In today’s society, there are many people who are actively looking for a job. They need something that will help them pay their bills and provide for their families. People are keen to protect their legal rights in terms of pay and conditions and want to do something they’ll enjoy.
It may be that you are job hunting right now, and are considering being a delivery driver. If you want to learn a little more before you proceed, this article can provide you with some useful tips.
Do Some Research
If you can, try to talk to other delivery drivers who work for different companies. This will give you a better idea of what the industry is like and which companies are worth applying to. You might even find someone who is willing to mentor you.
When looking for jobs online, check out websites like Indeed and Glassdoor. They can be a great way to discover what each company is like – and how their employees feel about working for them. Reading reviews can be helpful too; read a variety of them so that you have a well-rounded assessment. If you are considering working for instacart you can read online about the pros and cons, and how Covid-19 has impacted the work. You can compare the company to its competitors, find out if it’s hard physically and mentally and read about the shifts and earnings.
Be Prepared For Outdoor Work
If you like to sit indoors doing office work, this is probably the wrong job for you. When you take a job as a delivery driver, you can expect to constantly travel around your city or town. You’ll need to have an updated map of your area (e.g. using a GPS system or map app) and be familiar with the different routes you may need to take. You should also have a good sense of direction.
You need to be aware that you will be dealing with all sorts of weather conditions, from extreme heat to rain and snow. As a delivery driver, you will likely be on your feet a lot. You may also have to lift heavy boxes and other objects when you are doing the deliveries. For this reason, it’s important to stay active and keep yourself healthy. Go for long walks or jogs whenever possible and try not to sit still too much during the day.
Be A Responsible Driver
When you’re driving a large vehicle, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and to maintain control of the road at all times. Make sure you are familiar with the route you’re taking, and be especially cautious when turning or changing lanes. Always use your blinkers, and ensure that your mirrors are properly adjusted so that you have a clear view of what’s behind you. If there is anything obstructing your view, move it before starting to drive. Always keep your eyes on the road – don’t text or talk on the phone while driving. Follow all traffic laws carefully, including speed limits, stop signs, etc.
You’ll be daily under pressure to deliver packages to their destinations on time. Delivery drivers often have to cover long distances in a short amount of time, which can lead to the temptation to speed. However, this is not only dangerous for yourself and other drivers on the road, but it can also get you pulled over and ticketed by the Police. Obey the speed limit and use cruise control when possible to help you stay within these limits.
Maintain Your Vehicle
A clean vehicle is always more attractive than one that’s dirty and messy. If you’re not into washing and valeting your vehicle, get someone to do it for you.
Your vehicle should be regularly serviced, and any repairs should be done immediately. Check things like tires, oil and brakes to make sure everything is in roadworthy condition. It’s always a good idea to keep a spare set of keys hidden somewhere, in case you ever lose your original set. That way, you won’t have to worry about being locked out of your vehicle.
Take Regular Breaks
It’s important to stay alert while driving, especially when you’re driving for long periods of time. If you press on without breaks because you’re keen to finish the delivery, you could fall asleep at the wheel and cause an accident.
Be sure to take breaks every few hours (at least thirty minutes each time), and to get out of the vehicle to walk around and stretch your legs. If you’re feeling tired, pull over and take a nap until you feel refreshed.
Be Prepared For Shiftwork
You may be required to work different shift patterns throughout the week. Shiftwork might sound like a breeze, but it can be quite tough if you’re not used to working in this way – especially at first.
Having a good work/life balance is especially important if you have a family. You don’t want to miss out on precious time with your loved ones because you’re working all the time. Before you accept the job, talk to your family about the shift patterns you’ll be working. They may need to adjust their own schedule around yours in order to accommodate your new role. Alternatively, you may need to seek a different job for now.
General Tips
Dress for work inappropriate clothing, wearing comfortable shoes. In terms of the weather, you may need to bring along such things as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, umbrellas etc. Be courteous and professional at all times, even when dealing with difficult customers. Keep a positive attitude with everyone and treat them with respect.
This article has either put you off the role or motivated you to pursue the next step. If you find the right delivery job, you may enjoy the opportunity to be out and about. You’ll be able to visit lots of places while earning money in the process. For the right person, it can be a rewarding career that they will never seek to change.
