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Jun 27
0

6 Tips to Keep your Car Comfortable and Safe this Summer

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June 21, 2017 marked the beginning of the summer solstice – AKA, the official start of summer. As a driver, it’s important that you take care of your car – and yourself – during the summer season. Take a moment to jot down these handy tips to make your driving gig more comfortable and safe.

  1. A Quick Way to Cool Down: The summer air is often too hot to help cool your car down when you get inside. What to do? This quick and efficient technique will help:
  1. Start your car
  2. Roll down your windows (front and back)
  3. Turn A/C on high on the coldest setting
  4. Drive for 2 minutes, letting the car cool
  5. Roll up your windows (see video for timing)
  6. Set your A/C to your desired setting

To see a demonstration, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=767LV1GTW-I

  1. Frequently Check Your Tire Pressure: It is important, especially in extreme hot (and cold) temperatures to check your PSI with a reliable Do you know where to find the manufacturer’s recommended (not maximum) PSI? Check the side of your driver’s door jam, in the glove compartment or in the owner’s manual.

A Goodyear executive says, “Even though consumers can simply and quickly check the air pressure of their tires, it becomes a neglected practice by many. That’s too bad, because the four patches of rubber that come in contact with the road surface are vitally important to the performance of the vehicle. They are key for acceleration, lateral traction and braking grip.”

P.S. You should also ensure that you have enough tread and replace your tires when necessary. It’s an essential expense and remember, as a small business owner, is a tax write-off. We partnered with Jiffy Lube and Goodyear / Just Tires, so you can get a discounted rate, too!

  1. Regularly Check your Systems & Fluids: Car maintenance is vital, especially in extreme temperatures. Remember to stay up to date on all services, which include but aren’t limited to, checking fluid levels, A/C coolant, filters and more.
  1. Break Down? Make sure you have Roadside Assistance: It is stressful when you break down, but it is even more difficult when you work in the gig economy. We want to make it as easy on you as possible. DDI recently partnered with a roadside assistance company called HONK to help get you back on the road as quickly and as painlessly as possible. It’s as simple as downloading the HONK app, selecting what’s wrong from a menu of choices (jump start, locked out, flat tire, out of fuel and towing), and then it will dispatch out to the closest tow truck, help truck or car to come help. It’s as easy as that! As one of our valued drivers, you also get a discounted rate using the DDI code.
  1. Shade Matters: This may seem like an obvious tip but when in a hurry, it’s easy to forget or neglect: Don’t underestimate the power of shade. These 3 types of shade can help regulate your car’s temperature when the A/C isn’t running:
  1. Park in the actual shade. The less direct heat on your vehicle, the better.
  2. Have a reflective sunshade for your windshield when you park.
  3. If your back windows are not tinted, ShadeSox can help keep the temps cool(er) in your backseat. Check out the reviews on Amazon: http://bit.ly/ShadeSox
  1. Just in Case… Stock your Summer Emergency Kit: It’s up to you what you want to put in your emergency kit for the summer season, but here are a few recommendations from reputable blogs that you can choose from:
  1. Napa Know How
  2. Popular Mechanics: How Your World Works
  3. AllState: You’re in Good Hands

Quick *Bonus* Tip during Hot Temps: Don’t leave your smartphone in your car – it can easily overheat and potentially fry.

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Do you have a summer tip that didn’t make this list? Share them with us on our Facebook Page! We’d love to hear from you.

If you’re interested in becoming a partner with DDI, please contact: 888-334-9675 ext. 0 or you can email us at operations@ddiwork.com For more information or online registration, simply go to: https://ddiwork.com/drivers/sign-up/

Jun 07
0

How Can DDI Help Your Business? Recruitment  

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Do you operate a delivery or courier company with W2 or 1099 drivers on payroll and find it overwhelming to keep up with the HR side of the business? Trouble with recruitment? DDI understands that it can be easy for numerous other aspects of running your business to take your attention, or perhaps simply, you just want to focus on your business without dealing with the red tape and paperwork that comes along with it. That’s why we’re pleased to offer you an exciting alternative:

 

Let us handle it for you!

 

Over the next few weeks we will be featuring various reasons DDI is the right solution for your company’s back-end needs. In partnering with DDI, you immediately gain the ability to focus on growing your business, thus giving you a greater ability to compete in a very popular marketplace.

 

RECRUITMENT

 

With over 5,000 driver partners in our network, we happily take on the recruiting responsibility so you don’t have to. Was reading that like music to your ears? We thought so.

