The art of delivery: mastering essential courier skills

The Australian courier industry is expanding, and with low entry requirements, it’s no wonder many individuals have embarked on their delivery journeys. Although starting a courier career is accessible to most, it’s crucial to master a few essential courier skills to truly thrive in the field. So, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned courier, focusing on these core competencies and perfecting the art of delivery can elevate your work to new heights.

Road and traffic skills

Maintain a good driving record

Couriers must navigate the road with diligence, as failing to adhere to traffic laws can result in fines, demerit points, delays, and an increased risk of accidents. These consequences not only create financial burdens but can also tarnish your reputation as a reliable courier, leading to potential loss of work.

To enhance your driving skills and safeguard your success, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the traffic laws specific to your operating area and strive to abide by them.

Stay safe and drive smart to ensure a thriving courier career!

Become better at handling changing traffic conditions

Mastering route optimisation is a key skill for couriers, as time spent in traffic translates to lost time and money.

To maximise efficiency, try to plan your deliveries to avoid rush hour congestion. If possible, consider adjusting your work hours to dodge peak traffic times.

Acquiring in-depth knowledge of local roads and shortcuts can also be invaluable.

By streamlining your delivery routes, you’ll increase your earnings while saving precious time – a win-win for any courier on the go!

Vehicle maintenance skills

Regularly service your vehicle

By keeping the company vehicle regularly serviced it will prolong the life of the vehicle and can help avoid breakdowns.

Neglecting routine maintenance of your vehicle can also lead to a drop in fuel efficiency and make it more dangerous to drive.

Perform routine checks

Courier drivers who are able to perform routine checks on their vehicle are able to avoid many major problems that may emerge between services. This can help prevent a breakdown or a crash.

Things that need to be checked regularly include: tyres, oil, water/coolant, wiper fluid, brakes and lights.

Couriers also need to be skilled at noticing when their vehicle is not performing normally or is making odd sounds. These skills can be improved by learning more about the vehicle and being conscious enough to notice when something is off.

Communication and customer service skills

Every day, couriers communicate with customers or coworkers in handwriting, text messages, phone calls or face-to-face.

Effective communication is a key skill and can help gain loyal customers and improve your reputation as a courier.

Poor communication can lead to mistakes in the delivery job and leave people frustrated, damaging your reputation.

Tell people what they need to know

One of the worst parts of poor communication is failing to pass on information to people who need to know. If you are running late, or there has been a change in plans, keep people updated. If the customer gives you delivery instructions about their package, be sure to clearly pass it on when you are handing it over to someone else.

Learn how to winningly talk with customers

The impression that customers take away from their personal interaction with you as the delivery driver will shape the impression they have about your delivery service as a whole. Learn how to manage complaints and queries and leave an impression of professionalism and approachability.

Technical courier skills

The modern courier industry is reliant on technology to function as effectively as it does. Couriers who have good technical know-how and utilise the best tools can greatly improve their service. Technical skills can be developed by having other couriers, or knowledgeable people show you how to use them, reading the manuals and watching explanatory videos.

Smartphones

Every courier should possess a fundamental understanding of smartphone usage, as these versatile devices offer an array of essential tools and functions to streamline their work. Proficiency in basic smartphone features such as making calls, sending text messages, and using the camera is vital. Furthermore, couriers should be adept at utilising maps and GPS navigation to optimise routes and locate delivery points with ease.

In addition to these core functions, couriers should also be comfortable downloading and using various apps that can enhance their workflow and overall efficiency. These may include delivery management platforms, mileage trackers, and apps for real-time communication with clients or dispatchers. By harnessing the full potential of their smartphones, couriers can significantly improve their overall performance and productivity in the field.

Couriers also need to use the relevant tools that their business operates with such as billing software, scanning tools, delivery management systems etc.

How couriers insurance can make you a better courier

Being a successful courier requires the essential courier skills described above but it is not enough by itself. A successful courier must also be good at the business and finances side of the work and that includes managing your insurance for courier well.

Here are some of the key insurance policies that every courier needs:

• Commercial vehicle insurance: this protects your courier business from the risks of the road and vehicle issues. This insurance is flexible but can cover your vehicle from damage, theft or loss. It can also cover third party damage and could include the cost of hiring a replacement vehicle to keep you at work.
• Personal accident and illness insurance: couriers need to be healthy and well to perform their duties. This insurance policy is to protect you in the event that you’re unable to work because of an accident or illness.
• Transit insurance: this protects your business from damage or loss of your customers’ items while you are liable for them.
• Products and public liability insurance: this protects your business from claims made against you by the public for damages you inadvertently caused while you were doing your courier jobs.

 

Protect your courier business with GSK Insurance Brokers

Getting your insurance right goes a long way to helping your business to survive and thrive in an unpredictable world. We’d like to help you with that. As insurance brokers in Perth with over 40 years of experience, we will act on your behalf to source the best couriers insurance, tailor fit to your needs and provide you with excellent claims advocacy. Contact us today for a free quote!