Blu Couriers driver Charlotte Gibson, 26, and her nifty-Swifty are delivering the goods to Napier residents. Photo / Warren Buckland
Blu Couriers driver Charlotte Gibson, 26, and her nifty-Swifty are delivering the goods to Napier residents. Photo / Warren Buckland
If you hear Justin Timberlake or The Pussycat Dolls blasting full noise down your street this week, fear not - it's just the tunes of a former Hawke's Bay hairdresser ensuring everyone gets their lockdown shopping.
Blu Couriers driver Charlotte Gibson, 26, is one of a new breed of courierdrivers - a mum to a five-year-old and working flexible hours where she can clock in and out whenever she likes.
Now she's stepped into something of a pressure cooker - handling double the number of parcels a day this lockdown, much of it fitness equipment or clothing ordered by online shoppers in Napier.
Blu Couriers is an initiative established by Aramex delivery company during last year's lockdown, and is similar to the Uber of parcels.
Gibson says it's an ideal job for mums, looking to get out of the house, earn some cash, and connect with their local community.
"The job is flexible, I can bring my five-year-old son Brodie to work with me and I can take as many parcels as I want, so it's money efficient and it's cool. It's the perfect job for mums.
"I'm out there meeting new people and getting chased by the occasional dog now and then, but it's all worth it," she said.
Gibson and her bright red "nifty-Swifty" clock up 25 to 30 hours a week on their regular Napier South delivery route.
"I normally deliver to Napier South, but I also do Meeanee and Taradale if needed. I deliver to Maraenui too."
Blu Courier sdriver Charlotte Gibson, with the help of her five-year-old son and some Justin Timberlake, is delivering parcels to the Napier South area. Photo / Warren Buckland
If Gibson pulls up in your neighbourhood, you are likely to hear either rock music or, when her son Brodie's about, ZM or The Breeze playing on the car stereo.
"You've got to have good music to go with the deliveries, I love those stations with a variety of music. Justin Timberlake and The Pussycat Dolls are a bit of me."
During her five months of employment with Blu Couriers, Gibson has built up her confidence in the job and gained a sense of purpose in her day. She has also gained her full driver's licence.
Gibson, a hairdresser by trade, also enjoys the social nature of the delivery-driver lifestyle.
"Some people get depressed sitting at home. I used to work as a caregiver and I struggled a bit after the boy I cared for passed away. It was a huge loss and I was traumatised by it for a bit.
"Working this job I'm not going crazy staring at four walls - the work makes you feel appreciated and it makes you feel worthy."
Under level 3 and 4 lockdown restrictions, couriers are an essential service, so Gibson has stepped up as the number of deliveries surge.
Last year during level 3, Aramex increased its work and van loads more than 150 per cent.
"Before lockdown I delivered about 30-40 parcels a day and now I'm doing 80-100 a day," Gibson said.
[On Thursday] I started at 8am and we didn't finish until 5pm.
"It was a big day for Brodie, but music and toys are the usual distraction. It involves a bit of multi-tasking - delivery driving and being a full-time mum," she said.
During lockdown, Gibson has seen an increase in parcels containing sports goods and fashion.
"I guess because of lockdown people have nothing else to do and everyone wants to get fit and look good on their walk down the road."
Blu Couriers' delivery practices include contactless deliveries, social distancing and mask use at all times during lockdown.
"We wear a hi-vis vest too, so people know who we are."
