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The new driver needs to be instructed on how to protect cash from the time it leaves each machine until it is deposited in the cash room. They must be shown how to secure collections on their carts while they are servicing machines and to always put collections in the truck safe and keep the vehicle locked.
It is a good practice to teach them to avoid parking in nonsecure areas, to avoid potentially dangerous situations, and to vary the times they arrive at their locations.
We hope that they are never faced with a robbery situation, but they need to be instructed to not be heroes and fully cooperate with the assailant and protect themselves.
Vehicle Operations
The training of a new driver in vehicle operations is critical. It starts simply with training them in the basics of operating a motor vehicle in a safe fashion. They must also understand and comply with safety rules such as always wearing a seat belt and making sure not to have slippery floors or bumpers.
They must also be taught safe food handling practices for perishable items.
The new driver needs to know your maintenance standards for the vehicle and their responsibility for them. Whether it be a weekly inspection to report operating problems or notifying the company of required maintenance (i.e., oil changes), they must understand what their roles are and meet the requirements.
Lastly, they need to be instructed on how to organize and store product on their vehicle.
Injury Avoidance
Some simple training steps will go a long way to preventing injuries. Teaching employees to lift with their legs and not their backs, safe handling of box cutters and proper use of folding carts can minimize many of the common injuries in the vending industry.
If they order the food items for their machines they need to be instructed on how to maximize sales while minimizing waste. They may also manage paper and condiment usage at their customer locations and they need to know what items to provide and how to minimize product abuse.
They will also have varying degrees of participation in the warehousing function. Whether they shop the warehouse themselves or have their order picked for them, they must learn how and when to place orders.
Another important function is managing their route schedule. They must be taught how to follow the existing route schedule and, in today’s dynamic economy, of their need to provide regular feedback to adjust the schedule based on new conditions at each account.
