Checkers Sixty60 Drivers’ Earnings: Checkers Sixty60, South Africa’s top grocery delivery service, has seen rapid growth since its 2019 launch, with over five million downloads and operations in more than 500 locations.
While its teal bikes and branded vehicles have become synonymous with convenience, questions remain about the earnings and working conditions for its delivery drivers. This article unpacks how much Checkers Sixty60 drivers earn, the challenges they face, and the complexities of their role as independent contractors
How Much Do Checkers Sixty60 Drivers Earn?
The average Checkers Sixty60 driver earns around R7,600 per month. While this seems decent at first glance, drivers face several out-of-pocket costs that can substantially reduce their take-home pay. Drivers earn through a combination of a base daily rate and per-delivery fees, which vary based on the number of deliveries completed each day.
Sixty60 Drivers as Independent Contractors
Checkers Sixty60 drivers are not classified as employees of Checkers or its parent company, Shoprite. Instead, they work as independent contractors under Pingo, a logistics service provider jointly owned by Shoprite and RTT Logistics. This independent contractor status means drivers lack standard employment benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, and pension contributions, and they are excluded from certain labor protections in South Africa.
Labor advocates have expressed concerns about this arrangement, arguing that the lack of benefits places drivers in an uncertain position. According to Democratic Alliance MP Michael Bagraim, classifying drivers as independent contractors can create pressure on them to complete as many trips as possible without the protection of formal labor rights, potentially compromising their safety on the road.
Understanding Sixty60 Driver Earnings
The pay structure for Checkers Sixty60 drivers includes a minimum daily fee of R350. This guaranteed minimum serves as a baseline amount if drivers are unable to complete a certain number of deliveries in a day. However, drivers can increase their earnings if they exceed the minimum trip threshold, earning an additional R30 to R35 per delivery after reaching about 13 trips in a day. This means that while the R7,600 monthly income estimate is achievable, drivers must complete a high volume of deliveries to maximize their earnings.
Operational Expenses
To understand the true earnings of Sixty60 drivers, it’s essential to consider the operational expenses they incur:
- Fuel Costs: Drivers must cover their own fuel expenses, which can cost around R3,200 per month.
- Bike Rental Fees: Many drivers rent motorcycles at an average cost of R400 per week, totaling about R1,600 each month.
These expenses significantly impact drivers’ monthly earnings, reducing their net income to far less than the initial R7,600.
Net Monthly Earnings
When factoring in operational expenses, the typical take-home pay for a Sixty60 driver is much lower than the reported average. Here’s a breakdown:
- Gross Monthly Earnings: R7,600
- Fuel Costs: -R3,200
- Bike Rental Fees: -R1,600
- Net Monthly Earnings: R2,800
This reduced income has led to concerns over the financial viability of the role, particularly given the demands and risks associated with delivery work.
Challenges and Controversies
Checkers Sixty60 drivers face several challenges beyond financial strain, including fluctuating pay structures and concerns around job security. One significant issue arose when the R350 minimum daily fee was briefly removed, leading to a strike by drivers who argued that the removal of this minimum income threatened their financial stability. Although the minimum was reinstated after protests, reports indicate that it was removed again, sparking further labor actions and frustration among drivers.
The independent contractor status also means that drivers do not have the same protections as formal employees. Without access to benefits like workers’ compensation, they lack a safety net in case of accidents or injuries on the job. Additionally, drivers are often incentivized to complete more deliveries within a day, increasing the risk of fatigue and accidents due to the need to earn sufficient income.
What Do Drivers Think?
Some former drivers have voiced their concerns about the challenges and pressures of the job. For example, a former Sixty60 driver from Heiderand Mall in Mossel Bay highlighted the difficulties drivers face in managing expenses such as fuel and bike rentals. This driver reported that while the job initially seemed attractive, the high costs and constant push to meet delivery targets eventually made it unsustainable as a full-time income source. The driver also mentioned that speaking out about these issues led to his dismissal, raising questions about the company’s openness to feedback.
The Future of Sixty60 Delivery
With the ongoing popularity of Checkers Sixty60, scrutiny around its labor practices is likely to increase. Labor advocates and policymakers are beginning to call for fairer treatment of gig economy workers, particularly as services like Sixty60 become integral to daily life for many South Africans. Checkers may need to consider adjustments to its employment model or earnings structure to address these concerns, ensuring that drivers have stable income opportunities and safe working conditions.
Moreover, the issue of foreign nationals working in the delivery sector has added another layer of complexity. Recently, the South African government has intensified efforts to regulate the employment of foreign workers in high-risk sectors, including ride-hailing and delivery services. These inspections, led by the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Employment and Labour, have heightened job insecurity for foreign drivers who may lack formal work documentation.
FAQs
Q: How much do Checkers Sixty60 drivers earn on average per month?
A: On average, Checkers Sixty60 drivers earn around R7,600 per month before expenses. However, after covering costs like fuel and bike rentals, their take-home pay is often closer to R2,800.
Q: Are Sixty60 drivers considered employees of Checkers or Shoprite?
A: No, Sixty60 drivers are classified as independent contractors working under Pingo, a logistics service provider. As such, they are not eligible for employee benefits or protections under labor law.
Q: What operational expenses do Sixty60 drivers typically incur?
A: Drivers face significant operational costs, including fuel (about R3,200 per month) and bike rentals (around R1,600 per month).
Q: Has the pay structure for Sixty60 drivers been consistent?
A: No, there have been changes to the pay structure, particularly around the R350 minimum daily fee. This fee was briefly removed, leading to strikes, and while it was reinstated, it was reportedly removed again, causing ongoing unrest among drivers.
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