially important to remember to fill up on gas when delivering in rural areas where there are not any gas stations, and if the gas gauge does not work, like the one in Gerrard’s truck.
“My truck’s gas gauge doesn’t work,” Gerrard said, laughing. “I’m running on ‘E’ all day long.”
Some drivers drive hundreds of miles every day to make sure packages get delivered. From Chugwater to just north of Cheyenne, one driver makes the rounds to drop off dozens of packages every day.
“We have one driver that drives 240 miles,” Gerrard said. “He fills up and hopefully he can make it back because there’s no other gas stations around.”
The days can be full of long working hours from 10 a.m. to hours long after others have arrived home.
“People always think we’re working late,” Gerrard said. “We actually don’t start until 10:30 or 11. So when we’re delivering at six o’clock at night, eight o’clock at night, we’ve only been actually on for seven or eight hours.”
Because Torrington UPS is a satellite location, there is no need for drivers to come into work before the day’s load from other locations comes in. They might be out working late, but they get to sleep in the next morning.
If anyone has ever wondered how drivers spend their time delivering packages when they’re by themselves, don’t worry. They stay busy, focusing on the next stop, planning the fastest route to the next stop and putting on podcasts to keep them company. Hunt has been with UPS for over seven years and learned soon after starting the benefits of a different podcast every day over the same music every single shift.
“I used to do music,” Hunt said. “After like four years of doing this job, I’d memorized every song I’ve ever listened to.”
In providing what has become an essential service, Gerrard and Hunt have found satisfaction and maybe even joy in their jobs. The smiles they bring and the excitement that comes with them as they deliver packages give a certain sense of fulfillment to their work lives.
“I like servicing the community,” Hunt said. “It’s a lot as a job, but then when you see people smile or how appreciative they are once you complete it, it’s really cool.”
Along with bringing joy (and packages) to people, the logistic side of the job appeals to many drivers who enjoy beating personal bests and making every day a competition for themselves.
“I like going out and just delivering packages and making sure people get their deliveries every day,” Gerrard agreed. “My goal is just to make sure I get all my stops in.”
The increased workload can take a lot out of a person, but Gerrard and Hunt are lucky enough to have a team they can rely on.
“My work superiors really taught me a lot,” Hunt said. “We’re a team here in Torrington…We help each other out…When a driver breaks down, you go save them and deliver stuff. We work really good as a unit so I’m thankful for that, and a really cool community. I’m telling you, there’s a ton of people who are super appreciative.”
