Alpha Zulu Logistics

https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/alexa-thank-my-driver-feature

Next time you get a package delivered from Amazon, tell your Alex Device or App, "Alexa, thank my driver" and that driver will get a $5 bonus at NO COST TO YOU. (especially if you live in Boulder, Longmont, or Lyons, because that is our Alpha Zulu team).

Happy Holiday Shopping 🙂

'Alexa, thank my driver': Here’s the simple way Amazon customers can show delivery drivers appreciation this holiday season Customers can say “Alexa, thank my driver,” and the driver of their most recent delivery will be notified of their gratitude. Drivers who receive the first 1M thank-you’s will also receive $5 per thank you!

It's our favorite day of the week! Softball Wednesday!

We might not get the most points, but we have more fun than any other team out there.

Happy Friday!

Great shot at our station by our own Operation Manager, John!

This weekend we said goodbye to one of our most senior team members. Ryan, thank you for your teamwork and leadership! We will miss you and good luck in your new position.

This team absolutely crushed it for Prime Day! We are still delivering your orders from last week’s orders. A few lucky team members got some swag and goodies to celebrate.

Happy Father's Day! Lonnie and Lucas Goodrich are our father and son duo on the team! They both start working with Alpha Zulu Logistics in November of 2021. Together they have delivered 212 routes! They are both incredibly reliable team members and we are lucky to have them be a part of the Alpha Zulu team!

"My dad and I love going to church with the family. We enjoy sports together as well! From football to basketball to baseball, we have a heck of a time! I love when he comes to my softball games and I hear him cheering me on, makes me feel like a kid again! Outside of us doing stuff together my wife and kids love going camping, hanging out with friends, and just ultimately enjoying life." - Lucas

Many of our vans are named after space crafts, including James Webb. The James Webb space telescope is the most powerful and complex telescope ever launched into space. The first full-color images and spectroscopic data from James Webb are expected tomorrow, July 12, 2022. These images will be like no other images from space up to this point in history. This will be the telescope that may let us know if there is other life on other planets!

Colorado spring and summer are notorious for unpredictable weather that can include extreme heat and dry conditions as well as powerful thunderstorms.

If you are stuck in a thunderstorm with lightning strikes while on road, there are a few safety precautions you should take in order to keep safe.
1. Seek Shelter, either in your van or in a building.
2. Be aware of storm/lighting warnings.
3. Avoid standing under trees or standing out in the open.
4. Knock on door instead of ringing doorbells. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, according to the CDC.
5. Do not drive through a flooded street.

https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/contact-denver7/denver7-gives/helping-marshall-fire-victims-denver7-gives-amazon-partner-to-help-a-precious-child-to-donate-goods?utm_source=canva&utm_medium=iframely

On April 28, 2022, a handful of our Alpha Zulu team members made a special delivery to A Precious Child, an organization that provides resources for families and children in the Denver Metro Area. They focus on "breaking the cycle of poverty" through education, resources, and personal development opportunities. After the Marshall Fire that impacted the Superior and Louisville area, Amazon donated nearly $50,000 from a wishlist from A Precious Child that included home goods, supplies, and other items requested for families to rebuild.
Alpha Zulu was asked to deliver this donation on behalf of Amazon. Denver 7 News covered this event!

Helping Marshall Fire victims: Denver7 Gives, Amazon partner to help A Precious Child to donate goods Throughout the day, the Denver7 Team will be helping A Precious Child restock their warehouse located at 7051 W. 118th Ave. in Broomfield, so that Marshall Fire families can get much needed essential items during pick-up hours on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Alpha Zulu Logistics updated their address.

Delivery Driver - Broomfield/Lafayette/Boulder/Nederland/Allenspark/Lyons
While there are many Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) in the Denver area, there is only one Alpha Zulu Logistics! We are a tech-forward company focused on developing leaders and professionals in an inclusive, positive, and sustainable environment. We are Veteran owned and operated and insist on the highest standards for performance, integrity, and efficiency.

