First Time Out With a Delivery App
Maps are one of the most useful tools ever invented. They are also a tool that has evolved and improved over time. Once, a map folded nicely and easily and went into the glove compartment for use at a later time.
Also if you’ve ever used a paper map, you are aware that they never fold the same way twice. Fortunately, in today’s world, folding maps aren’t the norm any longer. Handheld map readers are a common place item now. In fact, the handheld map readers we have in today’s world are mini supercomputers and can do more than just read a map.
With all that being said, it’s pretty amazing what our phones can do, and in such a small package. Smartphones are a necessary tool for couriers. Not only does the smart phone run the delivery app, it also contains the mapping systems used to complete those deliveries. The app and the map are closely related.
One of the first things a driver will notice with a delivery app is the different zones that are marked. Some apps relegate deliveries to a particular zone, and offers will only be available in that zone, for that zone, respectively. Getting pulled into other zones is possible, and is something to keep in mind when considering an offer.
Time out
This is important because no offers will be available while the driver is returning from another zone with some apps. The Uber app is fairly good at making offers regardless of zones and the courier is able to determine if the route is workable under the current circumstances. Some offers are just not feasible when they are offered.
The next first thing a new driver will notice, when using a delivery app the first time, is the precise location awareness the app has through GPS. It’s very sensitive and has the ability to determine location within a few feet. This is very useful for locations that are unknown or unfamiliar. It is also extremely helpful when there are questions concerning the precise location of a destination.
This is a general description of the way most delivery apps connect a client with their cargo. Depending on the app being used, the format and appearance may differ, but the function is basically the same across apps. Each app has a different flavor with the details that are offered with the offer. The Postmates app (no longer -now Uber) was lacking in the details of the destination drop off, before the offer was accepted, which made it difficult to determine exact mileage. This resulted in runs that couldn’t be maintained in a given area.
Each app has it’s own way of presenting offers to the courier. The one thing they all have in common is the amount of time to consider an offer. Forty five seconds or less. And yes, seventy five percent of the time it’s while the vehicle is in motion, that the offers appear. It may seem overwhelming at first, but after a few times working the system it becomes easier and more intuitive.
Apps
Taking smaller offers with shorter distances to travel, will help develop familiarity with the app and it’s process for offering and completing deliveries. Offers are not mandatory and can be declined. Each app has a process, and a dedicated area, for rejecting or declining offers. More on first time delivery app use will follow in the vlog area of this site, and in further articles on the blog.
