As a courier driver, you spend a considerable amount of time behind the steering wheel of your van or other mode of transport getting out of your vehicle on numerous occasions throughout the day to deliver parcels and other items to both residential and business customers. So, when the temperature is particularly hot as it has been for a few days last week, what can you do to make your day at work more bearable?

Well, you should make sure that your vehicle is fit for purpose such as ensuring that there is the correct level of coolant, the engine oil is at the desired level and your tyres are the correct pressure. Also do make sure that your air conditioning in your van or other delivery vehicle is working effectively – if it is not get it gassed.

Make sure that you carry plenty of fluids with you such as bottles of mineral water, fruit juice and perhaps a flask of tea or coffee or indeed both. Make sure that you drink as much as is required but avoid drinking alcohol.

Ensure that you take more breaks than normal including toilet breaks. In hot weather you are more likely to get tired and you cannot afford to nod off in your van as this could cause a serious accident. When you do park up for a break or for lunch try to park in a shaded area such as under a large tree. You might like to consider keeping your engine running so that your air-conditioning considers to produce cold air.

Consider wearing a hat especially when you are out of the van to protect your head against the rays of the sun. You might think that if you are walking around just for a couple of minutes to delver a parcel that you will not sunburnt – well you could be wrong.

To help avoid getting sunburnt make sure that you put suitable sun tan lotion on and also when you have finished work for the day don’t forget to put some after-sun on. Yes it is an additional expense but better safe than sorry as you do not want to find yourself sitting in the A and E of your local hospital for many hours suffering with sunburn and being unable to do your deliveries. After all, if you are not delivering parcels then, if it is your own business, you are going to be loosing much needed income. In the current economic climate, we are sure that you will agree this is something you could do without.

Do make sure that you get something to eat at regular intervals as this will no doubt play a part in helping you get through the day.

Wear suitable clothing such as light- weight fabrics such as cotton to help keep cool and don’t forget the deodorant spray.

Whilst the above is not an exhaustive list, we do hope that courier drivers find it of benefit.