Author: News Desk

There’s Another Battle: Now It’s Royal Mail Versus Amazon.

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Perhaps not quite the battle of the century like motorists versus e-scooters. but this one’s still worth mentioning. 

Especially if you’re a delivery driver. Except, we guess it’s not really a war. To put it simply, Royal Mail is making an attempt to win customers over from Amazon by introducing a new scheme offering timed delivery slots.

You might be one of the customers who choose to shop with Amazon due to their brilliant delivery options. Same-day delivery? Yes, please! Perhaps you’re one of the van drivers who end up darting about all over the place, in an attempt to get the deliveries in on time.

Now, if you’re working for Royal Mail, you may find yourself racing against time, just like Amazon drivers.

Customers will be offered a choice from a 3-tier system:

  • You have your bottom tier: this is where Royal Mail get to decide when to deliver your parcel
  • There’s got to be a middle tier: the customer will pick a delivery day, along with where the parcel should be left
  • And of course, the equivalent to Tesco’s Finest. You have the top tier: the customer gets to pick the day PLUS a delivery time

Better slap your seatbelts on, because we anticipate this will be a popular scheme for Brits. Of course, we can’t know for certain what the pricing costs will be like just yet. This will also inevitably depend on the size of the parcel, and/or how many have been ordered. Just like Amazon, it’s safe to assume a top-tier delivery option will result in a higher cost. 

Will customers be willing to switch? 

A recent survey from a popular newspaper saw results that suggested that consumers had more trust in Amazon deliveries than that of Royal Mail. On-time deliveries are naturally important to customers, and it seems Royal Mail doesn’t seem to have a good track record. 

With the significant increase in e-commerce sales due to Covid-19, many delivery companies have found themselves hiring more and more van drivers. Were you one of them? How do you feel about these additional delivery options? Perhaps they make no difference to you at all, or maybe you’re sick of racing from house to house. 

Until the new tiers launch, we can’t be sure. What we are sure of is cheap van insurance. See just how cheap we’re talking by simply filling out the form right here.

Welcome to a Week in the Life of a Van Driver

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If, like us, you’re sick of the ‘White Van Man’ outdated stereotypes and would like to read something about modern van drivers, then this post is dedicated to you, sir or madam.

A survey has resurfaced this week, so it’s doing the rounds across the internet. We thought it would be a great way to, once again, talk about the great things our van drivers are currently all about and have to put up with.

What does the typical week of a van driver entail?

Obviously, these statistics are all averages, but you might be shocked to learn the following:

  • 13.5 hours are spent on the road
  • A whopping £71 goes towards fuel costs
  • 14 hot drinks to keep the day rolling (10% prefer green tea)
  • At least 3 lunchtimes will be taken in the van
  • Nearly an hour stuck in traffic

It’s no surprise that 3 in 5 van drivers feel like they may as well live in their vans, and 1 in 4 sometimes have a nap in them. 

What about a year in the life of a van driver?

Once again, these are on average, but they may hit home for a lot of you. A van driver will:

  • Cover a colossal 16,000 miles
  • Enjoy (we use this word loosely) 47 hours worth of traffic 
  • Feast on at least 156 lunches (in the seat of their vans)

Let’s leave the stereotypes behind…

These further facts were too good to ignore, so we felt they were also worth a mention. When you think of a van driver, people are quick to picture your classic ‘white van man’.

However, your modern van drivers are quite the opposite. Take a look at these statistics:

  • 4 out of 10 van drivers who took the survey, were female
  • 31% claim to be vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian to benefit the environment
  • 40% of van drivers are considering an electric van for their next purchase

If you’d like to take a gander at the study from Lombard in more depth, you can view it here. There is further information about other subjects that were in the poll. It’s a must if you’re keen to help the environment, too.

If you do take the leap to an electric van (or even if you don’t), you can view our cheap van insurance prices, by completing this quick and easy form.

Takeaway Delivery Driver Goes Viral on TikTok

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Fame. It may not be every delivery driver’s dream, but unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) for some, you may end up getting it anyway. All it takes is a short clip (around 15 seconds) and some musical talent from our now famous delivery driver. 

The clip, which has gone viral on a social media app called Tiktok, has gained 1.8 million views so far. The video continues to gain traction and more and more people are acknowledging the talents of the blessed takeaway driver.

As you may know, when placing an order for a takeaway online/through an app, you are able to provide additional details. These details could be crucial for the delivery driver. For example, if you can only choose from an option of Flat 4 as your door number… when there’s actually a Flat 4A, 4B and 4C. 

