Imagine your delivery drivers are out on their daily work and someone arrives soaked from the rain. There are many examples of situations like this that could be avoided with the right equipment or tools. With a little more preparation before leaving the base, they can fully concentrate on the road, while saving time and making money.
But the question here is, what do you really need to be prepared for external factors? What is truly necessary to bring and what isn't to avoid taking up space in the vehicle or delivery bag? That's why we wanted to compile a list so you can explain every detail to your team of drivers.
Essential aspects for a driver
First, you need to educate them about the items they are legally required to carry for safety reasons. Licenses are essential, so you won't be detained in case of an accident or at a checkpoint. It's also important to carry the appropriate ID and something that identifies the driver as part of the delivery service.
Do delivery drivers need to wear specific clothing?
There are several options when it comes to deciding how your drivers will dress. The main one is to let them choose their own clothing, so you don't have to worry about their uniforms. A second option is to give them a uniform so they're identifiable wherever they go, which has the added benefit of making your service visible. It also saves your employees money on clothing and the hassle of finding what to wear.
It's best to make sure they're comfortable because they'll be spending a lot of time in one position. Of course, you have to be careful not to overdo it and not confuse comfort with the informality of wearing shorts or revealing clothing. It's not common, but it's worth letting your delivery drivers know that heavy shoes aren't the best for driving.
What to carry in your trunk or purse?
Water is something that shouldn't be missing, especially liquids like coffee, tea, or juice. Being behind the wheel all day can make you forget that staying hydrated is the healthiest thing for your body. The next item is vital both for the base where drivers arrive and for carrying in the car: the first aid kit. These are some of the essential medications.
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Some painkillers for headaches or general discomfort.
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Band-aids or bandages, with scissors included to cut the bandages.
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Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide in case you need to disinfect a wound.
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Anti-allergy in case you have constant allergies.
Mobile devices have also become an unpredictable item for delivery drivers, thanks to apps. They have access to the various deliveries, addresses, GPS, route planners, and even payment receivers. This is to prevent them from carrying cash for their own safety. And finally, a flashlight for nighttime deliveries; the delivery location won't always be well-lit.
Safety elements
Regardless of the distance delivery drivers travel, it's important to have certain safety tools in place. In this case, this is especially geared toward your service's delivery drivers who use vehicles.
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The most important thing is the fire extinguisher. They come in different sizes depending on the needs and size of the vehicle. Always check them before leaving the base, but above all, be aware of the storage time.
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Basic tools and fluids for replacement. It's always a good idea to carry a pair of pliers in case something comes loose. Also, keep brake fluid, coolant, or engine oil on hand.
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Triangles or some reflective signs are very important when making deliveries at night. This way, if you have an accident or breakdown, you can warn other drivers in the area.
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Spare tire: When you're a delivery driver, you travel a variety of routes and never know when you'll get a flat tire. Just like the fire extinguisher, it's vital to constantly check it and try to maintain it whenever necessary.
This list is concise, as there are factors and personal preferences of both the company and the driver that can make it longer. For example, the climate of a specific area. If you live somewhere where it snows, you'll need other tools.
What not to carry in the car
To know what your drivers shouldn't carry, you have to think about its uselessness. If it's not useful and just takes up space in the car, then they shouldn't have to carry it. Furthermore, a considerable number of accidents have occurred due to improperly placed objects that weren't necessary and hit passengers.
Luggage placement is important, so you should recommend the following arrangement. The heaviest and largest items should go in the center, while smaller items should go on the sides. In short, to avoid unnecessary accidents, every driver should keep the car clean. Both inside and out, with absolutely necessary items stored in an orderly manner, so they won't bump into each other while driving.
Only what is fair and necessary
You have to be aware of the principle of less is more, because it applies to unnecessary items but not to a first-aid kit, for example. Therefore, it's vital that you explain all the points in this article to your delivery drivers. Don't forget that order will always benefit a company's success.
