The 7 Essential Tools for a Delivery Driver

Delivery drivers are constantly moving boxes and products in and out of their delivery truck or van. Without the proper tools and equipment, this can be a backbreaking, time-consuming job, costing time and money. These tools not only improve efficiency but also safety. 

Collapsible Hand Trucks

A collapsible hand truck transforms from a traditional upright hand truck to a horizontal hand truck with a longer horizontal carrying surface. This is ideal for larger packages. The collapsible hand truck gives you the versatility you need to unload a variety of package sizes, or multiple boxes, from the truck. The best collapsible hand trucks are lightweight, durable, easy to use, and meant to last for years to come. This workhorse is a go-to tool and can easily be stored in the back of the truck. 

Heavy Duty Hand Trucks

For bigger jobs, such as delivering appliances or furniture, opt for a heavy duty hand truck. These often have a higher weight capacity than the typical hand truck, and wings with rubber strips to carry and protect wider loads. The best heavy duty hand trucks have a fourth-wheel attachment, allowing for easy transport of items in an inclined position. Also, consider a stair climber kit for easier transport of items up stairs or curbs. 

Ratchet Straps

Securing items when in transit is delivery basic for the safety of both items and personnel. If not tied down, items can shift around during transit, or fall, causing damage or injury. Keep a truck stocked with ratchet straps for tying down loads during transit, but their use doesn’t stop there. Use ratchet straps to secure heavy and awkward loads to hand trucks while they’re being moved on and off the truck.

Bungee Cords

Bungee cords are great for a variety of jobs that don’t require specific weight ratings. Don’t use them as anchors or to tie down loads, but they can be used to keep rolls of movers’ plastic wrap and floor covering together, to keep tarps folded, hold down lids, and in all sorts of other useful ways.

Curb Ramps

You may need to deliver to a location where you will need to go over a curb, and unless you are using a hand truck with a stair climber kit, this could prove a challenge. A curb ramp will make this task significantly easier, particularly with heavier loads. This is also handy in combatting strain and protentional injuries. Curb ramps can be used to overcome a variety of small obstacles.

Work Gloves

You could be handling all manner of boxes, products, packages, and more. This can eventually wear on your hands, not to mention the risk of pinches, scrapes from exposed sharp edges, and other hazards. To help protect your hands and to give yourself a better grip, use a reliable pair of work gloves. Leather gloves, such as cowboy gloves, are ideal for keeping in the back of the truck to load and unload items. 

Utility Knives

If you are delivering products and unpacking them to store shelves, you may need a utility knife. Invest in a high-quality knife that won’t break or dull quickly. This is also helpful for when a load is protected with stretch wrap. 

About Magline

Magliner hand trucks are legendary. The Magline brand is one of the most well-known and trusted in the material handling industry. Many people call any hand truck a “Magliner” regardless of the actual brand, but there is no substitute for the quality and durability of the real thing. With more than 70 years of experience, Magline continues to produce the most reliable material handling equipment. Besides their famous hand truck, they produce a variety of specialized equipment such as the stair climbing cart, walk behind forklift, and u boat cart. For bigger jobs you can use motorized versions of many of their products.

To shop Magliner products for your delivery truck, visit Magliner.com

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