As the old saying goes – “the customer is always right”. The jury’s still out on whether this is true, but there are things you can do to keep cool when a customer is less than polite. So how do you deal with difficult deliveries? And are problems always down to customers?
In reality, delivery and courier drivers deal with all kinds of difficult deliveries every day. These can include navigating tight roads, terrible traffic, bad weather conditions and a demanding delivery schedule.
We’re here to provide some practical tips and strategies to help you take on these challenges and come out on top.
Dealing with Difficult Delivery Driver Challenges
Country Roads, Take Me Home…
Navigating tight spaces can be a daily challenge for courier drivers, requiring precision, patience, and skill. Whether you’re moving through narrow city streets or squeezing into compact parking spots it’s important to navigate these effectively.
As a courier driver, you should stay alert and anticipate obstacles. Make use of your vehicle’s mirrors and sensors to avoid potential collisions. Practising defensive driving techniques and keeping calm can make tricky situations more manageable.
How to Deal with Difficult Customers
Though couriers spend a large chunk of time in their vehicles, you’ll also be coming into contact with all types of people. While most customers will be happy to see you with their parcel, delivering isn’t always smooth sailing.
Interacting with difficult customers is an inevitable part of being a delivery driver. To keep your head, you need patience, professionalism, and problem-solving skills. When faced with an angry or dissatisfied customer, it’s vital to remain calm and listen actively to their concerns.
Apologising for any inconvenience and showing empathy can help defuse tension. Providing clear, honest information about the situation and possible solutions demonstrates a commitment to excellent service. Direct the customer to support channels if you cannot fix the issue on the doorstep.
Sometimes delivery can be tricky if there’s no safe place to leave a parcel, or an address is incomplete or wrong. Always leave parcels in a secure location to prevent theft. Follow your company’s guidelines for incomplete addresses or where recipients aren’t home.
By handling difficult interactions gracefully, delivery drivers can turn a negative experience into a positive one, fostering customer loyalty and trust.
But remember that courier and delivery drivers can have some great interactions too!
Check out this list of some of the funniest proof of delivery photos taken by fellow drivers.
Tips for Navigating Trickier Spaces
Plan Ahead
As your local knowledge grows, you’ll naturally learn where the trickier delivery spots are.
Until then, you can use route planner tools to help make your delivery route easier. Google Maps and Waze both show heavy traffic areas and are easy to use.
Apps like Circuit’s Route Planner will help you manage your route and deliveries more effectively.
Scout your delivery route outside work hours to become familiar with the area. Go at a quieter time of day to reduce stress and get used to the roads and likely routes.
Driving in Built-up or Unknown Areas
Driving safely in tight spaces requires a combination of techniques and skills that you’ll continue to develop.
Using mirrors effectively is the best way to be aware of your surroundings. Regularly check your side and rearview mirrors to stay aware of your surroundings. This includes any obstacles or other vehicles nearby. In residential areas, be cautious of cats and small children who may not be easily seen.
Making wide turns can be helpful, where possible. This provides you with an easier turning angle and better visibility. In turn, you’ll reduce the risk of cutting corners or clipping objects that could be in the way. Driving slow and steady will also grant more reaction time to moving hazards, such as people or animals darting into the road, cyclists or oncoming vehicles.
To take your driving to the next level, consider a defensive driving course. These courses teach valuable techniques for predicting and responding to potential hazards, improving overall driving safety. Courses teach how to stay safe while driving, follow rules for right-of-way, and handling bad weather or traffic.
Always obey local speed limits, and keep an eye on road signs.
Combining these practical tips means you could potentially reduce the risk of accidents and improve your efficiency. This ensures that both you and your deliveries arrive safely and on time.
To conclude
In a nutshell, learning the art of driving in tight spaces or built-up areas is all about honing your skills and staying sharp on the road.
Keep those mirrors in check, give yourself plenty of vantage, and always give yourself some extra breathing room to handle surprises. Remember, slow and steady wins the race (or at least gets the delivery there in one piece).
To level up your driving, why not invest in a defensive driving course? It’s like a supercharged driver’s ed that’ll teach you how to dodge hazards and stay cool under pressure.
By mixing these new driving and customer service skills, you’ll be cruising through your routes with ease. You’ll be a pro at keeping both you and your cargo safe and sound, while also building trust and satisfaction with your customers.
Did you know you can get a delivery driver and courier insurance quote with INSHUR in minutes? All you need is your driver’s license, so why not get started now?
