Do ups trucks have air conditioning in Calgary
No, most of them don’t. At least not the familiar brown ones zigzagging through neighbourhoods year-round. In Calgary’s heatwaves, where July often hits the high 20s or even breaks 30°C, it’s surprising how many of these vehicles still rely on open windows and sheer willpower. The interiors? They can feel like ovens after just ten minutes parked in the sun.
Some newer models have fans or ventilation systems, but full cooling setups? Rare. Part of the reason is cost – retrofitting thousands of units with proper systems isn’t cheap. But there’s also a deeper logistical issue: these vehicles stop so frequently that cooled air escapes constantly. Doors swing open every few blocks. It makes maintaining a stable cabin temperature almost pointless.
I once asked a driver about it while he handed over a parcel. He just laughed and said, “My AC is the breeze when I’m driving.” Not ideal, but it’s how things are. If you’re wondering whether things will change soon, maybe. There have been pilot programs in warmer regions, testing out newer designs with better thermal management. But here in Calgary? For now, you’ll still see delivery crews sweating through August without much relief.
That said, if you’re curious about cooling options for your own vehicle or workspace, there are better solutions out there. And they don’t involve leaving the door open at every stop.
Are UPS Delivery Trucks in Calgary Equipped with Air Conditioning Systems?
No, most of the local delivery vehicles used in the region aren’t built with cooling units. That’s not a rumour–it’s straight from several drivers themselves, who’ve confirmed it’s still standard for their fleet. Even newer models often skip it. Surprising? Maybe. But there’s a reason.
These vans are designed for quick stops, short distances between deliveries, and constant movement in and out. Cooling systems just don’t hold up well when the doors are opening dozens of times per hour. Some say it’s also about maintenance costs or fuel efficiency–though opinions vary on whether that actually adds up in real-world use.
That said, the cabins do get brutally hot during summer runs. A few drivers rig up battery-powered fans or crack windows between stops, but that only helps so much. If you’re wondering why comfort upgrades haven’t been prioritized–it likely comes down to budget and logistics, not oversight.
For those working out of these vehicles daily, the lack of climate control isn’t just inconvenient, it’s exhausting. A few drivers mentioned they’d gladly trade other features just for some ventilation that works consistently. Whether anything changes soon? Hard to say. But for now, expectations around cooling inside these units remain low.
What Are the Working Conditions for Calgary UPS Drivers During Summer Months?
Expect to sweat. Those delivery vehicles aren’t equipped with cooling systems, and during July or August, the interior can climb well above 35°C. That’s with the doors open most of the day. It feels like stepping into a mobile greenhouse–except you’re constantly moving, lifting, and walking.
Hydration becomes non-negotiable. Most couriers carry at least two large water bottles, refilling whenever there’s a chance. Breaks aren’t generous, so they drink between stops. Heat stress is a real concern, especially during long shifts–up to 10 hours isn’t uncommon. Some wear cooling towels under their uniform shirts or bring portable fans, but those offer limited relief.
Uniforms and Gear
The standard uniform isn’t built for heat. Polyester blends hold onto sweat, and although lightweight, they don’t breathe well. Some drivers try modifying gear unofficially–lighter socks, switching to moisture-wicking shirts underneath, that sort of thing. It helps a little, but it doesn’t solve the core problem.
Health and Safety Measures
There are guidelines around extreme heat, but implementation varies. Sometimes supervisors check in, offer ice packs or Gatorade. Other times, drivers just push through. It really depends on the depot, the route, even the mood that day. There’s no onboard monitoring of cabin temperatures either, so a lot comes down to self-awareness and pacing.
Summer routes in southern Alberta can include long drives between stops, which means exposure to direct sun for hours. Drivers often keep window shades or reflective dash mats in the cab. It makes a small difference, but not enough to keep things comfortable. That’s just the reality–they adapt, or they burn out fast.
Has UPS Addressed Driver Heat Concerns in Calgary Through Vehicle Modifications?
Adding roof-mounted fans has been the most noticeable change. They’re not especially powerful, but they do offer some relief during those long stops. In older units, this wasn’t even an option. Now, in newer models, there’s a small circulation system–still no refrigerant-based cooling, but at least moving air is better than nothing.
Drivers have also reported insulated bulkheads being added between the cargo space and cabin. It helps keep the front a bit cooler, especially when parked in direct sun. That said, when outside temperatures hit the mid-30s, this barrier only goes so far.
Some routes now include more frequent hydration breaks, and warehouse managers have started distributing cooling towels during peak heat warnings. Not exactly high-tech, but it shows someone’s paying attention. Though honestly, several drivers have said they’d rather just have proper cooling systems installed instead of more “workarounds.”
Feedback from employees in southern Alberta has pushed management to trial additional vents and more reflective paint on the upper panels of the vehicle body. Results are mixed. A few drivers say they noticed a temperature drop inside; others say it made no difference at all.
No change has been universally welcomed, but at least some measures are on the table now. Whether these efforts are enough? That probably depends on who you ask–and how hot it gets next summer.
Contact “Calgary Air Heating and Cooling Ltd” For More Information:
Address
95 Beaconsfield Rise NW, Calgary, AB T3K 1X3
Phone
+1 403 720-0003
Hours of operation
Open 24 hours 7 days a week