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Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Postal workers discussion forum. Discuss the day to day life in a Blue Shirt.
LUFC1919
Posts: 5
Joined: 05 Nov 2010, 14:46
Gender: Male

Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by LUFC1919 »

Hi everybody,

I'm new to the forum and have been with the company for a few days (part time 25 hour contract). Please forgive me if this comes across as being naive but I could really do with some insight and advice. I called my insurance company earlier to inform them that my car would be used as part of my round and asked would my car still be protected whilst working. They have made it very clear that I would not be covered as there is to much of a high risk involved. Does Royal Mail offer any kind of insurance if your insurance company declines? To be honest I would rather not use my car but being new I feel as if I have no choice. Out of curiousity where do you stand if you can't fit all your mail bags in the boot? I have a couple placed on the back seat and feel that it would only be a matter of time before an opportunist tries his luck. I do my best to cover the bags with a sheet but it's hardly practical. Any insight would be appreciated please :Very Happy

Cheers,

LUFC1919
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POSTMAN
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Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by POSTMAN »

Why do you feel you have no choice but to use your car?
I Wrote-During Covid-Which is still relevant now
It's good to get these types of threads, the ridiculous my manager said bollox, so we can reassure ourselves that while the world is falling apart, Royal Mail managers are still being the low-life C***S they have always been.
My BFF Clash
The daily grind of having to argue your case with an intellectual pigmy of a line manager is physically and emotionally draining.
LUFC1919
Posts: 5
Joined: 05 Nov 2010, 14:46
Gender: Male

Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by LUFC1919 »

On my first day I was told to bring my car for using it on my route.
TrueBlueTerrier
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Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by TrueBlueTerrier »

LUFC1919 wrote:Hi everybody,

I'm new to the forum and have been with the company for a few days (part time 25 hour contract). Please forgive me if this comes across as being naive but I could really do with some insight and advice. I called my insurance company earlier to inform them that my car would be used as part of my round and asked would my car still be protected whilst working. They have made it very clear that I would not be covered as there is to much of a high risk involved. Does Royal Mail offer any kind of insurance if your insurance company declines?
No RM have a bond that covers only the 3rd party if you are in an accident and for this you have to sign a declaration. If you haven't then you don't even get this cover.

Your insurance company may be able to offer Business Use insurance but you cannot claim this from RM it comes out of your pocket.
LUFC1919 wrote:To be honest I would rather not use my car but being new I feel as if I have no choice. Out of curiousity where do you stand if you can't fit all your mail bags in the boot? I have a couple placed on the back seat and feel that it would only be a matter of time before an opportunist tries his luck. I do my best to cover the bags with a sheet but it's hardly practical. Any insight would be appreciated please :Very Happy


Cheers,

LUFC1919
If a thief does break into your car and it is as you described then neither your insurance or the bond will cover it as it has to be out of sight in a lockable boot. All of this is in the declaration and if you don't follow it then you could be sacked for gross misconduct.

Also if the situation stays as it is you risk being pulled over by the police as happened at my DO and on 2 reported occasions on here, then a fine of £600 plus points for no insurance and your car being seized.

Not trying to scare you but this can and has happened.

My advice is to not use your car your manager should get the extra bags beyond the single one your carrying dropped off at approved "Bag Drops" on or very close to your rounds.

PS you wont be in the Union but go in early 1 day and have a word with the rep he/she should put your manager and you back on the right track.
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POSTMAN
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Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by POSTMAN »

LUFC1919 wrote:On my first day I was told to bring my car for using it on my route.
What was your previous job/jobs if you don't mind me asking?
I Wrote-During Covid-Which is still relevant now
It's good to get these types of threads, the ridiculous my manager said bollox, so we can reassure ourselves that while the world is falling apart, Royal Mail managers are still being the low-life C***S they have always been.
My BFF Clash
The daily grind of having to argue your case with an intellectual pigmy of a line manager is physically and emotionally draining.
fishtank
Posts: 19732
Joined: 28 Sep 2007, 17:22
Gender: Male

Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by fishtank »

1. Applications for Permission
In order to apply for permission to use their private car on delivery an employee must initially produce to their manager, the following:
A) Their car registration document
B) Their current valid driving licence.
C) Their current valid certificate of insurance covering the car.
D) Documentary proof of ownership of the car.
E) A completed letter notifying their own insurers that they intend to use Royal Mail’s business policy whilst driving on delivery
F) A completed signed declaration of intent relating to the car to be used on delivery
G) A current valid MOT certficate for the car to be used on delivery where the car to be used requires one by law
H) The car for an initial visual inspection

2. Line Managers Actions
Following initial application and before authorising the use of a private car for use on delivery, line managers must undertake the following:

I) Work Equipment Standard Risk Assessment (form WE STD5) section 3 and ensure the applicant completes section 4. This form is available on the Private Cars On Delivery Intranet site..

