The challenge of the winter weather delivery
It’s a winter thing. Cold temperatures, snow and ice. There are also winter sports and winter games. But one thing there will be for sure, is winter weather. Not every area will see the same kind of impact from the weather. Indeed, some places see more snow than others. While, at the same time, some areas never see any snow. This can sometimes mean, when there is unexpected winter weather, things can get slippery real fast.
The Winter Weather Delivery
Areas that have regular winter weather are accustomed to the challenges that go along with it. Like any system, if it’s consistent, it becomes routine. In areas that see regular snowfall, it becomes routine, to operate in it. Likewise, areas that don’t have snow very often, are unpredictable in the event of winter weather.
The question is less about the weather, and more about the courier willing to risk being in the weather. This line of thought applies more to the solo courier, than the crew courier. This is because the crew courier is part of a crew. The decision to risk driving in potentially hazardous weather, is both collective and managerial.
The weather really does decide whether or not those deliveries will get through. Moreover, the merchant has a first hand accounting of the road conditions from returning couriers. If the roads are no longer safe to use, the returning courier can be the first, to sound the alarm.
The Challenge
With this in mind, how safe are the roads? This is something the solo courier will have to ask themselves before, during, and after, a winter weather related event. There are many real time ways to keep up with current road conditions. And not all of them require being there personally.
News alerts, Google maps, and local radio stations combined, offer a basic real time snapshot of current road conditions. Furthermore, fellow couriers are a great source of Intel for problem areas. Or road closures. This is real time information. Additionally it is very helpful in areas that are unaccustomed to extreme winter weather events. (A shortcut to summer, would be nice, right about now)
Areas that seldom experience things like snow and ice, are difficult to gauge when it snows, and gets icy. Many businesses close early, if inclement weather begins pouring in. Therefore, it’s possible to accept an offer for delivery, only to find the merchant closed upon arrival. Or that the delivery customer lives at the top of a ridge. And the road is three miles up, and already covered in snow. (It may not work)
The Winter Weather Delivery Risk
That’s the challenge of winter weather delivery. How quickly things can change, in the time between the pickup, and the drop-off. Furthermore, the courier can quickly be left holding the bag. Literally. Therefore, solid decisions ahead of time, rule the day.
For example, don’t get into something, that doesn’t have an obvious way out. This rule of thumb is good for driveways that go straight up into non-visible places. Or worse, straight down. Similarly, it can be helpful for roads that are already getting slippery from snow or ice. If it looks dangerous, it probably is. Calculating risk at that moment, might be a good idea.
If it has reached a point where the courier’s safety is at risk, it’s time to park it. Merchants often convert delivery orders to pick up orders when the winter weather becomes too risky for delivery. The delivery customer can then go to the merchant, and pick up the order. Sometimes it happens. Other times safety first wins the day. Stay safe out there.
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