Delivery driver job, and what it's really like
In addition to NOT being psychic or clairvoyant (we don't know what's inside the parcel YOU'VE ordered!), we're also NOT phone installation experts, Corgi registered technicians or flat-pack furniture assemblers. SO DON'T BOTHER ASKING!
We are DELIVERY DRIVERS, which means we drive around and deliver things! By the way, we don't drive Reliant Robin's with just YOUR parcel on board! Ford Transit vans can't always fit through your tiny narrow gateways, not even when in your infinite wisdom you decide to decrease the space between the posts!
As for catalogues - if you don't want them anymore then ring the company up and get them to remove your name from their mailing lists. It's very hard to raise a smile when you've just driven 3 or 4 miles along narrow, twisty lanes dodging inane tourists, horse riders and typical bumpkins (farmers who think they also own the roads which connect their land!), finally reaching your hovel just to be told that you no longer want anything to do with catalogue companies! You then decide to hurl a load of abuse at us because it's something else that you've got to recycle...
Those large cumbersome parcels which look awkward to carry ARE in fact heavy! If you can just tear yourself away from watching Jeremy Kyle for a few seconds, yes we WOULD appreciate some assistance over here. Open a gate or door perhaps. Better still, lock your bloody dogs away instead of picking them up whilst trying to sign for your items (Only applies to those of you that can actually write your name and sadly so many of you are unable to perform even that simple task!). Strangely enough,we don't all see the funny side of getting our ankles and fingers bitten by cuddly little pooches!
One last point; If you would like us to leave your parcels in your shed, greenhouse, garage, stable, swimming pool or other extravagant outbuilding that you've wasted your 'hard earned' money on, then have the the courtesy to leave the door to that building open. Unfortunately we're not allowed to kick your doors in or smash your windows. Yes it is a shame isn't it?
By: Delbert D.Rivers
Comments from visitors
A while back I was employed by a well known delivery company.
When overstretched they would employ temp drivers. These temps wouldn't have the same insurance as the regulars, so would not be given any package listed as worth more than a certain amount. Instead they would be told to leave a note without knocking.
It was also not uncommon for drivers to just leave notes if the parcels were heavy or a hassle to carry, or if it was for a high number in a block of flats. Contrary to what has been said here, we got paid salary, with no penalty for failed delivery. I even know drivers who considered it a perk to 'acquire' a parcel once a month or so.
The big problem is that drivers are paid poorly, and not incentivised to do a good job, especially when the company itself is cutting so many corners anyway.
Sadly Delbert here seems to epitomise the worst side of the driving community. Some of us were more courteous despite everything. It certainly isn't a great job, but its better than some.
When overstretched they would employ temp drivers. These temps wouldn't have the same insurance as the regulars, so would not be given any package listed as worth more than a certain amount. Instead they would be told to leave a note without knocking.
It was also not uncommon for drivers to just leave notes if the parcels were heavy or a hassle to carry, or if it was for a high number in a block of flats. Contrary to what has been said here, we got paid salary, with no penalty for failed delivery. I even know drivers who considered it a perk to 'acquire' a parcel once a month or so.
The big problem is that drivers are paid poorly, and not incentivised to do a good job, especially when the company itself is cutting so many corners anyway.
Sadly Delbert here seems to epitomise the worst side of the driving community. Some of us were more courteous despite everything. It certainly isn't a great job, but its better than some.
+3
Click to rate 
Report
The Alpine Singer - 15-Dec-11 23:56
I have to agree with the poster, I work for a courier although not a driver and they are in our depot at 5am in the morning take out 100 parcels + per day, and collections dont get back at depot till earliest 5:30pm if their lucky, only get paid if they actually deliver numerous times do we get people who have ordered items to b delivered yet are not in to accept delivery or try to pull the wool of ringing an hour after driver has been and say driver didnt knock/ring door bell etc and can see no problem with him having to come back. Its quite simple - dont order things to b delivered if you are not going to be home to accept the delivery and dont check that it has to be signed for and please bear in mind that if a driver has to leave you a card he hasnt got paid so will have rung the bell etc so stop lying and a delivery driver doesnt spend an entire day just driving on your street so dont b amazed that when you ring an hour later that the driver is now too far away to come back to deliver your item that he wouldnt even get paid enough to cover his diesel never mind his time! Its a tough job been a courier please cut them some slack I couldnt do their job and know theres many who cant weve had enough ex plumbers, joiners etc who have a van giving it a try!
