The severe weather delivery challenge and drivers on demand.
When seasons change, so does the weather. It’s not unusual. However, it’s often unpredictable. Most couriers watch the weather outlook closely. It’s important for a number of reasons. Many of those reasons are obvious safety concerns. For example, taking delivery requests while a large funnel cloud is overhead. Or during heavy snow showers. Those may sound like easy decisions, but every courier knows there are no easy decisions in a severe weather delivery rush.
The severe weather rush. It sounds like a hopped up adrenaline play. However, nothing could be further from spot on. Experienced couriers know the real earnings happen in the difficult driving weather. No matter the country, or the location, delivery requests boom when severe weather comes into play. It’s one of the biggest reasons why a snowstorm sends delivery requests off the charts. The at home customer wants hot fresh food. Especially during freezing cold snow storms. The same holds true for thunderstorms.
There’s a feeling of safety associated with a solid roof overhead. Especially during a severe weather event. In recent years, delivery apps have become a reliable source of drivers on demand. Similarly, weather conditions, influence the demand. Couriers are adept at managing stress. Particularly the stress of timely severe weather delivery. However, this delivery style is not for every courier. Additionally, driving in harsh weather conditions, is only one part of the process. The courier must also deal with being in harsh weather conditions, while outside the safety of the vehicle.
The Severe Weather Delivery
Ever hear about the person standing close to a tree? And then lightning strikes the tree? The lightning doesn’t always stay in the tree. Sometimes it spokes outward on the ground. Aside from the fact that a lightning strike on a close by tree is louder than damnit, it’s also unnerving. In fact, walking from the vehicle to a front door can be daunting during severe weather. Lightning and thunder are tough customers. However, the out of the blue hail storm, is a heavy hitter.
Even dime sized hail is extreme. Similarly, hailstorms that begin when the courier is on the road traveling, are unavoidable. It absolutely happens. The first thing a courier/driver thinks about, is shelter. Right about the time the third hailstone hits the windshield. Then the courier gets an eagle eye for shelter. A gas station with an overhead canopy. A tunnel, or under a bridge. Anything that can block the falling ice chunks of doom. It isn’t a matter of whether or not it’s safe to be handling delivery requests. It’s a matter of finding a safe haven to wait out the storm.
Most hailstorms are brief. So is a tornado. However, the aftermath can be a challenge to a delivery completion. Yet delivery requests don’t slow down just because the courier does. In fact, it is a mark of professionalism to keep a delivery customer in the loop during long delays. Therefore, sheltering under a bridge until the sky ice fades away, is in good form. The at home customer is most likely aware of the severe weather. However, they may not be aware of the impact on the courier’s route. Keep communications open for best results.
Drivers On Demand
If not for delivery on demand, there would be less drivers on demand. The good news is the delivery app courier has ample work opportunities during severe weather events. This isn’t to say that a delivery app encourages risky maneuvers. In fact, the Doordash app has a built in warning system about incoming severe weather events. Advising caution is one part of this system. And with good reason. Harsh weather events challenge even the most seasoned drivers. It has a similar effect on couriers. Therefore it is important for the courier to gauge the incoming severe weather. It is always possible to wait out the storm.
With this in mind, running delivery in harsh weather takes focus and road etiquette. Additionally, a strategy for dealing with the unexpected, helps. For example, getting stranded on a road. This can happen when a tree falls across the road up ahead and then another falls across the road behind. (Personal experience.) Furthermore, the storm may still be on full tilt as the courier sits inside the dry vehicle. In many cases the storm passes quickly. This is also relative to the thunderstorms that pop up in summer weather. Long duration rain events are a different kind of severe weather for the on demand driver.
Severe Weather Delivery
The safest delivery is the previous drop-off. All bets are off, until that drop-off. When the courier decides to run in a weather event, follow through, matters. Accepting a delivery from the queue, acknowledges that fact. The same expectations an at home customer has on sunny day deliveries, still applies in severe weather delivery. This isn’t to say the courier’s risk isn’t appreciated. Most at home customers appreciate the courier’s efforts. However, there is also the expectation of the professional follow through. A worthy pursuit for the solo courier. Stay safe out there.
Like, share and follow the anonymous courier on X at @Theanonymousc1. Like and follow here for the Facebook page The Anonymous Courier on FB. Also find The anonymous courier on Pinterest.
Click on the Subscribe link to receive updates on new posts, updated posts and new features. Join today.
Comment here