Driver Agreement and Rules & Regulations for PickMe NOW

Introduction

This Driver Agreement (“Agreement”) establishes the expectations, responsibilities, and conditions for drivers (“you,” “your”) who partner with PickMe NOW (“we,” “our,” “us”) to provide rideshare, food delivery, and parcel delivery services. This Agreement clarifies that drivers operate as independent contractors and not as employees of PickMe NOW. By joining our platform, you agree to comply with this Agreement, which aligns with Australian legal standards, including the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and other relevant regulations.

1. Driver Requirements

To qualify as a driver, you must:
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Possess a valid Australian driver’s license.
• Operate a registered, roadworthy, and adequately insured vehicle.
• Maintain a clean driving history and pass background checks.
• Meet local or state-specific rideshare, food delivery, or parcel delivery licensing or accreditation requirements.
• Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.

2. Independent Contractor Status
As a driver for PickMe NOW:
• You operate as an independent contractor and not as an employee.
• You are solely responsible for managing your schedule, expenses, and the manner in which you provide services.
• PickMe NOW does not provide employment benefits such as superannuation, leave entitlements, or workers’ compensation.
• You are responsible for ensuring compliance with your tax obligations and maintaining appropriate insurance coverage.
• You have the right to accept or decline service requests based on your availability and discretion, subject to the provisions of this Agreement.
This independent contractor relationship allows flexibility and autonomy but also entails full accountability for your operational and financial obligations.

3. Onboarding and Verification
To register, you must provide:
• A valid driver’s license.
• Proof of vehicle registration, Vehicle inspection and comprehensive rideshare insurance.
• Documentation of required certifications or accreditations.
• Bank details for payment processing.
• Proof of identity and residential address.
• Valid visa or Citizenship that allows to work in Australia
It is your responsibility to ensure all submitted documents remain current and valid.

4. Food and Parcel Delivery Regulations
Drivers providing food and parcel delivery services must:
• Ensure food items are transported in accordance with food safety standards, avoiding contamination and maintaining appropriate temperatures where required.
• Use insulated delivery bags for hot or cold food items to preserve quality.
• Confirm the identity of recipients when delivering parcels, particularly when the item requires age verification (e.g., alcohol, tobacco).
• Handle all parcels and food items with care to prevent damage or spillage.
• Report any instances of undeliverable items to PickMe NOW support and follow return protocols as outlined in the app.

5. Prohibited and Illegal Goods Delivery
Drivers are strictly prohibited from transporting:
• Illegal substances, including but not limited to drugs or narcotics.
• Weapons, explosives, or hazardous materials.
• Stolen goods or items acquired through unlawful means.
• Items that violate Australian customs or import/export laws.
If a prohibited or illegal item is suspected, you must:
• Refuse to accept the delivery.
• Immediately report the issue to PickMe NOW support.
• Cooperate with law enforcement if required.
Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in account suspension, termination, and legal consequences.

6. Driver Obligations
As a driver, you commit to:
• Delivering professional, courteous, and safe transportation, food delivery, and parcel delivery services.
• Keeping your vehicle clean and in good operational condition.
• Complying with traffic laws and road safety regulations.
• Avoiding any use of a mobile device that compromises safety, except for hands-free features necessary for navigation or communication.
• Respecting passenger and customer privacy and ensuring confidentiality.
• Refraining from discriminatory, harassing, or offensive behavior toward passengers, customers, or others.

7. Fatigue Management
To promote safety, you agree to:
• Limit driving to no more than 13 hours within a 24-hour period, followed by a minimum of 8 consecutive hours of rest.
• Take regular breaks after every 2 hours of continuous driving.
• Avoid driving when experiencing signs of fatigue, including drowsiness or lack of focus.
• Adhere to state-specific fatigue management laws and regulations.
Failure to comply with these fatigue management practices may result in suspension or termination of your account.

8. Accessibility Standards
You are required to:
• Assist passengers with disabilities where reasonably practical, including helping with mobility aids and securing them in the vehicle.
• Transport service animals, such as guide dogs or hearing dogs, at no additional cost.
• Accommodate requests for accessibility assistance to the best of your ability.
• Adhere to anti-discrimination laws and treat all passengers and customers with dignity and respect.

9. Trip and Delivery Management: Acceptance, Cancellation, and Completion
Drivers must:
• Accept service requests promptly and commit to completing accepted trips and deliveries.
• Avoid intentionally canceling trips or deliveries without valid reasons, such as safety concerns or vehicle breakdowns.
• Notify passengers or customers promptly if you are unable to complete a trip or delivery due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Refrain from declining service requests based on a passenger’s or customer’s destination, appearance, or other discriminatory factors.
• Complete trips and deliveries using the route recommended by the app unless directed otherwise by the passenger or customer.
Repeated cancellations without valid justification may result in penalties or account suspension.

10. Vehicle and Safety Standards
You are responsible for:
• Ensuring your vehicle meets all legal and operational standards.
• Conducting regular maintenance checks and addressing mechanical issues promptly.
• Reporting any accidents, incidents, or safety concerns to PickMe NOW support and relevant authorities.
• Equipping your vehicle with functional safety features, including seat belts and airbags.
• Avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other impairing substances.

