Tag: supermarket delivery drivers

Delivery Driver Camaraderie Saves the Day

Posted on by News Desk

Don’t worry, guys and gals. This week’s post doesn’t feature something silly like an oopsie daisy, that a van driver has done, or even any dirty motives. In a refreshing take of delivery driver news, this time we have some superhero-worthy stuff to report. 

Here is a story that is bound to make you feel proud to be a van driver or a delivery driver.

Scottish delivery driver goes above and beyond for his colleague

Derek Stoddart, a commendable Scotsman from Clovenfords, did something that perhaps not all delivery drivers would do. 

Despite the fact that he was supposed to finish his shift at Asda at 2 pm, he ended up staying out and working until 9.30 pm when he was able to return to the superstore. This was because he was helping out a fellow delivery driver whose van had broken down.

Knowing full well that there could be many disappointed customers, the kind Mr Stoddart offered to remain with the faulty van until services arrived, so his colleague could continue making deliveries. 

He was out there with the van for so long, that his family even came to say hi and deliver him his dinner and plenty of coffee. 7 hours later, he was able to get back to Asda, but during his time in the van, it grew dark. Thankfully, the van’s heating was able to keep him warm. We imagine he had a lot of time to think, stuck out there in the van. 

If that wasn’t enough, Mr Stoddart reported for his 6.30 am shift the following morning without any complaints. We’re not sure how many people would be so generous with their time, and we sincerely hope Mr Stoddart was rewarded handsomely. Perhaps some decent overtime pay, or some freebies from Asda? What do you think? 

Do you know of anyone, or can recommend a colleague who has gone above and beyond for their van driver or delivery driver duties? Let us know as we’d love to give them a shout-out. 
Until then, we can offer cheap van insurance deals as a reward for all you van driver superheroes. Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form.

Delivery Driver Writes a Book

Posted on by News Desk

So, what did you get up to during the pandemic lockdowns?

Oh, nothing much, delivered groceries and wrote a book, you?

…is what we would be saying if our name was Paul Lang. 

So, who is Paul Lang anyway?

Ever heard of a book called From Hollywood to Cricklewood? It’s been out since last year and you can purchase it through Apple Books for a few quid.

It follows Paul Lang on his adventures of being a delivery driver during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Whilst this is an interesting fact anyway, what makes it even better is that Paul Lang used to be a documentary filmmaker. 

When his usual documentary work came to a halt due to lockdowns and restrictions, Paul decided to become a delivery driver to Tesco. He quickly discovered the job was far more eventful than most people realised. As his day-to-day progressed, his occasionally challenging journeys led him to meet an array of people. 

Paul’s documented experiences are sometimes wholesome, and sometimes difficult. Not what most people would expect happens in the day of a delivery driver.

Certainly a stark difference to what he used to do; filming in locations like Angola, Iraq and Dunkirk. Don’t let anyone say life as a delivery driver doesn’t come with its risks and joys – especially during a worldwide pandemic!

Share your experiences with us

So, who here has read Paul Lang’s book then? Whilst we maybe didn’t have as exciting jobs as Paul prior to becoming delivery drivers, perhaps you may have read about his experiences.

If so, what did you think? Are you able to relate to any of the events in his book? Did you experience similar situations during lockdowns? Meet anyone in a hazmat suit, or share a teacake with a lovely, old lady?

We’d love to hear all about it and perhaps share your stories. So please leave a comment and let us know.
In return, we can offer something valuable, too. How about some cheap insurance for that ol’ van of yours? With some of the cheapest van insurance deals around, you can get started by completing this form. It takes just 3 minutes!

From Delivery Driver to Superhero

Posted on by News Desk

Now, you delivery lot are always receiving praise from us.

We think you go above and beyond in your jobs, every day.

Day after day, you go above and beyond in your work.

Especially in the past couple of years in the midst of a pandemic.

But today, we see how some of you take that extra step, moving closer to becoming superheroes.

Today, we’re excited to salute a true superhero from Edinburgh.

A dedicated ASDA delivery driver, specifically from the Dunbar branch.

Mr Mark Beggs has been cheered as a hero as he used his former soldier training to help save a Transit Van driver after a horrendous crash.

Mr Beggs had only been working with the ASDA branch for some weeks before this happened.

He used quick thinking, remained calm, and did all he could to help save the van driver. 

Basically, he was the type of superhero everyone would want around in times like this.

What Happened?

Mr Beggs was in the delivery van behind the unfortunate van driver, who swerved into a barrier.

