Tag: van insurance

Delivery Drivers: Shortages And The High-Stakes Solution In The US

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Delivery drivers.

Drive it, 420.

We’re not actually sure if that makes sense, but that’s what the folks in America have decided.

For once, this isn’t a post about electric vans…

So, this week’s news comes from the other side of the pond.

Quite a big pond, actually, as this is news from the ol’ U.S. of A.

Just as the UK has been experiencing delivery driver shortages here, the same has been happening across the US. 

Now, there’s a number of reasons that have been suggested for the shortage in the UK…

We’ve seen stuff about Covid-19 and the ‘Pingdemic’, Brexit, and all sorts of excuses.

Our suspicions are that it probably involves many reasons, so we won’t point the blame anywhere specific.

Whilst the US can’t blame Brexit, they are still suffering from delivery problems.

And so, they’ve used some initiative. 

In America, some states have legalised cannabis, but not ALL of them.

Now, delivery companies are specifically advertising job listings, that stipulate that there is no mandatory drug testing.

This is a particular company, by the way.

You may have heard of them before…

Say, does Amazon ring a bell?

Not only Amazon drivers, but also all the other delivery companies it sub-contracts with.

They’re facing a serious dilemma. Even the munchies can’t ease their concerns. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist!)

Many current drivers and potential hires fail cannabis and THC tests.

Because of this, they’re facing a real shortage, which is now verging on a crisis.

So much so, that the job descriptions that are going out have specific detail that claims there is ‘no marijuana testing’ or ‘THC testing’. 

Many states in the US have decriminalized cannabis.

Some lobbyists are seizing this opportunity to push the agenda further.

They argue that if Amazon can ignore marijuana screening, then so can everyone else.

Van drivers in the UK don’t need to worry about ‘high’ delivery drivers right now.

However, it’s something to consider if cannabis is ever legalised in the UK.

We’re pretty certain we Brits would have more common sense than to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of anything.

If you need to claim against someone who isn’t law-abiding, you’ll need reliable van insurance.

It’s essential for getting you out of a sticky situation.

It’s a good thing we’ve got you covered with the best and cheapest van insurance quotes around, eh?

Driver Takes His Van For A Swim

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Driver Takes His Van For A Swim?

Yes, you did read what you thought you just read.

And whilst it’s not quite as simple as that, we’re phrasing it that way, so the driver doesn’t feel too bad. 

…But he should. 

This week’s news comes fresh to you from Exmouth.

A lovely English Seaside town in the South of Devon, that can get quite lively, from what we hear.

Well, lively enough for a van driver to park his van on a tidal slipway, slip off for a quiet pint or two, and forget about the van.

The driver went off for a pint, that is – not the van.

Then again, the van did go swimming, so who knows what else it’s capable of…

Unfortunately, this memory loss has cost the driver dearly.

The next thing he knew, town members had spotted his white van bobbing off into the sea.

Regrettably, he was not made aware of this until the next morning, when he returned to pick up his van.

Thankfully, the driver appears to have remained upbeat.

What else can you do, we suppose?

We’re not sure what exactly is in the air and affecting our dear van drivers this week, but similar news also hit the headlines in Cornwall. 

Whilst we don’t think a pint was involved this time, there was some blatant disregard for parking rules.

The unfortunate driver was initially at Newquay Harbour Beach to help launch a boat.

He then ignored signs and protests from the parking attendant about leaving his van on the beach.

Well, karma sure came around for this guy because the next thing he knew, his van was already submerged, having a dip in the sea.

The best thing (or worst thing?) was that he left his van there, just so he could go off and jet ski with a buddy.

That’ll teach him. Hopefully.

Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever left your van parked?

We’re sure there are some juicy stories out there… So, come on, don’t be shy! 

If, like the unfortunate drivers in this article, you ever find your van needing a float in the form of van insurance, we’re thankful to say we have you covered.

 So whether you’re planning on parking on the beach (let’s hope not),

or somewhere a little more sensible (like the road, or a driveway, perhaps?),

you’ll find we have the cheapest van insurance quotes around.

Has The Driver Shortages Affected You?

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If you haven’t heard about the driver shortages, you’re likely not from the UK.

Otherwise, you must be living under a rock.

Remember this post we made a few weeks ago about tests for van and lorry drivers being made easier?

This was because the UK was facing the severe issue of a lack of delivery drivers — from vans to HGV drivers.

