Overcoming day-to-day challenges as a delivery driver
The most common delivery driver challenges and how to get past them.
Introduction
Being a delivery driver is great. You get to spend time on the open road listening to the radio or your favorite Spotify playlists. It’s an active job, so you can stay fit and keeps you moving throughout the day.
However, like any role, being a delivery driver also comes with its challenges. We surveyed more than 500 people across Europe who are signed up to Driver Express emails to find out what their biggest obstacles were. Then we put together this blog of how to overcome them.
So, whether you’re a seasoned delivery driver, or thinking about your first role through us, here are our top tips.
Challenge 01
I want to avoid traffic jams and hazards.
Solution 01
Traffic is not only frustrating to get stuck in, it can also completely change your scheduled delivery times, making for longer days and frustrated customers.
The first step to avoiding it is to have a good maps app on-hand. Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze are all great for this, give them a try and see which works best for you.
There are also other ways to plan ahead, for example searching online to see if there are any roadworks or hazards on main roads before you set out for the day. You can also make sure to have the radio on in your vehicle, most major stations will have hourly traffic updates that can help you avoid traffic.
Challenge 02
I sometimes encounter difficult customers.
Solution 02
The first thing to do is to stay calm and acknowledge their concerns.
When customers feel heard and understood, this can often defuse the tension. One tip to preventing these situations is to regularly update customers and manage their expectations regarding their orders. Being proactive in your communication will make them feel they’re being taken care of.
If a customer remains persistent, politely inform them they can escalate this issue by providing the details of your employer’s complaints procedure and inform the customer how to get in touch.
Challenge 03
I find it hard to keep motivated on long days.
Solution 03
If you’re facing a long shift, be sure to plan in regular breaks in your schedule when you can, so you can refresh your focus. These could be stops where you can stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or pick up a light snack - whatever you feel best replenishes your energy.
It’s also good to have something to entertain you in those longer driving stretches. Try an entertaining radio show, new audio book, podcast or a killer playlist to sing along to and make the hours fly by.
Challenge 04
I want to eat healthy on the go.
Solution 04
Life on the road sometimes leads to unhealthy eating habits. It’s often much easier to pick up a sugary or high fat snack at a service station than it is something healthy.
The best way to solve this is to plan ahead. Preparing small pots of nuts and seeds, dried fruit or veggies ahead of time are great for when you feel like snacking. The same way a packed lunch means you’ll always have a meal on-hand that’s nutrient-rich.
If you don’t have the time to prepare meals, try putting some research into salad bars, supermarkets and other healthy eating outlets to visit on-route.
Challenge 05
I don't know what essentials I'll need.
Solution 05
From the over 500 people we surveyed, their top essential items were: a route planning app, a charger and a phone mount. So be sure to have all of these in your vehicle before you set off.
Other things you may want to consider are snacks, a water bottle and a first aid kit. Also stock up on car essentials like a spare tire, ice scraper, pressure gauge, oil and screen wash to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
And there you have it, our advice to overcome delivery drivers’ most common challenges. If you liked this article, check out our other helpful information on our blog page.
Looking to become a delivery driver?
At Driver Express you can apply to one of our logistic service provider's open roles within 30 seconds and you are then guaranteed a call back in 24 hours, which means you could receive a new role in just a matter of days. Visit our website to find the latest roles today.