An Extended Look at the Backup Plan
Having a good plan is key to successful endeavors. Having a good backup plan is key to saving the original plan.
We started with taking a look at some tips to help with all day road time. A good plan is a strategy that produces results.
Even the best of plans meet with unexpected circumstances from time to time. That’s why a backup plan is as important as a plan.
This article is to suggest a method for planning a backup system for emergencies and unexpected events during a day of deliveries. Actual planning is exclusive to the individual courier.
The Scenario
It’s important to get a good start when the delivery day starts. The full tank of gas is a bonus with this start. One of my top techniques is a tank refill before setting the ride down for the day. The advantage is a quicker and direct start the following day.
This technique, and any other, that helps create a fast start, with fewer details to address, makes it possible to hit the ground running. Keeping the ride ready for work, means more work is possible because ride readiness is already done.
Having no down time between runs is the goal. This allows for maximum opportunities which aren’t as common when sitting still at the gas pump. More opportunities become possible when always at the ready.
Backup Plans
Anything that puts a stop to the ride, puts a stop to a day’s work. Tires, mechanical issues, traffic tickets, etc.
While it’s not possible to plan for every single contingency, (there are always unknowns) it is possible to have a basic contingency plan that covers basic road problems.
Having the number of a tow truck company on hand, is a top backup plan. Not every road problem leads to a tow, but it is good to have the means, should it become necessary.
Many insurance companies offer some form of roadside assistance in their plans. The cost is negligible (and sometimes free with the plan) compared to the cost of an emergency tow, from just any tow truck company.
Road Prep
A personal backup plan loadout, is also an effective strategy for successful all day road time. This is more a matter of personal skill level with auto mechanics and repairs.
Sometimes it’s necessary to work on the ride on the side of the road, (one of my favorite places for automobile repair) Having the tools and means to do so are a courier’s bonus.
An extra jack (hydrolic preferred) (2) cans of any fix-a-flat aerosol, a portable inflating pump, a tire plug kit, and a 4 way lug wrench, is my basic tire repair loadout. In addition to any tools the ride already has.
Renting a Ride
On several occasions mechanical issues that required the tools of a professional shop, have set my ride down and made a backup plan paramount.
On these occasions renting a ride, while the ride is in repair, is an option. Most delivery apps have an area to change ride details, if it’s going to be a while before the main ride is repaired.
Keeping a car rental place in play, keeps the courier on the road when the ride is in the shop. Enterprise car rental is an excellent example of one of these, and they have deals that save on cost if more than one day of rental is required.
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