Even if you’re new to the world of the professional delivery driver, you already know how important you are to the organization you work for.

In many ways you are the face of the business to customers as you see them more than anyone else in the business. So, it is important that you represent the business well and in accordance to the guidelines and policies they have set out.

Beyond this, though, there are ways you can ensure that your delivery functions are performed efficiently and on time.

Here are some tips to help:

Get organized

Your delivery plan starts before you head out onto the road. Know what the priority deliveries are, and know the best routes to get there. Most deliveries will be close, but sometimes, especially in urban settings, the quickest route is not always obvious, especially during high traffic periods.

Load up with a plan

Do your best to ensure that the parts are loaded in reverse order of delivery so your first stops are at hand and so on.

Make all deliveries before heading back in

This might seem obvious, but with the combination of deliveries, calls with new instructions, and dealing with traffic issues, sometimes things get missed. Few things are worse than that sinking feeling when you realize there’s a delivery that’s been missed and there’s a upset customer on the phone.

Ensure all deliveries are acknowledged

While it may be customary for you to see the customer and get them to accept the delivery, on busy days when everyone is working in the bays, this might not be so simple. Ensure the customer acknowledges the delivery and/or that the delivery is properly recorded if you’re using a drop box. This can avoid issues later.

Be transparent about any delays

Be up front if you’re delayed significantly by traffic, weather, or other issues. If your business makes that customer contact your responsibility, don’t delay in letting them know. Service businesses want their parts fast, but they need to be able to plan. If bad weather or supply disruptions mean the parts are coming later, letting them know allows them to plan their work and keep their customer in the loop. Delays are bad; surprise non-delivery is unforgiveable.

Getting service customers the parts they need to keep their business flowing, and their customer happy, can be challenging, especially with ongoing supply chain disruptions.

Ensuring that you do your part to be efficient and effective will reflect well on you and the organization you work for.