We operate out of the new Amazon DDV3 Delivery Station (400 W 160 Ave, Broomfield, CO 80023). Our delivery area is focused in Boulder – the #1 Best Place to Live in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report!

We are currently hiring for the following positions:

Full-Time Shifts: 4-day workweek with one weekend day required per week. 9:30 am – 8:00 pm (10-hour shift)

Pay & Benefits:

Base Pay: $20.25 - $23.50 per hour

Alpha Zulu Logistics supports our employees and their families. We put our people first with an industry-leading and unmatched generous benefits package:

Medical, dental, vision, and no-cost life insurance benefits for full-time associates - enroll after your first week!
Employer matching 401(k) with 100% vesting upon enrollment!
Minimum of three weeks of paid vacation in your second year!
Generous Tenure Plan after 6 months of service with steady pay increases.
Time + Half Holiday Pay for the "Freedom Holidays": Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and Juneteenth!
Experience earned will pay off! We compensate for performance and loyalty with your first review for a pay raise within 30 days of hire plus a tenure track after six months with steady and predictable quarterly pay raises. Leadership opportunities with additional pay are open and available for full-time employees who have demonstrated the best safety practices, integrity, reliability, teamwork, and efficiency.

You will operate one of our fleet of 30 Dodge Promaster Sprinter vans on an Amazon Logistics route delivering packages to residential doorsteps, apartment complexes, and commercial businesses.

If you are looking to level-up, get qualified to drive the newest edition International MT45 Amazon-branded step vans! Amazon put their faith in our team as the first in the Nation to roll out this capability. Wear your company-provided Amazon uniform with pride, knowing you are working with the best of the best!

What we are looking for:

Delivery is a physically demanding job! Here is what you can expect in a standard shift

600 lbs of packages hand loaded and delivered over 100–190 stops.
15-40 flights of stairs throughout apartment complexes or commercial buildings navigated.
8-12 total miles of walking including loadout activities and delivering throughout the day.
Baseline Requirements and Qualifications

Eligible to work in the U.S.
Valid Drivers License
At least 21 years of age
Familiar and able to operate smartphone and GPS technology without aid
Able to lift packages and bundles weighing up to 70lbs multiple times during a route
Able to climb stairs on a regular basis
Submit to motor vehicle records check and drug screening
Preferred Candidates Can:

Walk a brisk 15-minute mile
Lift and transfer 600 lbs of cargo in six minutes or less. (~ 50 lb increments)
Have 5+ years operating smartphone and GPS technology on a regular basis
Pass a DOT Physical
Alpha Zulu Logistics is a diverse, inclusive, and Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with State and Federal guidelines regarding employment discrimination. We take pride in being a leader in the industry celebrating equity and diversity.

Pay: $20.25 - $23.50 per hour

Delivery Driver - Broomfield/Lafayette/Boulder/Nederland/Allenspark/Lyons
While there are many Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) in the Denver area, there is only one Alpha Zulu Logistics! We are a tech-forward company focused on developing leaders and professionals in an inclusive, positive, and sustainable environment. We are Veteran owned and operated and insist on the highest standards for performance, integrity, and efficiency.

We operate out of the new Amazon DDV3 Delivery Station (400 W 160 Ave, Broomfield, CO 80023). Our delivery area is focused in Boulder – the #1 Best Place to Live in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report!

We are currently hiring for the following positions:

Full-Time Shifts: 4-day workweek with one weekend day required per week. 9:30 am – 7:55 pm (10-hour shift)

Pay & Benefits:

Base Pay: $20.25 - $21.45 per hour

Alpha Zulu Logistics supports our employees and their families. We put our people first with an industry-leading and unmatched generous benefits package:

Medical, dental, vision, and no-cost life insurance benefits for full-time associates - enroll after your first week!
Employer matching 401(k) with 100% vesting upon enrollment!
Two weeks of paid vacation begins accumulating on day one with 8 hours of paid time off given proof of COVID vaccination.
Minimum of three weeks of paid vacation in your second year!
Generous Tenure Plan after 6 months of service with steady pay increases.
Time + Half Holiday Pay for the "Freedom Holidays": Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and Juneteenth!
Experience earned will pay off! We compensate for performance and loyalty with your first review for a pay raise within 30 days of hire plus a tenure track after six months with steady and predictable quarterly pay raises. Leadership opportunities with additional pay are open and available for full-time employees who have demonstrated the best safety practices, integrity, reliability, teamwork, and efficiency.