 

As this is a highly competitive field, we’re sure you realize that recruiting is an extremely important and time-consuming task. Utilizing our manpower & proven on-boarding processes with our full-time team of dedicated recruiting professionals will allow you to rest easy knowing that you can focus on your business. This will avoid back-end paperwork and legal headaches, while also being 100% compliant with all state and federal statutory requirements.

 

If this sounds too good to be true, it must be expensive, right? Not so. Ours is a cost-effective solution that offers an entire team of specialists for about the cost of one full-time employee. *

 

When it comes time to find your business the right candidates, we handle it all, including but not limited to:

 

  • Placing and paying for ads
  • Sourcing candidates
  • Offering advanced recruiting technology where candidates can conveniently apply 24/7
  • Reviewing resumes and screening applicants to set prerequisites  
  • Utilizing easy interview technology to review top candidates  
  • And more!

 

In addition to recruitment, DDI’s other programs –Compliance, Accounting, Enrollments and Insurance – can help your company attract and retain the right drivers. Visit our website to get more information. We look forward to working with you!

 

For Courier Companies: http://bit.ly/CourierPacket_DDI

For Restaurant Delivery Companies (RDS): http://bit.ly/RestaurantDelivery_DDI

 

 

*Base wage comparison only; i.e. not including taxes, coffee, computers or office space needed.

May 24
0

3 Mileage Apps Worth Checking Out

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As a self-employed driver, by now you know the importance of keeping a detailed mileage log and records of business expenses. It’s important not only in the case of an IRS audit, but also to maximize your refund for the year.

 

Specifically relating to mileage in 2017, the IRS allows you to deduct 53.5 cents per mile. The IRS also states, “the cost of the car and any improvements, the date you started using it for business, the mileage for each business use, and the total miles for the year” are needed to prove car-related business expenses.

 

So how can you keep track of  your mileage, without much effort? This day and age, technology is quite literally at our fingertips on our phones and in app stores. Below are three excellent options, plus a bonus option, if you’re looking for a way to simplify your tracking.

 

  1. Mile IQ

 

Mile IQ is a great option for drivers. With this user-friendly app, you don’t have to manually log every trip and you can differentiate personal vs. business trips with one simple swipe. This keeps all your information stored in the cloud and offers a place for additional drive details like parking fees, tolls, and notes. There’s a free version of this app if you make less than 40 trips a month, but if this is your full time gig, you likely make more. You can choose from monthly ($5.99) or annual ($59.99). Also, want to make some extra cash? They have a referral program if you invite your other driver friends.

 

  1. Trip Log

 

Trip Log has a lot of impressive features and they pride themselves on capturing all the necessary information required by the IRS. In addition to the mileage tracking, this app can keep track of all vehicle and business expenses, saving time and maximizing your tax deduction. The basic version for mobile is free but if you want to take advantage of the advanced features, there are options with fees. Learn more by visiting their pricing information here.

 

  1. QuickBooks Self-Employed

 

You may be familiar with QuickBooks for keeping track of business expenses, but did you know this includes mileage? QuickBooks reports that, “Users find an average of $7,393 in potential mileage deductions per year.” If you’re looking for an option that features mileage tracking and beyond, you might want to check out QuickBooks Self-Employed (starting at $5.00/month). Similar to some of the TripLog features, all of your expenses will be in one place when it comes time for tax season. Gotta love being organized, right?

 

BONUS TIP: If you don’t want to rely solely on technology, you can always go analog and purchase a trip diary, similar to this.

 

 

Do you have a favorite app or method that didn’t make this list? Share them with us on our Facebook Page! We’d love to hear from you.

 

If you’re interested in becoming a partner with DDI, please contact: 888-334-9675 ext. 0 or you can email us at operations@ddiwork.com.

For more information or online registration, simply go to: https://ddiwork.com/drivers/sign-up/

May 02
0

3 Reasons Your Turnover Is High

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Hiring independent contractors to be your company’s delivery and/or courier drivers certainly has its benefits, both for a company and the contractors. Some of these benefits include, but are not limited to: Flexible schedules, while reducing a company’s overall costs and making the best use of resources. That said, while there are numerous benefits like those mentioned above, there is also no denying that the turnover rate in this field can be high. As an example, a recent report on CNBC said that after a year of driving, Uber only retains about 4% of their drivers. Why is that? What causes high turnover?

