The purpose of this Background Check & Safety Policy (the “Policy”) is to establish a comprehensive, legally defensible framework for assessing, monitoring, and managing the qualifications, criminal history, and driving safety of all couriers using the Platform. This Policy is critical for:
Protecting users and customers of the Platform from harm or misconduct.
Reducing exposure to negligence, vicarious liability, and insurance claims.
Supporting underwriting and compliance requirements imposed by insurers.
Ensuring ongoing adherence to safety and legal standards.
This Policy applies to all couriers, contractors, and prospective couriers (“Couriers”) who interact with the Platform, perform deliveries, or otherwise provide services through the Platform. It governs all stages of engagement, including onboarding, ongoing monitoring, and post-engagement actions.
For clarity, the following terms are defined:
Courier: Any individual who accepts delivery or service tasks through the Platform.
Identity Verification: The process of confirming a Courier’s legal name, date of birth, government-issued identification, and contact information.
Criminal Background Check: The process of reviewing national, state, and local criminal records to identify convictions, pending charges, or other disqualifying offenses.
Driving Record Check: Verification of driving history, including moving violations, license status, suspensions, and accidents.
Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous review of criminal, motor vehicle, and safety-related data to ensure compliance with Platform standards after onboarding.
Disqualification: The permanent or temporary exclusion of a Courier from the Platform due to safety, legal, or compliance concerns.
Identity verification is the foundational element of safety. The Platform performs the following steps:
Government ID Collection: Couriers must submit a valid government-issued photo ID. This includes passports, driver’s licenses, or state identification cards.
Biometric or Selfie Verification: The Platform may require a real-time selfie or facial recognition to match the ID.
Address and Contact Verification: Couriers must provide current residence address and verified email and phone number. Any mismatch may result in denial.
Age Verification: Couriers must meet minimum age requirements. For example, 18 years or older in the U.S. jurisdiction, or as legally required.
Purpose: Confirm the Courier is a real, legal adult and to prevent identity fraud.
Consequences of Non-Verification:
Inability to access the Platform
Temporary suspension pending verification
Permanent disqualification if fraudulent identity is detected
All prospective Couriers must undergo criminal background checks covering:
Felonies and misdemeanors in national and state databases
Sex offender registries
Violent crimes, theft, fraud, and assault records
Domestic violence and restraining orders where accessible
The following offenses automatically disqualify a Courier from the Platform:
Violent crimes including homicide, assault, battery
Sexual offenses
Fraud, identity theft, or financial crimes
Drug trafficking or distribution offenses
Any offense that suggests a risk to Platform users, property, or public safety
Additional discretionary review applies for:
Minor theft or non-violent misdemeanor within the past 5 years
DUIs or reckless driving with injuries
Initial checks must occur before a Courier may accept assignments.
Re-checks are required every 12 months or as legally mandated.
Immediate re-checks may be conducted if credible reports or legal actions arise.
For any Courier using a vehicle:
5.1 Initial VerificationVerify valid driver’s license and expiration
Review DMV or state motor vehicle records for the past 3–7 years
Check for suspensions, revocations, or serious violations
DUI/DWI within the last 5 years
Reckless driving or hit-and-run
License suspension or revocation
Excessive traffic violations (e.g., more than 3 major moving violations in 3 years)
Driving records are monitored periodically via automated or manual services
Any serious violation triggers immediate suspension pending review
The Platform implements continuous monitoring to ensure Couriers remain in compliance:
Automated checks against criminal databases, sex offender registries, and motor vehicle records
Incident reporting from users or law enforcement notifications
Review of accidents, insurance claims, or safety-related complaints
Escalation protocols for high-risk findings
Purpose: Identify potential safety risks before they result in harm or liability exposure.
Consequences:
Temporary suspension during review
Permanent disqualification for serious or repeated violations
Couriers may be required to complete:
Defensive driving courses
Workplace safety training
Delivery protocols for handling fragile, hazardous, or high-value items
Mandatory reporting of incidents
Non-completion may result in account suspension or deactivation.
Couriers must immediately report:
Accidents, injuries, or near misses
Theft, damage, or loss of items
Legal actions that could affect their eligibility
Review reported incidents
Conduct investigation and gather evidence
Apply temporary suspension during investigation
Determine final outcome and remedial actions
All background check data is considered sensitive and confidential:
Stored in encrypted databases
Access limited to authorized compliance personnel
Retention and disposal consistent with privacy laws (e.g., CCPA, GDPR)
Couriers may be disqualified based on:
Failed background or driving check
Safety violations
Fraud or misrepresentation
Appeals Process:
Courier notified of disqualification and reason
Courier may submit additional documentation or clarification
Compliance team reviews within defined timeline (e.g., 30 days)
Final determination is documented and communicated
This Policy aligns with:
Federal laws (FCRA for background checks)
State-specific laws (e.g., California AB 22 / Prop 22 requirements)
Insurance underwriting requirements
Insurance carriers may require proof of adherence to this Policy before covering Platform operations.
Background checks reduce but do not eliminate risk
Platform is not liable for undisclosed offenses that escape detection
Couriers are responsible for disclosure of ongoing criminal or driving issues
Policy reviewed annually or after regulatory changes
Updates communicated to Couriers
Continuous improvement based on incident reports, insurance guidance, and legal developments
If you have questions or concerns regarding this Policy, please contact us:
Email: support@pykkit.com
Address: Palo Alto, CA 94304