Package Precautions: Ensuring A Safe Delivery Every Time

Simple tips to help courier drivers stay safe during a routine delivery job. Every little helps!

In this article we are going to recap a handful of simple safety instructions for courier drivers.

Whether you are new to courier work or an experienced old hand, it’s never a bad idea to remind yourself of the easy actions you can take before, during and after a delivery job to ensure the safety of yourself, your customers and members of the public.

Driving in a careful and considerate way not only protects everyone on the road, it keeps everyone in a good mood, which, in turn, increases your chances of repeat business.

Preparation is Key

There are a few ways you can prepare before starting a delivery job to make certain that everything goes smoothly.

●        Know your route: Try to get to really know the areas you regularly drive in so you can stay away from problem areas, such as one way streets and traffic-heavy roads. Make a mental note of good places to park in towns and cities where you deliver often.

●        Loading: Pack smart by loading the packages you need last at the back of your lorry and those you need first at the front. While it might take a little extra effort, it will certainly save you time on the job. Also take care to stack lighter packages on top of heavier ones, as this will help protect more fragile items and decrease the movement of packages in your lorry.

●        Timings: Have all the paperwork prepared before you get to the delivery site so you can just grab a signature and go. Customers will be impressed with your efficiency and you can move straight on to the next job without delays.

Stay Alert on the Job

Here are a few tips that will help you and those around you stay safe and happy when you are out on a delivery job.

●        Parking: Try to avoid reversing into a parking spot; instead, find a larger space where you can leave enough room for other vehicles to move around you. Turn on your hazards before opening the door and always watch out for oncoming traffic as many drivers are not as aware of their surroundings as courier drivers are.

●        Unloading: If you are delivering heavy items, make sure you are prepared to do so. If you need a hand, call ahead to check there will be someone to meet you at the delivery site.

Make a Safe Getaway

Once you have successfully dropped off the package it is time to continue on your route. As an extra precaution, we recommend double checking the items in your lorry before you leave, so you can drive on assured that everything is safe and secure. Always signal before moving into traffic, and watch out for pedestrians. If you have had to park in a tight spot, ask someone to help you manoeuvre out, because it’s far better to be safe than sorry.

So, before you next hit the road, take a few minutes to check that you’re fully prepared for your delivery job. Whether it’s reordering the items in your lorry or re-routing your drive, even little changes can help make your job easier and safer.

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day jobs in the express freight industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Courier Exchange provides services for matching any kind of delivery job with available drivers or operators. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships. 

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