Your partner wants to ride along. Your kid's off school and you've got no childcare. A mate wants to help for the day. Or maybe you just want company on a long run. Having someone ride with you in the delivery van seems harmless — and honestly, an extra pair of hands can make the day go faster. But before you let anyone jump in the passenger seat, you need to understand the rules, the risks, and the potential consequences. Because if something goes wrong, "they were just keeping me company" doesn't cover you.
What the Rules Usually Say
Most companies prohibit it. The majority of courier companies, DSPs, and fleet operators have explicit policies against unauthorised passengers in work vehicles. It's typically in your employment contract or contractor agreement. "No unauthorised passengers at any time" is standard language.
Insurance doesn't cover them. Commercial vehicle insurance covers the driver and, in some cases, authorised employees. An unauthorised passenger — your partner, your child, your friend — is not covered. If there's an accident and they're injured, the insurer may deny the claim entirely. Your passenger would need to claim against you personally.
Workers' compensation doesn't apply. If your passenger helps carry a parcel and injures their back, they're not covered by workers' comp. They're not an employee. They have no coverage. Any medical costs or lost income falls on them — or on you, if they decide to pursue it legally. According to Fair Work Australia workplace conditions, workplace rights and protections only apply to people in a legitimate employment relationship.
The Risks
Accident liability. If you're in a crash with an unauthorised passenger, you're potentially liable for their injuries. Your company's insurance won't cover them. Your personal car insurance doesn't apply to a work vehicle. You're exposed.
Customer data and privacy. Your passenger can see customer names, addresses, and sometimes phone numbers on your manifest and parcels. This is personal information that your company is required to protect. Having an unauthorised person with access to this data is a privacy breach.
Termination. If your company discovers you've had an unauthorised passenger, it's typically grounds for immediate dismissal or contract termination. Companies view this as a serious breach of trust, policy, and insurance compliance.
Children: This deserves specific mention. Bringing a child in a commercial delivery vehicle is dangerous — they're in a vehicle that stops and starts 130+ times a day in suburban traffic, with heavy freight in the back that could shift. It also raises child safety concerns that can involve external authorities.
If You Need Help
If you genuinely need an extra pair of hands — heavy freight day, unfamiliar area, high stop count — ask your supervisor for a helper through proper channels. Many companies have casual staff or can pair you with another driver for the day. This way the helper is insured, authorised, and covered.
If you're in a situation where childcare has fallen through and you're considering bringing your kid, call your supervisor and explain. Taking the day off is better than the risk. Most supervisors will understand — and the ones who don't are still preferable to the consequences of an accident with your child in the van.