A delivery driver's mission is to get from A to B as quickly as possible. The faster they can do this, while staying within the law of course, the more deliveries they will be able to make, generating more income for their employer.

So, how can you improve your delivery times in order to enjoy these benefits? Read on to find out. 

Plan your route
It may sound obvious, but thoroughly planning a route is key to a successful delivery. Thanks to satnavs, this is much easier than it used to be, but it's still worthwhile to spend a bit of time thinking about the route you're going to take. 

Having a plan is particularly important if you'll be driving in an area you're not familiar with, it will reduce the chances of getting lost and allow you to better react to any unexpected delays or diversions. Taking some time out to plan your journey may seem unnecessary, but it has the potential to significantly reduce the time you spend out on the road.

Be flexible 
An advantage of planning your journey is that it gives you the potential to be flexible. You can never predict what might happen out on the road and having the ability to take an alternative route if your first choice is out of action is key for delivery success. 

Be realistic
The need for speed can make it tempting for delivery drivers to be somewhat unrealistic when working out how long a delivery will take, but this will only have a negative impact in the long-run. 

Customers will be left disappointed if a delivery does not arrive when they expect it and if you're trying to get to your destination unrealistically fast, there is a much greater chance you'll be caught speeding or involved in an accident. Taking a realistic approach to journey planning is the best course of action for all involved.

Be prepared
Fail to prepare and prepare to fail; the old saying might be cheesy, but in the case of delivery drivers it's true. Ensure you are fully prepared for every journey and have everything you need. That way, you'll dramatically reduce the chances of any hold-ups occurring.

Make sure your vehicle is ready too. Checks should be carried out on a regular basis to ensure your car, van or lorry is in good working order. After all, nothing holds up a delivery like a broken down vehicle. Ensure the fuel tank is topped up and that you've got enough juice to get to where you need to go.

Here to help
Interested in starting a career as a delivery driver? Or maybe you think its time for a change and are looking for your next job in the sector? Whatever your motivation, the team at Unity Recruitment are here to help. 

Take a look at our job profile if you want to find out what being a delivery driver is like and check out our vacancies to see if there are any positions going in your area.