Some couriers might think that is not so accurate, because the coordinates are the confirmation. So says the GPS map. However, Mr. Stevens, who has lived on that spot of land for forty five years, begs to differ. He does not care about coordinates in a GPS map. He just wants the stranger with the pizza bag, off his front porch. House numbers, and mailbox numbers, are real time indicators of location. They are the real confirmation, and are real world markers. Couriers can rely on mailbox or curb numbers. Furthermore, they count in a predictable way.
Delivery Situations
Either descending or ascending. Then there are even numbers, and odd numbers. Furthermore, they are on one side, or the other. These are reliable facts and do not rely on GPS map pins. When counting down the numbers by mailboxes side streets cause a change in the number system. It is usually by the hundreds. For example, the numbers on the left side of the street are odd numbers, descending. The courier sees the numbers seven hundred and thirty seven, then seven hundred thirty five. Next, there is a side street on the left. Then, the street numbers pick back up again at the six hundreds.
Sometimes that jump in numbers from the side street, is more. The point is awareness that the numbers change in that manner. When the courier knows the system, the clues become ever more obvious. Furthermore, after a while, the courier will be using real world markers to confirm the accuracy of the GPS navigation pin. That’s how it should be. Couriers should be checking the accuracy of the tools they use to do the work.
Street techniques and address insights are only part of the equation. There is an entire book on the ins and outs of apartment complexes. Additionally, that may be slightly less than true, but there could be. Apartment complexes are just like their names. Complex. Furthermore, each one is unique. Because they try to be apparently. Therefore the numbering systems of each complex are unique. Going to be there on more than one occasion? Best memorize as much as possible on each visit.
Classic Shortcuts
When a courier frequents a particular location, the shortcut paradox kicks in. This is something couriers do to save future time. It is sometimes called a learning curve. After several trips to a particular location, the goal becomes improving times in each subsequent drop-off. This is how classic shortcuts are made. Similarly some of those shortcuts are kept secret. It’s like a trade secret. The delivery field is nothing if not competitive.
It’s a friendly competition, that leads to better delivery times. After all, the goal is not to be faster than all the other couriers. The goal is to maximize earnings, while minimizing cost. Without a single compromise on the quality of service. That’s the essence of the professional courier. This is just the tip of the iceberg on time saving shortcuts for delivery. The next series of articles will deal with risky road situations and ways to avoid road problems before they begin. 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