UPS Lane Policy (all you need to know)
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There’s nothing better than watching that big brown truck come to a stop after waiting for a much-anticipated package — that is, until the UPS driver drops the package at you or tries to get back into your driveway.
While this is not how most UPS drivers handle packages, some of them are either extremely averse to lanes or use them too often – so what is UPS’s lane policy? If you want to know, keep reading!
2022 UPS Lane Policy
The official UPS driveway policy is that in 2022 no driver should drive into a residential driveway under any circumstances. They are expected to park on the side of the road and walk to the house to deliver the package – however, this may not be realistic due to efficiency standards that drivers must adhere to and the length of some lanes.
If you’re interested in learning why your UPS courier seems to hate the driveway, or want to keep your courier out of your lane, keep reading!
Why are UPS drivers not allowed to use the lane?
UPS’s official driveway policy is that under no circumstances should drivers enter a residential driveway while delivering packages.
There are a number of reasons why this policy has been implemented, namely that it takes longer to drive into the lane, reducing the efficiency of drivers when delivering packages.
This also creates the possibility of costly damage or accidents.
While this standard sounds reasonable in theory, many UPS drivers (and even some customers) have pointed out that in practice, this policy can create some serious problems.
The first problem with the lane policy is that UPS requires its drivers to meet extremely high efficiency standards.
To help enforce UPS driver efficiency standards, each truck is equipped with a timer and GPS that can track drivers every moment of the day, including restroom breaks and delivery times.
If the driver stays at any given location for more than approximately 15 seconds, the information is transmitted back to the UPS center and recorded by the manager.
In addition to being annoying to have rolling computers for trucks, it means UPS drivers have to find ways to cut corners and spend less and less time at any given address.
Still, many UPS drivers and customers point out that in some common situations, avoiding lanes can actually cost UPS more time and money, not less.
Residential driveways can often be described as smooth paved surfaces 250 feet or less.
However, some residential driveways go far beyond that definition.
Many residents in rural areas have loose gravel driveways up to a quarter mile long.
So a policy tells drivers they have to walk into the driveway to deliver a package, which takes longer than driving to the door.
This means that many UPS drivers are forced to choose between efficiency ratings and current standards, which could cost them their jobs, and current standards that cost them their jobs.
So how do UPS drivers respond?
Much depends on the driver and how familiar they are with the route.
For example, some drivers will ignore standards and drive to their door in an effort to protect their efficiency and the customer’s package and experience.
However, other drivers will do their best to comply with the standard while also trying to protect their efficiency.
This means that packages can be left at the end of a long driveway instead of a residence doorway, or the package will be thrown away instead of being placed on the porch.
Either way, these situations are often a lose-lose situation, sacrificing customer satisfaction or driver job security in the name of efficiency.
Another reason UPS gave for the current driveway policy is the potential for a lot of damage to be driven into the driveway with a large UPS package truck.
UPS knows its drivers are in a hurry, and having drivers on the timer in and out of lanes means a higher chance of damage to vehicles or occupants.
If a damage or accident does occur, it will not only cost UPS money to cover the loss, but it will also cost the company valuable time and further reduce efficiency.
This rule tends to be a more reasonable interpretation in terms of requiring drivers to avoid using residential driveways.
However, there are also some UPS drivers who believe that not using the lanes may cause more damage in certain situations.
This is especially true for drivers dealing with uneven, unpaved or long lanes while trying to deliver multiple packages or extra large/oversized packages.
Requiring drivers to stay on the road protects the customer’s garage or parked car from the possibility of being hit by a truck.
However, this puts their packages, not to mention the drivers themselves, at risk.
UPS allows customers to ship hundreds of pounds—now imagine trying to haul a 200-pound package down a long gravel driveway.
According to some drivers, the chances of a damaged package or driver injury are much higher than the chances of an experienced driver hitting a car or garage.
These drivers also noted that damaged packages or injured drivers cost as much, if not more, in money, efficiency and resources than the jingle of a car.
All in all, everyone who understands UPS’s lane policy seems to have a different opinion.
This includes customers who aren’t too happy about packages being left at the end of their driveways or mishandled.
How to keep UPS delivery trucks out of the driveway
There are a large number of customers who are unhappy with the UPS lane policy and the resulting package problems.
However, there are just as many customers who support the policy and want to prevent drivers from using their lanes.
This is most likely because a 5-ton parcel truck would cause damage to an average paved residential driveway.
However, it can also be due to various other reasons, such as damage to the lawn or it’s just a general nuisance.
Whatever your reason for wanting to dissuade delivery drivers from using your driveway, the best first step is to consider why your driveway might be pulled in.
If it’s just because they don’t want to walk 250 feet to the door, you can put up a sign that says “No Delivery Trucks” in a hard-to-miss spot.
You might also consider putting gates or traffic cones at driveway entrances.
You can also post a sign and leave a comment in the Driver Notes section of your UPS My Choice account to leave your package elsewhere.
If the truck seems to be using your driveway as a convenient place to turn, your best bet might be a gate, a traffic cone, or park your car at the end of the driveway.
In any event, if a UPS delivery truck is causing a problem with your driveway, you can always contact UPS Customer Service by visiting this page on the UPS website.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on UPS Attendance Policy, UPS Background Check Policy, and UPS Shoes Policy.
in conclusion
The current UPS driveway policy is that no driver should use the residential driveway under any circumstances – instead, they should pull over to the side of the road, walk down the driveway, and leave their packages at the door of the residence.
The primary reasons for this policy are to help maintain UPS efficiency standards and to help minimize the potential for damage or accidents due to trucks backing up or driving into driveways.