 

Our team at DDI has observed many issues that negatively impact turnover rates, and works diligently to alleviate them. Listed below are three related and common issues, and how we can help.

 

  • Recruiting: Are you focusing on attracting the right talent for your company? With over 5,000 driver partners in our network, we take on the recruiting responsibility (and all that goes along with it) so you don’t have to. We recruit drivers specific to your company’s needs. Your team will only meet with and choose from the best 10% (approximately) candidates we generate, which will save you time. You can also rest easy knowing that our recruiting process is done with 100% compliance.

 

  • Competition: An independent contractor looking for a flexible driving gig has countless options these days, way more than even 5 years ago. So how do you, as a company, stand out? We highlight your benefits, setting you apart.

 

  • Company Culture: These days, company culture is more important than ever and in this field, is often a challenge. Many things can contribute to bad company culture, such as not being recognized for good work or tenure, dealing with bad operators, earnings falling short of expectations, and so on. If company culture isn’t fulfilling a driver’s needs, they may look to a competitor or leave the field entirely. This is why it’s important to look for the right partnerships with your drivers.

At DDI, we offer various solutions to help your company attract and retain the right drivers. Ultimately, this will save you time and will allow you to focus on what is really important…

 

Growing Your Business!

Get started with us today:

For Courier Companies: http://bit.ly/CourierPacket_DDI

For Restaurant Delivery Companies (RDS): http://bit.ly/RestaurantDelivery_DDI

Or give us a call at 888.334.9675 (ext: 3)

 

Remember, DDI’s five programs – Legal Compliance, Accounting, Onboarding, Enrollments & Insurance – are specifically designed to ensure 100% compliance with all state and federal statutory requirements. We look forward to working with you.

Apr 17
0

Important Tax Information for Delivery Drivers

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For delivery drivers, operating your own small business can be a very intriguing, lucrative idea. That said, it’s important to remember that as a sole proprietor you are responsible for several things you were previously likely not responsible for (like taxes) as an “employee” at another job, including (but not limited to):

 

  • If you don’t have one, buying or leasing a car
  • Increased car insurance payments
  • More mileage (wear and tear or depreciation) on your vehicle
  • More frequent gas fill ups
  • Your own health insurance
  • Those dreaded self-employment taxes

 

Want some good news? Of course, you do! As a self-employed driver, you may be able to claim some of these expenses as deductions during tax time to lower your bill or potentially increase your refund.

 

Whether you drive as a full-time job or as a second job to make extra money, don’t make the mistake of thinking all the money you earn gets to go in your pocket. Keep good records (receipts and logs), learn more about what you can write off and plan to reduce your stress during tax season.

 

If you want to learn more about what you can and cannot write off as a small business owner, check out this 51 page pdf created by the IRS. Or better yet, give us a call! As a partner of H&R Block, we can help!

 

If you’d like to get in touch… let’s chat! Call 888-334-9675 ext. 0 or, you can email us at operations@ddiwork.com. For more information or online registration, simply go to: https://ddiwork.com/drivers/sign-up/

Mar 30
0

Forging Transportation Relationships with the ECA at the 2017

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Today is the day that a few members of our dedicated team head to Dallas, Texas for the Express Carriers Association MarketPlace. What is that, you ask?

 

“The ECA MarketPlace is a vibrant conference where Shippers and Carriers have the opportunity to network and provide information and referrals in order to form logistical partnerships…

In ECA’s exhibit hall, known as the EXPO, attendees are introduced to new technologies and various other transportation services.”

 

That’s where we come in. We’re excited to be a vendor in their EXPO and inform various carrier and shipping companies about how they can benefit from our services. Many companies don’t know all that we at Delivery Drivers, Inc. offer, so let us briefly break it down for you:

 

We are a third party human resource and administrative company that specializes in recruiting, enrollments & administration, accounting & taxes, insurance, and compliance, so you can focus on running a thriving business.

 

If you would like to learn more about the ECA and the annual MarketPlace, visit: http://www.expresscarriers.com/marketplace/

 

Finally, if you’d like to learn more about the numerous solutions we provide, let’s chat! Give us a call at 888.334.9675 (ext: 3)

or simply visit: https://ddiwork.com/courier-division/request-sales-packet-courier/ and one of our experts will promptly reach out to you.

 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Mar 13
0

5 Items Food Delivery Drivers Need Handy

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Think ahead and be better prepared!