However, this particular user on Tiktok (@kfresh420kickit), decided to upload his first video showing his hilarious demand for his food delivery. He asked the driver to:

“Knock a cool beat so I know it’s you and not a bad guy.”

Not your everyday delivery instruction, huh?

You can view the viral clip below: 

@kfresh420kickit♬ original sound – kfresh420kickit

Now, we’re willing to bet that takeaway shops and delivery drivers get strange requests like this all the time. Perhaps, asking the chef to write their favourite joke on the inside of their pizza box. Or, to climb in through the window and deliver the Amazon goods straight into the kitchen. We’re sure they’re a lot more interesting than that, too.

In this case, the brave driver delivered the tasty goods, as well as a barrel of laughs, by singing and thumping a drumbeat on the door. Okay, we’ll be honest, it isn’t like the poor fella is the new Mozart, Eminem or even Justin Bieber, but he can definitely drum along to the tune of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. And successfully, too. Surely that’s talent, otherwise, we don’t know what is. If you’re not sure what song that is, you can listen to it here.

If your dreams don’t quite involve fame, singing or dancing, you can keep it real right here. Or, if you’re thinking about becoming a delivery driver and need to insure your van, simply get a quote by filling out this form (singing a tune not required).

A nation divided: are you tickled pink or seeing red?

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Ignore the terrible colour puns, but we’d be telling a white lie if we said we didn’t smirk whilst writing it.

Last week we had drivers versus e-scooters. This week it’s a bright pink van.

Yep, you read that correctly. A pink coloured van in Stoke-on-Trent has divided the nation on where it should be parked – and its colour.

Now, we’re all for colourful vans, to be honest. Perhaps, the brighter, the better? But that doesn’t mean we look down our noses at a neutral palette. We show no prejudice to any van and its paintwork colour here…

However, some of you have declared a worker’s van sporting a rather dashing bright pink colour, to be a ‘monstrosity’. So much so, that neighbours have been leaving notes on the windscreen, asking for it to be parked elsewhere. We only wish we could state they were polite notes.

Are we looking through rose-tinted glasses at this situation?

We’ve seen several brightly coloured vans in our time; from sunshine yellow to boastful oranges, sky blue to royal purple. Some would argue their eye-catching presentation is a positive tool for advertising. After all, you’re a lot more likely to stare and pay attention to a fluorescent pink van, than a bleak grey one. 

The worker, who had parked the unsightly considered van on his street, faced criticism for not having it outside his own home. However, his reasoning seemed just: he didn’t want to congest his street, and felt he’d parked it in the best place to avoid this. His neighbours, feeling the van was an eyesore, considered the reason to be a pitiful excuse. 

And so, the pink van has divided the nation. In colour, and parking position.

Would you leave a (not so polite) note, or speak with the man himself? The comments section (scroll down to the bottom) might leave you feeling blue, or perhaps you might be a green-eyed monster and want a shocking pink van yourself. 

If you’re considering updating the paintwork on your van – to a lovely snowy white or loud lime green – we don’t judge.

However, we do judge van insurance deals, and if they’re not cheap, we don’t want to know about it. Thankfully, we’ve collected all the best deals right here. Fill in the form and see for yourself!

E-Scooters & Van Drivers: What You Need to Know Now!

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Van Drivers, Take Note!

Here’s a crucial piece of information to note about e-scooters.

New Classification Alert: E-Scooters

E-scooters have now been classified in the same category as motor vehicles.

What does this mean for you?

You might face increased risks when filing personal injury claims.

A Scenario to Consider

You’re on your usual delivery route.

Suddenly, an e-scooter appears, zooming towards you from the wrong direction!

Consequently, in a split second, you’re forced to swerve.

The Consequences of Swerving

Result?

Whiplash.

Severe, painful whiplash.

Now, here’s the kicker:

A new loophole could prevent you from claiming legal aid.

This is particularly true for claims under £5,000.

The Growing Trend of E-Scooters

Not good news, right?

E-scooter usage has spiked.

They’re eco-friendly, sure.

But, let’s be honest—they can be quite a nuisance.

Safety and Legal Concerns for Van Drivers

For van drivers, e-scooters are not merely annoying.

Moreover, they pose serious safety risks.

Additionally, they threaten your right to legal aid.

Regulations and Usage

Despite their modest top speed of 30 miles per hour,

e-scooters are permitted on roads and bike lanes.

This is part of around 50 rental schemes.

These schemes are meant to last a year.

Currently, 31 regions are participating.

Environmental Motives Behind E-Scooter Integration

The push for these schemes?

The initiative aims to reduce private vehicle use following Covid-19.

Safety Concerns and Public Feedback

Safety concerns are immense.

