Route Logistics Every Delivery Driver Should Know

When doing courier work, there are several logistics courier drivers need to consider when preparing their deliveries.

These factors are important to think about when planning shipping routes. Below are some examples of essential facts that every delivery driver should take into consideration before starting their journey and heading to their destinations.  

The Vehicle’s Size Is Important

Take into consideration how big or small your delivery vehicle is, since that plays a crucial role in determining how many stops you can make on the route. If you drive a smaller automobile, then you might have to stop at the depot more than once. You also need to consider how many packages your vehicle can handle. Route planning can become a logistical nightmare if you overlook this factor. 

Shipping Windows Differs From Time Sensitive Deliveries

Shipping windows are set times for deliveries. They’re typically established by either the customer or the driver in advance. Delivery windows are most common in business to business transactions, as those require the receiver’s signature. Although similar, time sensitive shipments aren’t exactly the same as delivery windows. The difference lies in the fact that the time sensitive deliveries have to get to the client as soon as possible, instead of simply within a specific timeframe. 

Examples of products that need this type of delivery service are refrigerated goods, since they don’t last very long on the road. The faster the parcels reach their destination, the better. Courier drivers often rely on instinct instead of data when planning these routes. This is a bad practice that fails to provide accurate delivery times for customers, which isn’t advantageous to your business at all. What delivery drivers should do instead is use specific software to determine their arrivals. 

Mid-Route Parcel Pickups Do Happen

Deliveries don’t only happen at depots. Sometimes, courier drivers have to collect parcels from clients right in the middle of their route. Other times, they need to get parcels from a company’s supply location. As a result, a delivery driver’s route will require more stops with these logistics in mind. Because of that, these drivers handle various waves of deliveries every single day at work. 

Rerouting Is Sometimes Necessary

As a courier driver, you can’t expect to complete all of your stops according to plan. You’ll experience unforeseen circumstances and delays all the time. This is why you might find yourself changing your route after something’s come up. Rerouting in a spontaneous manner tends to have consequences on your remaining stops, but you can use specific software in order to minimise the impact of unexpected events. 

Getting Proof Of Delivery Is Essential

If you have to make more than one stop, it helps to know that every single delivery is successful. Having a proof of delivery system will definitely keep you and your clients at peace. Collect signatures from receivers upon delivery and take photos of the parcel you’ve only just delivered when the recipient isn’t in. A proof of delivery system also assures customers that your company follows regulations.