-1
Click to rate Report
All I can say is RIGHT ON!! I was a delivery driver for 2 years and it was the hardest job I have ever had in my 30 year career. I totally agree with everything you have said. Everyone should walk a mile in these shoes and then let's talk!!
-1
Click to rate Report
They have stopped home delivery in my area a month ago . I am an invalid and enjoyed reading the flyers weekly . Our Postal area is E5N6B9
-1
Click to rate Report
Stop launching parcels in my back garden when you know for a fact I am at home. When you do bother to knock please don't bang the door as loud as you can. If you hate delivering parcels then don't do it, find a new one .... Simple.
-3
Click to rate Report
Perle de lait - 4-Nov-10 10:18
Mr. Angry, I thgink you would have made a better case if you'd sat on this for a while. I normally regret sending anything written when I'm angry, it would always be better when written while in a calm frame of mind.
I have a vague idea of the delivery driver's lot and it isn't pleasant. I am led to understand that some courier firms allocate only sufficient time for the driver to drive at the speed limit between drops: with no allowance for traffic lights; finding addresses the sat nav can't find; congestion etc. Which of course means that couriers are under time pressure all day.
I have a vague idea of the delivery driver's lot and it isn't pleasant. I am led to understand that some courier firms allocate only sufficient time for the driver to drive at the speed limit between drops: with no allowance for traffic lights; finding addresses the sat nav can't find; congestion etc. Which of course means that couriers are under time pressure all day.
+1
Click to rate Report
I certainly know what this bloody ungreatful job untails I've had the bloody experience of dealing with ungreatful customers but you should know as a delivery driver you just get on well with it. For all my experience and bloody very hard work i've put in the past I now struggle to get the work doing the job that I feel I really deserve on a regular bases. So some of you drivers should be greatful fo having the opertunety to do it and should just shut up and put up,
0
Click to rate Report
Flex of Hereford - 2-Jul-10 11:36
While I can empathise with your plight, Delbert D.Rivers, you need to also empathise with OURS! Someone has paid to have the parcel shipped, and the funds also go to pay for your salary - which you are given to DO YOUR JOB. Your job does NOT entail driving up to a location and staring at it, sticking a sign on the door without even ringing the bell and then delivering said package to post office. That is NOT doing YOUR JOB. When your fellow employee says something is our for delivery - it doesn't mean for you to stick a worthless sticky on a door you have not even knocked upon and just driving off! That is the kind of thing that makes the community (rightfully) despise you!
+1
Click to rate Report
Whine, Whine, Whine, are you French Dilbert?
How hard can your job be? Drive a bit, deliver a bit, drive a bit more...it can't be that hard.
Why can't people just get on with their jobs instead of complaining about it incessantly - how boring!
Clearly Dilbert needs a job that uses his brain rather than his brawn - come on people let's find him one - suggestions anyone?
How hard can your job be? Drive a bit, deliver a bit, drive a bit more...it can't be that hard.
Why can't people just get on with their jobs instead of complaining about it incessantly - how boring!
Clearly Dilbert needs a job that uses his brain rather than his brawn - come on people let's find him one - suggestions anyone?
-2
Click to rate Report
Delivery drivers have a knack of delivering items that I have ordered.of course I wouldnt know how many deliveries they have to make that day.but when my parcel arrives I go to the door and make sure that the delivery person is able to get to the door safely.i once left a note to ask for my parcel to be left in my shed.when I got home there was a parcel in my shed as I had left the door unlocked.just some simple ideas that I think everyone should try.delivery drivers are paid to make deliveries.they are not paid to take abuse.so thank you to all delivery drivers.this is one person that greatly appreciates the service that you provide.