You will operate one of our fleet of 30 Dodge Promaster Sprinter vans on an Amazon Logistics route delivering packages to residential doorsteps, apartment complexes, and commercial businesses.

If you are looking to level-up, get qualified to drive the newest edition International MT45 Amazon-branded step vans! Amazon put their faith in our team as the first in the Nation to roll out this capability. Wear your company-provided Amazon uniform with pride, knowing you are working with the best of the best!

What we are looking for:

Delivery is a physically demanding job! Here is what you can expect in a standard shift

600 lbs of packages hand loaded and delivered over 100–190 stops.
15-40 flights of stairs throughout apartment complexes or commercial buildings navigated.
8-12 total miles of walking including loadout activities and delivering throughout the day.
Baseline Requirements and Qualifications

Eligible to work in the U.S.
Valid Drivers License
At least 21 years of age
Familiar and able to operate smartphone and GPS technology without aid
Able to lift packages and bundles weighing up to 70lbs multiple times during a route
Able to climb stairs on a regular basis
Submit to motor vehicle records check and drug screening
Preferred Candidates Can:

Walk a brisk 15-minute mile
Lift and transfer 600 lbs of cargo in six minutes or less. (~ 50 lb increments)
Have 5+ years operating smartphone and GPS technology on a regular basis
Pass a DOT Physical
Alpha Zulu Logistics is a diverse, inclusive, and Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with State and Federal guidelines regarding employment discrimination. We take pride in being a leader in the industry celebrating equity and diversity.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $20.25 - $21.45 per hour

Accepting Online Applications!
www.alphazululogistics.com/careers

Visit our website for details!
www.alphazululogistics.com

Alpha Zulu Logistics Launched in 2018, we are the largest Veteran owned Delivery Service Partner operating out of the largest Amazon Delivery Station in the state of Colorado!

Did you know that Delivery Associates walk between 8 and 12 miles on every shift? There are no problems getting all your steps in during one of these shifts!

While there are many Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) in the Denver area, there is only one Alpha Zulu Logistics! We are a tech-forward company focused on developing leaders and professionals in an inclusive, positive, and sustainable environment. We are Veteran owned and operated and persistently uphold the highest standards for performance, efficiency, and integrity.

We are currently operating out of Amazon DDV5 Delivery Station in Aurora (2889 Himalaya Rd, Aurora, CO 80011). However, in late Summer we are transferring to the brand new DDV3 (461 W 160 Ave, Broomfield, CO 80023) Delivery Station based in Broomfield to deliver in Boulder – the #1 Best Place to Live in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report!

We are currently hiring for the following positions:

Full-Time Shifts: 4-day workweek with one weekend day required per week. 9:45 am – 8:15 pm (10-hour shift) - Late summer start dates

Seasonal Shifts (Full Time or Part Time Shift times): October – December



Pay & Benefits:

Base Pay: $18.50 to $19.50 per hour

Alpha Zulu Logistics supports our employees and their families. We put our people first with an industry-leading and unmatched generous benefits package:

Medical, dental, vision, and no-cost life insurance benefits for full-time associates - enroll after your first week!

Employer matching 401(k) with 100% vesting upon enrollment!

Two weeks of paid vacation begins accumulating on day one with 8 hours of paid time off given proof of COVID vaccination

Minimum of three weeks of paid vacation in your second year!

Generous Tenure Plan after 6 months of service.

Time + Half Holiday Pay for the "Freedom Holidays": Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and Juneteenth!



Experience earned will pay off! We compensate for performance and loyalty with your first review for a pay raise within 30 days of hire plus a tenure track after six months with steady and predictable quarterly pay raises. Leadership opportunities with additional pay are open and available for full-time employees who have demonstrated the best safety practices, integrity, reliability, teamwork, and efficiency.