The reasons are numerous.

The driver shortages stem from Brexit, with Covid-19 making things much worse.

It’s like a tornado stirring the pot.

If there wasn’t a shortage already, ‘pingdemic’, as it has been affectionately named, has unfortunately caused further chaos.

This is because drivers are being pinged left, right and centre, and being told to self-isolate by the ‘track and trace’ app. 

As you can imagine, the consequences have been dire.

Many newsagents, including the chain NISA, have had to drive their vans to pick up supplies.

This is due to severe staff shortages among their suppliers.

This is time and effort spent on top of maintaining and managing their store branches and dealing with staff off work themselves, too. 

There are calls for the government to allow drivers who have been vaccinated (with both jabs) to skip the isolation period.

This is as long as they continue to test, and the results are negative.

At the moment, this is due to come into force from the 16th of August, but things could change — sooner or be pushed to later.

So, everything is up in the air, and everyone is panicking.

Help?

We think so.

What do you think?

Has the media blown this out of proportion, or is this something that needs further immediate attention?

Have you been affected directly by the driver shortages?

The struggling supermarkets certainly show us how serious this all this.

Let us know your thoughts! 

For any new drivers needing cheap van insurance, we’re always here for you.

All you have to do is complete this form, and be welcomed into a world of cheap van insurance providers, that you won’t find elsewhere.

The best thing is — the form takes less than 3 minutes to complete.

It’s Happening. Driverless Vans Are Here…

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Driverless, really?

So, we all knew it was coming, as more and more electric vans are on the horizon for production.

Autonomous vans are also hitting the headlines.

But did you think driverless delivery vans would be here this quickly?

What’s the latest on all this about driverless vans?!

Without a driver at the wheel (I don’t think we can say that enough, as we’re in disbelief), an electric van from Arrival has successfully made a journey to a parcel depot.

The demonstrators gathered last week, and now that the company has announced a partnership with Uber in the US, we’re here to tell you, friends.

The future looks green.

Of course, the van now requires further testing on roads, but after this successful event, we’re certain that will happen soon.

Who is Arrival?

  • Arrival focuses on making transport zero emissions, so you’ll probably hear their name mentioned frequently in the future.
  • If you’re interested in watching the video from Arrival, you can click the link here. It shows you everything you need to know about Robopilot, and more.

Can we really be surprised that vans are delivering goods without drivers in this day and age?

If you’re local to Milton Keynes, or have been there recently, you may have seen robots going about their business.

These little delivery carriers brought food to the large town of MK, especially during the height of the pandemic.

And they’re still there. So, for some of you, this may not surprise you at all.

Read more about the tiny Milton Keynes robots here.

So, what’s next? Robots cooking our dinner?

Perhaps.

There’s plenty of tongues wagging about the future of many motors being autonomous.

Some say this is to cut down on the number of human lives lost to major accidents and traffic incidents.

Others say it’s an abomination. 

What’s your take on it? We can only imagine it’s all a bit terrifying, to be honest. Let us know your thoughts.

Until the inevitable war with the robots from Milton Keynes takes place, we’re still here.

We’ve got you covered with the cheapest van insurance quotes around. Simply fill in your details here, and get an instant quote!

Tests For Van Drivers Made Easier

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The tests van drivers need to take will be relaxed — but it’s not necessarily a good thing.

You may have heard about the very serious hoo-ha of a shortage of HGV drivers and van drivers facing the UK at the moment.

Some are blaming Covid-19 and the number of tests that have had to be cancelled.

Others are firmly pointing their fingers at Brexit.

Some are blaming an accumulation of both, alongside other resulting factors in the past, very unusual, year. 

We’re not one to accuse people or pandemics (although perhaps we should), but there is a major concern here.

With the tests being made easier, it could be argued that they’re being relaxed a smidgen too far.

And with the ease of passing the tests, there is a rise in numbers of people being concerned about safety issues.

Depending on where you live, you may have also noticed a few empty shelves at your local supermarket.

Again, sparked by Brexit or the COVID-19 app pinging left, right and centre, telling people to isolate and keep the country safe?

Once again, it could be a bit of both. 

Whatever the reason is for the cause of these shortages, from empty shelves to delivery drivers.

This could really affect the safety of our HGV and van drivers out there.

For example, this relaxing of the requirements to pass the test follows a decision that affects breaks that lorry drivers can take.

Now, drivers have to drive for longer before they can take a break, as if it wasn’t exhausting enough already.

