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THE NEW NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PEOPLE
I Met the Current Newspaper Carrier This Morning
Now, I will worry about them
The Boston Globe, delivered to my house daily, is placed in a tube supplied by the newspaper. The current carrier places the paper with the open end of the plastic wrapping hanging outside. I love this touch, a personalization by the latest carrier, which permits checking from inside my house to see if the paper has been delivered without trudging down our long driveway.
The delivery time fluctuates between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., depending upon the current carrier’s territory, home base, and perhaps a second or primary job.
I have always tried to meet and greet the delivery person at least once during their duration in a position that is often brief.
Duration is the operative word in this job. Newspaper carriers rarely hold the position for more than a few years. One woman lasted four days; her car developed problems, forcing her to reconsider her employment choice.
The hours and mileage may be unsustainable. The last carrier, a congenial young man in a blue sedan, held the job for three years.
One of my favorite carriers was Iris, who spoke limited English, Spanish being her native language. We communicated…