J)Ensure Manual Handling in Delivery Work document MH12 has been completed and/or updated as applicable to specifically cover the transfer and lifting of a delivery pouch in and out of the car boot where authorisation for the use of the car on delivery work is being sought. This form is available from the private cars on Delivery Intranet site.

3. Employee Obligations once Permission has been Granted
Once permission has been granted it is the employee’s obligation to ensure at all times that:
K)He/she only uses the car when in possession of a valid driving licence

L)He/she has a valid certificate of insurance to meet their liability to third party insurance claims

M)He/she ensures (and can produce evidence if required) that his/her insurer has been notified that the car is being used for business use and is covered by Royal Mail’s Business Policy. It is the employees responsibility to ensure this is acceptable to their insurers.

N)He/she must own the car for which permission is granted

O)He/she has a current MOT test certificate for the car, if required by law.

P)The car is maintained in a roadworthy condition and is available for inspection.

Q)He/she must show all the above documents for inspection as required

R)Where any of the above documentation expires between inspections he/she produces new documenation for inspection by his / her line manager within a week of expiry

S)All delivery work is performed in accordance with duty content (ie in respect of route, timings etc).

T)When the car is used in connection with delivery work, the only passengers permitted to be carried are other delivery employees on authorised delivery duties who are being dropped off at a delivery route adjacent to the driver’s delivery route.

U)Normal security of mail applies (i.e. any “supplementary pouches” mail left in a car whilst the employee is making the delivery, must be out of sight in the boot or if a hatchback/estate, under the parcel shelf of the car. If a hatchback/estate has no parcel shelf, then the car must be deemed unsuitable. The car must be fully locked and alarmed – where an alarm is fitted).

V)Exceptionally, as part of a contingency plan addressing any high crime risk, you may be advised of limits on the number of pouches you can convey in your car. This contingency is mandatory for the duration specified by your Manager.

Do you still want to use your car? :chuckle :chuckle
good times, bad times you know I've had my share
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POSTMAN
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Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by POSTMAN »

LUFC1919 wrote:On my first day I was told to bring my car for using it on my route.
By who?
I Wrote-During Covid-Which is still relevant now
It's good to get these types of threads, the ridiculous my manager said bollox, so we can reassure ourselves that while the world is falling apart, Royal Mail managers are still being the low-life C***S they have always been.
My BFF Clash
The daily grind of having to argue your case with an intellectual pigmy of a line manager is physically and emotionally draining.
LUFC1919
Posts: 5
Joined: 05 Nov 2010, 14:46
Gender: Male

Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by LUFC1919 »

POSTMAN wrote:
LUFC1919 wrote:On my first day I was told to bring my car for using it on my route.
By who?
POSTMAN wrote:
LUFC1919 wrote:On my first day I was told to bring my car for using it on my route.
What was your previous job/jobs if you don't mind me asking?
I come from a customer service background and was told by the person training me on my round as soon as I arrived on my first day.


Never really been this situation before especially with being a relatively new driver. Cheers for the advice TrueBlueTerrier. I will speak to my manager about this on Monday as I'm sure he is off tomorrow. Will mention about bag drop off points as instructed. He seems a sound bloke and I'm sure this should be easily sorted. It's just that where I work it comes across as common practice for people to take cars on their round.
noggin1969
Posts: 1321
Joined: 13 Oct 2009, 17:28
Gender: Male

Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by noggin1969 »

DO NOT
Last edited by noggin1969 on 06 Feb 2024, 16:57, edited 1 time in total.
LUFC1919
Posts: 5
Joined: 05 Nov 2010, 14:46
Gender: Male

Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by LUFC1919 »

fishtank wrote:1. Applications for Permission
In order to apply for permission to use their private car on delivery an employee must initially produce to their manager, the following:
A) Their car registration document
B) Their current valid driving licence.
C) Their current valid certificate of insurance covering the car.
D) Documentary proof of ownership of the car.
E) A completed letter notifying their own insurers that they intend to use Royal Mail’s business policy whilst driving on delivery
F) A completed signed declaration of intent relating to the car to be used on delivery
G) A current valid MOT certficate for the car to be used on delivery where the car to be used requires one by law
H) The car for an initial visual inspection

2. Line Managers Actions
Following initial application and before authorising the use of a private car for use on delivery, line managers must undertake the following:

I) Work Equipment Standard Risk Assessment (form WE STD5) section 3 and ensure the applicant completes section 4. This form is available on the Private Cars On Delivery Intranet site..

