Courier driver details

[Tonz]

Expanding a business and looking for a driver for our van

will collect and deliver around Adelaide
Once every two weeks do a run to Pt Augusta
Have his/her own ABN number
Be responsible for our refrigerated vehicle and mobile ph

Having never done this before Iam at a loss what to pay etc etc

Anyone with this type of experience in South Oz advise, suggestions please.

Because of type of business I am leaning towards $x amount for business collections, $Y for private homes, hourly rate after hours and hourly rate for Pt Augusta run

[GasoLane]

You may have trouble finding someone to fill the job.

Speaking as someone who has driven interstate for over 40 years I used to run away very fast at someone who wanted to employ me as a contract driver.

This usually meant the truck owner was trying to avoid paying reasonable wages, plus I would have to fund my own super/holiday and sick pay, find an accountant and solicitor to draw up contracts.

It also might get sticky if the driver does any damage to the Truck or property, will it be covered by your insurance or will he need his own insurance cover.

Is there any reason why you couldn't just employ them as a company driver and not a contract driver ?
At least that way you have more control over his actions

[Tonz]

* Ive already got someone lined up, he ticks all the boxes I wanted

* He has his own ABN, that way he invoices me end of month and we pay him one payment, we are both happy with that arrangement

The vehicle is ours and we would cover rego, insurance, all repairs etc

Company driver? as in an employee? pleas clarify.......

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by Tonz

* Ive already got someone lined up, he ticks all the boxes I wanted

* He has his own ABN, that way he invoices me end of month and we pay him one payment, we are both happy with that arrangement

The vehicle is ours and we would cover rego, insurance, all repairs etc

Company driver? as in an employee? pleas clarify.......

If you both are happy then go for it.

I must admit that the people who put the 'Contract driver' proposal to me should have been listed under "Shonky Haulage' in the Yellow Pages

And yes, I meant as an employee.

[Tonz]

Can you elaborate on what contract driver means to you....just interested, could even be helpful to both parties.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by Tonz

Can you elaborate on what contract driver means to you....just interested, could even be helpful to both parties.

With the people I dealt with in Interstate Transport you were still the only the Driver as the company found the freight and maintained the Truck. But you got paid on how far you travelled and how many deliveries and pickups you did.

It was pretty much a way for the Dodgy companies to get out of paying Tax on wages and the things I mentioned above

Some companies did complicate it a little further by technically 'Leasing' you the Truck, they were still responsible for all running costs as in Fuel, insurance and repairs etc.

It was much to complicated for me so, like most Drivers, I stayed well away from that setup.

[zilo]

Best way to lose clients ...let a contractor loose on them.

Why wouldn't he offer to do it cheaper than you?

[TER2BO]

We run a small Transport/Courier company in Melb.
We have employed both ways.
There are pluses and minuses for both.
Legally speaking you now can't have a sub-contractor that only works for you. If they use your Van its also a no no. If have their own van (or you sell them yours), you are still responsible for all Workcover and Superannuation.
The big differance between the 2 was, as a sub-contractor with their own Van, on some sort of commission basis they should work more efficently and go the extra mile for extra reward.
The employee works for you and you are responsible for all things/minimum payments in the relevant award or employment contract. Some employees don't care about efficentancy etc.
We have people permanently employed on a minimum number of hours per day/week with extra hours available. Others are employed on a casual basis. (Casual rates are higher $) This may suit your situation.
I have found that a Base Hly rate plus set extra rewards for exceeding benchmarks is a good mix.
Employees have to do what you request(within reason) whereas a true sub-contractor does not.
Hope this helps.