You will operate one of our fleet of 30 Dodge Promaster Sprinter vans on an Amazon Logistics route delivering packages to residential doorsteps, apartment complexes, and commercial businesses.

If you are looking to level-up, get qualified to drive the newest edition International MT45 Amazon-branded step vans! Amazon put their faith in our team as the first in the Nation to roll out this capability. Wear your company-provided Amazon uniform with pride, knowing you are working with the best of the best!



What we are looking for:

Delivery is a physically demanding job! Here is what you can expect in a standard shift

600 lbs of packages hand loaded and delivered over 100 – 160 stops.

15-40 flights of stairs throughout apartment complexes or commercial buildings navigated.

8-12 total miles of walking including loadout activities and delivering throughout the day.

Baseline Requirements and Qualifications

Eligible to work in the U.S.

Valid Drivers License

At least 21 years of age

Familiar and able to operate smartphone and GPS technology without aide

Able to lift packages and bundles weighing up to 70lbs multiple times during a route

Able to climb stairs on a regular basis

Submit to motor vehicle records check and drug screening

Preferred Candidates Can:

Walk a brisk 15-minute mile

Lift and transfer 600 lbs of cargo in six minutes or less. (~ 50 lb increments)

Have 5+ years operating smartphone and GPS technology on a regular basis

Pass a DOT Physical



Alpha Zulu Logistics is a diverse, inclusive, and Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with State and Federal guidelines regarding employment discrimination. We take pride in being a leader in the industry celebrating equity and diversity.

Starting late this summer Alpha Zulu Logistics will be operating out of the new DDV3 station in Broomfield to deliver in Boulder! If you, or someone you know would be a good fit, apply at alphazululogistics.com

While there are many Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) in the Denver area, there is only one Alpha Zulu Logistics! We are a tech-forward company focused on developing leaders and professionals in an inclusive, positive, and sustainable environment. We are Veteran owned and operated and persistently uphold the highest standards for performance, efficiency, and integrity.

We are currently operating out of Amazon DDV5 Delivery Station in Aurora (2889 Himalaya Rd, Aurora, CO 80011). However, in late Summer we are transferring to the brand new DDV3 (461 W 160th Ave, Broomfield, CO 80023) Delivery Station based in Broomfield to deliver in Boulder – the #1 Best Place to Live in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report!



We are currently hiring for the following positions:

Full-Time Shifts: 4-day work week with one weekend day required per week. 9:45 am – 8:15 pm (10-hour shift) - Late summer start dates

Seasonal Shifts (Full Time or Part Time Shift times): October – December



Pay & Benefits:

Base Pay: $18.50 to $19.50 per hour

Alpha Zulu Logistics supports our employees and their families. We put our people first with an industry-leading and unmatched generous benefits package:

Medical, dental, vision, and no-cost life insurance benefits for full-time associates - enroll after your first week!

Employer matching 401(k) with 100% vesting upon enrollment!

Two weeks of paid vacation begins accumulating on day one with 8 hours of paid time off given proof of COVID vaccination

Minimum of three weeks of paid vacation in your second year!

Generous Tenure Plan after 6 months of service.

Time + Half Holiday Pay for the "Freedom Holidays": Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and Juneteenth!



Experience earned will pay off! We compensate for performance and loyalty with your first review for a pay raise within 30 days of hire plus a tenure track after six months with steady and predictable quarterly pay raises. Leadership opportunities with additional pay are open and available for full-time employees who have demonstrated the best safety practices, integrity, reliability, teamwork, and efficiency.

You will operate one of our fleet of 30 Dodge Promaster Sprinter vans on an Amazon Logistics route delivering packages to residential doorsteps, apartment complexes, and commercial businesses.

If you are looking to level-up, get qualified to drive the newest edition International MT45 Amazon-branded step vans! Amazon put their faith in our team as the first in the Nation to roll out this capability. Wear your company-provided Amazon uniform with pride, knowing you are working with the best of the best!