Not every rider prioritises safety.

Have You Seen an E-Scooter Lately?

So, have you encountered any e-scooters lately?

Or do you perhaps rent one yourself?

Impact and Monitoring

The impact of e-scooters in public spaces is currently under review.

Therefore, if you’ve had a close call or want to share your thoughts,

now is the ideal time to contact the UK’s Department of Transport!

Whichever side of the battle you find yourself on,

at least you know you’re covered with cheap van insurance costs.

Simply fill out this form and let us take care of the rest.

Are You Britain’s Next Van Driver of the Year?

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We all think we’re the world’s greatest drivers – but not many of us can demonstrate this. Unless you’re a model van driver on the streets, adhering to every rule and speed limit out there. Oh, and can you recite van legislation like it’s a nursery rhyme?

Let’s face it, van drivers don’t have the best rep when it comes to their driving skills. News articles each week yell about another unfortunate debacle involving the driver of a van…  However, we know and firmly believe there are plenty of van drivers out there who are actually deserving of a medal. So, if you’re reading this, and you’re wondering if we’re talking about you, well then… How can you be put to the test to prove that you’re actually the best? Oh, there’s a way.

Logistics UK’s annual hunt for the UK’s next best van driver is here once again. This will be the seventh year the competition has taken place. Intrigued? Well then, get your competitive boots out from the back of the van and read on…

The contest is described as challenging, and only the best and knowledgeable van drivers should enter, if they dare. The contest involves a mix of practical and theory based tests. Van drivers will need to be fully rehearsed in the latest driving regulations and legislation (safety wise and pretty much anything relevant to vans), to take part in the theoretical side to the challenges. 

The practical challenges will include safe driving and challenging manoeuvres, alongside observation tests. If your concentration skills aren’t up to scratch, then perhaps being an observer might be better than a contestant. Sounds like fun, right?

The event this year is in Ashby-de-la-Zouch and takes place on the 10th of July. You have until the 2nd of June to register for the event, so if you’re reading this before the 2nd, then hurry on over to this link and sign up. 

You will need to pass risk assessments and licence checks to be shortlisted to the final 15 contestants, so make sure you have the time and evidence to put into this. If you’re thinking a competition for the UK’s best van driver isn’t quite for you, well then, we have the next best thing: cheap van insurance deals. What more could you want, right?

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!

Weighty Mistakes: How Overloading Your Van Could Cost You Thousands

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Van weight.

This week’s latest news comes to us from the wonderful town of Reading.

You may have heard about an unlucky driver who was fined a whopping £6,000 for breaching restrictions to do with his van’s weight. 

Thankfully, not all of us who breach weight restrictions can expect a £6,000 fine.

The Mercedes Sprinter driver had overloaded his van by 900 kg.

So, not just by a smidgen then.

Unlucky for our Sprinter driver, a weighbridge found an excess weight of 25.7%.

The Public Protection Partnership (PPP) quickly spotted how low the van was to the ground.

It was clear the van was under strain.

We’re sure you already know this:

but it is against the law to breach weight restrictions,

and unfortunately, the driver’s defendant company found themselves paying over £6k for the sorry mistake. 

Do you know how much weight you’re legally allowed to have in your van? 

Avoid the fines and stay up to date with the latest laws.

The DVSA may carry out spot checks.

So here’s an easy reminder of how you can stay safe and know just how much you should be carrying:

  • Your van’s gross vehicle weight (GVW) minus (-) your van’s unladen weight.

Let’s explore an example:

  1. GVW is 4000 kg. Unladen weight is 2250 kg. 
  2. Therefore, 4000 kg – 2250 kg = 1,750 kg. 
  3. So, 1,750 kg is the most your payload can weigh.

It’s important not to forget that the payload weight also includes any excess luggage and passengers, too.

How you load your van could also affect the overall weight,

as you want to make sure you’re not putting too much weight at the front to cause an overload.

Learn More About Van Weight Limits

If you’re unsure about how much weight you’re carrying and want to check within the limits,

you can visit your local weighbridge. 

If you’re new to van driving, it’s essential to get acquainted with the basics.

Therefore, you should consider exploring the latest government guidance.

This guidance encompasses all aspects, from loading to effectively driving a van.

Additionally, it provides comprehensive details to enhance your understanding and skills.

It serves as a valuable resource for ensuring you operate within legal standards.

There’s even a handy video.

Access further information and visit the site here.

Whether you’re new to driving a van or know all the rules and regulations like the back of your hand,

we’ve got you covered with insurance.

So, if you’re on the lookout for cheap van insurance,

take a couple of minutes out of your day to see just how much we could save you right here.

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!

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