Why UPS Trucks Almost Never Turn Left

Summary

The video script humorously addresses the concept of 'left' being associated with negativity across various cultures, before pivoting to discuss UPS's operational efficiency. It explains how UPS optimizes delivery routes to minimize left turns, which are less efficient and more dangerous, resulting in significant fuel and time savings. The script concludes with a promotional offer for CuriosityStream and Nebula, highlighting exclusive content and a special discount.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The video is sponsored by CuriosityStream, offering an annual subscription that includes access to Nebula and exclusive content.
• 👎 The speaker humorously condemns the 'left' direction, citing various historical and cultural associations with negativity and superstition.
• 🚚 UPS has a complex logistical system involving sorting facilities, planes, and trucks to deliver packages efficiently.
• 💰 The last mile of delivery is the most expensive part of the shipping process, with time and route optimization being crucial for cost-effectiveness.
• 🔢 The 'traveling salesman problem' is a complex mathematical challenge that UPS faces in finding the most efficient delivery routes.
• 🚗 UPS optimizes routes to minimize left turns due to their longer duration, lower fuel efficiency, and higher risk of accidents.
• 🛑 Left turns are avoided by UPS drivers as they are more dangerous and can lead to costly lawsuits and delays.
• 🌳 By reducing unnecessary left turns, UPS saves fuel, reduces carbon emissions, and increases the number of packages delivered annually.
• 📺 The speaker recommends using the time saved from route optimization to watch exclusive content on Nebula, including a special Half as Interesting episode.
• 💡 CuriosityStream offers a more comprehensive subscription that includes access to Nebula and a wide range of documentaries at a discounted rate.
• 📝 The video script uses humor and storytelling to convey information about logistics, history, and the importance of efficiency in delivery services.

Q & A

What is the main sponsor of the video?

The main sponsor of the video is CuriosityStream.

What special feature is available exclusively on Nebula for Half as Interesting viewers?

The 40-minute Half as Interesting special is available exclusively on Nebula.

What controversial statement does the speaker make about the direction 'left'?

The speaker humorously condemns the direction 'left,' associating it with various negative historical and cultural connotations.

Why did UPS start avoiding left turns in their delivery routes?

UPS started avoiding left turns to save time and fuel, as left turns are generally less efficient and more dangerous than right turns.

What is the 'traveling salesman problem' mentioned in the script?

The 'traveling salesman problem' is a well-known algorithmic problem in the field of optimization, which involves finding the shortest possible route for a salesman who needs to visit a number of cities and return to his original city.

How does UPS handle the complexity of route optimization for its drivers?

UPS uses general optimizations and avoids unnecessary left turns to shave time off of routes, as calculating perfect routes for all drivers is not feasible due to the complexity of the 'traveling salesman problem' and real-world variables.

What are the two main reasons UPS avoids left turns in their routes?

The two main reasons are that left turns take longer and are less fuel efficient due to having to cut across traffic, and they are more dangerous, being over three times as likely to kill pedestrians than right turns.

How much fuel does UPS save by avoiding unnecessary left turns?

By avoiding unnecessary left turns, UPS is able to save 10 million gallons of fuel annually.

What is the annual subscription cost for Nebula mentioned in the video?

The annual subscription cost for Nebula is $30.

What is the promotional offer for CuriosityStream that includes a free subscription to Nebula?

The promotional offer for CuriosityStream is $15 a year for a limited time, which includes a free subscription to Nebula and access to thousands of documentaries.

What is the website viewers are directed to sign up for CuriosityStream?

Viewers are directed to CuriosityStream.com/HAI to sign up.