For delivery drivers, convenience is key. Making things easier for yourself not only makes you more efficient, but also helps keep a clutter mind more organized. This couldn’t be more true for food delivery drivers. For those who are in the business, you know exactly what we are talking about. We’ve compiled a list of must-have items that you NEED to travel with which should always be only an arm reach away.  

1. Hands-Free Mount – THIS IS A BIG ONE!  Having a hands-free mount is an absolute must when you’re delivering food (or anything really).  You’ve signed up to be at the clock’s mercy for a block of time. Why not save yourself from some stress and anxiety by being able to glance and hear the directions clearly? Breathe, you got this.

 

2. Auxiliary cord – As a delivery driver, you are going to be in your car A LOT more now that you are slinging hot food. Purchase an auxiliary cord to ensure maximum sound efficiency 100% of your drive. This is a low-cost, high-reward type of buy that will keep you in high spirits all day. 

 

3. Paper Towels/Napkins – Picture this. You are in the middle of your shift when suddenly you hit a bump in the road. You see your customer’s strawberry milkshake flipping face down onto your passenger floor. Pink blob insurance? Not likely. Be a step ahead by keeping handfuls of napkins stocked in your glove box.

 

4. Change – Don’t cut yourself short! Every delivery driver needs change! Your customers are going to be very happy to see that their long awaited (in their minds) food is about to arrive. Don’t miss a great opportunity to make a few extra bucks on top of your ride. Having plenty of small change literally, pays. That easy.

 

5. A Mileage Log – Last but not at all least. A mileage log will surely be a life saver especially if you are selected to be audited by the IRS or by your state’s Franchise Tax Board. Keeping track of how much you drive daily can also be a big payout when you file your taxes. If you drive full-time, it can add up to a $8,000 tax write off.  If you plan to do this by hand be sure to include the date to help keep your hours organized.  An even easier alternative…hello mileage app.

 

Bottom line. Do you really need all of this to be a successful delivery driver? No… Could you be better with these items? YES!
If you’re interested in becoming a partner with DDI, please contact: 888-334-9675 ext. 0 or you can email us at operations@ddiwork.com For more information or online registration, simply go to: https://ddiwork.com/drivers/sign-up/

Feb 23
0

Recruitment should not be a burden.

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Recruitment should she be Hassle-Free

There are many obstacles that companies face when building a business. Aside from legal compliance issues and daily operations, getting the right people on your team is one of the biggest challenges that needs to be addressed. Being in the delivery driver industry for over twenty years, we understand that the recruitment of drivers is a difficult task. In speaking with our clients, we’ve noticed a pattern. When it comes down to recruitment, the same two issues were always mentioned:

  1. Recruiting quality candidates.
  2. It’s costly to recruit.

 

The cost of recruiting is getting expensive!

When done inefficiently, the process of looking for new drivers can be taxing on your company’s bank account. Food for thought: the average recruitment process goes through the following steps:

  • Create position description
  • Develop your recruitment plan
  • Advertise recruitment plan
  • Review applicants
  • Select best candidates / Screen prospects
  • Conduct interviews
  • Choose new recruits
  • Finalize and on-board

 

Recruitment takes the biggest toll on the time spent during the process. This process can range in length anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Adding something new to your daily agenda not only takes time away from the operational duties that make the company function, but can also hinder the execution of growth strategies.

One main thing to consider is the quality of the person being hired and the impact a bad recruit can have on your business. One bad apple can have a chain reaction that could be extremely costly to your business. Let’s say that the person who was hired didn’t end up working out. For you as an employer, this means:

  • You’ve lost productivity from that person since they’ve been recruited
  • You’ve lost the time spent going through the recruitment process to find that person
  • The cost associated with the recruitment process
  • And you will need to spend more time and more money to go through that recruitment process over again hoping to find the right fit

Most companies don’t have the luxury to go through such a drawn-out process; it could be the difference between a good quarter and a bad quarter.

Solution! Outsource recruitment to professionals so you can run grow your business. Queue in DDI!

 

 

*We’d love to discuss solutions we can provide. If you feel that we could be a good fit for you, let’s chat! Give us a call at 888.334.9675 (ext: 3) or simply go to: https://ddiwork.com/marketing-partners/request-sales-packet-2/ and one of our experts will promptly reach out to you.

Feb 07
0

An Interview with The Boss: See what Aaron Hageman has to say about worker regulation change.

