Time is running out to ensure mailed holiday items arrive on time.
An estimated 2.2 billion packages will be shipped this holiday season, according to ShipMatrix Inc.
The last day for FedEx Ground Economy is Friday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 18 is the deadline for US Postal Service ground and first class mail. Procrastinators have until December 23 to FedEx overnight And UPS next day by air.
Meeting these deadlines requires a workforce of more than 1.5 million drivers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Here’s a look at how UPS operates as the holiday season is in full swing.
Behind the scenes at UPS
CBS News correspondent Nancy Chen went behind the scenes at a UPS training center in Chicago. It is one of 13 so-called Integrad training centers around the world, where more than 100,000 drivers have graduated since 2019.
“Every driver must complete this training, including annual training afterward,” said Ryan King, Chen’s instructor for the day.
King explained that they use a clear truck as a tool to teach organization.
“They have hundreds of stops a day and hundreds of packages, so it’s very important that they are able to find the package efficiently,” he said.
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Chen then learns the basics, including donning special shoes and a safety harness to simulate icy and slippery conditions.
She also practiced driving on their simulator.
“There are a lot of pedestrians on the streets here, so we have to make eye contact. We’re going to blow that horn,” King said during practice.
Ride with UPS
After the training, Chen rode alongside Sharon Pascoe, who had no accidents in her 35 years delivering for UPS.
Pascoe said she loves the people in this position the most, but she has one message this holiday season: “If you shop early, it will ship early.” This is the best way to get everything on time,” she said.
Another tip for getting your gifts where they need to be delivered on time is choosing the right packaging to reduce weight. Envelopes can sometimes be cheaper than boxes.
Also remember to print two copies of the label. One for the outside – just in case something happens to the package – and another for the inside as a backup.