2025-11-17 – Weekly Delivery Driver News : Do apps really avoid left turns?

Last week, the forum buzzed with practical advice and shared experiences. Members exchanged tips on the gear that keeps their jobs running smoothly and debated the accuracy of app navigation, particularly the strategy to avoid left turns. Discussions also highlighted small gestures that can improve customer interactions and shared wisdom on tackling whiteout driving conditions. Conversations about optimizing delivery windows and the physical challenge of sorting packages early in the morning rounded out the week.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Gear that keeps this a steady career
Discussion centers on the essential tools and equipment that drivers rely on to make their job more manageable and efficient. It’s a treasure trove of recommendations.
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Do apps really avoid left turns
A lively debate on whether delivery apps actually steer drivers away from making left turns, and if it impacts time efficiency and safety.
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Small touches that turn rides around
This thread explores the little things drivers do to enhance the delivery experience, turning an ordinary drop-off into a memorable one.
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Whiteout driving tips that actually work
Drivers share their best practices for navigating through snowstorms, ensuring safety and timely deliveries despite challenging conditions.
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Sorting is my 5 a.m. cardio
An engaging discussion about the physical demands of sorting packages and how drivers handle the early morning grind.
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How many stops does +2 SPH add
Members crunch numbers and share experiences to determine how increasing stops per hour affects their overall performance and earnings.
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Weeknight delivery windows that pay
This thread examines which delivery time slots offer the best pay and how drivers can optimize their schedules.
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FAQ/Guidelines
A handy resource for both new and experienced members outlining forum rules and frequently asked questions.
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Admin Guide: Getting Started
A guide to help newcomers navigate the forum and make the most of the available resources.
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Considering a Career as a Delivery Driver? Here’s What You Need to Know!
A comprehensive thread offering insights into what it takes to succeed as a delivery driver, perfect for those considering this path.
Read more here


Thank you for staying connected and contributing to these valuable discussions. Your shared experiences and insights make all the difference.

2 Likes

I don’t trust the app to avoid lefts, so I run Waze with β€œAvoid difficult intersections” on and follow its reroutes for a right-right-right or a lighted U-turn β€” adds a minute sometimes but saves stress and tickets; anyone else piggyback Waze like that?

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On β€œwhiteout” days or the 4–6 p.m. crush, I force safer routes by dropping a tiny waypoint in Google Maps to keep me on the right side of traffic β€” takes 30 seconds and saves the unprotected-left stress. Apps say they β€œavoid left turns,” but , mine still tries to shoot me across arterials, so I’ll add a waypoint or set the pin to the near-side of the street. Anyone else doing quick waypoints downtown?

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Building on @christopher92’s waypoint trick, I do a 5‑second Street View peek at the last big intersection β€” if it’s not a β€˜protected left’, I add a one‑block stop just past the light, roll through, then delete it; costs about 20 seconds, saves a horn solo. Does that beat letting the app reroute on its own for you?

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But in my area, I report the sketchy unprotected lefts in Waze/Google as β€œturn not allowed” when there’s actual signage, and within a day or two it stops routing me there. Between runs, I’ll also submit a quick map edit for a permanent fix β€” it’s like putting cones in the algorithm’s brain. @white25 do you flag those too or have a quicker move?

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Switch on Waze’s β€œAvoid difficult intersections” under Settings > Navigation; helps in supported cities. Working for you, @christopher92?

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