UPS Trucks Becoming Cooler To Drive Around Connecticut, U.S.

CONNECTICUT — When delivering packages in Connecticut neighborhoods, driving around in those brown UPS delivery trucks is about to become even cooler.

UPS officials last week announced the package delivery giant has reached an agreement with the Teamsters union 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," UPS officials said.

Here is an overview of the measures taken, according to UPS officials:

• UPS will equip all newly purchased U.S. small package delivery vehicles with air conditioning starting Jan. 1, 2024. Where possible, new vehicles will be allocated to the hottest parts of the country first.
• UPS is installing cab fans in package cars, providing "additional airflow for drivers." Package cars will have a cab fan retrofitted within 30 days of the contract ratification. A second fan will be put into vehicles without air conditioning by June 1, 2024.
• Exhaust heat shields will be put in cargo floors. Exhaust heat shields minimize heat conduction from the powertrain into the floor of the vehicle. Preliminary tests show that these shields can "reduce the floor temperature by up to 17 degrees." UPS has agreed that they will be included in the production of new package cars "moving forward" and retrofitted into existing package cars within 18 months of the contract ratification.
• Cargo area forced air induction scoop air intake systems will be installed to bring fresh air from the front of vehicles into the cargo area. UPS has agreed that they will be included in the production of new package cars "moving forward" and retrofitted into existing package cars within 18 months of the contract ratification.