Quick note team - we've had a few drivers asking about the substitution process. Reminder that all sub requests need to go through me for approval. I'll try to respond within a week but it might take longer if we're busy.

@Marcus why are we getting sub requests? I thought drivers were supposed to handle their own schedules

The contract says they can use subs but they need to go through our background check process. It's in section 4.4

ok but we're not really set up for that right? Like we don't have a system to onboard random people

Yeah we'd basically have to run them through the whole new driver process. It's a lot.

Let's just... not prioritize those requests for now. Focus on the drivers we have.

@Marcus Chen Hey man, I submitted a substitute request yesterday for this weekend - my mom is having surgery and I need to be with her. Can you let me know if it's approved? I have a friend who's done deliveries before and he's willing to cover my blocks.

Hey Jamal, I saw your request come in. Let me check on the process and get back to you.

@Marcus Chen Any update? I need to let my friend know if he should plan on it

Still working on it. Might not be able to get to it before the weekend tbh. If you need to take the time off you can just cancel your blocks - there's no penalty for cancelling before you check in.

But if I cancel I lose priority for next week right? And my friend is willing to do it so I don't have to cancel

I understand. Let me see what I can do.

@Marcus Chen Just wanted to follow up on the substitute thing. Never heard back and ended up having to cancel my Saturday block. My priority score went down. Is there any way to fix that?

Sorry Jamal, we just don't have a good process for subs right now. I'll make a note about your priority score but I can't promise anything. Hope your mom is doing ok.

Thanks. She's recovering. Would be good to know what the actual sub process is though so I can plan for next time.

Yeah let me work on documenting that. It's on my list.

@channel Reminder that RouteGenius routes are optimized for efficiency. We've seen some drivers going off-route and it's causing late deliveries. Please stick to the suggested routes unless there's an actual road closure or emergency.

What if the route takes us through a bad area? Had a sketchy situation last week

Use your judgment on safety. But "bad area" is pretty subjective. If there's an actual safety issue, document it and we'll look at it case by case.

The routes are usually good but sometimes I know a faster way. Like yesterday RG wanted me to take 78 but there was construction. I went local and still made all my deliveries on time but got dinged for "route deviation."

@Jamal Washington The system flags deviations automatically. If you had a legit reason we can review it. Send me the details and I'll look at your account.

@channel Just to be clear - RouteGenius isn't mandatory. You're independent contractors and can take whatever route you want. But the algorithm is really good and if you deviate, your efficiency scores might reflect that. It's your choice though.

But if our efficiency scores drop we get fewer blocks right? So it's "optional" but not really?

The block allocation system uses multiple factors. Efficiency is one of them. We're just trying to make sure customers get their packages on time. If you're consistently delivering on time your scores will be fine regardless of the route you take.

@channel Hey everyone, just a reminder that we need all drivers to maintain a professional appearance when making deliveries. We've had some retailer complaints about drivers showing up looking "sloppy." No specific dress code but please look presentable - clean clothes, no offensive graphics, etc.

Define "professional appearance"? I wear gym clothes because I'm in and out of my car all day

Gym clothes are fine as long as they're clean and not torn up. Just use common sense. We're representing the retailers' brands when we deliver their packages.

So we ARE representing the retailers? I thought we were independent. Which is it?

You're independent contractors but when you're making a delivery the customer sees you as part of the delivery experience. It's not about control, it's about customer service.

@Jamal Washington Good question. To be clear - we don't have a dress code and we're not telling you what to wear. We're just passing along feedback from retailers that some customers have commented on driver appearance. What you do with that feedback is up to you. No penalties or anything.

@Marcus Chen just got hit by a car on North Avenue. Pretty shaken up. Cops and ambulance on the way. What do I do with the packages?

Holy shit Jamal are you ok??

I think so. Wrist hurts bad. The other driver ran a red light

Don't worry about the packages. Focus on yourself. Is the ambulance there?

Yeah they're checking me out now. Car is pretty messed up. I had like 32 packages still to deliver

We'll figure out the packages. Just take care of yourself. Let me know which hospital they take you to.

@Marcus Chen What's happening? I saw something about an accident?

Jamal Washington got hit while making deliveries. He's being taken to University Hospital. Sounds like the other driver was at fault.

Shit. Is he ok? What about the packages?

He's conscious and talking which is good. I'm sending Derek to grab the packages from the scene. Police are there.

Ok. Send Jamal our best wishes. Let me know if there's anything we need to do from a company standpoint.

Will do. Do we have any kind of insurance for this or is it all on him since he's IC?

I think it's on him but let me check with legal. Don't say anything to him about insurance or workers comp or anything like that until I get guidance.

(sent to #driver-ops but flagged for moderation)

Hey everyone, just wanted to give an update. I was hurt on the job a couple weeks ago and NovaStream is saying I'm not covered because I'm an "independent contractor." I'm looking into my options. If anyone else has had issues with how we're classified, DM me.