Couriers in the Cold

Jeff Chiperzak and Shaun Finnis work as couriers. They drive trucks to deliver letters and packages to people’s offices and homes.

Like all couriers, they wear uniforms to work. In summer, when the weather is hot, they wear shorts and shirts. They also wear short socks and shoes. In winter, when the weather is very cold, they wear long pants, sweaters, and jackets. They wear gloves on their hands and warm hats on their heads, too.

One day last May, Jeff and Shaun decided to start a contest. They wanted to see who could wear his summer uniform the longest. They asked other couriers to be in the contest. The rules were simple: the couriers had to wear shorts and short socks. They could not wear pants, long socks, or sweaters.

There were six couriers in the contest. In October, the weather started to get cold. Two couriers quit the contest, but Jeff and Shaun didn’t quit. Jeff said, “My hands were very cold, so I started to wear gloves.” Shaun said, “My knees were freezing,” but he didn’t wear long pants. By November, the temperature was very cold. One day, it was minus30 degrees, but Jeff and Shaun didn’t quit. In December, Jeff and Shaun were still wearing short pants. When people received their Christmas packages, they were really surprised to see their couriers in short pants!

Jeff and Shaun didn’t want to end the contest, and one year later they are still in short pants. Now some new couriers want to join the contest.