A delivery contract, or delivery order contract, is an agreement that provides for delivery orders of property. 3 min read updated on September 19, 2022
A delivery contract, or delivery order contract, is an agreement that provides for delivery orders of property. It usually doesn't specify an exact quantity, outside of a minimum or maximum amount. These types of agreements can be used for varying purposes.
A Content Service Delivery Contract
If you hire a freelance writer as a subcontractor for your business, it's important to draw up a content service delivery contract. This is essential, whether the writer provides newsletter articles, website content, or copywriting pieces. The contract protects both of your interests and can help outline delivery expectations.
You may want to include the following conditions:
- The number of required pieces: Freelance writers typically work on a project basis, so they may write a set group of 15 articles. If you plan to provide ongoing work, state the number of pieces you'll need for the duration of the project. You may break it down by a number of pieces per week, if you so choose.
- The terms for content delivery: In your contract, state whether you want content emailed to you or uploaded to a website. You should also clearly state delivery timeframes.
- A rewriting clause: Because writing is subjective, the writer you hire may produce some content you don't like. Including a clause for rewrites allows you to ask for changes or corrections. Keep in mind that many writers are fine with one or two rewrites, but anything beyond that may require additional payment.
- Payment terms: This includes how you'll pay and the amount you're willing to pay per piece or project. Some freelance writers require an upfront deposit before they begin working, particularly with new clients. You'll then pay the remaining balance when the work is satisfactorily delivered.
- Late delivery clause: If the writer you hire isn't good with keeping deadlines, your project could drag on. To make sure everyone is on the same page and your project is on time, include a clause that covers late delivery. You can assess a penalty for late delivery, such as a 10-percent reduction in payment for missed deadlines.
A Delivery Business With Contract Drivers
If you operate a delivery business and need drivers, you may decide to hire contract drivers. They work as independent contractors, so they don't work directly for you. You'll secure jobs and hire independent contractors to deliver the goods. Contract drivers do the following themselves:
- Take care of their own taxes
- Supply insurance
- Maintain their own equipment and trucks
- Pay for gas
You should carefully screen all potential drivers. Meet them in person so that you can see how professional they are. You should contract with drivers who have good communication skills and are professional, since they'll communicate with your clients upon delivery.
Check their vehicles out. Although you don't own the vehicles, they represent your company. You should look into the following for all drivers:
- Driving records
- Criminal history
- Insurance reports
- Referrals
You may also want to run credit checks to make sure drivers have sufficient funds to cover necessary expenses.
You need a quality communication system. Usually, a dispatcher provides drivers with incoming/outgoing phone lines and paging systems. The startup costs for a communication system average around $10,000.
Even if you start out using a home office, you need phone lines into your office to take calls. You might also need an answering service to field calls if you spend time networking out of the office. You need to maintain direct contact with your drivers to contact them when they're on the road, related to deliveries and other tasks.
A lot of your business will likely come from local companies that need deliveries made, but you can expand your reach and increase revenue by partnering with large fulfillment centers that deliver goods for giant online retailers, like Amazon and Google.
Also, continue to add drivers. Contract delivery drivers understand that work can be scarce at times. However, don't worry that having a number of drivers is a downside. When you get delivery calls, you want someone available at all times.
Whether it's content or merchandise that's being delivered, having a solid contract in place can help make an arrangement run smoothly for all involved parties.
If you need help with a delivery contract, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.
