Learning to expect the unexpected keeps UPS drivers safe on the road

‘I have a lot more to offer the company – I love what I do’
DJenkins3025-1440x752.jpg DJenkins3025-768x760.jpg DJenkins3025-1023x960.jpg

Earn it: Darryl Jenkins isn’t shy about what he does well – and he shouldn’t be. After 35 years at UPS, you could say he’s learned a thing or two about safety. And as a 30-year safe driver and Circle of Honor member, Darryl is now committed to sharing his knowledge with the next generation.  

An experienced hand: Darryl has served on his center’s safety committee for 10 years, teaching other full- and part-time operations employees important safety methods that protect themselves and others on and off the road.  

“As a driver, you have to expect the unexpected. We never anticipate anything bad happening, but you gotta be ready for it. The most important thing is getting home safe to your family,” he said. 

UPS has a network of more than 500 safety professionals dedicated to protecting the company’s workforce. Local safety committees directly involve Teamsters-represented employees in the health and safety of their colleagues. There are more than 3,200 local safety committees in UPS facilities globally and more than 2,700 in the U.S. 

Putting in the hours: Combined, U.S. operations employees like Darryl completed five million hours of training in 2022. It’s a commitment to train the best of the best and keep them safe on the job. 

UPS has helped me get to where I want to be in my career. When I retire, I won’t ever have to work again. I have a lot more to offer the company, as well as these new employees, and I don’t have a time frame [in mind],” Darryl said. 

Set for life: Today, Darryl is lucky to count his brother, brother-in-law and nephew among his co-workers and takes pride in their shared success. While retirement isn’t yet on the horizon, Darryl said he tells his kids that when the time comes, he’ll live on the water and fish every day. But today is not that day.  

This is not just a job, this is a career. I would recommend it to anyone,” Darryl said. “In my experience, my customers treat me like I’m a part of their business, like I’m a part of their family. I love what I do.”  

Did you know? The Circle of Honor is an elite group of UPS drivers who have not had an accident for 25 years or more. Today there are over 10,000 active Circle of Honor members like Darryl, boasting a combined 37,000 years of safe driving. 

Read more stories like this in the UPS Jobs and Opportunity Report. 

Related Stories