Zone Delivering With Better Results Built-in
Many articles that have appeared on this site have been about delivering solo. And solo driving, with a delivery app, has grown exponentially over the last several years.
Many drivers use a delivery app or two, or even a combination at the same time. There are just a few steps involved, with setting up an app for deliveries, and getting started.
Running deliveries is a static process. Firstly, there is securing the cargo. Secondly, transporting the cargo. And finally, delivering the cargo to its destination. The mechanics of the job are transferable, and the overall process remains the same.
A dynamic delivery area, allows for deliveries outside of a given zone. It also allows for a shift in the area, to another zone. This is a trait for the solo show. The in-house crew driver, runs the static show. And it has advantages.
Static zone
One of the first rules of delivering is to maximize the return on the investment. It’s a good strategy all around, but it’s a critical strategy for couriers using their personal equipment for work.
Working the in-house crew means there is a delivery zone. Merchants with in-house crews will set a zone and it is often based on the maximum distance allowed, from the merchant location.
To get a sense of how that works, imagine a circle and a dot at the very center. The perimeter of the circle, in any direction, is always x from the center dot. (X) equaling whatever distance a merchant chooses, for the business location.
This is the zone, and everything in it is allowed, anything out of it, is not. In the course of delivering this same zone repeatedly, a courier becomes familiar with routes. And further, everything associated with them.
Taking notice of the time of day, traffic congestion, detours and more, are best practices, and once adapted to this mindset, it happens almost without thinking about it.
This means less delays, and faster completion times. Faster completion times can bring in more runs. More runs means, there will be more opportunities to make money.
crew zone
A static area keeps fuel consumption at predictable rates. The solo act has to travel the extra mile for the gravy. Crew drivers are protected by the zone boundary, therefore, any offers on a tethered dispatch board, will conform to the limits of the zone.
Exceptions are handled by the merchant management, on a case by case basis.
Couriers are able to memorize a zone and save costly time checking directions. This eliminates making unnecessary turns or stops.
Lunchtime is a great time, and if it’s courier time at lunchtime, it’s a busy time. Rush driving with a crew and a static zone, is a way to maximize deliveries at lunchtime.
A built-in advantage with crew deliveries is delivering for the same merchant. Each return trip is to the same place. Knowledge of the delivery queue, allows a courier to anticipate routes and times. Solo runners do this on the fly.
The built-in advantage that yields better results with zone delivery, is the home base. Depending on the type of merchant, this can have a positive impact on tips and pay.
The home base advantage works in several ways. One that stands out, is having backup, should a problem develop.
There are merchants that offer their in-house delivery crews employee benefits. Including meal discounts and holiday bonus pay. Almost free food and more money, where do I sign?
crew details
Working zone deliveries with a crew, has built-in advantages. Better results are up to the courier. A merchant that carries the expense, of an in-house delivery crew, consequently, has some uniform requirements.
This sets an image of professionalism, accordingly, some merchants have extensive training for customer service. This adds to the professional image, therefore, better results are much more likely under these circumstances.
Having a set schedule is a built-in advantage for a crew driver. There is also the prospect of hourly pay that accumulates weekly, therefore that pay is reliable and can be counted on. In addition to tips.
Solo’s are relying on tip and base pay only, in short, built-in and reliable can lead to better results. Stay safe out there!
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