-6
Click to rate Report
What the f**k are yous on about...?
yas are all little freaks haaaaa haaaa
yas are all little freaks haaaaa haaaa
-1
Click to rate Report
So, you saw the job advert, got the application form, filled it in, went to the interview (which is probably just "Can you drive?" "Yes" "Okay, you start Monday") and accepted the job. Whose problem is that then?
+1
Click to rate Report
I must admit when the OP puts the situation so clearly and reasonably.
Perhaps the miserable, scruffy, charmless oaf who hammered on my door this morning, wordlessly shoved a parcel under my nose followed by an electronic writing gadget and the grunted comment "Sign, print yer name and the time", snatched it away before I have finished and stalked back to his van deserved a hearty "Thank you, thank you so much for delivering my torn and wet parcel two days late, and may I say what a warm and delightful person you are"?
Perhaps the miserable, scruffy, charmless oaf who hammered on my door this morning, wordlessly shoved a parcel under my nose followed by an electronic writing gadget and the grunted comment "Sign, print yer name and the time", snatched it away before I have finished and stalked back to his van deserved a hearty "Thank you, thank you so much for delivering my torn and wet parcel two days late, and may I say what a warm and delightful person you are"?
-3
Click to rate Report
Pallet networks are the worst. I know where you are coming from Bear, It's a terrible job and the customers are usually c##ts, the type of posho wan##rs that live in big country houses with no HGV access, and you can be sure as sh#t that you have to pallet truck their deliveries(usually stoves or furniture) up their gravel drives. And how in the hell they expect us to move 1ton+ on our own, in the middle of nowhere? Surely there is a Health and Safety issue here? And if you take it back to the depot they will only send it out with you again the next day!! Get out of the job whilst you can Bear. I did your sort of run around Chipping Camden and Cirencester a few years ago and I had to quit after I slipped a disc trying to move a pallet of crushed slate on my own. I'm in the process of legal action against my employer.
+2
Click to rate Report
Rumour has it the HDNL network may be folding so DElbert and Bear may have their wish, no more customers for them.
Remember Customers the Drivers work for us delivering our goods when we want where we want.
Remember Customers the Drivers work for us delivering our goods when we want where we want.
-2
Click to rate Report
Troll Avenger - 16-Feb-09 07:27
now stop it its being nasty, no need for that..stop it
-5
Click to rate Report
thats enough - 16-Feb-09 06:26
How about you shut your mouth, you go where we tell you to go B1TCHES!
-5
Click to rate Report
If you live in some remote farmhouse, or cottage or whatever, that's in the middle of nowhere and you need flagstones/bricks/paving blocks just think about what you are ordering. Chances are if you buy the stuff online, it'll be sent through a pallet network. So if a truck turns up(after having to make a detour thats miles out of the drivers way) for Christ's sake, make sure there is somewhere to TURN the wagon around, have some burly guys to help take off the heavy awkward stuff, and if there are more than 2 tonnes, you had better get a fork lift from somewhere or the pallets of bricks or stones will be going straight back to the depot!! Believe me.
0
Click to rate Report
Bear in Powys - 9-Jul-08 20:41
I agree with everything Delbert says, it`s Absolutely spot on.I was a delivery driver ( althought thankfully not any more) My god! the idiots you come across!Some people are so rude they seem to forget you know where they live,(Delbert if you leave your job make sure you get your revenge,believe me it`ll make you feel much better).I have deliveries all the time, it`s not difficult to be polite or let the comany know where to leave a package if your`e not going to be in instead of thinking your the only person in the world because you know what? no one, especially the delivery driver gives a f***k !
-1
Click to rate Report
Gee delbert, go to your doctor, get some valium and the the f**k out! honestly though, not all customers are that hideous, focus your energies on the ones that actually appreciate the service you provide and just rise above the rest. if someone asks you to do something thats above and beyond your duty, then know your rights and just say no. if they complain and your boss is on your back then talk to your union. the main thing is not to let it get to you, its only a job.
btw as a single woman without transport I depend on delivery service, and I greatly appreciate this!
btw as a single woman without transport I depend on delivery service, and I greatly appreciate this!
+3
Click to rate Report