The Secretary for Transport, Grant Shapps, has launched a plan of action.

This could increase the number of van drivers passing their tests to over 1,500 successful passes a week.

Off-road manoeuvres are also in the plan to be discarded. 

Are you a van driver and feel strongly about this?

Or, are you going to be sitting your test soon?

Let us know how you feel about the latest news.

Whilst you’re here, whether you’re a seasoned van driver or a new one.

Something we can all agree on is where you get the cheapest van insurance from. Guess what? It’s right here.

Tailgating: Avoid Fines From The Latest Driving Law

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Are you guilty of tailgating?

Okay, own up.

Maybe you’ve done so in the past.

Perhaps, that one Tuesday when you were running late and the Nissan Micra in front of you was crawling along at a snail’s pace?

The Nissan needed a hint, or you were going to fall behind on deliveries. 

Or, perhaps reading the above makes you angry.

Are you on the side of van drivers who absolutely hate tailgating?

Have you ever fallen victim to it yourself? 

Well, whether you’re guilty or not, you may want to rethink driving too close to other cars.

This is solely down to the latest driving law that may be on the cards and introduced very soon.

A law that penalises drivers who might be driving, let’s say, a little too close for comfort. 

And surprisingly, it’s you, the drivers, who are backing these proposals from recent campaigns.

Nearly 90% of motorists would happily support these plans to hand out fines to offenders, as it would unequivocally promote and increase road safety.

Do you agree that more needs to be done?

Recent results from trials surrounding tailgating indicate a likelihood of the new rule catching potentially thousands of offenders.

The UK government trialled the technology that would be used to catch tailgaters in Northamptonshire, specifically across the M1.

The tech is able to detect whether motorists – yes, that even includes you in the Ford Transit there, sir – are keeping a 2-second gap from the vehicle in front of you.

And this is at all times! 

Tailgating is a potentially risky and major problem for drivers on the road, especially for our lovely, innocent drivers.

Did you know it was listed as the reason for nearly 600 severe accidents in the previous year?

Tragically, in 28 of these, death was the result for some people.

Perhaps this is an excellent time for the government to put these proposals into action, especially with recent campaigns gaining so much support.

So, what do we think?

Not worth the risk, eh.

The last thing you want after being out and about in your van is to come home to a letter stating you’ve been caught tailgating.

Safer roads are something we definitely stand for – that, and cheap van insurance, of course!

Should We Be Cautious Of Driverless Vans?

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You may have heard the recent rumors of the latest government plans surrounding driverless cars.

If you haven’t, allow us to help:

The UK plans to legalise driverless cars later this year.

However, there are some people out there who fear this could bring a whole range of additional headaches.

While some people feel that this move aims to keep drivers safer out there.

others feel it could be distracting.

The government believes road safety could be improved by a reduction in human error,

which causes over 85% of road accidents.

However, necessary training will need to be deployed for anyone considering using self-driving vehicles,

which could bring about a busier workload to some industries.

At the moment, there are only plans for driverless cars to allow assistance for speeds that go up to 37 miles per hour,

and on motorways.

However, just like with cruise control options on some motors,

handing over control to your vehicle doesn’t mean you will be free to do something else.

The same laws apply,

so you can’t use your mobile phone (unless hands-free),

or start eating that KFC you just picked up from Peterborough services.

You will still need to keep full attention on the road.

Should the requirement be there, drivers will need to be able to take control of their vans immediately. 

At the moment, we are waiting for changes to the Highway Code,

and other laws to come into place before any of this can happen.

Others say vigorous testing needs to happen before allowing these plans to come to fruition, too.

Some argue that self-driving vehicles aren’t always the safest options, as a recent Tesla crash has shown. 

So, should we allow technology to fully take control of our wheels?

How do you think it might affect your industry?

If you drive a van for your job, you might welcome this information.

On the other hand, do you feel autonomous vans might be a step too far?

Let us know your thoughts!

For us, vans with drivers, or without, we’re concerned with giving you the best deals.

So, you can bet that we’ve got you covered with the cheapest van insurance deals around.

£17k For Using Your Home Toilet? Every Little Helps…

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Okay, so Tesco is not paying their delivery drivers £17,000 to use their home toilet, 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!

Transit Drivers, Get Ready for Smart Mirrors

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Why Ford’s New Smart Mirror Is A Game-Changer For Van Drivers

When you’re behind the wheel of a van, you often have a limited view behind. Think smart mirror.

