So you recently got a job as a delivery driver. Congratulations! Being an Amazon, UPS, or FedEx driver is a great way to make a living. You deliver vital packages people need.
Even though you’re excited about your job, you’re not sure what to expect on your first day.
Below are five habits to adopt starting your first day of making deliveries! With any luck, these habits will ensure you excel at your job.
1. Get Familiar with Your Route Ahead of Time
Being familiar with where you’re going on your first day will make life easier. Even if you’re local to the area, it’s wise to review the places you’ll be delivering to ahead of time.
It may be helpful to download an app to plan your deliveries ahead of time. Various apps can speed up your delivery times and set you on the right course.
There are even apps like Circuit Route Planner that put your deliveries in order based on distance and location.
2. Make Sure All Packages Are There
If you’re using a scanning gun, you may assume that all the packages are there. Yet, mistakes happen, and not all the boxes may have gotten loaded into the truck.
Before leaving, take ten minutes to ensure that all packages are in the truck. It may not seem that big of a deal to return to the warehouse and retrieve the package. But if you’re twenty minutes away, it can completely throw off your day.
Don’t assume that everything will run smoothly, especially on your first day. It’s better to plan ahead of time so that your first multi-drop delivery is successful.
3. Allow Extra Time in Case You Get Lost
If you have an app set up and are familiar with the area, you should be all set. Yet, there’s always the possibility you may get lost.
Since this is your first day, you should cushion in extra time if you get all turned around. Delivering all of your packages on your first day is vital.
To put your best foot forward, give yourself plenty of time to make all your deliveries on time.
4. Don’t Forget the Essentials
Besides being mindful of directions and packages, there are other things to consider.
When making deliveries, it’s wise to bring along other essentials. A few examples of what to take are a first aid kit, car charger, and snacks.
First-Aid Kit
Since you’ll be handling many packages, there’s always a chance you may injure yourself. For example, you may scrape your hand on a rough part of a box. Or, you could be clumsy and accidentally fall.
Accidents happen, so don’t be too hard on yourself. But, having a first-aid kit handy can help. That way, you can clean up minor scrapes with an antiseptic ointment and cover them with a bandaid.
Car Charger
The last thing you need is for your cell phone to die on you while you’re in the middle of a delivery. You rely on your phone to get you to the correct destinations. So, making sure it’s fully charged and ready to go is essential.
If your phone does act up, having a phone charger can help. A power bank is also helpful if your charger happens to break or doesn’t work in the truck.
Water and Snacks
You may not have time to take lunch. Or, you’d rather eat in the truck. Either way, having water and snacks is something you should bring along.
On a hot day, you need to stay hydrated. (Drinking water on days that aren’t hot is still essential.)
Snacks will keep you going on a busy day. Although to avoid a sugar crash, you should stick with healthy snacks like a banana and granola bar.
5. Brush up on Safety Laws
As a multi-drop driver, you must stay safe while on the road. You may be new to driving a larger truck. If that’s the case, it’s all the more critical for you to stay safe.
As a delivery driver, you must follow the same laws that other drivers follow. So, don’t park next to red curbs and be aware of your surroundings.
Since you’re driving in a large truck, you will have to get used to your blind spots. So, paying attention to the road and keeping an eye out for pedestrians is vital.
If you were to get into an Amazon delivery accident, for example, it could have harmful consequences. So, it’s best to always use caution while driving.
Remember, there are more bikers and pedestrians in neighborhoods. So, it will help if you remain vigilant as you go to each delivery location.
Conclusion
Instilling a positive mindset will help you enjoy your delivery job. So, always try to focus on what you’re thankful for.
Furthermore, not everything always goes according to plan, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay prepared!
Form these habits, and no doubt your multi-drop deliveries now and in the future will be a success!
