Tag: december

Delivering The Gift Of Christmas

Posted on by News Desk

Christmas!

So, for those of you who are delivery drivers, this year should, in theory, have been ‘it.

The run-up to Christmas, the busting your chops to squeeze in endless deliveries of Christmas goods for the people who shop online.

But this year has been different in so many ways, and the Christmas rush may not be over come December 24th

While last year saw a run of online ordering putting unprecedented demand on van drivers over the festive period, nothing could have prepared us for what happened in March.

COVID struck. 

The poor delivery drivers of the UK didn’t know what had hit them.

The country locked down, and online ordering exploded into a full-blown national pastime—it felt like Christmas all over again.

Delivery drivers didn’t know what had hit them, as they worked around the clock, busting a gut to get things to people –

From food to fancy fripperies, and everything in between. 

And this Christmas, the heat is on again.

Brexit-related stockpiling is seeing delays at UK ports and a huge backlog of goods to get to people, from building supplies to Christmas presents.

With most of the country in tier 3, that is all in addition to those who are reliant on online ordering to deliver everything from clothes to groceries. 

And now, as of yesterday, ports into the UK are closed.

Who knows what that will mean.

More deliveries, fewer deliveries… many businesses will be scratching their heads and trying to figure out if they actually have anything to send at all.

Many experts are predicting that this seasonal rush will carry on right into January.

And even beyond, depending on what happens with Brexit and how quickly the COVID vaccine can be rolled out.

But of course, with this new raft of port closures, the truth is nobody knows what is coming next.

So, while it doesn’t really help ease those tired limbs or the sheer exhaustion, we just want you to know that this Christmas, we here at Cheap Van Insurance doff our caps to you all.

From the delivery drivers, to the man and vans, to the builders and brickies and everything in between.

Here’s hoping next year gets back to something approaching normal.

And life can return to the heady days when people went out and actually got things for themselves. 

What Happens When You Text A Tradesman At Midnight?

Posted on by News Desk

When Is It OK To Message A Tradesman?

Would you message a tradesman at 12:15am?

A recent news story sparked a lively debate here at Cheap Van Insurance HQ.

It all started when a woman named Evandra sent a late-night text to a carpet fitter.

Specifically, she messaged him at 12:15am.

She simply asked for a quote.

However, the fitter wasn’t impressed.

He replied quickly—and bluntly.

Naturally, this raised eyebrows and questions in equal measure.

Is A Tradesman Ever Really “Off Duty”?

If you advertise online and share your number, are you expected to respond at all hours?

On one hand, some say yes. Business is business, after all.

However, others argue that everyone deserves time to rest.

After all, running a small business doesn’t mean you’re available 24/7.

So, where’s the line?

Was The Late-Night Message To A Tradesman Too Much?

Many people felt that if she had emailed, it wouldn’t have mattered.

In contrast, texting felt more intrusive.

It was late.

Moreover, she sent a direct message, not a passive query.

Some believed it crossed a boundary of basic privacy.

Still, others disagreed.

They felt a text was fair game—as long as she didn’t expect an immediate reply.

In their view, the real issue was how the fitter reacted, not the timing of the message.

Phones, Families, And Flexibility

Let’s not forget—some people can’t switch their phones off at night.

For example, parents or carers may need to stay connected in case of emergencies.

Even so, many people do put their phones on silent.

Therefore, what feels reasonable to one person may feel disruptive to another.

As a result, it’s tricky to say whether her message was truly inconsiderate.

The Always-On Culture: A Modern Dilemma

In today’s world, we’re used to sending messages at all hours.

Before bed, we fire off emails, book appointments, and chase things up.

However, just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.

After all, being reachable 24/7 comes at a cost.

Especially for sole traders who don’t have a team to lean on.

Respecting boundaries matters—now more than ever.

The Office Vote: A Split Decision

At Cheap Van Insurance, we took a poll.

Interestingly, 60% said she was out of line.

The remaining 40% disagreed.

Clearly, opinions are divided.

This story might seem small, but it taps into something bigger.

