Courier Work Tips - Getting a Good Night's Sleep

Some people seem able to sleep exceptionally well every single night, no matter what time they go to bed. Others continually struggle to get a good night's sleep. Which one of these best describes you? If you do courier work it is a good idea to ensure you know how to get the best night's sleep every night, because you may well have an early start most mornings.

Here are some tips you can use to help you sleep better every night. This in turn will make you feel fresher on a daily basis.

Try and stick to the same hours every day

If you work Mondays to Fridays you'll know how hard it can be to get to sleep on a Sunday evening - not to mention the difficulty of getting up early on Monday morning. This leaves you tired before the week of courier work has even started. It is usually better to try and go to bed at roughly the same time every evening if you can.

Ease off the caffeine and drink more water

When you do courier work you need to stay alert for the entire day. Caffeine is fine to drink in the mornings but if you stick to drinks with caffeine in them all day you're more likely to have trouble sleeping. Some people prefer to drink caffeinated drinks in the morning but switch to decaf from the afternoons onwards. Try and fit in more water too - it makes you feel more alert and is more likely to banish those sluggish feelings.

Make sure you wind down in the evenings

It is one thing to get some exercise after work, but it is quite another to focus on getting that exercise a little later in the evening. You need adequate time to wind down and relax before you actually climb into bed. This might mean enjoying a nice bath or perhaps reading a book for a while. Turn off your mobile and try to limit distractions during this time if you can.

Don't eat late at night

Ideally you should eat a few hours before you go to bed, otherwise you will increase the odds of a sleepless night. You are also more likely to get indigestion which can also keep you awake. Some people fare better if they drink warm milk or camomile tea just before they go to bed - but make sure you resist any urges to snack!

Courier work can be demanding. It certainly requires you to be alert and to have enjoyed a good sleep the night before. So if you happen to work in this field, make sure you follow the tips above to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed every morning. If you haven't been sleeping well you might be surprised how much better you feel if you do.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day owner driver jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Driving Lessons For Under 17 Year Olds

The Early Bird Driving Scheme or Young Driver Scheme is a relatively new concept which has the government's backing as well as numerous motoring organisations, as they can all see the benefits in improved driving safety as well as resulting in potentially better trained drivers from a young age.

This scheme is open to under 17 year olds and takes place on private grounds and not on public roads, there are clubs as well as professional driving instructors providing training, clubs provide training in all aspects of motoring for ages from 11 to 17, these not only include learning to drive but also car control in a secure environment, car maintenance, basic as well as advanced mechanics and numerous other aspects of car maintenance. Driving instructors concentrate mainly on the car control aspect as well as in driving techniques, these lessons are proving to be more and more popular and by the time a trainee is ready for driving on a public road, they already have a good notion of what to expect as well as how to behave and to be in control of the vehicle in a safe manner.

The feedback from driving instructors as well as from students has been positive, instructors have commented in the fact that those taking lessons before going on public roads tend to pass their driving test with fewer lessons, whilst students comment on the fact that they felt more confident in driving on public roads especially when dealing with traffic particularly driving in towns.

There is the other aspect which has to also be taken into consideration, as there is an alternative school of thought on this matter that claims that the downside to drivers passing their driving test after fewer lessons may pose a risk due to lacking in experience as far as in number of hours driving on a public road is concerned. Their argument is that whilst it is good to offer training from a younger age and to encourage good habits to all new drivers before being placed in a real life situation on a public road, the downside to it being that if the average learner driver has fewer hours of driving experience on the public road and pass their test with fewer lessons, this may have a counter effect on road safety in general. The fact is that as a scheme it remains to be proven and this can only take time, early indications seem to show that it is beneficial and that it encourages confidence to young drivers.

Simply Driving Lessons is a leading Surrey driving school covering the areas of Redhill, Reigate, South Nutfields, Horley, Merstham and surrounding areas.

Offering some of the most competitive driving lessons rates in the local areas and impressive pass rates, they also have fully qualified ADI driving instructors including female driving instructors. Simply Driving Lessons specialise in a range of driving courses and lessons including intensive driving courses, Check Test training, Pass Plus driving lessons as well as standard driving lessons for all learner drivers, no matter their age.

In-Car Essentials for the Courier

Even if you have been doing owner driver jobs for some time, you may not be fully equipped to make the most of every day you spend on the road. A little advance planning can make all the difference between struggling through the day and enjoying every moment of it.

So with that in mind, here are some pointers you can think about when you are out and about doing owner driver jobs.

Always pack snacks

Owner driver jobs mean you can drive for miles in a single day. You can't do that without eating something, but there is no reason to resort to unhealthy snacks such as chocolate bars. If you want a mood-enhancing snack to rely on, make sure you pack easy to eat fruit and vegetable sticks, as well as healthy nuts.

Have an in car charger for your mobile phone

There is nothing worse than realising you forgot to charge your phone the night before and having it run down on you while you are on the road. Make sure your forgetfulness never gets in the way of a job well done - get an in-car charger that slots into your cigarette lighter socket. This means you can charge your phone while you are driving.

Carry spare change

You never know when you might need cash for something when doing owner driver jobs. It's fine to carry a note or two, but there is no substitute for a few odd coins. This is particularly true if you live or work near a toll road of some kind. Always make sure you have some in the car, but don't keep any of it in plain sight.

