Driver FAQs
How do I register to use the Means Express Driver Platform?
Only approved drivers may register and use the Means Express Driver app. Complete your independent contractor application here.
You’ll need photos of the following items to upload to your application:
• Drivers License
• License Plate Registration
• Insurance Card or Declarations Page naming you as an insured driver of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Front
• Vehicle Back (with license plate visible)
• Vehicle Driver’s side exterior
• Vehicle Passenger’s side exterior
• Vehicle cargo area interior
What are Means Express's vehicle guidelines?
• 20 years old or newer. • Have no physical damage or defects. • Be in safe operating condition and clean. • Equipped with appropriate load securement devices. • Properly registered and insured. • Display required license plates.
Is any special vehicle equipment required to be a Means Express Driver?
You should equip your vehicle with devices that are used to properly secure cargo in your type of vehicle. You may also already have very specialized equipment in your vehicle that may expand opportunities to you that others cannot accommodate. Suggestions for cargo securement include:
• E-track straps and load • Lock bars if operating a cargo van or box truck. • Moving blankets • Expandable nylon straps • Bungee cords • Packaging tape • Wheeled dolly • Pallet jack It is the responsibility of every Means Express Driver to secure each load to protect it from damage and movement – even in the event of a motor vehicle accident.
How long does the qualification process take after I apply?
Once you’ve completed each phase of the application process your information and documents are reviewed for accuracy. If approved, you are sent a notice to complete a background check consent form from Turn – a third party service – to get your MVR (driving record) and criminal history report. The process can take up to 14 days, but usually happens within a week.
What types of criminal offenses or violations are disqualifying?
Every criminal background check is evaluated individually. Means Express reserves the right to deny the use of the MeansExpress Driver App to anyone. However, Means Express will use none of the information in the background report in violation of any state or federal equal opportunity laws.
Disqualifying offenses may include:
• Any violent felony convictions of homicide (no time limit) • Any registered sex offender (no time limit) • Misdemeanor or felony crimes including, but not limited to, assault, sexual offenses, arson, kidnapping, domestic violence, child abuse, theft, or drug related. • Any offense, regardless of the type, which is still pending in the courts without official legal disposition.
Can I use a rental or a leased vehicle to use the Means Express Driver App?
IF, there is sufficient time for you to rent a vehicle each time a match is offered, and with the uncertainty of shipment availability, it is not reasonable to rent a vehicle in advance. Should you have a rental vehicle while your Means Express approved vehicle is being repaired please notify us prior to using the rental vehicle with the Means Express Platform.
You can use a long-term leased vehicle to register for Means Express. The insurance ID and vehicle registration are typically issued to the lessee (you).
How do I contact Means Express support?
Means Express Support can be reached in the driver app under “Help” (bottom right), or via the chat feature at the bottom-right of our website. In addition, we offer the following resources for Means Express Drivers:
• Means Express Driver’s Guide • Company-wide email notifications. Please read all communications from Means Express.
Are drivers required to load or unload match deliveries?
When you receive a match notification, please review for “Extra Services” pay for loading/unloading before you accept.
Loading – the shippers are expected to load your vehicle, however there may be times your assistance is necessary. You will be compensated for hand loading if the shipper does not participate in the loading of your vehicle.
Unloading – you are expected to unload your vehicle and will be compensated for hand unloading. Understand and use proper lifting techniques and use proper equipment such as a hand cart. Palletized or large bulky items that are unloaded solely by the recipient at the recipient’s location are not compensated (example – by a fork truck). You are not expected to “set-up” and assemble any deliveries. You are not expected to climb stairs to deliver the product to a second floor.
What vehicle and accident insurance is required/covered as a driver?
Means Express drivers must submit a copy of their current vehicle insurance declaration as part of their Means Express registration submission. The insurance declaration must show proof of liability insurance coverage from their home state with at least the minimum amount required. The insurance declaration must also show the driver as an insured or additional driver for the insurance policy.
As an independent contractor you are responsible for any injuries you sustain while performing your work. Check your insurances and coverages to ensure you are protected for any type of injury you could sustain – trip and fall out of your vehicle, injuries while lifting to motor vehicle accidents and so on.
Contractors may be responsible for any insurance deductibles if damaged due to negligence (did not secure load, an “At-fault accident”, left vehicle unattended, etc.).
I own a van or box truck and carry the primary liability insurance in my name – can I use the MeansExpress Platform?
If you own a van or box truck and carry the primary liability insurance in your name (or in the name of a company you own) and are leased onto a motor carrier, and do not display the signs of any motor carrier, you are able to register to use the Driver App. This is the only exception to vehicles leased to motor carriers.
Will Means Express's insurance provide coverage for passengers in my vehicle?
The insurance coverage purchased by Means Express protects the general public for bodily injury and property damage. It also insures the cargo. Means Express’s insurance provides no coverage to driver service providers for any bodily injury they sustain nor any of their property damage. Means Express has a “No Rider Policy'' meaning that at no time while using the Driver App are you authorized to have riders or passengers in your vehicle. Means Express’s insurance provides no coverage whatsoever to any passenger in the vehicle.
Can I work for other companies?
The beauty of being an independent contractor is that you determine when, what, why and how you work. You can work for other companies. Means Express is intending to only supplement or be a part of the total revenue you produce. You can accept or decline any Match offer from Means Express. You determine when you are available and when you are not.
What do businesses use Means Express to transport?
Customers can use Means Express to transport anything legal except Hazardous Materials, explosives, firearms, munitions, and non-prescription drugs. Driver Service Providers should be aware of what you are transporting. If something may be illegal or dangerous, or of high value please contact Means Express Support immediately. The limit of our Cargo Insurance is $25,000.
DRIVERS Get paid to drive, Flexible way.
Earn cash on trips you're already taking, whether you drive across town Means Express is an easy, flexible way to make money driving.
By tapping into a driver community that’s in close proximity to stores and warehouses, Means Express is a uniquely flexible resource that enables you to deliver any items, of any size, at scale – not just in major cities, but also in the many smaller cities and rural towns in between.