In the summers of Bakersfield, California where heat can often be relentless, UPS driver Joel Reyez has spent over 20 years behind the wheel. With 25 total years of service to UPS, Joel continues to led by example when it comes to staying safe. His secret? A blend of personal responsibility, company support and a whole lot of hydration.
"The craft is the job and I'm going to do my best to master it," says Joel. He believes that the tools and training provided by UPS are key to his success. "The company is doing their part; as drivers, we have to do ours," he adds.
How to stay cool as a delivery driver in Bakersfield
Joel's day starts each day with a Bible reading and a three-gallon jug of water—preparing his mind and body for the day ahead.
"Bakersfield is hot," he said. "One of the things that I do is make sure I have water. Plenty of water is key."
He credits UPS for providing water jugs, cooling towels and ice to help drivers stay hydrated. However, hydration is just one part of Joel's routine. He emphasizes the importance of mental and physical preparation, arriving to work early and thinking about his route.
“You have to be mentally ready to take on the job," he advises.
Guiding the next generation in UPS safety
Joel's commitment to safety extends beyond his own work. As a member of UPS’s safety committee—the company has over 3,100 committees dedicated to health and safety globally—he actively mentors younger drivers, sharing his experiences and knowledge.
"One of the pointers I tell new drivers is to master the craft," he says. "As long as you adapt yourself to the training, stay hydrated and prepare for each day, you'll be a successful driver."
The ultimate motivation to work safely
Joel's commitment to working safely and staying hydrated is personal.
"I got a picture of my son and daughter – that's my motivation to work safe," he shares. "My main reason for keeping myself hydrated and working safe is for my family. That's the last, most important stop for me every day."
The ultimate motivation to work safely
Joel's commitment to working safely and staying hydrated is personal.
"I got a picture of my son and daughter – that's my motivation to work safe," he shares. "My main reason for keeping myself hydrated and working safe is for my family. That's the last, most important stop for me every day."
Did you know: UPS fast facts
- Over the past five years, we’ve invested more than 33 million hours and nearly $2 billion on safety training to help prepare UPSers to work safely year-round.
- We’ve equipped our delivery drivers with cooling sleeves and hats – developed in partnership with MISSION® – to bring athletic innovations off the playing field and into our operations. Studies show that cooling key parts of the body can help significantly reduce the risk of overheating, and MISSION®’s state-of-the-art technology helps its cooling fabrics stay up to 30 degrees cooler than body temperature for up to two hours. The gear was featured on NBC’s Today Show during a segment on summer must-haves.