When it comes to being a courier, it's not all just driving around listening to music and tossing a couple of parcels by means of doors. Taking on courier jobs implies taking on the responsibility of a way of life that needs discipline, dedication and stamina. In countless instances, you are, in effect self-employed, and you will need to be able to manage your day in such a way that almost everything gets delivered on time your van gets you from A to B with no hiccups and, as the most valuable asset of your organization, you are yourself fresh, alert and prepared to go. So, if you're seriously thinking of taking on courier jobs, your day might appear a tiny like this...
Wonderful Morning Sunshine!
The to begin with factor you require to know is that when you take on courier jobs, in all probability you will also be taking on a lot of early mornings. Irrespective of whether you're self-employed or not, most deliveries quite often get started early in order to meet commitments and fit in with timetables. So, you will need an early alarm call and a very good, hearty breakfast to fire you up.
A Man and His Van
When you are a a single man band doing courier jobs, every thing relies on your van. It is crucial that it is in tip-top rated condition mechanically and that it also looks the element. This signifies no inch-thick layer of dust on the back windscreen just waiting for some smarty to come along and write, "I wish my wife was this dirty" in. Not a really qualified look! So, along with the every day oil, water and brakes check you will have to have to give the van a superior going over inside and out with the chamois. Get rid of yesterday's lunch wrappings and make certain all your paperwork is in a handy and simple-to-hand spot.
Timing is Every little thing
The most effective-laid plans of mice and guys and all that, but, as substantially as attainable, you must strategy your schedule for the day before you set off. The final factor you want is to be doubling back on your self when, if you had looked to the jobs ahead you could have cut your delivery times in half. By their rather nature, courier jobs will have you travelling all more than the country and sometimes you can feel like you are chasing your own tail. But with a small forward-thinking you can economise not only your time, but also fuel as nicely. A number of drivers nowadays are element of a freight exchange where they can match courier jobs with places and ensure they are not returning from a destination with an empty van.
Fuel Up
This indicates both you and your van. It can be all too tempting to push on to try and get as quite a few courier jobs done as achievable but it is imperative that you consume and rest sensibly whilst on the road, so you will have to have to take standard breaks when driving lengthy distances. Even though it really is not often practical (or economical) to cease for a 3 course lunch on the road, do element in some down time throughout the day to refresh and refuel.
There's No Place like Home
So, following eight or ten hours on the road, it is time to head home. Soon after 1 final check on your schedule and the back of your van, the day is more than save for the drive household. Don't forget to pick up a bunch of flowers from the garage for the wife and possibly some thing special for dessert, then park up, and pat your van very good night. But your day's not pretty over yet you will probably want to invest a couple of hours going by way of your invoices, bills and arranging the schedule for tomorrow's courier jobs prior to calling it a day.
Operating performing courier jobs is not everybody's concept of the ideal job but if you happen to be looking for freedom, adventure and the open road, they just could be for you...