We live in a world where shoppers expect their shipping orders to be delivered within three days and food within 30 minutes. This puts the onus on the delivery drivers to work efficiently while keeping costs low.
If you’re one of the drivers offering last-mile deliveries, you may be struggling with the rising costs that come with spending long hours on the road.
When unexpected expenses hit, options like a no credit check payday loan from a direct lender or a short-term loan could offer temporary financial relief. However, the best approach is to manage your money wisely and cut unnecessary costs wherever possible.
While some expenses are unavoidable, as a delivery driver, there are many ways you can save more of your hard-earned cash. Here are some practical tips to consider!
1. Save on Fuel – Every Drop Counts
Fuel is one of the most significant expenses you’ll face as a delivery driver, which is why making smart choices at the pump and on the road can help you save money. Here are some ways you can save on fuel:
Shop Around for the Cheapest Petrol Prices
It can be tempting to fill up at the nearest station when you’re in a rush, but those minor price differences add up over time. Comparison websites like PetrolPrices.com can help you find the lowest fuel prices in your area, potentially saving you over £200 a year on petrol and £150 on diesel.
Keep Your Fuel Tank at the Right Level
Most drivers don’t give much thought to the amount of fuel they have in their tanks. However, the truth is, if you keep your tank less than full, the reduced weight can improve mileage. On the other hand, if you let it run too low, your engine will need to work harder. This is why it’s best to refill the tank once you reach the halfway mark, as this also helps reduce fuel evaporation.
Time Your Refuels Wisely
When do you refuel? The time of the day you refill your tank makes more of a difference than you’d think. Fuel is denser in cooler temperatures, so filling up early in the morning or late in the evening means you get slightly more fuel for the same price compared to filling up during the heat of the day when the fuel expands.
Check Your Tyre Pressure Regularly
Under-inflated tyres create more resistance, making your engine work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure will increase safety, save fuel, and prolong the life of your tyres. The recommended tyre pressure is listed in the driver’s side door frame or in the handbook for your car.
Know When to Use the A/C
Air conditioning is a fuel guzzler, especially when you’re driving at lower speeds. While driving in the city, you could roll down your windows instead of blasting the A/C to save up to 20% in fuel. However, on the motorway, open windows cause aerodynamic drag, so in that case, using the A/C is the better option.
Consider Going Electric
Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is a big decision, but it could save you money in the long run. EVs have lower running costs, require less maintenance, and can help you avoid petrol price fluctuations. Many companies also offer grants and tax incentives for making the switch.
2. Avoiding Parking Fines and Unnecessary Costs
As a delivery driver, parking fines can be an expensive and frustrating part of the job. If you believe the fine is unfair, you may be able to appeal it, so do not pay it right away. The key is to act quickly since most appeals need to be made within 14 days.
It’s also worth checking if your delivery company offers parking permits or designated drop-off zones to avoid fines in high-restriction areas.
3. Boosting Your Earnings While on the Road
The best way to balance things out when expenses rise is to increase your income. If you’re working for Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat, or a similar service, here are some tips to increase your income:
- Work Peak Hours: Deliveries spike on Friday and Saturday evenings between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Deliveries within this time bracket can help you earn more.
- Use the Heatmap Feature: Most delivery apps display busy areas; sticking to these zones means more orders and better tips.
- Stay Online for Extra Minutes: Last-minute orders often arrive at closing time. If you stay online for a bit longer, you could get one or two extra deliveries before logging off.
- Work on Bank Holidays and Special Occasions: People order more during holidays and significant events, so if you’re willing to work, you can cash in on increased demand.
- Look for Extra Fee Incentives: Some delivery apps offer bonuses or extra fees during high-demand hours; check your app notifications to see when you can earn more.
4. Regular Maintenance Saves You Money
Your vehicle is your biggest asset as a delivery driver, and keeping it in top condition ensures fewer breakdowns, better fuel efficiency, and lower repair costs.
While you may think that skipping routine maintenance is a good cost-saving move, remember that small issues can turn into expensive repairs later. That’s why you should regularly check your oil, brakes, and tyre tread to prevent unexpected breakdowns that could leave you off the road for days.
Some companies offer fleet discounts on repairs and servicing, so you can check if you qualify for any savings through your employer or trade association.
5. Plan Your Routes to Save Time and Fuel
If you’re taking longer or inefficient routes, you may be burning more fuel, adding miles to your vehicle, and wasting time. A route optimisation app like Circuit Route Planner can help you find the fastest, most efficient routes, so you can avoid heavy traffic and stay on schedule without unnecessary detours.
6. Saving Money Beyond the Road
As a delivery driver, you have to learn to be efficient in all areas of your life. Apart from saving money on the road, you can try cutting unnecessary costs at home, which can help save some extra cash for emergencies.
For example, if you happen to have a pet at home, grooming costs tend to add up quickly. However, you obviously want the best for your furry friend, whether it’s best dog clippers in the UK or the best trimmers.
Similarly, if you’re saving for a holiday but struggling to make progress, it might be time to rethink your spending habits. Simple changes, like shopping secondhand, buying household essentials in bulk, or learning basic DIY skills (so you’re not paying someone to fix every minor issue), can make a real difference to your savings.
Final Thoughts
Being a delivery driver can be rewarding, but with rising costs, finding ways to save money is crucial. Making these small changes can make a big difference over time. At the end of the day, the smarter you manage your car, the more money you keep in your pocket.
