What Technology Is Required By Couriers?

[Craig Souter]

I'm going to start working as a courier again.

I've been doing other things for a while, and in that time technology has advanced. SatNav and these computerised telephone things are now commonplace.

Since I date from the days when couriers used maps, and mobile phones were just becoming affordable, I thought I might ask what people consider "minimum equipment" for courier work these days.

I've got the van and a mobile phone ...

[faqtag technology]

[Toastie]

Sat nav with multi drop is a good thing even if your pricing up sameday work ,as you can tell the customer how far your away from pick up miles or minutes and how much the job will cost as you can enter 3 locations

this ones a good un check out the spec

http://shop.snooperdirect.com/product1390186.html

[steve jones]

I still work off map's,i carry a satnav in the glove just incase there's a new estate popped up so i can then pin point it on the map,and of course a behind the times phone,thats all the tech i have in my van.

[Stuart Moverley]

Some (like me) have notebook computers c/w internet access available in the van. Not essential, I know, but often handy. All depends how much dosh you fancy throwing at it I suppose.

[Craig Souter]

Some (like me) have notebook computers c/w internet access available in the van. Not essential, I know, but often handy. All depends how much dosh you fancy throwing at it I suppose.

Well, I don't want to throw a lot of money at it - but I can see that it is easier to find backloads coming up with a computer in the van.

I suppose the real question is "what is the cheapest way to access the internet when you are away from home"?

[A KIRK]

My set up is phone, and an old laptop which is also my satnav, and gives me full internet access, its 10 years old now, and the map software I'm using is 6 years old, but has served me well.

Personally I think absolute minimum is a mobile phone, if your happy with maps then use them, but its always good to have a satnav, but rememnber common sense must be used with a satnav, never rely on it 100%

[slim]

I'm pretty much in the same place as Craig at the minute, on the cusp of returning, and being a map man (big box full ) really only see the sat nav useful for final miles. I can usually beat a suggested route with a quicker one avoiding traffic.

With the various setups that everyone has i'm drawn towards the notebook/laptop linked phone especially as any downtime en route can be used to tidy up 'paperwork'.

Of particular interest to me is having a heads up on heavy traffic in good time.

google maps has this facility which i presume is linked to the highways agency site which i always consult.

In 'real time on the job' does this work well. Anyone had a tug because the lappy was lit up on the dash ( can't see the difference myself) and the plod didn't like it.

[A KIRK]

Nope, but my lappy sits on my middle passenger seat, never had an issue, but then I don't sit a look at it all the time.

I've just bought a newer lappy and some newer software

http://directions.ltd.uk/laptop-navigation/navigator-9-professional-gb-and-ireland

I just bought the above as the one I have now is 6 years old, oh they do have a cheaper more basic one though

[slim]

Thx Andy fifty quid seems reasonable.

[bramble43]

Laptop in the van, got a little notebook thing that fits in the panniers of bike so i can check backloads, banking, invoicing, take credit/debit cards, surf while waiting etc.
Also use pda for tracking and emails on the go, this also has tomtom software installed as a backup for my main tomtom rider - the waterproof one.

[Stuart Farrington]

As every one has said sat nav is a great tool, I've taken a laptop with me in the past but have recently got a HTC Tattoo android phone with internet access and GPS. I also have online tracking with locatea.net on my phone.

The great thing with mobile internet is you can kill time browsing forums and exchange sites if you are waiting to get loaded, etc. In fact I'm replying whilst on a ferry to Isle of Wight.

[slim]

Liar. Your still on the pier. "Track your van"






..........ahhhh........NOW your wet 1943hrs

[Stuart Moverley]

In fact I'm replying whilst on a ferry to Isle of Wight.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but according to the tracker on your website, you're not on a ferry. Your van is currently in the water between Netley & Hythe ... you've sunk matey.

[Darren]

As every one has said sat nav is a great tool, I've taken a laptop with me in the past but have recently got a HTC Tattoo android phone with internet access and GPS. I also have online tracking with locatea.net on my phone.

The great thing with mobile internet is you can kill time browsing forums and exchange sites if you are waiting to get loaded, etc. In fact I'm replying whilst on a ferry to Isle of Wight.

Is n't that classed as Roamimg

[MK BIKER]

As every one has said sat nav is a great tool, I've taken a laptop with me in the past but have recently got a HTC Tattoo android phone with internet access and GPS. I also have online tracking with locatea.net on my phone.

The great thing with mobile internet is you can kill time browsing forums and exchange sites if you are waiting to get loaded, etc. In fact I'm replying whilst on a ferry to Isle of Wight.

Is n't that classed as Roamimg

I thought it was Sailing?

[ch-logistics]

As every one has said sat nav is a great tool, I've taken a laptop with me in the past but have recently got a HTC Tattoo android phone with internet access and GPS. I also have online tracking with locatea.net on my phone.

The great thing with mobile internet is you can kill time browsing forums and exchange sites if you are waiting to get loaded, etc. In fact I'm replying whilst on a ferry to Isle of Wight.

Is n't that classed as Roamimg

I thought it was Sailing?

the IOW ferry doesnt have sails

[MK BIKER]

but in its timetable it gives sailing times!

it has loads of sales in the coffee shop

[Craig Souter]

Thanks for the helpful answers.

I think I can see another advantage to using the laptop as a satnav.

Can you use it to get the mileage and journey time, so you don't need something like Autoroute? My ancient copy disappeared with burglars a long time back.

I do know I need another laptop, because my old one doesn't have modern standard USB!

[bob griffiths]

if you carry your own tea bags you can get a free cuppa, better than nearly 2 quid fof a brew,