Virtual Dispatch

Algorithm. Even the word sounds funny. It’s a bit mysterious and definitely sort of unpredictable. A courier that has spent the day using one will agree.

Sometimes it’s able to read the mind, or so it seems. Furthermore, the algorithm tends to be consistent. As long as its input is consistent. This is interesting depending on the loop the courier has joined.

Algorithm Tuning

The loop a courier joins relates to the first delivery offer the courier accepts. In my experience, the app algorithm will serve offers similar to the first one accepted.

When this isn’t so, it’s possible to change the behaviour of the algorithm, then and there. Simply accept an offer that is the opposite of the first.

For example, if the first offer was a short distance run, the opposite would be a long distance run. Therefore, completing several short distance runs, and then accepting a far away run, will generate more long run offers.

There are points of interest in using different techniques to generate offers.

If any courier has additional insights, comment them below this article, and let other couriers know as well.

Shout Out!

Traffic is a challenge even when light. It requires focus and attention to detail. Safety is a number one priority.

Sometimes equipment failures can happen and the driver isn’t aware that anything is wrong. This is also true for a courier. During these times it is possible to find blue lights flashing behind the vehicle.

Due to a wiring failure this courier was recently pulled over by the blue lights. It was late at night, just after a shift, and the rear of the ride had no lights. A dangerous scenario for the nighttime, and a courier unawares.

It is with gratitude that I thank the officer, for the alerting of the dangerous safety situation with the ride! It was repairable while there, and prevented a possibly dangerous traffic event.

Road safety and road etiquette are important to everyone and are also free. Stay safe out there!

The Daily Leap