That’s why it’s worth doing what you can to make their job easier, so it feels fair and manageable like any other role. Here are a few ways you can help support your delivery drivers properly.
Have loaders ready at pick up
One of the worst things a delivery driver has to do is lug around multiple different items each day and deliver them to the customer’s door and sometimes inside for installation too. So, why not take a weight off their backs and have loaders ready to restock their lorry so that they have the chance to take a little bit of time to relax and rejuvenate. It will make a massive difference to their mood, motivation, and respect for the customers and business. It also keeps things moving properly because the quicker they are loaded, the quicker they can get back out and start their route without feeling rushed before they have even left the yard.
Provide fuel on site
Having to find a garage that will fit your delivery lorry can be an absolute pain, so why not make their lives easier by providing fuel on site of your pick up bay. It can be easily stored in tanks, and would actually save lots of time for both the business and your drivers. Imagine how much time you could recover over the space of a year by being able to fill up on site rather than having to search for a garage that can accommodate. It also stops drivers taking awkward detours and getting stuck in places that are not designed for large vehicles.
Get the best insurance
Accidents and unexpected problems can happen, no matter how careful someone is. That is why it is worth having solid protection in place that covers your vehicles properly. It takes pressure off the driver because they know they are not going to be treated like a criminal if something goes wrong. Having fleet insurance can make things much easier to manage as a business too, especially if you have multiple vehicles on the road and you want everything handled under one policy.
Insist on regular breaks for safe driving
One thing that all drivers need is plenty of time to take five or ten minutes out of driving. This is because when you’re driving for long periods of time, it’s easy to feel drowsy and as you know, that’s not safe driving. Insist on your drivers taking regular breaks and documenting them so that you know that not only are they driving safely, but they are taking the breaks that they are entitled to rather than being worked to the bone. Some delivery drivers aren’t even given time to use the bathroom. Break the stigma. A driver who feels looked after will drive better and will also represent your company in a much better way.
Give them realistic delivery times
One of the biggest reasons delivery drivers feel stressed is because schedules are sometimes built on best case scenarios instead of real life. Traffic happens, roadworks pop up out of nowhere, and customers take ages to answer the door. If you want to make their job easier, make sure the delivery times you set are actually achievable. It is better to give someone a slightly longer window and have them arrive early than to set impossible deadlines that push them into rushing. A calmer driver is a safer driver, and customers can tell when someone is under pressure.
Keep vehicles in good condition
Finally, drivers can only do their job properly if the vehicle they are given is safe and reliable. If a lorry is constantly breaking down, has warning lights flashing, or feels like it is held together by hope, the job becomes ten times harder. Make sure your vehicles are serviced regularly and that drivers can report issues without feeling like they are being dramatic. It might feel like a cost at first, but good maintenance saves money long term. It also stops drivers losing hours waiting around for recovery or dealing with something that could have been prevented.
