The Covid-19 pandemic made terms like “shelter in place” and “essential workers” part of our everyday language. He also stressed that deliveries are a vital service, as delivery of food, medicine and other essentials may be the only way for people confined or quarantined to get them.
The increase in demand has created unique challenges and opportunities for delivery companies and their drivers. Fortunately, the possibilities for consumer support are also increased. There are a number of ways that consumers can show their appreciation for delivery services and make deliveries safer for the drivers who help keep our essential products supplied.
Demand peaks for delivery
Demand for delivery items increased during the pandemic. The average number of daily downloads of apps for grocery delivery services, like Instacart and Walmart Grocery, made it the fastest growing app category in 2020, with growth of nearly 41%. And while marketers expect the category to experience a slight decline in growth and usage by 2021, grocery app users will still represent 15.5% of all users. of smartphones.
Even with the expected decline, increased demand for grocery and restaurant deliveries has resulted in increased demand for drivers. Although overall unemployment has risen sharply due to the pandemic, the ZipRecruiter online job market has found that vacancies for food delivery positions jumped 78% during the first two weeks of April 2020. In March of the same year, food deliveries from Uber drivers reached a record. More recently, demand has continued to rise as more people receive COVID-19 vaccines, making work less risky.
But there is always a risk involved in working outside your home. residence during a pandemic – often for longer hours than a typical shift. To address this, some companies, including Uber and Uber Eats, Postmates and Instacart, have put in place emergency aid policies and resources for their independent contractors. Efforts include setting up contactless delivery protocols (e.g. the driver leaves items outside without seeing the customer), providing health and safety supplies like hand sanitizer and wipes , the creation of relief funds for affected workers and the payment of partial compensation to workers diagnosed with the coronavirus.
Some companies are even partnering with pharmacies to make vaccines more accessible to drivers. If drivers become ill, they may be able to receive financial assistance from their employer. Grubhub, for example, offers a single payment equivalent to two weeks of income to help drivers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 make up for lost wages or pay medical bills.
Some auto insurance companies also offer assistance to delivery drivers. For example, in Washington State, Allstate, Mutual Freedom, and United States, as well as other companies, have all filed riders for extended coverage for delivery drivers in the retail and service industries. However, it may be helpful to contact your insurance company or agent directly to confirm that you are suitably covered.
How consumers can support delivery drivers
Well-being stories of families chalking the sidewalk and garden signs thanking delivery drivers and grocers abound. People are also getting creative about practical ways to support essential workers.
Candice Cook Irvin of Dallas places a can of bottled water, canned sodas and bags of popcorn with a sign urging essential workers to take whatever they want at her doorstep.
“I do this every year at Christmas when they work longer. [That time] is similar to now, ”she said. “I am thankful that they are working and keeping things going. “
Likewise, every day since mid-March, Brittany Van Rensburg, a mother based in Sandy Springs, Ga., Has been pulling out a box of assorted snacks, along with wrapped toilet paper, paper towels, and even disposable gloves for children. delivery drivers.
The gesture, she says, has become an educational opportunity for her two daughters. “I told them, ‘they work really hard to bring us things so that we don’t have to go out, so we give them treats,” Van Rensburg said. “They work so hard, so I want to make sure they feel taken care of and know we appreciate them.”
In April MarketWatch articlecolumnist Quentin Fottrell recommended consumers increase their generosity on tips. He writes: “My recommendation: tip workers in the service industry 5% more [than normal] if you can afford it.
Since cash exchange can be a germ-packed proposition, consider leaving a tip through the order app or other electronic means to minimize potential contamination.
How delivery drivers can protect themselves
The decision to take the additional risk of making deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic is a personal one.
Experts note that it is important to stay current and follow all CDC guidelines specifically designed for delivery drivers. These include wearing a mask, not touching your face, cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces of your vehicle, and limiting contact with others during childbirth. Drivers may even want to consider wear two layers of mask, with a disposable mask underneath and a fabric mask on top, which could help create a more protective seal. The World Health Organization is also a reliable source of advice and information.
Dr Leann Poston of Invigor Medical adds that it is a good idea for delivery drivers to wear disposable toothpicks when pushing a doorbell to avoid touching it and to “minimize the number of personal items in the door. your vehicle that you may touch after making a delivery. “
Healthy overall practices are also vital for drivers who work in the community.
“Now is a good time to do what you can to support your immune system in general. Eat healthy. Get good rest. Drink plenty of water,” said James Cobb, registered nurse and former delivery driver based at Midland, TX. “You want to make sure your immune system is in good shape to fight anything it encounters.”
