The best methods for backtracking a failed delivery
Every once in a while there is a delivery that stands out among the rest. Maybe it is a large tip. Or perhaps the drive is extra scenic. It could be almost anything. Even a furry friend that appreciates the courier for more than a tasty snack. Not all fur babies are fierce front door warriors. Whatever the case may be, the delivery becomes memorable. Couriers make thousands, and even tens of thousands of deliveries, over the course of time. Therefore, memorable deliveries stand out.
With this in mind, the opposite is also true. Failed deliveries stand out. In fact, some failed deliveries become part of a learning curve. And it is important to note this is about the hot fresh food courier. A failed hot fresh food delivery can be about any part of the delivery. For example, the courier forgets a desert. Or the courier forgets the drink. For the hot fresh food courier, delivery accuracy is paramount.
Furthermore, failed deliveries lead to negative ratings in the delivery app. This impacts the quality of future deliveries. Additionally, a delivery app clears the details of the completed delivery. This means the address isn’t in the app for a return to the delivery customer. Experienced couriers know the details of the address vanish as soon as the courier confirms the delivery. So what can a courier do if there’s a mistake? Especially after confirming, and leaving, a delivery drop-off?
The Best Methods for Backtracking
Sometimes it comes down to backtracking. Even crew couriers end up backtracking, on occasion. Furthermore, some couriers are able to do it with memory only. This is a technique for the courier using landmarks. The location of the landmarks, mark the route. With this information the courier has no trouble backtracking to the previous drop-off.
The technique is more old school. Once upon a time there was no handheld GPS navigator. It was about memorizing the route. Or using a paper map. They sold them in convenience stores. Also, they folded up easily before being returned to the glove box. However, this is the modern world. And these days a smartphone is critical for doing the work. Not only does it contain the delivery app, but also it is a powerful GPS system.
Having the handheld mapping system makes delivery faster. Similarly it is possible to use the GPS system to locate the drop-off location exactly. Or more accurately, locate the GPS pin, exactly. This is also possible using an outside mapping system. In fact, this is one method for backtracking a delivery drop-off. Having the route highlighted on a separate map is helpful in case a return trip is necessary.
The Failed Delivery
The failed delivery mentioned above happens. Sometimes the courier forgets the drink. Or perhaps it’s a bag of groceries that escaped notice during the drop-off. Once the courier notices the problem, it is important to consider how best to fix it. If it’s a return trip to the drop-off so much the better. This gives the courier a chance to make up for the mistake. Backtracking the drop-off location is the first step.
This is common for the crew courier. Sometimes a dinner item is missing or wrong. The crew courier then has to make a second trip to the same location. This is the same as backtracking to a location for the solo courier. Additionally having a backup image of the map helps. A best practice is to call up the maps immediately after pickup. Make sure to keep a separate tab for the second image of the map. This will keep the route and drop-off location where the courier can find it after delivery confirmation.
There are times when backtracking a delivery just isn’t possible. Furthermore, the courier is already on another run. This is when letting it go is best. The delivery app will gather details. There may also be a hit in the ratings. However, this is why accuracy and attention to detail, is so important. Time is money. Therefore saved time, is saved money. While it may be possible to backtrack and potentially improve the drop-off, it may not be practical. It’s an on the spot judgement call. Stay safe out there.
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