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In our industry, change is the only thing that is common. After 20 years of being in business, we’ve seen hundreds of worker regulations shift and we’ve also seen cases where not keeping up with that adjustment can mean big trouble for certain individuals. For Aaron Hageman, CEO of Deliver Driver’s, Inc., he has seen almost everything this industry can dish out. We asked him 3 questions about worker regulations and issues facing HR departments; here’s what he has to say.

Q) “Which is a bigger issue facing companies and their HR departments: The ability to balance their daily tasks with the added responsibility of learning new worker regulations OR staying current with new regulations?”

A) “Both issues are relevant given the attention that independent contractors are getting due to the gig-economy, as well as the fact that everyone is interested in the last mile right now. Managing the workload associated with regulations is, in my opinion, the more difficult of the two tasks. In other words, keeping up with the rules whilst implementing the changes across your workforce is extremely difficult. It involves training your internal HR team (assuming you have a full-time internal human resources team of course), communicating the changes to the existing workforce and updating everything for them, as well as properly and compliantly executing all of the associated work moving forward. There is a large amount of government attention, including lawsuits, devoted to the issue. Additionally, changes in labor laws are changing rapidly. It is not merely one set of regulations that define independent contractors versus employers, but one hundred different rules that vary across our country! This makes it quite difficult to stay up-to-date.”

 Q) “What is your forecast as to what NEW issues HR departments will face in 2017, if any?”

A) “2017 will see an expanded auditing task force as well as more inquiries into the nature of 1099-based working relationships. Don’t let the political climate or the economy fool you; 1099 compliance is now more important than ever! One thought we often discuss here at DDI is the fact that the workforce out there is more educated than ever. Gig-economy workers are acutely aware of the dynamics and freedoms that come with being a self-employed contractor. If you fail to run your business relationships with these workers properly, it is not the government that will be pressing the issue of 1099 versus W2 status, but the workers themselves!”

 Q) “What is one tip or piece of advice that relates to the topic in the above question?”

A) “Proper 1099-related human resources management requires expertise; it’s a full-time effort. I encourage everyone to do their research to see which is a better option: keeping it in house or to outsource it.

 

Conclusion

2017 will bring with it more stringent regulations and related enforcement due to the gig-economy and many different constantly-changing regulations regarding 1099 employment. To best manage compliance and avoid HR issues, hiring experts in the field (such as DDI) is a solid investment.

 

*We’d love to discuss solutions we can provide. If you feel that we could be a good fit for you, let’s chat! Give us a call at 888.334.9675 (ext: 3) or simply go to: https://ddiwork.com/contact/ and one of our experts will promptly reach out to you.

Jan 20
0

A DDI Perspective: Trump’s Presidency & What It Means For 1099 Worker Regulation

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DDI works with some of the most prestigious law firms in the country. We recently attended a seminar hosted by one such firm, in which the presenter, a member of the Trump Transition Team, spoke at length about some of the impacts we’d likely see his administration have on business. But what does Trump’s presidency mean for 1099 worker regulation?

While much of the presentation was centered around possible appointments and economic philosophy, there was a portion dedicated to the on-demand “gig” economy and specifically the administration-to-be’s general view of Independent Contractors.

As you might expect, it is anticipated that the new honchos in charge of various business and labor agencies will be friendlier toward the free exchange of employees and employers, workers and businesses. President Obama has taken an adversarial approach toward business’ use of Independent Contractors:

 

 

Don’t expect President Trump to snap his fingers and eliminate all headaches and red tape associated with the world of 1099 labor, but we can reasonably expect a much softer approach toward worker classification from the Federal Government – namely, the USDOL and IRS. While this is good news for most of us, it doesn’t eliminate worker classification risks. Most online journals, which discuss 1099 issues as well as our own attorneys have warned that a decrease in Federal Regulation almost always gives birth to an increase in State-led initiatives.

 

Our legal team does not expect an overall decrease in worker classification investigations, but that isn’t to say this isn’t good news. In our experience working through an audit with the State is a much more favorable scenario for business owners than dealing with the Federal Government, which restricts a business’s ability to make an objective plea of compliance. In simple terms, the USDOL in reality, doesn’t allow a business a friendly environment to present a satisfactory defense.  Conversely, the States have a relatively fair system, allowing companies, which understand that system, to make their case.

 

If you have questions or would like to better understand how a State audit works compared to that of the USDOL, please contact us here: https://ddiwork.com/contact/