What we are looking for:

Delivery is a physically demanding job! Here is what you can expect in a standard shift

600 lbs of packages hand loaded and delivered over 100 – 160 stops.

15-40 flights of stairs throughout apartment complexes or commercial buildings navigated.

8-12 total miles of walking including loadout activities and delivering throughout the day.

Baseline Requirements and Qualifications

Eligible to work in the U.S.

Valid Drivers License

At least 21 years of age

Familiar and able to operate smartphone and GPS technology without aide

Able to lift packages and bundles weighing up to 70lbs multiple times during a route

Able to climb stairs on a regular basis

Submit to motor vehicle records check and drug screening

Preferred Candidates Can:

Walk a brisk 15-minute mile

Lift and transfer 600 lbs of cargo in six minutes or less. (~ 50 lb increments)

Have 5+ years of operating smartphone and GPS technology on a regular basis

Pass a DOT Physical



Alpha Zulu Logistics is a diverse, inclusive, and Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with State and Federal guidelines regarding employment discrimination. We take pride in being a leader in the industry celebrating equity and diversity.

What a week! The Alpha Zulu team delivered over 38k packages out of DDV5 and another 1393 packages out of DDV2 through heat and hail! That’s delivery in Colorado for you. Thank you to every single person involved a very successful Prime Week 2021!

“Every Memorial Day is an opportunity to pause and recognize those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in military service to the United States of America. Our debt will be enduring and never fully repaid. Having participated in many fallen Soldier ceremonies, I take it as a reminder to treat each other with the upmost dignity, respect, and courtesy. If anything, the last 15 months have taught us, it is that our democracy is strong, but it is not infallible or unbreakable. There is a common thread we all share, and it is that someone, somewhere, who did not know us or our families, sacrificed their most precious so that we could continue the work. And there is much work to do.

Sarah and I wish you, your families, and friends the best this Memorial Day.” - Will Boyd, Owner of Alpha Zulu Logistics

Job Description
Professional Delivery Associate roles available providing last mile delivery services for the one and only Amazon! There are many Delivery Service Partners in Denver, but there is only one Alpha Zulu Logistics!

Launched in 2018, we are the largest Veteran owned Delivery Service Partner operating out of the largest Amazon Delivery Station in the state of Colorado. Considered an Essential Business we are in full operation and growing with COVID-19 compliant business practices.

Part-Time Shifts: a 3-5 days/ week with one weekend day required per week.
4:30 pm - 9 pm (4-hour shift)

We operate out of Amazon's new 700,000 square foot DDV5 Delivery Station, 2889 Himalaya Rd, Aurora, CO 80011 featuring convenient, comfortable and professional onsite indoor parking and loading.

Veteran owned and operated! We put our people first:

• Time + Half Holiday Pay for the "Freedom Holidays": Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and Juneteenth!
• Gain experience, credibility and paid training and certifications in logistics operations and transport.
• Opportunity to move to Full Time position with full benefits package.

We compensate for performance and loyalty with your first review for a pay raise within 30 days of hire plus a tenure track after six months with steady and predictable quarterly pay raises.

Leadership opportunities with additional pay and bonuses are open and available for full time employees who have demonstrated best safety practices, reliability, teamwork, and efficiency.
You will operate one of our fleet of 46 Dodge Promaster Sprinter vans on an Amazon Logistics route delivering packages to residential doorsteps, apartment complexes and commercial businesses.

If you are looking to level-up, get qualified to drive the newest edition International MT45 Amazon branded step vans! Amazon put their faith in our team as the first in the Nation to roll out this capability. Wear your company provided Amazon uniform with pride, knowing you are working with the best of the best!

