Delivery drivers are gaining ground thanks to demand. Currently, if you're a good courier, you can earn very well. However, you have to be aware that, like any profession, there are pitfalls as you progress. These problems will vary depending on the vehicle you drive; they're not the same as those experienced by an SUV or a bicycle delivery driver.
End up at the repairer
Let's get straight to the point: it's a waste of time and money when something breaks on your vehicle. Whether it's a tire that fails or a vehicle that won't start after a delivery. That's why it's essential to have cars in good condition that are regularly maintained. You have to take care of your work tool to maintain a good delivery schedule, which is why we have these tips.
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Tire pressure should be checked regularly and a spare should always be on hand. This should also be inspected to avoid unpleasant surprises when you get caught in rough terrain.
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It's recommended that you check your vehicle's fluids every 5,000 miles or the equivalent. You should then change the oil, check the brake fluid, coolant, and antifreeze. If your drivers don't know how to do this, there are three options: hire someone to do it, recruit one another, or get them trained to save you all of the above.
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They shouldn't waste unnecessary energy on lights, so their batteries last longer. It's also a good idea to always check that all the lights are working properly.
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Annual inspections should be scheduled for all vehicles, both large and light.
Breaks for delivery drivers
The human body has needs, and you shouldn't treat your workers' needs as if they were taboo. Delivery drivers spend entire days running around, drinking water or coffee, so it's vital that they have bathroom breaks. This will prevent having to stop in the middle of deliveries or having an awkward accident.
Depending on the freedom you give your delivery drivers, they could arrange to make stops at their own homes. But if you want to avoid the risk of them wasting time away from the base, it's best to organize this. This is done in conjunction with them, as this varies from person to person. Provide them with an accessible bathroom they can use upon arrival from their deliveries without wasting so much time.
Fuel shortages
In the case of vehicles that run on gasoline or natural gas, there's always the possibility of running out of fuel. These types of situations always involve delays, which ultimately slow down service and, consequently, affect business. Just as there are bathroom breaks, there must also be regular fuel breaks.
The number of stops you make to fill up your car will depend on the model and the number of daily deliveries. It's generally recommended to fill up at the beginning or end of the workday. Making sure you have more than half a tank of gas is a good way to ensure you'll have enough if the day gets tough.
The constant delays
Time is either a friend or an enemy for delivery drivers, as a simple delay can cause them to lose a customer. Ideally, the entire journey should be completed quickly, minimizing time without endangering the driver's life. Longer driving times lead to higher fuel costs and more vehicle maintenance.
The solution to this problem is to have an efficient route to minimize the time each delivery takes. Investing in an app that includes route planning among its features will optimize all your driving routes. The positive side is that ToolRides can help you reach all your destinations in the shortest possible time. Plus, you won't have to plan your routes yourself every day.
Unexpected traffic and accidents
It's normal that even with a well-planned day, it can be disrupted by an accident or a traffic jam. The solution to this problem is also to use an app with a built-in route planner. Since it includes a GPS, it allows you to see the best detours. If there's a significant delay that the driver can't overcome, the delivery can be rescheduled for another time of day.
Unknown areas or areas outside the geographical fence
Regardless of how long they've been on the job, delivery drivers can encounter areas they haven't traveled before. Thanks to GPS, the risk of missing a delivery due to getting lost is becoming less and less common. They no longer have to carry maps or check routes one by one every morning.
With custom apps, everything is at your fingertips on your mobile device. Just enter the address, and the software does all the work, mapping out the fastest routes. Another option is to allow the customer to enter the delivery address, so the driver only has to worry about arriving on time.
Every problem has a solution
The demand for personalized deliveries only increases with each passing year. Therefore, you must prepare your company and your delivery drivers for the various situations that may arise. Furthermore, you must remember how essential it is to digitize your processes to survive peak seasons.
