Are you spending all your time at work? Are you tired of working on someone else’s schedule?

If you are, you aren’t the only one; around 27% of people switch careers because they want a better work/life balance. Changing jobs is one thing, but jumping into a new career is much more daunting for people.

It can be difficult to research and get all the information you need in order to change careers. We are mending the gap for you. We’ve put together this guide so you can succeed as a courier driver.

You’ll read about the character traits and the skills you need in order to be the best. We will also include a few tips to help you find the best employer.

1. Research Different Employers

One key factor that makes a big difference when it comes to your work/life balance is your employer. They can make all the difference.

When you’re looking for a courier driver job, be on the lookout for a company that is reliable and trustworthy. They should have a reputation for treating their clients and their employees with respect.

You’ll also want to look at the services they offer. Do they offer same-day or next-day deliveries? Do those services line up with your ideal work schedule?

Many drivers are drawn to the job because of the flexible hours. Be sure to consider the schedule before committing.

You will also need to ask about the vehicle requirements. You may already have a vehicle, but the job may require a different one, which could pose an issue.

2. Positive Attitude

As a courier driver, it’s important that you have happy customers. In order to ensure your customers are happy, you must have a good attitude.

Your frustration with your job will roll over to your customers. If you’re not happy with pay or if there was an issue with the delivery, your customers will be able to feel your energy. The happier and more positive you are, the happier your clients will be.

3. Be Kind to Merchants

When you’re picking up a delivery, be sure to be polite and kind to the employees. They are trying to make a living too.

Take the time to introduce yourself; this will help you build relationships and will be better for business. You’ll be able to grow your network of professionals and improve the entire delivery process from start to finish.

4. Be On Time

As a delivery driver, it’s crucial that you run on time. Here are a few tips that can help you run on time.

Don’t rush your delivery—give yourself plenty of time to get to and from your destination. Using a GPS can also be helpful as it can show where the heaviest traffic is and give you the best routes to avoid it.

Only accepting jobs that are close to your location can also prove to be helpful. If you pick up a job all the way across town, you will need to plan and leave time for the unexpected.

5. Invest in Delivery Gear

Investing in gear is one of the best things you can do to make your driving career easier. Coolers, insulated bags, and labels can help you stay organized and keep your packages in the best shape possible.

It’s also important that you wear comfortable clothing. You’ll be sitting in your vehicle for a while, and you don’t want to be in pain because your shoes rubbed a blister.

6. Drive Responsibly

You can’t control what other drivers do, only your own actions. As a courier driver, it’s vital that you follow the driving laws.

This will keep you and your packages safe. If you’re speeding to your delivery, you run the risk of getting pulled over, which will only cause a delay and cost you money.

Weather can be unpredictable at times, and it’s better to be prepared. Always keep an emergency kit close by in case you get stuck on the road unexpectedly.

You should also only park in designated parking spots. This will ensure you don’t get a ticket and reduce the risk of someone hitting your vehicle.

7. Stay Organized

If you have multiple deliveries to make in one day, be sure to plan out your route so you can maximize efficiency. If you’re disorganized, you’re more likely to forget about a delivery or lose a package. You’ll also waste a lot more time and spend more money than necessary on gas.

8. Only Accept Closed Packaging

Another rule that all delivery drivers should follow is to only accept and sign for packages that are closed and sealed properly. You don’t want to be responsible for damaging an already broken item.

This will also ensure you stay safe. Even if you’re running a few minutes behind schedule, take the time to inspect each package carefully.

Courier Driver Tips

Don’t stay in a job that makes you unhappy any longer. Life is too short to be miserable.

As you make your career change to courier driver, remember these tips. They will help you succeed and give you the confidence you need to apply.

We have a professional team of drivers, and there’s a spot for you too. Contact us here to get started.