UPS drivers are facing dangerous working conditions as the company’s transition to electric and alternative-fuel vehicles leaves many without air conditioning in extreme summer heat. Despite new contract terms requiring AC in vehicles purchased after January 1, 2024, the majority of trucks on the road still lack cooling systems, leading to interior temperatures reportedly reaching over 120 degrees.
Drivers have reported heat exhaustion, cramping, and even fainting on their routes. Many carry gallons of water, but union representatives say the company’s high-tech monitoring systems pressure workers to limit breaks, flagging pauses as inefficiencies. The Teamsters union has called the conditions unacceptable, demanding faster implementation of promised air-conditioned trucks.
UPS claims to be ahead of schedule and has provided fans, ice, and cooling equipment, while awaiting delivery of newer AC-equipped models. However, supply chain issues and costs have delayed full deployment. The company is also integrating electric vehicles gradually, but the current rollout has left much of the fleet outdated and vulnerable to extreme heat.
The situation raises concerns about worker safety amid regulatory and environmental shifts. While the transition to clean energy is ongoing, labor groups argue that basic protections must remain a priority. Without federal standards on heat safety, workers are relying on slow contractual changes while delivering in record-high temperatures.