J)Ensure Manual Handling in Delivery Work document MH12 has been completed and/or updated as applicable to specifically cover the transfer and lifting of a delivery pouch in and out of the car boot where authorisation for the use of the car on delivery work is being sought. This form is available from the private cars on Delivery Intranet site.

3. Employee Obligations once Permission has been Granted
Once permission has been granted it is the employee’s obligation to ensure at all times that:
K)He/she only uses the car when in possession of a valid driving licence

L)He/she has a valid certificate of insurance to meet their liability to third party insurance claims

M)He/she ensures (and can produce evidence if required) that his/her insurer has been notified that the car is being used for business use and is covered by Royal Mail’s Business Policy. It is the employees responsibility to ensure this is acceptable to their insurers.

N)He/she must own the car for which permission is granted

O)He/she has a current MOT test certificate for the car, if required by law.

P)The car is maintained in a roadworthy condition and is available for inspection.

Q)He/she must show all the above documents for inspection as required

R)Where any of the above documentation expires between inspections he/she produces new documenation for inspection by his / her line manager within a week of expiry

S)All delivery work is performed in accordance with duty content (ie in respect of route, timings etc).

T)When the car is used in connection with delivery work, the only passengers permitted to be carried are other delivery employees on authorised delivery duties who are being dropped off at a delivery route adjacent to the driver’s delivery route.

U)Normal security of mail applies (i.e. any “supplementary pouches” mail left in a car whilst the employee is making the delivery, must be out of sight in the boot or if a hatchback/estate, under the parcel shelf of the car. If a hatchback/estate has no parcel shelf, then the car must be deemed unsuitable. The car must be fully locked and alarmed – where an alarm is fitted).

V)Exceptionally, as part of a contingency plan addressing any high crime risk, you may be advised of limits on the number of pouches you can convey in your car. This contingency is mandatory for the duration specified by your Manager.

Do you still want to use your car? :chuckle :chuckle
Cheers for the informative response. I would rather have a delivery van but it's only the fulltimers who get them hehe :shock:
Biker Mouse
Posts: 543
Joined: 19 Oct 2009, 18:37
Gender: Male

Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by Biker Mouse »

noggin1969 wrote:DO NOT USE YOUR OWN CAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SIMPLES
:Applause Thoroughly agree!
TeeferTiger
EX ROYAL MAIL
Posts: 2783
Joined: 22 Dec 2008, 13:56
Gender: Female
Location: Welsh Wales

Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by TeeferTiger »

Don't use your car on delivery. If they're telling you you HAVE to use it then I'd ask why? I'd ask the manager that if he worked for ASDA, would he deliver their home shopping in his own car?

It's up to RM to accelerate you to and from your duty, ensure you have the correct tools for the job (i.e. a trolley or enough pouch drops etc) and not you to provide transport for their work. You are responsible for getting yourself to and from work, not transporting you and your work around whilst there.

I know it's hard when you're a new starter and you're worried about rocking the boat and potentially not getting your contract renewed etc but it's not right.

I'd speak to your union rep and workplace coach about it, they should back you up with the manager. If not, then they're w***ers.
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smartbhoy
Posts: 93
Joined: 17 Feb 2010, 14:54
Gender: Male

Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by smartbhoy »

No one on walks have delivery vans as yet, only offices that have been throught revisions and use cdvs. Also the guy who told you to bring your car wasn't the manager. He was i guess the workplace coach and has no authority, he's only a postman like everyone else. Simple answer, don't use your car. Why use mileage and wear and tear on your car for work, you're not getting an extra payment for using it or a fuel allowance. Do what every postman who works normally does. Come to work, give your bags to the driver who drops your bags off at your pouch boxes and if you're not within walking distance of your duty you shall be dropped off at the start of your delivery by appropriate means. If you're going to be past your normal paid time, you either cut off and take it back to the delivery office or you work past your finishing time and claime overtime. Never do anything for nothing. :Very Happy
LUFC1919
Posts: 5
Joined: 05 Nov 2010, 14:46
Gender: Male

Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by LUFC1919 »

Cheers for your all your advice. Being new and a little nervous it's all appreciated :Very Happy
bunkerland
Posts: 546
Joined: 11 Oct 2009, 21:40
Gender: Male

Re: Using your car for deliveries advice needed please

Post by bunkerland »

Ask your manager if you can use his car for your delivery,i'm sure he won't mind,why would he?