Optimizing the Safety and Efficiency of Retail Route Delivery
In the route delivery profession, the best practices for lifting and
moving heavy stock are crucial, yet often are overlooked. After all,
route delivery drivers often have a set circuit, a route with which
they’re familiar, and carry presumably the same or similar stock for
businesses on that circuit. Therefore, it’s reasoned that those drivers
will be familiar enough with the stock and the delivery terrain to have
established a safe, reliable, and static stock lifting and
transportation strategy.
The reality, of course, is quite different. For both route drivers and those delivering food or whatever else on an unplanned request basis, the job is accompanied by certain risks, issues, unwelcome surprises, and a variety of challenges. Some of these issues can be solved relatively easily, like with the incorporation of a good collapsible hand truck, while others require a little more planning and preparation. Of course, there’s no way that every possible problematic scenario can be addressed here, but some of the more common issues can at least be touched on.
Use the Right Tools
One of the right tools, a collapsible (aka “convertible”) hand truck, has already been mentioned. Hand trucks are a delivery driver’s best friend, but the capacity of collapsible hand trucks to perform vertically, horizontally, and usually at an in-between diagonal position, makes the transport of different sorts of packages far, far easier. Specialized hand trucks are also incredibly helpful. For instance, if you’re required to move loads up and down stairs with some regularity, a stair climbing cart or truck not only makes work easier and more efficient but also considerably safer.
Route Planning and Apps
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s surprising how many drivers will attempt to “wing it” with their route, relying on their understanding of their city or the route. And whenever one gets behind on a route, the temptation to make up the difference with speed is a compelling one. It’s also a very bad idea. Obviously a collision is going to cost considerably more time, and, quite possibly, the job itself. And that’s all in addition to the potential harm that could be done to others and the driver, as well as to the equipment and cargo. Fortunately, there are now a variety of route-planning apps and software that can help plot out the most efficient path. Consider using those that are community-informed. They can be far better at providing an accurate, on-the-ground, real-time picture of traffic and obstacles. Knowledge which can improve efficiency on the job and help avoid any situation that makes improper driving a temptation.
Customer Service and Troubleshooting
For better or worse, being a delivery driver of any kind requires having at least some faculty for customer service and troubleshooting customer problems. One of the best ways to preemptively avoid, or at least mitigate, customer service issues is being familiar with who can be called if escalation is necessary. The great majority of customer service issues for delivery drivers involve damaged, missing, or late packages. Unfortunately, when that’s the case, the delivery driver is likely to be the one who bears the brunt of their frustration. When that happens, the driver should stay calm and remember to not take it personally. They’re angry at the situation and simply expressing that by venting to the driver. It is important to remain friendly, listen to what the customer is actually saying, and finally, offer a solution. If that resolution is escalating the concern to another department or pointing the customer to a helpful resource, it’s best to have the proper information ready.
About Magline
Magliner products are so trusted and valued in the material handling industry that many of those working in the business refer to all hand trucks as “Magliners.” As indicative of Magliners’ quality as that may be, the fact is: There’s only one Magline. And for over 70 years, Magline has been designing and manufacturing the most reliable, sturdiest, and most trustworthy material handling equipment available. Their lifting and transportation tools and solutions also include more specialized equipment, like stair climbing carts, appliance hand trucks, and their always-dependable hand lift truck line. If you consider efficiency, growth, and success as priorities for your business, choose Magliners.
To learn more about Magliner hand trucks and other material handling products, visit Magliner.com
The reality, of course, is quite different. For both route drivers and those delivering food or whatever else on an unplanned request basis, the job is accompanied by certain risks, issues, unwelcome surprises, and a variety of challenges. Some of these issues can be solved relatively easily, like with the incorporation of a good collapsible hand truck, while others require a little more planning and preparation. Of course, there’s no way that every possible problematic scenario can be addressed here, but some of the more common issues can at least be touched on.
Use the Right Tools
One of the right tools, a collapsible (aka “convertible”) hand truck, has already been mentioned. Hand trucks are a delivery driver’s best friend, but the capacity of collapsible hand trucks to perform vertically, horizontally, and usually at an in-between diagonal position, makes the transport of different sorts of packages far, far easier. Specialized hand trucks are also incredibly helpful. For instance, if you’re required to move loads up and down stairs with some regularity, a stair climbing cart or truck not only makes work easier and more efficient but also considerably safer.
Route Planning and Apps
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s surprising how many drivers will attempt to “wing it” with their route, relying on their understanding of their city or the route. And whenever one gets behind on a route, the temptation to make up the difference with speed is a compelling one. It’s also a very bad idea. Obviously a collision is going to cost considerably more time, and, quite possibly, the job itself. And that’s all in addition to the potential harm that could be done to others and the driver, as well as to the equipment and cargo. Fortunately, there are now a variety of route-planning apps and software that can help plot out the most efficient path. Consider using those that are community-informed. They can be far better at providing an accurate, on-the-ground, real-time picture of traffic and obstacles. Knowledge which can improve efficiency on the job and help avoid any situation that makes improper driving a temptation.
Customer Service and Troubleshooting
For better or worse, being a delivery driver of any kind requires having at least some faculty for customer service and troubleshooting customer problems. One of the best ways to preemptively avoid, or at least mitigate, customer service issues is being familiar with who can be called if escalation is necessary. The great majority of customer service issues for delivery drivers involve damaged, missing, or late packages. Unfortunately, when that’s the case, the delivery driver is likely to be the one who bears the brunt of their frustration. When that happens, the driver should stay calm and remember to not take it personally. They’re angry at the situation and simply expressing that by venting to the driver. It is important to remain friendly, listen to what the customer is actually saying, and finally, offer a solution. If that resolution is escalating the concern to another department or pointing the customer to a helpful resource, it’s best to have the proper information ready.
About Magline
Magliner products are so trusted and valued in the material handling industry that many of those working in the business refer to all hand trucks as “Magliners.” As indicative of Magliners’ quality as that may be, the fact is: There’s only one Magline. And for over 70 years, Magline has been designing and manufacturing the most reliable, sturdiest, and most trustworthy material handling equipment available. Their lifting and transportation tools and solutions also include more specialized equipment, like stair climbing carts, appliance hand trucks, and their always-dependable hand lift truck line. If you consider efficiency, growth, and success as priorities for your business, choose Magliners.
To learn more about Magliner hand trucks and other material handling products, visit Magliner.com
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