A typical full delivery day consists of:
· 600 lbs of packages hand loaded and delivered over 100 – 160 stops.
· 15-40 flights of stairs throughout apartment complexes or commercial buildings navigated
· 8-12 total miles of walking including loadout activities and delivering throughout the day

Baseline Qualifications & Requirements:
· Eligible to work in the U.S.
· Valid Drivers License
· At least 21 years of age
· Familiar and able to operate smart phone and GPS technology without aide
· Able to lift packages and bundles weighing up to 70lbs multiple times during a route
· Able to climb stairs on a regular basis
· Submit to motor vehicle records check and drug screening

Ideal Qualifications:
· Industrial Athletes who have experience in last mile logistics including delivery
· At least a year of professional driving experience, preferably multi-passenger, cargo vans or straight trucks

· Preferred candidates can:
· 1. Walk a brisk 15 minute mile
· 2. Lift and transfer 600 lbs of cargo in six minutes or less (~50 lb increments)
· 3. Have 5+ years operating smart phone and GPS technology on a regular basis

· Our Company's priorities are Safety, Integrity, Quality, Teamwork, & Efficiency in that order! We put the safety and wellness of our employees first! See what it's like to be on a winning and supportive team during this unprecedented time.

Apply today!

Professional Delivery Associate roles available providing last mile delivery services for the one and only Amazon! There are many Delivery Service Partners in Denver, but there is only one Alpha Zulu Logistics!

Launched in 2018, we are the largest Veteran owned Delivery Service Partner operating out of the largest Amazon Delivery Station in the state of Colorado. Considered an Essential Business we are in full operation and growing with COVID-19 compliant business practices.

Full Time Shifts: a 4-day work week with one weekend day required per week.
9:45 am – 8:15 pm (10-hour shift)

We operate out of Amazon's new 700,000 square foot DDV5 Delivery Station, 2889 Himalaya Rd, Aurora, CO 80011 featuring convenient, comfortable and professional onsite indoor parking and loading.

Veteran owned and operated! We put our people first with an industry leading generous benefits package:

• Medical, dental, vision and no cost life insurance benefits for full time associates - enroll after your first week!
• Employer matching 401(k) with 100% vesting upon enrollment!
• Two weeks paid vacation begins accumulating on day one.
• Three weeks of paid vacation in your second year!
• Time + Half Holiday Pay for the "Freedom Holidays": Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and Juneteenth!
• Gain experience, credibility and paid training and certifications in logistics operations and transport.

We compensate for performance and loyalty with your first review for a pay raise within 30 days of hire plus a tenure track after six months with steady and predictable quarterly pay raises.

Leadership opportunities with additional pay and bonuses are open and available for full time employees who have demonstrated best safety practices, reliability, teamwork, and efficiency.
You will operate one of our fleet of 46 Dodge Promaster Sprinter vans on an Amazon Logistics route delivering packages to residential doorsteps, apartment complexes and commercial businesses.

If you are looking to level-up, get qualified to drive the newest edition International MT45 Amazon branded step vans! Amazon put their faith in our team as the first in the Nation to roll out this capability. Wear your company provided Amazon uniform with pride, knowing you are working with the best of the best!

A typical day consists of:
· 600 lbs of packages hand loaded and delivered over 100 – 160 stops.
· 15-40 flights of stairs throughout apartment complexes or commercial buildings navigated
· 8-12 total miles of walking including loadout activities and delivering throughout the day

Baseline Qualifications & Requirements:
· Eligible to work in the U.S.
· Valid Drivers License
· At least 21 years of age
· Familiar and able to operate smart phone and GPS technology without aide
· Able to lift packages and bundles weighing up to 70lbs multiple times during a route
· Able to climb stairs on a regular basis
· Submit to motor vehicle records check and drug screening

Ideal Qualifications:
· Industrial Athletes who have experience in last mile logistics including delivery
· At least a year of professional driving experience, preferably multi-passenger, cargo vans or straight trucks

· Preferred candidates can:
· 1. Walk a brisk 15 minute mile
· 2. Lift and transfer 600 lbs of cargo in six minutes or less (~50 lb increments)
· 3. Have 5+ years operating smart phone and GPS technology on a regular basis

· Our Company's priorities are Safety, Integrity, Quality, Teamwork, & Efficiency in that order! We put the safety and wellness of our employees first! See what it's like to be on a winning and supportive team during this unprecedented time.

Apply today!

