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There are certain things that every courier driver should have in their vehicle. 1. Personal safety equipment. This typically comprises of items such as steel toe-capped boots, protective goggles, heavy duty gloves, a hard hat, a fluorescent jacket and a professional quality first aid kit. Apart from anything else, remember that some worksites might not admit you unless you have some of those things in your vehicle. 2. A Satnav AND a conventional road atlas. Their courier driver getting lost is never amusing for clients. The roadmap is also essential – just in case your technology fails. 3. Strapping with ratchet fasteners. You’ll need straps to secure your load. Some loading bay staff will refuse to load your vehicle unless you’re able to show you can secure their cargo. 4. A copy of your insurance certificate. This might be very useful if you are involved in an accident and again, some loading bays might insist on inspecting it to provide evidence that you are appropriately insured. In passing, make sure it contains the emergency number to call in the event you need to make a claim or an accident has occurred. 5. Proof of delivery notes. This should be on page 1 paragraph 1 of the ‘how to be’ manual for courier drivers. NEVER deliver anything unless you can obtain a signature confirming that you have done so. Also, remember to make sure your note is detailed, specific and all-inclusive - covering everything. Avoid vague descriptions such as “goods”, “some boxes” and so on because you’ll be liable if, after your departure, problems arise with claims for ‘missing items’ etc. 6. A big and relatively powerful torch – and decent working batteries! This is invaluable at times, but many couriers still fail to carry one. 7. A breakdown kit. Sometimes your vehicle can be immobilised for the simple lack of a screwdriver or pair of pliers. So, always carry a basic kit with you plus some everyday spares such as bulbs etc. Make sure that you’re covered by good emergency breakdown service cover too, just in case the problem is a little beyond your own repair capabilities. 8. Blankets and covers – essential if you’re transporting something like furniture. 9. A hands-free set for your phone and entertainment. This should be a no-brainer, particularly in view of the law, but unfortunately it’s still possible to see drivers flaunting their lack of regard for legality and safety by driving one-handed while making or receiving phone calls. Don’t risk it. 10. A big notepad and plenty of pens. You’d be amazed how often a courier driver ends up desperately trying (and failing) to remember the details of their deliveries (such as addresses or timings) that they were given over the phone only a few hours ago. This can easily be mitigated by simply having a pen handy at the time. Some of the above tips might look a little obvious but they’re all important. They will either make your job as a courier driver easier or in some cases even possibly prevent a logistical disaster. Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier driver work in the express freight exchange industry. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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