If you are lucky enough to work courier jobs in the warmer areas, you won't have to worry about what you need to carry in your van when the cold weather comes to visit. However, if you are looking at covering for a friend in one of the colder areas, there are a number of considerations you need to think about in case you get stranded in a climate that is out of the ordinary for you.
Research a list
Do some research either via your favorite internet search engine or asking people who work courier jobs in the colder regions. They may not have a full list available, but they can start you off. Some people only think of the basics like having hot water or coffee available if you are a long way between truck stops. Obviously you will feel better with a nice warm coffee in you if the snow is falling, rather than your usual cold cola drink but there are other considerations too!
The always do it list
You should never set out for work without your cell phone fully charged, and because batteries have a life of their own and die without much warning, it's sensible to carry a second battery and your battery charger.
As you rely on your van for your cash flow - paying the bills, mortgage, food and entertainment - you should always check your tires, oil and water every day. You can't take a chance in hot weather, so how are you going to cope with sudden cold?
Screen wash is an essential working in today's air and environment. Keep it topped up. Gone are the days when you didn't need to fire up your screen wash more than once a month. Dare you leave home for one of your courier jobs without a full tank of gas? Sounds obvious but it amazing how many drivers are caught short.
The more desperate list
If you break down where it is snowing, you won't think of this as the desperate list any more. It will become your survival kit! While it is unlikely you could be stranded for so long your life could be threatened, it you fall off the road when the temperatures are below freezing, just as your cell signal fails, you will have wished you had been carrying these items.
First, you will need to carry a blanket to keep you warm. If you over use your auto's heating system, you will either run out of gas stopping you from driving homewards later, but you will also put an enormous strain on your vehicle. A blanket can do wonders, not just for you but even your car in an emergency!
If you are trapped overnight in a snow storm or worse, you may consider a sleeping bag a useful item. You will need to keep your body temperature high enough to stop you from freezing. A sleeping bag doesn't take much room but could be a literal life-saver.
A shovel will be useful if you get trapped in by the snow. For courier jobs that take you delivering goods in the colder zones, when snow falls while you are having a slow fast food meal, you might come out to your van and find it surrounded by deep snow.
Spare food and drink supplies are always useful for shorter journeys in case your body language tells you that you are feeling tired. You already know that plenty of sensible liquids are required if you are out in the hot sun for hour after hour, and your common sense gauge will tell you that extra food and drinks in the cold zones are potentially extremely useful.
What else would you add to the lists after checking your breakdown cover insurance is up to date? Everyone will have their personal ideas, but the above are universal and should be considered the very least of requirements.
Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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