Even with side mirrors, there’s always that lingering question: is something lurking just out of sight?

Whether it’s a cyclist, a pedestrian, or a car sneaking up behind, these blind spots create real challenges.

But here’s the good news:

Ford has developed a solution to make driving safer and easier.

They call it the Smart Mirror.

Meet The Ford Smart Mirror

Ford’s Smart Mirror is designed specifically for their Transit vans and Transit Custom vans.

Unlike regular mirrors, this one shows a live video feed from the back of your van.

You might ask, why does this matter?

Most vans have limited rear visibility—especially when loaded with cargo or missing rear windows.

Blind spots can make driving tricky, especially for van drivers.

With the Smart Mirror, you’ll see exactly what’s behind your van in real-time, giving you peace of mind.

How Does the Smart Mirror Work?

The Smart Mirror replaces the standard rearview mirror with a digital display.

A camera mounted on the van’s rear door sends a live feed directly to the mirror.

This setup allows you to monitor everything trailing behind your van without obstructions.

Even if your van has opaque rear doors or a packed cargo area, the view stays clear.

And there’s more.

Automatic Brightness Control For Any Time Of Day

The Smart Mirror adjusts brightness automatically.

This means no more struggling with glare from the sun or dim lighting at night.

You’ll always have a clear view, whether it’s daylight or dusk.

Twice The View Of A Standard Mirror

Ford’s Smart Mirror offers double the visual range of a typical rearview mirror.

This increased range means more visibility and a better sense of your surroundings.

And when you’re aware of what’s around you, you can drive with more confidence.

What’s The Cost Ff Enhanced Safety?

Like any advanced tech, the Smart Mirror isn’t cheap.

If you’re interested, be prepared for a price tag of around £675.

Yes, it’s an investment, but for the added safety and visibility, many drivers may find it worth every penny.

How To Save On Van Insurance And Upgrade Your Safety

Considering the Smart Mirror?

You might want to start by reducing other expenses—like your van insurance.

With savings on insurance, you could invest in this cutting-edge mirror, adding an extra layer of safety to your daily drive.

Safety on the road starts with visibility.

And with Ford’s Smart Mirror, you’ll have more of it than ever before.

Save on your van insurance costs with us here, and perhaps you can use the rest of your savings on a brand-new sparkling Smart Mirror.

DPD CEO Dismissed Amid Controversy: What It Means for Van Drivers

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Chief Executive Of DPD Waves Goodbye

But if you’re a van driver for DPD, you may be caught off guard by the latest news about the company.

This week, Dwain McDonald, the CEO of DPD, has reportedly been dismissed.

In his place, Yves Delmas is stepping in temporarily until a permanent replacement is found.

Why was McDonald let go?

An internal investigation claims his departure is due to “personal conduct reasons.”

Shocking News For DPD Staff

McDonald has held the chief executive role since 2008.

For many at DPD, the news came as a complete shock.

They were informed by an email from Yves Delmas.

The message stated McDonald’s departure was effective immediately but offered no further explanation.

McDonald’s Long Tenure With DPD

Though he’s leaving, McDonald’s career at DPD has been substantial.

He joined the company back when they still called it Parceline.

At just 22, he started as a sales executive and worked his way up.

Over the years, McDonald earned a £1 million annual salary, a sign of his loyalty to DPD.

Past Controversy Resurfaces

In 2018, McDonald faced scrutiny when a recording surfaced.

In the recording, he admitted to breaking the law.

He claimed he used his mobile phone to photograph a DPD van while driving on the motorway.

For a CEO of a delivery firm, this raised eyebrows.

The Covid-19 Surge In Demand

As the pandemic unfolded, demand for delivery services skyrocketed.

Many Brits, facing layoffs or redundancy, applied for delivery driver roles.

With a surge in online shopping, DPD promised to add 6,000 more delivery drivers to keep up.

DPD: A Delivery Giant In The UK

Did you know you’re part of one of Europe’s largest delivery firms if you’re a driver at DPD?

DPD has 68 locations across the UK.

Each year, it delivers over 250 million packages for some of the biggest retail brands.

The company’s scale is immense, and so are the expectations.

As DPD moves forward, the search for a new leader begins.

DPD uses over 8,000 delivery vehicles, so is your van one of the 8,000 needing cheaper van insurance?

Look no further.

You’re in the right place.

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