Where do we draw the line between accessibility and overstepping?

Our Advice: Boundaries Benefit Everyone

If you’re a tradesperson:

Invest in a separate work phone.

Then, switch it off after hours and enjoy your downtime.

Clients can wait till morning.

If you’re a customer:

Be mindful.

Just because someone shares their number doesn’t mean they’re available 24/7.

In short, a little respect goes a long way.

After all, small businesses are run by real people—not robots.

 

The Van Driver’s Carol Service – Part Two

Posted on by News Desk

Wow – we were blown away by last week’s carols – you LOVED them!

So, who were we to say no, when you asked for more? But, with just 2 days before Christmas, before we bless you with yet another CVI belter, we did just want to take a moment to thank you all. You keep our country moving. Businesses, big and small simply couldn’t function without you. Hopefully, it’s just a matter of hours before you can deliver that last parcel, hang up the van keys and just relax for a few days, before it starts all over again.

Van drivers of the UK; we salute you.

On the First Day of Christmas:

On the first day of Christmas, CVI gave to me

Insurance savings for all to see

On the second day of Christmas, CVI gave to me

Two magic trees and insurance savings for all to see

On the third day of Christmas, CVI gave to me

Three furry dice, two magic trees and insurance savings for all to see

On the fourth day of Christmas, CVI gave to me

Four 4 by 2’s, three furry dice, two magic trees and insurance savings for all to see

On the fifth day of Christmas, CVI gave to me

Five-staaaar service, four 4 by 2’s, three furry dice, two magic trees and insurance savings for all to see

On the sixth day of Christmas, CVI gave to me

Six footwell mats, five-star service, four 4 by 2’s, three furry dice, two magic trees and insurance savings for all to see

On the seventh day of Christmas, CVI gave to me

Seven pairs of socks, six footwell mats, five-star service, four 4 by 2’s, three furry dice, two magic trees and insurance savings for all to see

On the eight day of Christmas, CVI gave to me

Eight London jobs, seven pairs of socks, six footwell mats, five-star service, four 4 by 2’s, three furry dice, two magic trees and insurance savings for all to see

On the ninth day of Christmas, CVI gave to me

Nine parking tickets, Eight London jobs, seven pairs of socks, six footwell mats, five-star service, four 4 by 2’s, three furry dice, two magic trees and insurance savings for all to see

On the tenth day of Christmas, CVI gave to me

Ten roadside repairs, nine parking tickets, Eight London jobs, seven pairs of socks, six footwell mats, five-star service, four 4 by 2’s, three furry dice, two magic trees and insurance savings for all to see 

On the eleventh day of Christmas, CVI gave to me 

Eleven football shirts, ten roadside repairs, nine parking tickets, Eight London jobs, seven pairs of socks, six footwell mats, five-star service, four 4 by 2’s, three furry dice, two magic trees and insurance savings for all to see 

On the twelfth day of Christmas, CVI gave to me

Twelve months of savings, eleven football shirts, ten roadside repairs, nine parking tickets, Eight London jobs, seven pairs of socks, six footwell mats, five-star service, four 4 by 2’s, three furry dice, two magic trees and insurance savings for all to see 

Happy Christmas everyone! Safe driving!

Tips for Tiredness:

Posted on by News Desk

It’s getting to that time of year when for many of you, our humble, van driving readers, things really shift up a gear (pardon the pun), as Christmas deliveries begin to peak and you’re here, there and everywhere and working all the hours God sends trying to fit 15 hours of work into eight or nine.

It’s exhausting. 

You’re rushing around with impossible targets to hit, just a breath away from telling your boss where to shove it most of the day. The traffic is worse, thanks to the crappy weather and pensioners with nothing better to do than take a little 20 mile an hour pootle into town to look at the pretty Christmas windows, when you’ve got a job to do.

When you feel like that, even if you are working more hours than you know is good for you, it’s important you make time for yourself. Stress causes people to make silly mistakes and tiredness can, as we all know, be fatal. If you’re feeling your blood pressure rising, it’s easy to tell yourself to man (or woman up) and have a few beers to unwind when you get home. But not only is that just making the problem worse, overdo it and get breathalysed in the morning, and it could cost you your job. 

