QMBD - ASSIGNMENT 1

WHY DO UPS TRUCKS NOT TAKE LEFT TURNS (EH??)

FIGURED OUT AND SUBMITTED BY
AVRA BISWAS (UM22333)
MOUSUMI NANDI (UM22221)
 WHY UPS TRUCKS ALMOST NEVER TURN LEFT?

Introduction:

One of the biggest package transportation firms in the world, UPS (United Parcel Service) operates in more than 220
nations and territories. In 2004, UPS instituted a "no left turn" restriction for its drivers operating within the United States,
with the aim of optimizing their delivery process. With a few exceptions, this policy forbids drivers from turning left at
intersections. We will look at the justifications for UPS's no-left-turn policy in this case study, as well as its advantages
and possible disadvantages.

Reasons behind UPS's no left turn policy (Executive summary):

UPS prohibits left turns primarily in order to conserve fuel and time. Turning left frequently takes longer than turning
right, especially at crowded junctions where vehicles may have to wait for a traffic break. Turning left might be riskier for
drivers than turning right because it requires them to cross lanes of oncoming traffic. UPS can cut down on the length of
time its drivers must wait at intersections and lower the possibility of accidents by steering clear of left turns.

The policy's reduction in fuel use is another justification. According to UPS, not making left turns saves millions of
gallons of gasoline annually. At intersections, turning left necessitates idling, which uses fuel and releases pollutants into
the atmosphere. By avoiding left turns, UPS can reduce its carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs.
Benefits of the no left turn policy:

UPS benefits from the no left turn restriction in a number of ways. UPS can improve the effectiveness of its delivery
process by cutting down on the amount of time drivers must wait at intersections and the distance they must go. Faster
deliveries and happier consumers may result from this. Additionally, the policy lowers the possibility of accidents, which
may save the business money on insurance.

Furthermore, by implementing this policy, UPS may lessen its carbon impact and show that it is committed to
environmental sustainability. UPS may establish a reputation for being an ecologically sensitive and ethical firm by
cutting down on emissions and fuel use.

The notion that avoiding left turns might improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption for package delivery—as
demonstrated by UPS—is predicated on the idea that left turns frequently force cars to wait for oncoming traffic, which
results in longer idle times and higher fuel consumption. Several variables could be included in a mathematical model that
illustrates the advantages of avoiding left turns while using UPS to deliver packages. Here's a simplified guesstimate-

Let:

N be the total number of intersections or turns in a delivery route.

L be the number of left turns in the route.=0.7

I be the average idle time per left turn (in seconds).= 300 sec

F be the average fuel consumption per minute while idling (in gallons per minute).=0.01 gallons/min

S be the average speed during non-idling time (in miles per hour).=45 miles/hr

D be the total distance of the delivery route (in miles).= 30 miles

M be the average fuel efficiency of the delivery vehicles (in miles per gallon).= 10 miles/gallon

The total time spent idling due to left turns (idle T idle) can be calculated as:

T idle = L×I=210 sec

The total fuel consumption due to idling (F idle) can be calculated as:
F idle = T idle/60 * F=0.035 gallons

The time spent driving without idling (T drive) can be calculated as:

T drive= D/S=0.67 hr

The total fuel consumption during driving ( F drive) can be calculated as:

F drive =D/M=3 gallons

The total time for the entire route ( T total) is the sum of idle time and driving time:

T total =T idle + T drive=0.728 hr=40 mins

The total fuel consumption for the entire route ( F total) is the sum of idle fuel consumption and driving fuel consumption:

F total = F idle+F drive=3.035 gallons

Average number of packages delivered =24.3 million

Fuel consumption due to idle time = 24.3 * 0.035 = 84000 gallons/day

Fuel savings = $3.238 * 84000 = $271992/day

Annual savings of UPS by avoiding left turns = $100 million

Drawbacks of the no left turn policy:

The no left turn policy has many possible disadvantages despite its advantages. For instance, it might not always be
doable or practical. Turning left occasionally could be required to get somewhere or get around traffic. The policy may
also force drivers to travel greater distances in order to get where they're going, which could result in longer delivery
times and higher delivery prices.

The policy's probable difficulty in being enforced is still another disadvantage. In order to escape traffic or save time,
drivers may be tempted to make left turns, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the region. Monitoring drivers and
providing extra training may be necessary to ensure policy compliance.
Conclusion:

A creative strategy to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of UPS's delivery operation is the company's no-left-
turn policy. UPS can save time, fuel, and lower the chance of accidents by avoiding left turns. For the business, the policy
offers a number of advantages, such as quicker deliveries, cheaper insurance, and a smaller carbon footprint. To guarantee
compliance, the policy might not be applicable in every circumstance and might call for more training and oversight. All
things considered, the no-left turn policy serves as an illustration of how businesses may use creative problem-solving
techniques to enhance their operations and show their dedication to sustainability.