While waiting for the ambulances, Mr. Beggs assessed the situation.

With the timely help of a nurse who happened to be passing by, he quickly went into superhero mode.
 
First, he grabbed a tool from his van, typically used to cut cardboard.
 
Using it with precision, he managed to cut through the seatbelt that had been restricting the driver’s breathing.
 
Fortunately, the driver regained consciousness as soon as they cut the belt.
 
Fueled by a surge of adrenaline, he quickly escaped the car.

However, this led to the poor driver collapsing.

Mr. Marks Gebbs and the off-duty nurse stayed with the van driver until the ambulance arrived.

Amongst all this, Mr Gebbs somehow managed to find time to keep his waiting customers updated!

Yep, it completely flabbergasted us too…

Truly a display of pure excellence from this brave man—and, of course, the nurse! As for Mark Grebbs…

We salute you! 

Naturally, we’d love to hear about other superhero delivery drivers out there…

Do you have anyone in mind?

Or have you experienced something similar?

Let us shower you with praise…

Until then, the one thing we can gift you is cheap van insurance quotes.

A quick 3-minute form is all it takes.

No faff or headache required, thank you very much!

…And Then He Woke Up, And It Was All A Dream!

Posted on by News Desk

A refreshing break from the “fuel crisis” and “driver shortages” is called for, we think. So instead, we have a bit of a weird one for you this week. We want to know; what is the weirdest dream you have ever had?

Or, in the case of Paul Luttrell from Somerset, what is the weirdest dream you’ve had whilst in a coma?

Nightmares of delivering for Tesco

Now, we would never wish weird dreams on anyone, least of all a coma. But it is interesting to discuss what is experienced for those that do. 

For Paul Luttrell, who was hospitalised for cancer and Covid-19, it was being forced to work as a delivery driver. Not your average nightmare for most folk, eh? He dreamed of an ordeal where he drove a bedraggled-looking van about a town, making grocery deliveries for Tesco.

However, there was a vital twist that resulted in the dreams becoming nightmares. All the money that poor Paul earned from his deliveries ended up being taken from him and given to a London gang. The best (or worst) part? The leader was a dwarf who would torture him the old-fashioned way — with a defibrillator. Truly terrifying, yet bizarre stuff. We are sure Netflix would be interested in a feature film or television show.

Thankfully, despite the hellish hallucinations, Paul was miraculously discharged and is doing his best to work through his illnesses. You can read more about Paul’s experience of being in a coma, here. We wish you all the best, Paul!

When Dreams Become Reality

For many of us, the reality of being a supermarket delivery driver really is not that bad. Dare we say, some even enjoy it? Although, we guess that is dependent on whether or not you are being forced to hand your earnings over to the dwarf mafia. Hopefully, you’re not.

Our delivery drivers are still out there working hard as usual, despite Covid-19 restrictions having been lifted. There is still a lower number of customers actually going in-store to shop, so home deliveries are as popular as ever. 

So, delivery drivers, we’ve dedicated this post to you! We’ve also provided you with cheap van insurance quotes. Simply fill out this form, and you’ll be on your way to saving in just 3 minutes.

Drive in Hiring New Delivery Drivers to Cost Company Millions

Posted on by News Desk

Can you guess which company it is?

The story has been doing the rounds all week.

Okay, fine, we won’t keep you in suspense.

Drum roll, please… It’s only everyone’s favourite online supermarket that goes by the name, Ocado. 

Just What Has Ocado Been Up to?

By now, you have likely heard about the serious fuss over delivery driver shortages in the UK.

Unless, of course, you live under a rock.

To attract more employees, Ocado is advertising their delivery driver roles using everyone’s most hated best friend: money.

By offering higher wages and bonuses, they hope these incentives will fill the delivery driver void.

Why are Ocado Offering Higher Wages to Drivers?

Recently, it was confirmed by the UK government, that HGV tests would be sped up and also made easier.

You may have read about it in one of our previous blog posts. 

So, following this news, Ocado hopes their soaring wages will be motivation enough for drivers to want to join them.

At the moment, it is estimated that we are short of around a whopping 90,000 drivers.

Eek.

Naturally, this has caused disruption to supermarket supply chains, fuel and all sorts of other goods.

Are you one of the many thousands who have been affected by the shortages? 

So, What Are Ocado Moaning About?

In paying you lot higher wages and bonuses (as they should), they are estimating it will cost the company an additional £5 million (at least). 

However, we’re hoping this trend of paying our fellow delivery driver higher salaries continues.

