How to choose a Bolt and Uber fleet partner
Most drivers without their own licence work on Bolt, Uber and Freenow through a fleet partner. The partner decides how much of the platform payout reaches your account, when and on what terms. Below is what to check before signing: from the licence and extract, through the fee model, to a sample weekly statement.
Who the partner is and what it must have
A fleet partner is a carrier holding a taxi licence. At its request the authority issues extracts for vehicles, and the partner registers drivers in the apps and settles their payouts. The partner does not issue the extract itself and cannot "sell" it to a driver: the extract is an official document tied to the licence and the vehicle.
Before signing, look up the partner's name, tax number (NIP) and address in the public company search (CEIDG and KRS) and compare them with the agreement and with the recipient of transfers. Ask which area the licence covers and whether the car you will drive has an extract from that licence.
On Podpin: Partner licence extract · Fleets on Podpin
Sources: Ustawa o transporcie drogowym · Biznes.gov.pl — wyszukiwarka firm (CEIDG i KRS)
Partner fee: fixed, percentage or mixed
There are three basic models: a fixed weekly fee, a percentage of turnover or payout, and a mixed model (for example a smaller fixed amount plus a percentage). With a partner's car the fee is sometimes included in the rent. Always confirm the base of the percentage: the price paid by the passenger or the amount after the platform fee, with or without VAT.
Fixed and percentage models are easy to compare with a break-even point: the fixed fee divided by the percentage rate. An example with illustrative numbers: at PLN 50 a week or 5%, both options cost the same at a PLN 1,000 base. If you usually have more, the fixed fee is better; if less, or if you work irregularly, the percentage.
| Fee model | When it works | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed weekly | Full, regular weeks | You pay even in a weak week |
| Percentage of turnover or payout | Part-time work | Base of the percentage and VAT |
| Mixed | When both parts are low | Harder to compare with other offers |
| Bundled with a car | Starting without a car | Split: how much is rent, how much is fee |
On Podpin: Earnings calculator
Agreement: civil contract or own business
Under an agreement with a partner, PIT and contributions depend on the contract type and your insurance status, and some amounts may already be deducted in the statement. With your own business you pay contributions and tax yourself; the lump-sum tax (ryczałt) is calculated on revenue, not on profit after fuel and rent. Ask the partner directly what it deducts and get it in writing.
In the agreement also check the notice period, contractual penalties, rules for moving to another partner and, with a partner's car, the rent, mileage limit, insurance with its excess and deposit refund terms.
On Podpin: Driver taxes: ryczałt, VAT and ZUS · Taxi rental deposit
Sources: Kodeks cywilny · Podatki.gov.pl — ryczałt
Weekly statement: what to require
A good statement lets you reconstruct your payout from the app data. It should show separately for each platform: turnover, platform commission, tips, bonuses and cash collected from passengers, followed by the partner fee, rent, tax and contribution deductions and any penalties. Also ask about the payout schedule and what happens to payments the platform transfers late.
During the first weeks, compare the partner's statement with the report in the driver app. Raise differences immediately and in writing, while you still remember the specific rides.
On Podpin: Taxi driver earnings
Questions before signing
1) Which company is party to the agreement and which area does its licence cover? 2) Does the car have an extract from that licence and the required markings? 3) What is the partner fee and on what base? 4) When and how often is the payout? 5) How is cash from passengers settled? 6) Who pays PIT and ZUS and what is deducted? 7) What is the notice period and what are the penalties? 8) What happens if the car breaks down or is damaged, and who pays for the downtime?
If you do not get a clear answer to any of these, ask for it in writing or compare another offer. You can browse fleet and taxi car offers on Podpin.
On Podpin: Taxi car listings · Bolt and Uber without your own car · Accident in a rented taxi
Sources: Kodeks cywilny