Hello from Massachusetts,
I'm in Holyoke, MA. I would prefer a new office that had ALL LLV's, but would consider LLV's on some routes. The reason I am looking into SC is simple- the weather. If you like four seasons, fall foliage, skiing, and Cape Cod (all right, I will miss the cape) this might be the place for you. The Berkshire Mountains are an hour away, and beautiful CT and RI beaches are one and a half hours away. New York City is four hours away. I've taken three bus day-trips to the city. I'm not a big fan of New Yorkers (or the Yankees) but when you stand in Times Square the feeling that your standing at the center of the universe is overwhelming. One part of Holyoke borders the Connecticut River. Just yesterday I took my pup for a long walk along a trail next to the river. After 45 years I am still impressed. In addition to Holyoke Community College and Westfield State College there are five "name" schools all within 30 minutes-Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Amherst, Hampshire, and Umass. These colleges provide a (youthful) positive atmosphere.
Now, down to the nuts and bolts. There are only two rural routes in the office and 31 city routes. While management is chasing the city guys they leave us alone. RD1 is a 44k, and 40 miles. Officially, the start time is 6:00, but we are left to manage our own routes. RD1 starts approximately 7:10 and is normally done 2:00-2:30 with Saturdays off. There are about 500 boxes with little growth in the future. He says he will retire in June 2013 (if not sooner with a good early out.) My route, RD2, is a 45K and 33 miles with Monday as a day off. I start at 7:20 and am usually done 1:30 -2:00. There are 450 boxes with many businesses that generate a large volume of mail. Continued growth can be expected. We share a sub who is NOT a career employee. We have never had a problem taking time off. Management will throw a TE on one of our routes if we both take time off. Also, FSS machines are scheduled for summer of 2010.
I would prefer to make this mutual exchange after my son graduates from high school in early June 2010 or after he starts college in late August of 2010. The realties of life may dictate otherwise and am open to a time-frame significantly sooner.
I can be contacted at 1-413-535-1534 or 31 Hitchcock St. Holyoke , MA 01040
Hope to hear from you soon,
Glynn
