An Independent Delivery Driver Contract is a legal contract between the driver and the company that hires them. Companies typically hire drivers for short to medium-distance deliveries. More and more companies ship directly to customers, such as Amazon or at-home food services, ship directly to customers. Delivery drivers are an integral part of that business model.
Most delivery drivers are hired as independent contractors rather than employees. If so, you need a solid independent contractor agreement to protect your legal rights.
Why Use
- Sets clear guidelines with the delivery company so each party understands expectations.
- Sets the hourly rate or per delivery rate for the driver.
- Creates legal protections for both parties.
- Addresses auto insurance requirements, coverage, and liability issues.
What Is an Independent Delivery Driver?
An independent delivery driver is a person who delivers products for a business. These products may include fast food, groceries, online purchases, and medications.
They work for themselves but under the limited direction of the delivery company. They pay their own taxes and are usually not entitled to benefits. Independent delivery drivers often work for companies such as:
- Grubhub
- Doordash
- Postmates
- Amazon
- Uber Eats
Common Roles and Responsibilities
Delivery drivers can exist across every industry and business sector. Some types of delivery drivers are more common than others.
- Food Delivery Drivers: These drivers, familiar with services like DoorDash or Uber Eats, deliver prepared meals from restaurants that lack their own delivery infrastructure.
- Amazon Drivers: Amazon, known for its vast delivery network, often relies on independent contractor drivers to deliver packages.
- Medical Delivery Couriers: These specialized drivers transport essential medical supplies, medications, and equipment. Their deliveries might go to hospitals, clinics, businesses, or even directly to patients’ homes.
TIP
In some cases, medical delivery couriers may operate as Truck Driver Subcontractors for specialized medical supply transportation companies.
- Courier Drivers: These drivers handle the delivery of important documents, packages, and other items for large organizations, businesses, or government agencies.
Salary and Hourly Rate
Pay rates for independent contractor delivery drivers vary widely. Rates depend on what drivers deliver, what the delivery company pays, and the driver’s expenses. For example, some companies pay for insurance coverage for their drivers, while others do not. Some pay hourly or mileage rates, while others pay per delivery. Tipping can also create a wide variation in delivery driver payment.
According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, delivery driver independent contractors earn an average of $20.50 per hour and $42,630 per year.
Independent Delivery Driver Contract Sample