11. Lost and Found Policy for Drivers

Introduction
This Lost and Found Policy (“Policy”) applies to drivers partnered with PickMe NOW (“we,” “our,” “us”). It outlines the procedures and responsibilities related to handling items left behind by passengers in vehicles during rides. Adhering to this Policy ensures a professional and consistent approach while respecting passenger belongings and maintaining service quality.

1. Responsibilities of Drivers
As a driver, you are required to:
• Inspect Your Vehicle: Check your vehicle for forgotten items after each trip, particularly the back seat, floor areas, and storage compartments.
• Report Found Items: Notify PickMe NOW through the driver app or support line within 24 hours of discovering a lost item.
• Secure Storage: Safeguard the item in a secure location until it can be returned to the rightful owner or transferred to PickMe NOW support.
• Avoid Usage or Tampering: Refrain from using, damaging, or discarding any items left by passengers.

2. Reporting and Returning Lost Items
The process for handling lost items is as follows:
• Step 1: Notify PickMe NOW: Use the driver app or contact support to log a report with details of the found item, including a description, time of discovery, and the passenger’s trip details.
• Step 2: Communication with Passenger: PickMe NOW support will coordinate with the passenger to confirm ownership and arrange the return.
• Step 3: Arrange Return: You may be required to deliver the item back to the passenger at an agreed location or drop it off at a designated PickMe NOW office. Alternatively, the passenger may collect the item directly from you, subject to scheduling and mutual agreement.

3. Fees for Lost Item Returns
• Nominal Fee: Drivers may be eligible for a nominal fee to compensate for their time and travel expenses incurred during the return process. This fee will be charged to the passenger.
• Fee Exceptions: No fee applies if the item is returned during a subsequent trip or if the driver volunteers to return the item without compensation.

4. Unclaimed Items
• Storage Duration: If a passenger cannot be reached or fails to claim the item within 7 days, the item must be handed over to the local police as unclaimed property.
• Handling Procedure: Document the transfer by notifying PickMe NOW support and providing evidence of the handover to the police.

5. Prohibited Items
If a driver finds any prohibited or suspicious items, such as illegal substances, weapons, or hazardous materials, they must:
• Avoid Handling: Limit contact with the item and ensure it remains undisturbed.
• Immediate Reporting: Report the item to PickMe NOW support and local law enforcement authorities immediately.

6. Driver Responsibilities
• Drivers: Must exercise care and professionalism when handling lost items and cooperate with PickMe NOW’s support team to facilitate returns.

7. Limitations of Liability
• Driver Liability: Drivers are not liable for the loss or damage of items left in their vehicles unless negligence or misconduct is proven.
• PickMe NOW Liability: PickMe NOW does not assume liability for lost, damaged, or unclaimed items but will make reasonable efforts to assist in their recovery.

8. Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to this Policy may result in penalties, suspension, or termination of the driver’s account.
This Policy ensures a transparent and fair process for handling lost items, promoting trust and professionalism between drivers and passengers.

12. Earnings and Payment
• Your earnings are calculated based on completed trips and deliveries and are transferred weekly to your nominated bank account.
• PickMe NOW retains a service fee and handling fee as outlined in your driver agreement terms.
• You are responsible for all expenses incurred while providing services, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
• Drivers may track their earnings via the PickMe NOW app dashboard.

13. Insurance and Liability
You must:
• Maintain comprehensive rideshare insurance covering vehicle damage, third-party property, and passenger/customer injuries.
• Assume responsibility for any personal property damages or losses occurring during trips or deliveries.
PickMe NOW does not provide insurance coverage for your personal vehicle or property.

14. Taxation and Financial Obligations
As a driver, you are solely responsible for:
• Hold an ABN (Australian Business Number), Registering for and remitting Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• Keeping accurate financial records, including earnings and expenses.
• Declaring all income to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
PickMe NOW does not provide tax advice and recommends consulting a tax professional for guidance.

15. Privacy and Confidentiality
You are required to:
• Protect the personal information of passengers and customers, using it solely for service-related purposes.
• Adhere to PickMe NOW’s Privacy Policy and relevant data protection laws.
• Avoid sharing passenger or customer information with third parties unless legally required.

16. Dispute Resolution
If a dispute arises, you agree to:
• Report the issue to PickMe NOW support for investigation and resolution.
• Engage in good-faith negotiations to resolve disputes amicably.
• Participate in mediation or arbitration if disputes cannot be resolved through initial support channels.

17. Changes to the Agreement
PickMe NOW reserves the right to modify this Agreement as necessary. Drivers will be notified of significant changes via email or app notifications. Continued use of the platform indicates acceptance of the revised terms.

18. Termination of Agreement
Your account may be terminated if you:
• Breach any terms of this Agreement or related policies.
• Fail to meet performance standards or maintain required documentation.
• Exhibit unsafe or inappropriate behavior as reported by passengers, customers, or PickMe NOW staff.
Drivers may terminate this Agreement at any time by submitting written notice to PickMe NOW.

19. Legal Governance
This Agreement is governed by the laws of Australia and is subject to the jurisdiction of courts within your state or territory.

20. Acknowledgment
By signing up as a driver, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Agreement, including your status as an independent contractor.