Happy Mother's Day to all Mother's!

Last week, our Alpha Zulu Logistics drivers delivered 60,000 masks and 200 face shields donated by Amazon Logistics to clinics up and down the front range! Clinica Family Health, Servicios de la Raza, STRIDE Community Health Center, Dayton Street Opportunity Center, Salvation Army, and Sunrise Community Health. Thank you to all of our health workers in Colorado fighting this pandemic and administering vaccines!

That's our team! We were happy to help our Colorado Health Care workers up and down the Front Range. Thanks for the recognition!

*guys AND gals*.... but otherwise accurate.

Love to see this going around - the world knows they can count on us!

Put us in the game, Coach! 😉

Some Wednesday reading on a topic highly relevant to us at AZL! Incredible insight and tips from a highly respected dog trainer, that we know personally, out of Florida. This post talks specifically about the challenges we face with making deliveries and....dogs! Super helpful info- Please take a few minutes to read as on or off the clock, this is great info to have in your hip pocket!

And thank you K9stateofmindjax !

It’s come to my attention that delivery drivers across the country are being bitten or attacked by dogs more than usual. I’m assuming this has a lot to do with the crazy amount of deliveries going on these days. Someone actually reached out to me for some advice for their employees who have seen two bites in the last week along with some close calls. So what a great time to refresh everyone’s memory on how to handle a potential aggressive dog while out in the world.

First, it’s important to know some statistics on dog bites. We tend to hear the worst, most brutal stories in the news but what are the actual chances you’ll be bitten by a dog even if you did everything wrong. If I asked you which breed is more responsible for biting more than any other what would you guess? Pit bull? German Shepherd? Cocker Spaniel? Rottweiler?? Those guys commit some brutal bites when it happens but 81% of dog bites cause no injury at all or only minor injuries that do not require medial attention. The breed responsible for more bites than any other is the Chihuahua. Here’s some more stats:

You have a 1 in 112,400 chance of dying from a dog bite. You are at more risk of dying from:

-Cataclysmic storm: 1 in 66,335
-Contact with hornets, wasps and bees: 1 in 63,225
-Air and space transport incidents: 1 in 9,821
-Firearm discharge: 1 in 6,905
-Choking from inhalation and ingestion of food: 1 in 3,461
-Heart disease and cancer: 1 in 7

-Family dogs were responsible for 72 percent of all dog bite fatalities in 2017
-51 percent of all dog bite fatalities included more than one dog

Most dog bites involve dogs who are NOT spayed or neutered. (especially in-tact males) 25% of fatal attacks were inflicted by chained, mixed breed dogs. Over 30 breeds and dog-types were associated with dog bite-related fatalities. 5,714 U.S. Postal Service employees were attacked by a dog in 2018 (500 less than 2017 and 1,000 fewer since 2016)

So what do you do when you’re delivering a package and are confronted with this scary situation?

STAY CALM, AVOID STARING, DO NOT MAKE OR HOLD EYE CONTACT

When faced with a possible aggressive dog, it’s critical to remain super calm. It would be a mistake to scream, run, or react in any fast, neurotic manner. The dog likely will interpret that as aggression towards him or her. Aggressive dogs will see another sign of aggression as an invite to escalate the situation. This is why you should remain calm and give as little outward reaction as possible. Don’t forget, no running! Running can trigger an aggressive dog’s prey instinct to chase and catch animals and is usually how people get bit on the back of their legs. Direct eye contact with an aggressive dog must be avoided at all costs. Looking a dog straight in the eyes could send a challenging message to him. When an ‘amped up’ or anxious dog feels threatened or challenged, he’s not likely to “back down”.

