What Couriers Wish They Knew: Insider Tips From Fellow Drivers/Riders

Whether you’ve just strapped on your delivery bag for the first time or have a seat full of takeaways every evening, there’s always something new to learn in the world of courier and food delivery work.

From managing your time and choosing your routes to little things that can boost your tips, we’ve been scrolling through forums, blogs, and real-life driver stories to bring you a roundup of what drivers wish they knew when they started.

Here’s what your fellow riders and drivers had to say:

🚗 Pick a Lane (Literally)

One of the most common pieces of advice from experienced drivers? Stick to a delivery zone or area. Accepting a job a few miles out of your area might be tempting, but it could take a bite out of your earnings.

Long-distance jobs can:

• Rack up miles on your vehicle
• Burn unnecessary fuel
• Cause you to miss out on better, closer opportunities
• Risk food arriving cold, which could mean lower tips or poor ratings

It pays (literally) to stay local, especially if you're in a busy area. The more familiar you are with your surroundings, the quicker and more efficient you’ll be.

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🙂 A Smile and a Hello Go a Long Way

It sounds simple, but being polite can seriously boost your ratings. One driver shared on Your Gig Economist that they got a glowing five-star review just for greeting the customer with a friendly “hello.”

Good manners cost nothing and can improve your day, your customer’s day, and your tips. Be courteous to restaurant staff, fellow drivers, and customers — you’re all part of the same ecosystem, and kindness travels fast.

💰 Keep an Eye on Your Earnings

Knowing where your money is coming from can help you earn more in the long run. Try tracking:

• Which days and times are busiest
• Which areas offer better-paying jobs
• Which customers are more generous with tips
• How long it takes you to complete different types of jobs

Over time, you’ll spot patterns that can help you plan your shifts smarter and maximise your income.

🗺️ Know Your Area

Want to speed up your delivery times and reduce stress? Get to know your local patch inside and out.

• Learn the street names and building numbers
• Figure out which flats take forever to find
• Know where traffic builds up and when
• Find the sneaky shortcuts that don’t show up on Google Maps

The more you deliver in a familiar area, the more efficient and confident you’ll be — and the more deliveries you can complete in a shift.

🚙 Car (or Bike) Tips Worth Remembering

You don’t need to be a mechanic to make delivery life easier. Just a few simple habits can save the day.

• Keep a spare delivery bag in your car or on your bike — perfect for larger or multiple orders
• Make sure your phone is always charged (and maybe keep a power bank just in case)
• Check your tyres and oil regularly, especially if you’re putting in long hours
  
  It’s the little things that can keep your vehicle (and your shift) running smoothly.

In Summary...

Delivery work can be a hustle, but it’s one you can get really good at, especially when you learn from those who’ve been doing it for a while.

Reddit and other online driver forums are a goldmine of knowledge, tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your job. 

Whether you’re delivering noodles at midnight or parcels at 9am, a little know-how goes a long way.

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