Delivery driving is a tough job. There are unexpected accidents, traffic problems, and route changes. Drivers need to be prepared for anything.
While it’s impossible to prepare for everything, there’s no reason why drivers shouldn’t be as prepared as possible. The easiest way to be prepared is to have an equipped car.
Here is a list of the essentials that every delivery driver needs.
Medical Equipment
Hopefully, medical equipment won’t be necessary. However, it’s something you don’t want to be without.
All delivery cars should have a standard first aid kit.
At the bare minimum, drivers should be equipped with bandaids, disinfectant, and bandages.
Ideally, you should offer your delivery drivers first aid training. That way they’re prepared for any situation.
If your driver is injured, be legally prepared. Equipping your driver with medical supplies will help your case should problems arise.
Here is information from JT Legal Group on the legal aspects of accidents.
The safety of both the driver and passengers should always come first. Having good first aid training and equipment ensures that.
Phone Charger
Without a phone, delivery drivers couldn’t get very far.
A phone is more than just a communication tool. It’s a navigation device and route planner.
Lyft and Uber drivers need a phone to communicate with their customers.
Drivers should have at least one charger in the car in case their phone runs out of battery. It’s probably good to have an extra in case something happens to the cable.
An extra power bank is probably not a bad idea either.
For rideshare drivers, having an extra charger is good for your customers. They want to stay connected just as much as you do.
Phone navigation is pretty good, but having a navigation device is a good idea, too. An old-fashioned map could come in handy in case of an emergency.
Flashlights & Batteries
You never know when you’re going to have to change the tire in the middle of the night.
Maybe there’s a storm and you need to pull off to the side of the road for the evening.
Or maybe you need a light to use the bathroom.
There are plenty of situations in which a flashlight comes in handy. Most people rely on their phones, but having a real flashlight is a handy backup.
Make sure to keep extra batteries. A flashlight isn’t going to do much good if the batteries are dead.
Keep small as well as big flashlights.
Maybe a passenger drops something in the backseat and needs help finding it. In this case, a big flashlight would only distract the driver.
Store flashlights in an easily accessible spot like the glove compartment. If it’s dark, you don’t want to waste time looking for the light.
An Extra Tire
Flat tires happen. If you have an important delivery to make, you might not have time to wait for roadside assistance.
Having an extra tire will help you save time. It will also help you stay safe.
Of course, an extra tire isn’t going to do much good if you don’t know how to use it.
Practice changing a tire on your own before heading out on the road.
If you’re the employer, go over this basic skill with your employees. You’d be surprised how many drivers don’t know how to change a tire.
To prevent flat tires, check your tire pressure frequently.
Have your tires changed on a regular basis. In fact, make sure all of your car specs are in good shape.
You don’t want the battery or any other parts of the car breaking down while you’re on the road.
Snacks
You never know when you’re going to get stuck in a traffic jam for hours.
If you’re a rideshare driver, you shouldn’t be eating on the job. However, you should have some snacks handy for between rides.
It could also come in handy if you’re stuck in traffic and your passengers get hungry.
Having a few snacks can carry you through the last miles of a long drive.
Here is a list from Delish for some of the best road snacks.
Conclusion
Drivers need to be prepared for just about anything. Having everything on this list is the best way to be ready for the road.
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