Especially as Ocado are not the first to brag about this.

In fact, John Lewis and Aldi have also recently decided to up their delivery driver wages.

Tesco has also jumped on board the bandwagon and are offering decent bonus packages to join them, too. 

Let’s hope these higher paid wages and bonuses are enough to entice delivery drivers back, eh?

Where are you all? We miss you. 

For those of you who are still in the profession, or looking to join, it’s a good thing you’ve stumbled upon this blog post.

The first thing you need to do is to consider van insurance.

There are additional details you need to consider as a delivery driver, too. 

Find out all you need to know about cheap van insurance by completing this quick 3-minute form.

£17k for using your home toilet? Every little helps…

Posted on by News Desk

Okay, so Tesco is not paying their delivery drivers £17,000 to use their home toilets, unfortunately.

If they were, well then sign my partner up, because I’m certain he would end up bankrupting the company.

I’m sure all delivery drivers have been there.

You’ve still got a couple of deliveries to go, and you’re suddenly bursting to use the loo.

What do you do when these situations arise?

Especially if you work for Tesco, whose vans have tracker systems fitted.

This means they can check up on you every 5 minutes or so, alongside monitoring your speed and location.

Well, for one Tesco delivery worker, his solution was his home toilet.

Nothing too crude here, thank you.

This week’s tale fuels itself with justice and a hefty £17k package.

Tesco’s Scottish branch awarded Billy Fitzsimmons £17k in compensation after his unfair dismissal.

Due to his ailments, he required to use the toilet far more than your average person.

An employment tribunal ordered Tesco to pay Mr Fitzsimmons for not taking his medical problems into consideration.

His employer penalised him for using his toilet at home, even though he only stopped by between deliveries.

After discovering these stops, his boss learned about his urinary tract infection and enlarged prostate, which required urgent restroom access.

However, Tesco bosses claimed they were not aware that Mr Fitzsimmons also experienced incontinence.

Although they were aware of his other illnesses.

Unfortunately, he’d also had to visit home on some occasions to change. 

After conducting his business at home, Mr Fitzsimmons would wait in his delivery van until he had to drop off groceries to the next client.

Nothing wrong with that, right?

Deliveries were always made in a timely manner, and not a single person ever made a complaint against him.

Discrimination against disability isn’t a joke.

Fortunately for Mr Fitzsimmons, the judges agreed with him.

Hopefully, many of you will not have faced an illness or a situation like this, but I’m sure we can relate to needing the toilet after a long drive.

We wish Mr Fitzsimmons the best, and if he ever requires cheap van insurance for another role, we’re here to help!

Crucial Tips Every Van Driver Needs To Stay Safe And Protected

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The Last Year: A Test of Resilience

These last few months have been challenging.

In truth, this entire past year has been nothing short of a relentless test.

Moreover, for van drivers, the stakes have been even higher.

Working tirelessly, they’ve continued through the pandemic, facing risks head-on.

Essential Workers on the Move

With industries shutting down, van drivers kept going.

Battling brutal weather, they ensured goods and parcels still arrived.

Without their dedication, many, in fact, would have struggled.

Consider this:

As people grew reluctant to leave home, they increasingly relied on deliveries.

These packages brought not only joy and comfort but, at times, even a sense of sanity.

You’re Keeping the Nation Going

I’ll admit it:

I ordered my share of random items.

From candles to chessboards to chilli oil, they delivered.

You brought us everything.

Thank you.

And let’s be clear:

You deserve immense appreciation.

We see you. We salute you.

Stay Safe – Crime Is on the Rise

Here’s something to remember:

Stay vigilant.

Stay safe.

Crime targeting van drivers is on the rise.

The risk is real.

Just last weekend, a driver in Hereford had his van stolen mid-delivery.

Van Theft on the Rise: What You Need to Know

Luckily, he was unharmed.

But think about that:

In seconds, his vehicle vanished.

Later, it was found abandoned in a field, engine still running.

It’s happening more often.

Police Warnings for Delivery Drivers

Since lockdown began, police have issued warnings:

Delivery drivers face heightened risks.

Especially around the holidays, theft spiked.

Right before Christmas, a van loaded with Amazon packages was stolen.

Protect Yourself and Stay Alert

Drivers, couriers, postal workers—they’re on the front lines.

They’re vulnerable.

It’s essential they stay alert.

Members of the public must also help keep them safe.

Final Reminder: Check Your Insurance

So, to all van drivers:

First and foremost, protect yourself.

Additionally, stay cautious.

Most importantly, follow police advice.

