Driving jobs are inherently lonely. For delivery drivers contact with other people is limited to their brief interactions with customers or the people they are collecting the packages from. For taxi drivers, it solely depends on the type of customers they pick up, as some engage in conversation with the driver while others prefer to ride in silence. Becoming part of a community can significantly enhance your experience as a driver, not only by providing more opportunities for socialising, but also by establishing a support network for any doubts or problems that may arise.
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Challenges Faced by Taxi and Delivery Drivers
Safety
Those who drive for a living often face risks, from driving through unsafe areas to dealing with aggressive passengers. It’s important to be prepared in case something goes wrong. Many driver communities share advice on how to stay safe, no matter the situation.
Unpredictable Income
Both delivery driving and taxi driving can be jobs with unpredictable incomes. Exchanging ideas with those who have been in the same line of work for longer can help optimise your earnings.
Dealing with Regulation Changes
Changes to local regulations or company policies can sometimes be confusing. Communities provide drivers with platforms to discuss and stay updated with the latest changes.
Best Communities and Forums for Taxi and Delivery Drivers
Licensed Taxi Drivers Association
A UK-based community, the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) was created with one goal in mind: to ensure the safety of licensed taxi drivers’ livelihoods. This association fights for the rights of its members, speaking out against proposals that could hinder the taxi driving profession; provides free legal representation; and also offers a number of discounts for leisure activities.
American Association for Taxi Cabs
The AATC is a federated national association created to solve and propose solutions to major problems affecting the taxi industry in the U.S. Fighting for taxi owners and drivers, this association offers its members low-cost insurance for people and their vehicles, and provides legal support.
Ridesharing Forum
RSF is a great resource for those working in the delivery driving and taxi driving industries. Their website hosts several forums for these sectors, where people can ask questions, seek advice, or simply talk to other professionals. There are specific forums on Amazon, Uber, Grubhub, Lyft, and many others, for cities across the world. The website also publishes news regarding each of the delivery and ridesharing platforms so that you can stay up to date with what’s going on in your industry.
Delivery / Courier Drivers in UK
If you work in the delivery/courier industry in the UK, you should definitely consider joining this Facebook group. With over sixty thousand members, the group is a place where you can have general discussions about your profession, seek help, learn new tips and tricks, and become part of a community.
U.S.A. Delivery and Gig Drivers
Similar to the UK delivery/courier group, this group’s objective is to be a place where delivery drivers can come together to share their experiences, impart or seek knowledge about the industry, make friends in the community, and get updates.
Independent Workers of Great Britain
The IWGB is a grassroots, member-led union created in 2012 to fight for justice for workers, seeking better pay and working conditions. The union actively works to reduce exploitative employment conditions, workplace bullying, illegal deductions from wages, and much more. They do so through strikes, legal action, and public pressure, aiming to secure fair working conditions for all their members.
Gig Workers Collective
Another grassroots movement, the GWC seeks to support those who are part of the gig economy. Through their collective, GWC facilitates, fosters, and empowers emerging worker-led organising. With a strong organising capacity, GWC can help gig workers amplify their voices in order to bring about important changes.
Final Thoughts
Joining a community can be beneficial for anyone. The sense of belonging, being in touch with your peers, and having support available at the tip of your fingers can improve your sense of well-being, help reduce stress, and make issues that seem like big problems feel smaller after sharing them with others.
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