Courier Driving

General Information

An owner/operator driver is a self-employed independent contractor. This means you are your own boss. K&H Dispatch Co.Ltd. is not your employer. K&H is simply contracting the service of your vehicle with driver to satisfy the delivery requirements of our customers.

As a self-employed independent contractor you are running your own business. This requires a personal commitment in time, effort and money as well as business basics.

Expenses related to the day-to-day operation of running your business may be tax deductible. Such expenses include fuel, repairs, insurance, parking expenses (including commercial vehicle permit), etc. It is important to keep all your receipts and record of payments. This information is needed when you complete your own income tax return at the end of the year.

Independent contractors are paid a percentage of each delivery they do (a commission), based upon the type of vehicle contracted. Deducted from the commissions are rental and air time charges for communications equipment such as your radio and pager, uniform charges, administration fee, and contributions to Workers Compensation Board (WCB) coverage under your own firm number. Please keep a record of these charges as they are also expenses related to running your business and may be required for tax purposes.

Basic Requirements

• To qualify as a K&H owner/operator driver you must have:
• A reliable, late model vehicle
• The appropriate delivery-use insurance
• A current Commercial Vehicle Inspection report
• Detailed knowledge of the geography of the Lower Mainland
• A good command of the English language and good grooming habits
• The ability to handle stress and the demands of courier driving
• Enough money in reserve to run your business for at least two months

Advantages of the Independent Contractor

• Running your own business can be challenging and rewarding if you understand the risks involved.
• You can earn a decent living from courier driving if you are good at it. As an independent contractor you have more freedom than as an employee -- you are your own boss!
• You may take more than two weeks holiday a year. Summer is frequently a slow season in the industry and if you can afford to take more time off, it can usually be arranged.

Requirements Summary

• A reliable, late model vehicle
• Class 13 (delivery-use) insurance with a minimum $2,000,000 third party liability insurance
• Registration with WCB under your own firm number
• Two months reserve money
• Photocopies of your current insurance, Commercial Vehicle Report, Driver's License and Driver's Abstract

If you have any further questions or concerns, please ask for one of our Managers. We will be pleased to tell you more about the courier industry