Save the booze for the night before your day off, and start each working day with a clear head.

Eat well. Again, if you are busy and rushing, it’s easy to skip a meal or live off junk food. But good nutrition will give you the energy to face the challenges of a busy schedule.

Try and make time for yourself. Even if you don’t have much, make a little. You may want to lose yourself in gaming, or a box set or a good movie. When you’re doing whatever it is, try and put the phone/iPad/laptop down and focus on doing just one thing.

Try and get some exercise. We get it, you’re exhausted already, but if you’re able to get a kick about in, or a quick gym sesh, the endorphins that creates will make you feel 100% better. And you’ll sleep better too.

Keep electronics out of the bedroom. No sitting on your phone or TV in bed. The blue light emitted is proven to create sleep problems. Instead, focus on using your bedroom for, well, sleeping. 

Don’t kid yourself into thinking that a coffee is going to perk you up when you’re driving. Neither will opening a window. You need to pull over and rest. Just napping for 15 -20 minutes will make all the difference. And you’ll feel refreshed when you wake and more alert and ready to get back on it. 

Take a tip from the ladies. Time spent on you, is time well spent. Go and get a massage (no, not that kind) in a spa or salon. It’s like one of those big secrets of the male world – loads of guys do it, but few admit it. You’ll help undo some of those knots from your time behind the wheel and sleep and feel so much better for it. 

If you need to put the brakes on – do so. We don’t mean your van – we mean all of it. If you are struggling and finding it too much, you need to say no. Whether that’s to extra social activities, or to overtime requests, no amount of extra dosh in your pay packet is worth the consequences if you’re truly burned out.

Perfect Christmas gifts for Van Drivers

Posted on by News Desk

Okay, so you’ve been asked what you’d like and besides that box set and PS4 game that you know you’re not going to get, what can you ask for?

Here are our top ideas to make any driving days just that little bit better.

Like your coffee? How about a portable espresso machine? Perfect for coffee on the go. This takes classic coffee pod filters, and can be plugged in to your van’s power socket.

Or what about a heated lunch box? This is great for those who drive long distances and want a hot meal, without paying an arm and a leg at the service stations – just plug it in to your car charger socket and enjoy a nice warm lunch, rather than a chilly limp sandwich.

Magnetic phone and coin pads.Never be rifling around for coins again, have your phone where you can see it, and generally be a little more organised with one of these. 

Heated seat pads. Because there’s nothing like a warm bum on a cold day! Or, go the whole hog and ask for an in-car electric blanket. Perfect if you’re a driver up north who frequently battles with the snow and can sometimes see yourself stuck in accident traffic or impassable roads. 

In-car Wi-Fi. Turn your cab into your office with one of these great gadgets. Be always on, listen to music, game while you’re waiting for a pick-up (but not in a traffic jam, please)

Mini hoover.Let’s make spiders dropping from the visor a thing of the past, people. An in-van mini hoover can help clear up those crumbs and that dirt in no time. 

Hanging storage. Keep all your paperwork in one place, and find things fast. It will shave a few minutes off your day, and in an industry where every second counts, you’ll be thankful for it.

A lumbar support cushion. Because being a van driver plays havoc with most people’s backs, given enough time behind the wheel. A solid, supporting cushion for your back will pay dividends and save the cost of those trips to the osteopath. (although we can recommend a brilliant one, if you do need one). 

Van detailing kit.Because we all like a nice, clean van, don’t we? Oh, wait. Well, maybe if you get one, you’ll actually use it. We can’t force you to, but you know, it might just give you the motivation that none of the lads have managed. Make it a new year’s resolution. 

A driving experiences.No chugging along, waiting for the diesel to finally kick in and give you some oomph. Blast out your driving frustrations with a track session in a supercar at one of the U.K.’s race tracks and unleash your inner Lewis Hamilton (other F1 drivers are available). 

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