not defending these guys actions AT ALL
BUT - speaking as someone who has worked for a parcel delivery service (2 years PARCEL FORCE) - I know that the modern multi drop driver is under huge pressure from the shift manager to "clear" all parcels in the depot - and also to clear the MINIMUM expected of them on their daily multi drop route.
They all have performance charts - and these routes are getting bigger as companies try and maximise their revenue - whilst reducing manforce
Anything brought back CAN affect stats that the company base their performance on - which effects the poor drivers bonus
The drivers HAVE to clear ALL their route in one day - anything brought back is counted against them
IT'S these ridiculous metrics that make certain drivers seemingly "lose" all common sense - and rather than wait for a customer to come to a door - they would rather ring and leave the package - and move on to the next house.
We were taught as drivers NEVER to leave unattended packages - but customers always tell us - just leave it if we're not in (to save them the trip down to the depot on a Saturday to collect)
A lot of packages have business SLA's like before 8/9/10/midday - and if these targets/promised are missed - the driver is penalised - so less care is taken with NORMAL deliveries
And don't kid yourselves about these drivers being overpaid - OK I can't speak for UPS - but when I worked for the Post Office - you're paid a little bit better than minimum wage (even worse if you work out the hours some of these guys do (6am start and a 7pm finish)
i'm NOT defending actions - just the terrible way lower income people are pressured to do a job so SAHREHOLDERS see the benfit due to increased revenue
anyway - WAS that snow melting?