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Guide to Preferential scheduling and order assignment in BC.

We’re Listening to You!
Through courier surveys, you’ve told us you want better access to shifts and more orders. We’re making it happen! Over the next few months, Skip will roll out new features and algorithms to give you more opportunities and improve the overall experience.

What’s Changing?
In BC, Skip will use Delivery Data to improve customer experiences while giving couriers more benefits. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Preferential Scheduling: Couriers with higher stats will get priority when schedules are created. Make sure to set your availability each week to take advantage!
  • Priority Order Assignments: Delivery Data will help decide who gets priority during order assignment.

Preferential Scheduling FAQ (BC Only)

Will I see anything in the app?
Not yet. This feature will initially run in the background as part of the scheduling system. We’re always working to enhance the app experience for couriers.

Do I need to sign up?
No, you’re automatically included based on your metrics. Your Delivery Data stats will be sent to your email so you can keep track, All couriers will continue to be eligible for scheduling, however, preference will be given to those with higher metrics based on their availability.

What else is changing about scheduling?

In addition to preferential scheduling, we’re increasing the maximum number of shifts a courier can be assigned each week.

Will the shift prioritization affect current shift assignments during the transition?

No, shifts won’t be reassigned after the weekly schedule is set.

Do you only look at the last week of delivery data when determining access to scheduling?

We present the scheduling system with a rolling 28-day period to build out the statistics.

Is there a minimum threshold I need to achieve for each stat to qualify for better scheduling? 

All couriers are eligible provided they have added scheduling availability in app and completed a delivery in the last 28 days. The better your relative score compared to other couriers in the zone will affect your chances of being scheduled provided the shifts fit in your assigned zones and match your availability. 

Do new couriers get any help starting out?
Yes! New couriers receive a boost for their first 14 days, which gradually decreases over time.

Are the stats from the Delivery Data email the only stats considered for scheduling? What about acceptance rates and customer ratings? 

Only the stats from the delivery data will be used at this time. Acceptance of an order is your choice as an independent contractor. Finally, customer ratings would be great to assist with the data; unfortunately, too few customers provide feedback to give a majority of couriers a solid data set over 28 days.

Is there anything else I should know?

This is a pilot program, so expect changes and improvements as we refine the feature over the next few months.

Preferential Assignment FAQ (BC Only)

What is Preferential Assignment?

This is a two-fold feature that prioritizes couriers with higher Delivery Data stats for orders. Here’s how it works:

  1. Couriers on assigned shifts from weekly schedules may get slightly better weighting for order assignments.
  2. Higher Delivery Data stats will increase your chance of receiving orders.

What are the other functions that help determine assignment?

Distance and time to the partner/restaurant and customer are key factors. Other considerations include:

  • Orders queued on a courier.
  • Whether the courier is still in their scheduled zone (we weigh orders that will bring them back to the zone).
  • Likelihood of rejection to avoid delays.

What is the launch timeframe?

Testing will begin in select BC zones in 2024, with full rollout expected in early 2025.

How strong are the assignment weightings?

We’re running experiments to ensure the right balance for couriers, partners, and customers.

How will the algorithm balance the needs of couriers, partners, and customers?

Skip consistently iterates on the algorithm and weights to achieve the right balance across all zones.

Keep an eye on your email for more updates on Delivery Data and how it can boost your courier experience!

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