[eclipse13]

I currently deliver for one of the big 3 pizza chains and feel like I may have some relavent info, so here goes.

First of all, delivering isn't some crazy dangerous job. Most people that get robbed get the food and money taken, and the robber leaves. Occasionally they take the car as well, but not often. It is probably more dangerous than many jobs, but unless you are in a terrible area, it isn't that bad.

Always pay attention to what is going on around you. Carry a flashlight, I carry a Surefire 6PL, and use it often. If I am walking up to a dark house, I'll shine the whole yard and then walk up shining it at the ground. I also will point my headlights towards the door and turn on my brights. Hopefully is something happens, someone will see it, or at least the lights will draw some attention. Keep your phone on you so you can call 911 if you need to.

Get a small carry gun. Either a keltec/LCP or a small revolver. I keep a P3AT in my right front pocket at all times. We have to tuck our shirts in so it would take to long to get to my G23 IWB. I keep my G23 in the center console. Don't tell ANYONE that you carry. I'm sure that it is against policy, no matter what chain it is. My brother is the only person that knows I carry, but he knew I carried before he got hired, and knows not to talk about it. I also carry a Kershaw Blackout folder, but am I really going to get down and dirty in a knife fight? I doubt it. That is more for boxes and whatnot.

"Make your drops," we have small lock boxes to put the money in. I never leave the store with more than 20 bucks. If I do get robbed, they are getting as little as possible. This also prevents future robberies. $20 isn't a lot to risk going to jail for.

I'm sure that they already have procedures for this, but things like not delivering to gas stations, no parks after dark, etc.

Most of all, use your head. As others have said, most bad situations can be avoided. Be aware of your surroundings, and don't do stupid stuff.

 

[eclipse13]

in the realm of flashlights, that is one situation where bigger is better... a 3 cell mag light is one hell of a club to use on someone if you get in trouble... your surefire would not be nearly as effective...

I agree, and I have one of those in my car as well. But the surefire is a hell of a lot brighter.

 

[eclipse13]

All good points. The best way to make money in Wilmington is the same way as any other job. Put in hours. If I'm working 4-5 rush shifts a week, I'll make maybe 25-35 a night and get $150 paychecks. Right now I'm pulling almost 40 hours a week. Working Closing shifts (5pm-1am or 6pm-2am on weekends) 4-5 nights a week is where you can really make money. Taking 20-25 orders a night you can make $100 bucks on a good night, plus a decent check.

Let me also fill you in on what the company I work for is doing, and supposedly what will soon become the standard. I don't make minimum wage. MW is currently 6 something an hours, and in four days it is going to $7.25/hr. My company pays its drivers 5.50/hr, and then claims our tips to make up for the difference. Much the way waitstaff is payed. This also means that the remaining dollar or so per hour is taxed. That doesn't sound like a lot, but it really shows on a check that accounts for 70 hours of work. I also only get $.75 per address. That was fine when gas was $1.75, but when it is a $2.50+ I have to take 4 deliveries to buy a gallon of gas. Oil and brake pad changes aren't a big deal for me because I do them myself, but if you are paying someone to do those, take that into account as well. Smaller companies are paying more per hour and for gas, but you will also have less volume.