These days, couriers play a hugely important role in society. It is important for individuals and businesses to receive their packages in a timely fashion, and the thriving ecommerce industry means that there is a huge amount of work available. It is easy to see why so many people are turning to delivery work either as a full-time role or as a way to supplement their income, but there are some common mistakes that you will want to avoid. Courier drivers need to be smart and reliable to keep customers happy and to maximize profits – read on to discover some of the most common mistakes to avoid.
Not Delivering The Package Safely
These days, one of the most common and worst mistakes made is not ensuring that the package is delivered safely. Unfortunately, there has been a sharp rise in package theft (known as “porch pirates”), and this is something that couriers need to prevent at all costs. You should either ensure that the package is handed to the recipient with a signature or leave the package in a safe, hidden space to avoid any issues or disputes.
Not Taking Breaks
When the amount of money that you make each day depends on how many deliveries you complete, it might be tempting to power through and not take any breaks. This is dangerous in more ways than one, so it is important to take regular breaks and make the most out of your time off. If you do not take regular breaks, you run the risk of burnout and exhaustion, and this could impact both your life and work. Additionally, it is important to take breaks so that you do not drive when drowsy – this is a major hazard that needs to be avoided at all costs.
Not Using Load Boards For Work
Another common mistake that couriers make is not using load boards to find shipping work. Load boards are a quick and easy way for a courier driver to find ongoing work as you can browse hundreds of available jobs. You then simply bid on these jobs, get the details and then get to work. This allows you to find continuous work, and you can select jobs that suit your requirements, which can bring convenience. When you use load boards like https://www.shiply.com/us/shipping-jobs to find shipping work, you can maximize your earnings and build up your experience and reputation.
Poor Communication
Ultimately, the most important thing is delivering packages safely and on time, but you also want to make communication a priority. Too many couriers neglect this, and this can lead to frustrated customers and a negative reputation. You should maintain communication with customers and keep them updated on any changes as well as make sure that you are responsive. Additionally, be friendly yet professional and willing to engage in small talk when completing deliveries – this can make a big difference to your reputation.
These are some of the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid in order to find success as a courier driver.
