When a courier business considers bringing in a driver for a van it provides, the vehicle is only the start of the brief. The proposed work, load, route and responsibilities all affect what needs checking before anyone takes the keys.
Drivers on Demand (DOD) is preparing a marketplace connecting customers and businesses with verified independent drivers who drive customer- or business-provided eligible vehicles. Auckland personal and business services are coming soon, subject to product alignment and readiness. Bookings are not open. Courier and logistics assignments have not been confirmed as accepted launch services. This guide helps a business prepare questions for a future enquiry; it does not offer a DOD parcel delivery or freight service, approve a vehicle or reserve a driver.
Describe the actual van and the work
Record the registration, make, model, transmission and vehicle type. Include the vehicle’s gross vehicle mass and any trailer or specialist equipment proposed, where relevant. A business name or a description like “standard van” does not identify what the person would drive.
Then describe the work in practical terms: where the vehicle starts and finishes, the intended hours, route or operating area, and whether it will carry goods. Identify whether the driver is being asked only to drive or also to load, unload, handle parcels or use the business’s systems. Do not assume those extra tasks are included in an eventual DOD service.
The business-provided vehicle model is explained in DOD’s customer information. Authority, roadworthiness and suitable insurance remain questions for the actual vehicle and proposed use.
Clarify who operates the service
Write down who controls the vehicle, who manages the delivery operation and which organisation is responsible for the transport arrangements. If a proposed arrangement changes, revisit those answers before relying on an earlier assessment.
NZTA describes a goods service as carrying goods using a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of 6,000 kg or more, whether or not the goods are carried for hire or reward. The required licensing and the responsible licence holder depend on the actual service and operating arrangements. Do not assume a particular DOD, business or driver licence covers the assignment; check with NZTA and obtain advice where necessary.
Driver licence class and any endorsements also need to match the actual vehicle and tasks. Vehicle acceptance and driver matching must be confirmed under DOD’s final criteria; this guide does not make that determination.
Ask about hours, rest and records
An apparently short afternoon assignment may follow other work earlier in the day. Ask how the proposed driver and operator will establish whether the person can undertake the work within the applicable limits and what records are required.
NZTA’s work-time and logbook guidance explains that rules can apply based on vehicle class, transport service or goods carried for hire or reward, with different exemptions and logbook requirements. Do not assume a light van or short route automatically removes all work-time obligations. Check the actual circumstances before arranging the work.
For a time-sensitive run, include a realistic handover and receiving window. A route estimate is not a delivery guarantee. The arrival-time guide can help with planning backwards from a required arrival.
Settle the load and handover responsibilities
Confirm who prepares and checks the load, how access to the cargo area will work, and who handles any problem at pickup or a stop. Explain any restricted or specialist goods early and seek the appropriate specialist advice and approvals. Do not assume DOD or the driver accepts responsibility for loading, deliveries, collection, custody of goods or special handling.
The person controlling the business vehicle should check that its insurance permits the actual use and the arranged driver. Confirm the answer with the relevant insurer or broker under the actual policy; this article cannot establish cover.
Name a person who can release the vehicle and another who will receive it and the keys. The business handover guide provides a two-end checklist. Keep recipient details and delivery-system credentials out of general notes unless the final agreed process requires them.
A courier-van enquiry checklist
| Topic | Detail to prepare |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Registration, type, transmission, mass and any trailer |
| Assignment | Hours, route, load and expected tasks |
| Operating roles | Who controls the vehicle and delivery service |
| Eligibility | Driver class, endorsements and any licence questions |
| Work time | How prior work, rest and any required records will be checked |
| Insurance | Whether the actual use and arranged driver are permitted |
| Handover | Authorised release, receiving person, keys and unresolved concerns |
For example, a courier operator might enquire about a business-owned van for an afternoon route and identify a manager responsible for the load and receiving the vehicle. This is a hypothetical enquiry, not a completed DOD assignment or confirmation that the route or parcel handling would be supported.
During prelaunch, contact DOD for general questions about future business arrangements. An enquiry does not confirm a courier use case, vehicle eligibility, driver availability or insurance cover. For an assignment needed before bookings open, use a suitable option already available.
About this guide
Prepared by the Drivers on Demand editorial team for Driver on Demand NZ Limited. Current DOD customer and Journal content and NZTA goods-service and work-time guidance were checked on 29 October 2026. This is planning information, not an assessment of a specific licence, insurance policy or final DOD service.