Lets say you find yourself standing face to face with an excited, anxious, uncomfortable dog. Rather than retreat or turn around, think about a way to CLAIM SPACE. Try to stand slightly sideways while keeping the dog in your peripheral view. You want to take charge of your own space. This is when you take something, such as the package you are delivering, and place it out in front of yourself to help take up more space around you. Continuing to keep a calm, yet assertive demeanor will continue to demand the dog’s respect and help de-escalate the situation. Walk backwards and away from the dog without turning around or with too much haste. You can attempt to distract him with another object such as a pet corrector spray. Or something that makes a sharp loud sound. Or you could use a water bottle, or dog treats. It may be a smart idea to carry treats and throw them away from yourself to deter the dog from your direction. And it’s not a bad idea to toss them closer to the dog as you back up. If he doesn’t take the treats you need to leave calmly but quickly. If he chases the treat around you just need to escape while he’s distracted. DO NOT throw something at the dog, spray him with mace, or make aggressive motions as if to hit him with something UNLESS you are literally being charged. If you do these things before the dog charges you can be sure it will trigger him to attack.

BARKING DOGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AGGRESSIVE DOGS

When you’re out on deliveries, it can be very easy to assume that any dog that barks at you is potentially aggressive, but this is not necessarily the case. Just because a dog barks does not mean it is in attack mode and would cause harm if it comes into contact with you. However, if you show any signs of aggression toward the dog or act afraid, their basic demeanor may become more aggressive. So, keep in mind, that your behavior and demeanor may also trigger certain reactions in the dogs that you encounter. Barking is a sign that dogs are unsure of a situation but barking is also the way that dogs most often vocalize or communicate and cannot be the only sign that you rely on as previously mentioned. An aggressive dog is more likely to snarl and growl in addition to barking. They will also bare their teeth which is essentially a sign that they are strong and willing to fight if necessarily. Dogs that are aggressive also tend to crouch low so that they can spring forward or pounce more easily and readily. If a dog has a line of raised fur going down its spine (hackles are raised) they are instinctively trying to make themselves look larger and more intimidating but it doesn’t always mean they perceive you as a threat and will react aggressively. But it’s a sure sign not to risk getting close.

KNOW HOW TO HANDLE K9 AGGRESSION

When you come across a dog that is clearly being aggressive, don’t try to sprint or run away. Even if you are sure you could get to the fence or your truck before they catch you, running away will likely trigger a dog's prey instincts which gives them a higher probability of attacking. Stand your ground and do not move any closer to the dog. If they do not seem to be making any move toward you, simply back up slowly without turning your back to the dog. Keep your eyes on the dog at all times, while at the same time not making eye contact, while moving away and stay facing him until you’re on the other side of a fence or getting in the truck. Learn to read body language. The key parts to look at on a dog are: eyes, mouth, ears, tail, & hair. Keep an eye on the movement of the dog. There are subtle cues to know if you are in any real danger. (I will post photos and explanations in the comments for help)

IF APPROACHED BY AN AGGRESSIVE DOG

➖Avoid eye contact
➖Turn your body slowly to the side
➖Cross your arms
➖Completely ignore the dog
➖Be still for a short period then move slowly away
➖Try to get to a place where there is a barrier between you and the dog.
➖Once the dog has lost interest, slowly back away.

Dog bites HURT BAD! It’s no fun and the severe bites can be devastating. If you can manage to stay calm, collected, and show the animal that you respect his space and you slowly, carefully move back out of his perceived space, the odds are you won’t get attacked by someone’s dog. I think it must be a terrible work hazard to run into these nerve racking situations while trying to do your job. My advice would be to follow the tips from above and on top of that your employer should provide you with a can of ‘Pet Corrector’ aerosol spray. It’s not something you spray at or attack the dog with. It’s an air spray that makes a high pitched sound that can stop an escalating dog in his tracks. It can be enough to startle a dog but not pose a perceived threat. When a dog is getting amped up to have a big reaction, a simple sound can bring him out of it long enough to create some space for yourself. But again, the MOST important thing is going to be remaining quiet and calm. Not trying to run or trying to fight. Be vigilant about the areas you enter. I’m not sure I’d walk through a fence into a yard without a thorough check. And if you’re coming from the dog owner perspective you have to consider the drivers out there working to bring us what we need. Bring the dog in, put up a sign, leave instructions for them to put your order on the outside of your fence. We love our dogs! But we can’t let them terrorize our essential workers!