Always have a collection of spare ballpoint pens

One pen is never enough. There are always occasions when a customer signs for an item and then walks off with your pen without even thinking about it. If you only have the one pen and you don't realise it is missing until half a mile up the road, you'll be stuck. So be prepared.

Always have a bottle of water on hand

You need to keep hydrated if you want to maintain a good attention span and alertness - important if you are driving for much of the day. Pop a bottle of water in the freezer overnight and take it out to take with you the next morning when you leave for work. This is the best way to ensure you have a cold drink on hand to sip all day. Coffee and tea are fine too, but you'll end up with headaches if that is all you drink all day.

If you employ these few tips to ensure you are prepared for most things, you'll have a much nicer day behind the wheel than you may have otherwise.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day owner driver jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

How To Choose An Appropriate Driving Instructor

                Once you have reached the legal age to start learning to drive or even if you are of a more mature age and decided to take up driving later on in life, the importance in choosing the right driving instructor remains equally as important. You can contract the services of a driving instructor using their vehicle to teach you to drive or alternatively an appropriately qualified individual whom you can trust will provide you with the correct information about driving on a public road. It's also important that they can instruct you in the correct manner without passing on their bad driving which they may have acquired during their driving history.

                A qualified driving instructor may prove to be a better option as they are professionally trained and teach to an adequate standard which a driving examiner would expect to find in any potential new motorist if they are to pass their driving test. These standards relate to road safety, knowledge of the Highway Code, being courteous and demonstrating correct control over the vehicle at all times whilst of course respecting the law.

                    Finding a qualified driving instructor is not too hard as most towns have a local driving instructor and many times word of mouth and recommendation is the best way to find one, however, if this is not the case, then there are a number of qualifications to look out for such as:

                   Are they ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) Qualified - A fully qualified ADI Instructor MUST display their ADI green card on the windscreen, there is also a pink cards which relate to driving instructor trainees, either way, these credentials MUST be displayed. If neither of these cards are on display; it is advisable to ask the instructor to show you their card, if they are not able to do so, and they claim to be ADI qualified, you can report this to the DSA as they are the governing body in charge of ADI licensing. In order to obtain an ADI license, the candidate has to pass a rigorous theory test as well as a being able to pass a test in which they can demonstrate that they are capable to giving out instructions as well as having passed a criminal check. In addition to this, they have to demonstrate on a regular basis that their standards are up to scratch at all times.

                  It is important that you feel comfortable with your driving instructor or the person who is teaching you to drive, people have different preferences in the way in which they learn and the way in which they receive instructions, perhaps to err on the side of caution, it may be better to pay for one or two lessons to start off with rather than for a whole block only to find that you don't get on with your instructor or find his methods of teaching not satisfactory.

                Simply Driving Lessons is a leading Surrey driving school covering the areas of Redhill, Reigate, South Nutfields, Horley, Merstham and surrounding areas.

                 Offering some of the most competitive driving lessons rates in the local areas and impressive pass rates, they also have fully qualified ADI driving instructors including female driving instructors. Simply Driving Lessons specialise in a range of driving courses and lessons including intensive driving courses, Check Test training, Pass Plus driving lessons as well as standard driving lessons for all learner drivers, no matter their age.

Sneak Peek: 2013 Chevrolet Spark

Do you like mini cars? This category includes the Smart Fortwo as well some more recent additions including the Fiat 500 and the Scion iQ. A fourth model has joined the fray this year, Chevrolet's Spark, a 2013 model that is short on stature and big on value, just the sort of car that first-time car buyers may want. Let's take a look at the newest car in the Chevrolet model range and whether the Spark is right for you.

Spark Essentials

First things first -- just what is the Spark? Well, it is a four-seat model that looks like a three-door, but is actually a five-door model with a hatchback. This model features vibrant colors and is built in Korea, by GM's manufacturing plant there.

The Chevy Spark comes surprisingly well-equipped for a car that is priced from $12,995. Standard equipment includes a segment-leading 10 airbags, air conditioning, an audio system, four upholders, two bottle holders, a rear window defogger and a rear cargo lamp. This model also comes with GM's OnStar Directions and Connections plan, offering a 6-month subscription for no charge. A power outlet, a tilt steering wheel column, storage compartments and a tire pressure monitoring system are included. Yes, power windows are also standard.

Engine and Transmission

Under the hood, this model is powered by a 1.2-liter four cylinder engine that makes 84 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 83 foot pounds of torque at 4,200 rpm. GM pairs this engine with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy ranges from 28 mpg city, 32 mpg highway for the automatic to 32 mpg city, 38 mpg highway for manual.

The Spark sits on 15-inch all-season tires and is outfitted with sporty five-split spoke silver painted aluminum wheels or machined gray painted wheels. Four-channel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control and hill start assist are among the safety features offered.

Spark Dimensions

Tiny on the outside, the Spark makes good use of interior room offering ample head and leg room and up to 31.2 cubic feet of cargo room. This model sits on a 93.5-inch wheelbase and measures 144.7 inches long by 62.9 inches wide. With a curb weight from 2,237 pounds it is also one of the lightest models on the market.

Will the Chevy Spark rock your world? It could if you like tiny cars and have a budget limited to a vehicle costing $15,000 or less. The Spark is yet another mini car in a segment that is barely getting noticed, but may get a much needed boost from a car that is cute, affordable and comes equipped with GM's reliable Ecotec engine technology.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Pro Comp Lifts and Spec Clutch.