Running your own delivery drivers in Australia: a practical guide

Updated 2026-10-27

Delivering your own orders cuts the app commission from 30% to roughly 15–16% on the apps' self-delivery tiers, and to 0% on your own ordering page. But drivers bring costs and obligations. Here's how to decide. The sourced rates are in our delivery-app commission report. Put your monthly sales into the commission calculator to see your cost.

When your own delivery makes sense

You have steady evening volume, roughly enough to keep a driver busy for a whole shift
Most orders come from a few nearby suburbs
Your food travels well for 15–25 minutes

Employees, contractors or family?

Whether a driver is an employee or a contractor depends on the real working relationship. The Fair Work Ombudsman and the ATO both publish guidance and decision tools. Employees are covered by the relevant award, superannuation and workers' compensation. Get advice if you're not sure.

Cars, insurance and safety

Check your motor policy covers deliveries, and that you hold business and public liability cover. Use insulated bags, and keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Under food safety standards, delivery is part of your food handling.

Zones and fees

Price each suburb or postcode separately: a low fee and minimum close by, higher further out. Set a delivery time per zone so customers aren't promised the impossible. See delivery zones for Australian suburbs.

On-demand couriers as a backup

For busy nights or far suburbs, the big apps sell courier-only delivery for orders from your own channel. It's charged per delivery, so check the current price, and use it as overflow rather than your main plan.

Start with pickup

Many venues launch their own page with pickup only, and add delivery once enough direct orders come through to justify a driver.

Own drivers only pay off if the orders come direct. Set delivery zones in your takeaway ordering system, take orders on the phone app, and see DoorDash alternatives for the costs you avoid.

Uber Direct and DoorDash Drive: couriers without the marketplace

If hiring drivers doesn't make sense, on-demand courier services are the middle option. Uber Direct and DoorDash Drive send an Uber or DoorDash courier to deliver an order that came through your own channels (your website, phone or ordering page). The customer never sees the marketplace.

How you pay: a fee per delivery, usually based on distance, not a percentage commission on the whole order. Get the current Australian rates from Uber and DoorDash directly.
What you keep: the customer relationship and their details, because the order is yours.
How it's booked: through the courier's own merchant dashboard or an ordering system that integrates with it. Ask any provider whether the integration is available in Australia and who pays when a delivery fails.

A common mix is your own drivers for the busy core zone and couriers for the edges or overflow nights.

More guides

Frequently asked questions

Can my drivers be contractors?

It depends on the real working arrangement, not the label. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman and ATO guidance on employees and contractors before deciding, and get advice if unsure.

Do I need special insurance?

Check with your insurer. Personal car insurance often does not cover commercial delivery, and you may need business and public liability cover.

Get your commission-free ordering page What do the apps cost me? →