OJS Ride-Along Coming? Here's Exactly What To Do

By TeamstersGPT · Published June 8, 2026

A UPS Teamster's complete guide to preparing for, surviving, and documenting an OJS supervisor ride-along — before, during, and after the ride.

A supervisor is riding with you. Whether you just found out or you've been expecting it, this moment can feel stressful — but it doesn't have to. Your contract gives you real protections, and preparation is your best tool. Here is exactly what to do, step by step.

First: Know Your Rights Before Anything Else

The most important thing to understand is that management must give you at least 24 hours' notice before an OJS (On-Job Supervision) ride-along. If they don't, file a grievance immediately [1]. This is a contract right — don't let it slide.

Also know this: OJS rides are not disciplinary in nature. The stated purpose of an OJS is to correct problems, not to punish you [1]. That said, supervisors will absolutely try to collect information they can use later to pressure you to work faster — so you need to be ready.

Before the Ride: Prepare Like a Pro

Get Your Steward Involved Early

Talk to your shop steward as soon as you know a ride is coming. Your steward can advise you on your rights, remind you of proper methods, and help you prepare your documentation strategy [1].

Follow the Methods — Starting Now

Don't wait for the ride to start following proper UPS methods. If the OJS is the first day you follow the methods, it will show. Start now so your habits are natural and consistent by the time the supervisor climbs in [1] [2].

Bring Your Tools

Show up with a pencil and notebook so you can document everything that happens during the ride [1]. You'll want a written record, not just your memory.

Complete Your Full Pre-Trip Routine

Do everything you normally do, nothing more and nothing less:

  • Verify your air
  • Check your tires and lights
  • Grab your driver release bags
  • Pick up your info notices
  • Complete your full pre-trip inspection [1]

Don't let the presence of a supervisor cause you to rush or skip any step. A complete, normal pre-trip protects you.

During the Ride: Stay Calm and Document Everything

Don't Panic — Follow the Methods

It's natural to feel nervous with a supervisor in the truck. Focus on working at a safe, steady pace throughout the day. Do not let them rush you [1].

Keep Conversation to a Minimum

Management is always looking for an opportunity to use what you say against you. Be polite, but keep conversation brief and professional [1].

Know What Supervisors Are NOT Allowed to Do

Supervisors cannot help you in any way during the ride — not even small things. Watch for and document any of the following [3]:

  • Holding doors or pushing elevator buttons
  • Telling you where to park or which route to take
  • Pointing out packages in the cargo area or telling you the next stop
  • Carrying packages or walking ahead of you at stops
  • Holding traffic when you cross streets
  • Greeting customers at deliveries

If they do any of these things, take notes immediately. You can file a grievance after the ride [1].

If They Tell You to Violate the Methods

Ask them directly: "Are you instructing me to not follow the methods?" If they insist, it is better to document the interference and comply under protest than to risk a discipline charge for insubordination. Work now, grieve later [1].

Use the OJS Checklist During Your Lunch Break

Take detailed notes on your lunch break. The OJS checklist covers key areas to watch [2] [3]:

Load Quality

  • Was your load manicured or different than normal?
  • Did you have your regular pre-loader?

AM Routine

  • Were cars moved for you? Was traffic guided?
  • Was your vehicle moved to an easier position?

Normal Work & Delivery Area

  • Was volume lighter than normal?
  • Were pick-ups removed or pre-hit?
  • Were OCA's diverted to another driver?

Breaks & Routine

  • Were you allowed a full, uninterrupted meal break?
  • Were you able to take normal bathroom breaks without coding them as a break?
  • Did the supervisor instruct you when to take lunch?

Supervisor Interference

  • Did the supervisor remain in the vehicle while you made deliveries?
  • Did they walk behind you or "kick your heels"?
  • Did they tell you shelf numbers or package locations?

General

  • Did you feel intimidated, harassed, or coerced at any point?
  • Were you rushed or overly supervised? [3]

Document yes or no answers to each of these, plus any notes explaining what happened.

After the Ride: Protect the Record

Complete the Full OJS Checklist

After the ride, fill out the complete OJS checklist while the details are fresh. You can access the online version at tdu.org/online_ojs [1].

Bring Your Steward to Any After-Route Review

If management calls you into the office for a post-ride review, do not go alone. You have the right to have your steward present [1].

Request All Documentation

Under the contract, both you and your steward have the right to all documentation from the ride upon request [1] [2]. Ask for it. Your steward can make a formal information request if needed.

If They Try to Discipline You for Production

File a grievance immediately. Have your steward file an information request at the same time [1]. Production discipline coming out of an OJS is a serious matter — don't let it sit.

A Note for Shop Stewards

If you are a steward and a member comes to you before an OJS:

  • Remind them of the 24-hour notice requirement and advise them to file a grievance if it wasn't given [1]
  • Walk them through the pre-trip routine and what to document
  • Meet with them after the ride to go over their notes and make sure everything is captured [1]
  • Request all related documentation from management on their behalf [2]

What to Do Next

Talk to your steward as soon as you know a ride is scheduled. Review the OJS checklist at tdu.org before the ride so you know exactly what to watch for. If anything goes wrong — no 24-hour notice, supervisor interference, or discipline after the ride — file a grievance and document everything. You can also ask TeamstersGPT with your supplement selected for more region-specific guidance.

Sources

  1. OJS Toolkit: Member, Shop Steward, and Parking Lot Meeting Guide – UPS Teamsters United — p. 1–2
    PROTECT YOURSELF ON AN OJS When management gets on your truck, their goal is to get information they can use later to harass you and push you to work faster. Protect yourself by preparing for the ride. Before the Ride 24 hour notice. Under the new contract, management must give…
  2. OJS Toolkit: Member, Shop Steward, and Parking Lot Meeting Guide – UPS Teamsters United — p. 2–4
    r the new contract, the steward and the member have the right to all related documentation upon request. Discipline. If management does try to write a member up for production, file an information request and have the member file a grievance. UPS Teamsters United is a grassroots…
  3. OJS Toolkit: Member, Shop Steward, and Parking Lot Meeting Guide – UPS Teamsters United — p. 4–5
    ns or other non-walkways? C.O.D. & Driver Release With a C.O.D., did supervisor tell you to leave the package and return later for the check? Were you allowed to follow proper driver-release methods? Did you use release bags when necessary? Did you leave an info notice when Yes…

Frequently asked

Does management have to tell me in advance that they're riding with me?
Yes. Under the contract, management must give you at least 24 hours' notice before an OJS ride-along. If they don't, file a grievance right away [#1].
Can the supervisor help me during the OJS ride — like holding a door or telling me where to park?
No. Supervisors are not allowed to help you in any way during the ride, including small acts like holding doors, pushing elevator buttons, or telling you where to park or drive. Document any interference and file a grievance after the ride [#1] [#3].
What if the supervisor tells me to violate the methods during the ride?
Ask them directly: 'Are you instructing me to not follow the methods?' If they insist, comply under protest, document the instruction thoroughly, and file a grievance after the ride. Working now and grieving later is better than facing insubordination charges [#1].
Can management discipline me for production based on an OJS ride?
OJS rides are not disciplinary in nature — their stated purpose is to correct problems, not to punish [#1]. If management does attempt to write you up for production after a ride, file a grievance immediately and have your steward submit an information request [#1] [#2].
Am I entitled to see the documentation from my OJS ride?
Yes. Under the contract, both the member and the steward have the right to all documentation related to the OJS ride upon request [#1] [#2]. Ask for it after the ride, and have your steward make a formal information request if management is slow to provide it.

Ask TeamstersGPT with your supplement selected to get the cited article and section for your local.