One more crucial reminder:

Ensure your insurance is up-to-date.

If the worst should happen, having the right coverage is vital.

After all, we’re here to help with that.

It’s the least we can do, given everything you do to keep us moving forward.

Supermarket Delivery Drivers Make Up To £12 An Hour

Posted on by News Desk

The time for making money as a supermarket delivery driver is right now. Customers need shopping delivered, and supermarkets need drivers.

It’s the perfect match and many of our nations supermarkets are on the hunt for delivery drivers who are polite, friendly, and of course…good drivers.

How much do these drivers get paid you might wondering? More than you would expect, especially if you are lucky enough to get hired by one particular supermarket.

Ocado to be exact, who are willing to pay up to £12 an hour just for you to get in one of their vans and deliver groceries to their millions of customers.

What about Asda, are they worth working for as a delivery driver? They certainly are, with the average pay at roughly £8.50 an hour but this also includes a competitive bonus package and discount for when you do your own shopping.

In return you must be a people person and also have no trouble driving a 3.5 ton automatic van. If you have more than 3 points on your licence then forget about it, because Asda don’t want your application.

The same can be said for Tesco who also don’t like to see penalty points on your licence if you are applying to be one of their delivery drivers. They do like to see a full driving licence though which must have been held for at least 12 months.

If you become a delivery driver for Tesco then expect to get a full workout each and every day because they get you doing other things as well. Things like checking the baskets and loading up the van…they might even get you on the shop floor stacking shelves.

The main job is driving of course, where you will be expected to be a safe and courteous driver who treats every delivery of shopping as if it was your own.

Another supermarket that is always on the lookout for delivery drivers is Sainsbury’s, who are not as strict as Asda when it comes to points on your licence, they don’t mind if you have 6, but they are more strict when it comes to experience, they want 3 years of driving experience.

If you start driving one of the Sainsbury’s vans around UK roads then expect to be compensated with £8.20 an hour for your time.

Should you even consider supermarket delivery driving though? It was only a couple of months ago when I reported how robots are soon expected to take over this kind of role, especially once vans become self driving.

In my opinion this won’t be for a few years yet, which means you should go ahead and apply to your local supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Ocado.

Delivery driving is a boom profession right now. A real gold rush. There are many self employed positions in the courier industry as an example.

Just make sure you get the correct van insurance if you are going down the self employed route, something which you can find right here at this site.

Ocado Send Driverless Delivery Vans on Roads

Posted on by News Desk

Online shopping has become very popular in the UK over recent years, and it has been van drivers right at the forefront of this revolution. Not anymore though.

One of the biggest online shopping companies is Ocado, and if they have their way, then delivery drivers are soon going to be a thing of the past, with many being handed their P45 and directions to the local job centre.

This is because Ocado have just launched a new driverless delivery van onto UK roads, and if everything goes well then it could soon be an army of vans setting off from their hubs every morning…no drivers required.

The driverless delivery van has been described as a cross between a tuk-tuk and milk float, and will have an electric charging pad that powers a top speed of 25mph, with a possible 18 miles on one battery charge.

If you ask me, I don’t think that supermarket delivery drivers have anything to worry about just yet, because these vehicles seem like they are designed to serve small areas, which means Ocado would need thousands of them on the roads to serve the entire nation.

Not only that, but right now the prototype can only carry 8 crates, which is not even enough to carry 1 large order of shopping.

So…supermarket delivery drivers of the UK, before you start considering a change of career, you might want to think again, because it’s going to be a few years until robots take the drivers seat.

Until that time, you are still very much needed by supermarkets such as Ocado, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsburys, and although they are planning for a day when delivery drivers are no longer needed, at the moment everyone is still friends.

You might even want to tell your boss about the benefits of comparing van insurance so they can save a bit of money that way.

Van insurance companies do special deals for a fleet of vans, and I’m sure if all the supermarket delivery drivers in your team have good driving records then a lot of potential discounts could be found.

That goes for all van drivers and companies that use vans on a daily basis. You don’t have to be a large supermarket to be offered special discounts, and you don’t even have to be in a profession where robots are expected to take over.

Take your average white van man for example, who might be a builder, roofer, or “man with a van.” I’m sure that self driving vans will be useful in these professions in the future, but there will still be people doing the jobs, so to speak.

This is why a comparison website for van drivers will always be around. There for the average man and woman van drivers who want the best quality van insurance at very cheap prices.

Step 1

Complete your quick and easy quote

Step 2

Reveal your van insurance policies

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