Virtual Dispatch

Making the most out of unplanned downtime is an excellent way to get ahead. Furthermore it can help the courier get ahead in other areas while inactive. Unplanned downtime happens from time to time, but it doesn’t have to slow anything down!

So it happened, and rather than catching the beginning of an early dinner rush, the courier is taking on downtime. Nine times out of nine when I have unplanned downtime, it’s all about the ride.

unplanned downtime

Therefore my downtime, most often, is vehicle repair time. If unplanned downtime isn’t related to the ride, then the ride can help fill the unplanned downtime.

For example, vehicle maintenance. Any type of maintenance is a bonus if done outside a normal maintenance routine. If the unplanned downtime doesn’t include vehicle repair, it’s a good time for preventative maintenance.

Things like tire condition, fluid reservoir check and many other points of maintenance are important and can be addressed during unplanned downtime. A quick look at all turn signals and replacing any that are no longer working is also a good idea.

Vehicle maintenance is an excellent place to make forward progress. Furthermore, following the paperwork trail is also a place to catch up, by taking advantage of unplanned downtime.

Ideas

A quick scan of documents and associated paperwork can save time and expense later. Things like insurance and registration are good things to double check when faced with unplanned downtime.

Also a quick view of all delivery apps to ensure that the details on each are up to date. This gives the courier less to worry about when the apps are in use and the rush is large and in charge.

And finally, it might seem obvious and can easily be overlooked, but the value of a good break cannot be understated. Depending on when the courier began the unplanned downtime, a good break can be a benefit. It allows for the tending of things that are overlooked when times are busier.

These are some ideas that are easily doable while waiting for unplanned downtime to draw to a close. Making the most of unplanned downtime is a benefit and an advantage to the courier. Stay safe out there.