HCTs

[nuisance]

OMG who the hell came up with those things!!! I used to be a postie and used the push bikes or my own car, all good. I've been back as a postie for two and a half months in another area and was really enjoying it. I like the vans and p & l. I think I'm lucky with my office and all the people I've worked with so far but just started with the getting shifted around to different offices. Obviously the extra traveling time and expense is a PITA, as is not knowing where the hell I am or where I am going, but fair enough, I signed up for it.

I want to moan about the massive trollies. The walks in the office I got sent to all have HCTs, not vans. I did a useless job of loading it (but since I've never actually used one I think that's understandable) and the bags were all piling out of the top. I'm short and couldn't see where I was going over said stupid arrangement of bags. I couldn't hold it straight on sideways sloping pavements, it kept going onto the road. I couldn't get the front to stay locked (once having delivered enough mail to actually close it) so I daren't leave the thing anywhere, plus not knowing the walk I never knew when I would be looping back on myself to a parking spot so could rarely have left it anyway. Pushing it was sooooo slow and blooming hard work. I hurt my hands twice when the damn thing hit bumps in the pavement and they shot off the handle and slammed my knuckles into the back of the trolley. I ended up bringing loads back and I hadn't even took the whole walk out. I hate playing the whiney "I can't do it" card but tbh I felt so fed up and had to be home at a reasonable time for an evening engagement, I couldn't do much else.

Are there any alternatives in HCT offices? Does anyone still use their cars? Can you keep going back to the office with a LWT or would that just be seen as taking the piss? I am dreading having to use one again!

[Kick the Bucket]

Quick question! Did you receive appropriate training for using a HCT? Technically you shouldn't use one without training.

[Jpro747]

You are right the new ones are crap, heavier and bulkier yet not all that roomy. The mk1 was better

[nuisance]

I think I possibly got the condensed version of training. "These are the keys. Front opens, back opens. These are the brakes etc". Then after I'd loaded it, badly, this was pointed out and, as above, it was suggested not to use bags in future. Then, kind of, "off you go, you won't get lost...." Sigh. All just a bit too rapid for me to take in, I think, while I was mostly focused on trying to take in directions.

[POSTMAN]

Don't forget the sexy new HCT video...

https://www.myroyalmail.com/news/2017/02/hct-security" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

We must keep mail safe and secure at all times

You are responsible for safeguarding our customers’ mail when you are out on delivery.

Our regulator, Ofcom, has set us a specific objective to ‘minimise the exposure of customers’ mail to the risk of loss, theft, damage and interference.’

Using your high capacity trolley (HCT) correctly is an important part of this.

Chris Williams, quality and customer compliance manager, said: ‘HCTs are mainly used in high streets and densely populated areas, which makes them potentially more vulnerable to interference.

‘In association with Group Property, we’ve created a new video to show you how to use your HCT safely and securely – it’s vital for everyone to follow the correct processes at all times, and to regularly check their equipment is safe to use and can be properly secured.’

Find the video ‘How to use your HCT securely’ in the Delivery section via Content on Demand on your business screens, or speak to your manager for more information.

And the ssow...
http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 15&t=46402" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[steve1873]

OMG who the hell came up with those things!!! I used to be a postie and used the push bikes or my own car, all good. I've been back as a postie for two and a half months in another area and was really enjoying it. I like the vans and p & l. I think I'm lucky with my office and all the people I've worked with so far but just started with the getting shifted around to different offices. Obviously the extra traveling time and expense is a PITA, as is not knowing where the hell I am or where I am going, but fair enough, I signed up for it.

I want to moan about the massive trollies. The walks in the office I got sent to all have HCTs, not vans. I did a useless job of loading it (but since I've never actually used one I think that's understandable) and the bags were all piling out of the top. I'm short and couldn't see where I was going over said stupid arrangement of bags. I couldn't hold it straight on sideways sloping pavements, it kept going onto the road. I couldn't get the front to stay locked (once having delivered enough mail to actually close it) so I daren't leave the thing anywhere, plus not knowing the walk I never knew when I would be looping back on myself to a parking spot so could rarely have left it anyway. Pushing it was sooooo slow and blooming hard work. I hurt my hands twice when the damn thing hit bumps in the pavement and they shot off the handle and slammed my knuckles into the back of the trolley. I ended up bringing loads back and I hadn't even took the whole walk out. I hate playing the whiney "I can't do it" card but tbh I felt so fed up and had to be home at a reasonable time for an evening engagement, I couldn't do much else.

Are there any alternatives in HCT offices? Does anyone still use their cars? Can you keep going back to the office with a LWT or would that just be seen as taking the piss? I am dreading having to use one again!

There should be no extra travelling time - this is part of your contracted hours. Show up at office at start time and then travel onwards to other office from there. As far as expense goes - you have a choice as to whether you use your own private vehicle (you are under ZERO obligation). If you choose to use your car, you are entitled to be paid a mileage allowance. If you choose not to use your own vehicle then it is up to the manager to provide you with transport.

Please ensure you are covered to use your vehicle for this purpose by your insurance company. This normally does not fall under standard commuting. Do not, under any circumstances take your managers word for it that you are covered. He/ she quite simply has no way of knowing.

[steve1873]

You are right the new ones are crap, heavier and bulkier yet not all that roomy. The mk1 was better

I find 2 annoying problems with the Mk2 HCT's that simply didn't happen with the old ones.

1) The lid is often very difficult to lock. On MK1's you simply closed the lid and it locked. Not so on the newer ones!

2) The fact the front wheels are trolley like and not fixed, means that you have to always apply both brakes or the trolley simply spins around the wheel that has the brake applied. Having to apply both brakes is obviously problematic for us, when for a large part of the time, we only have 1 free hand.

[visigoth]

You're not alone - first time I used one I was completely done in. Don't beat yourself up, you'll improve.

I work by instinct now - more than 20 bundles and/or average parcels = "too much/heavy, there's the stuff I need dropped off later". I usually weigh mine on my way out for peace of mind. You have access to weighing equipment, right?

I've yet to find one with keys for the underneath storage. Whoever thought of having a cover for the tray that ain't waterproof should be shot.

[DiamondSmiles]

And it's amazing how HCT's are attracted to light coloured cars if the brake isn't 100% working

[South_London_Postie]

Applied both breaks once turned my back for 5 seconds only to return and find the trolley in the middle of the road.

Shitty things

The walks at my DO are psychically impossible to finish if you walk around with a trolley, so don't stress yourself out about it.

[South_London_Postie]

what is the weight limit for the New HCT's. When rammed to the top they give me a back ache pushing. Doesn't help being over 6 ft neither.

[visigoth]

Mk2 HCT 122k total.

[rubberbond]

what is the weight limit for the New HCT's. When rammed to the top they give me a back ache pushing. Doesn't help being over 6 ft neither.

Some offices stopped using them becausvthey were causing, fatigue and stress injuries, for the poor sods who had to push them back. Cycles are far suoerior equioment,can anyone explain why they were abandoned in favour of these lumbering useless things.

[Stunl3y]

2) The fact the front wheels are trolley like and not fixed, means that you have to always apply both brakes or the trolley simply spins around the wheel that has the brake applied. Having to apply both brakes is obviously problematic for us, when for a large part of the time, we only have 1 free hand.

Bingo , this one problem for me is the most annoying

[goldy]

Strange differnt experiences people have I love HCTs I admit they can be a bit dangerous if not used correctly but its better than park and poop anyday.