Operator Agreement

Patwadi Logistics LLP  ·  Effective date: upon operator approval in-app  ·  Version 1.0 (Pilot)

This agreement governs the relationship between Patwadi Logistics LLP ("Patwadi") and you, as an approved operator (Last-Mile Partner or Linehaul Conductor) on the Patwadi network. By completing the in-app agreement acceptance, you confirm you have read and agree to these terms.

In plain language — what you're agreeing to

  • You are an independent service provider, not an employee of Patwadi.
  • You are assigned to specific corridors and handle parcels only within those corridors.
  • Every parcel handoff requires a verified code and a photo — no exceptions.
  • You are responsible for the parcel while it is in your custody.
  • You are paid per completed delivery leg, on weekly settlement.
  • Refusing a prohibited item is not only your right — it is your obligation.
  • Mishandling, fraud, or custody failure will result in suspension and payout deductions.
Who does this agreement apply to?

This agreement applies to all operators approved on the Patwadi platform, including:

  • Last-Mile Partners (LMPs) — responsible for collection from the sender and delivery to the recipient in their assigned city or zone.
  • Linehaul Conductors — responsible for carrying parcels between cities on a confirmed route.

Where a specific clause applies to only one operator type, it is labelled accordingly. All other clauses apply to both.

How is acceptance recorded?

Your acceptance of this agreement is recorded in the Patwadi database at the moment you complete the in-app agreement screen. The timestamp of acceptance (operator_agreement_accepted_at) is stored against your operator profile and cannot be modified after the fact. This constitutes a valid digital acceptance under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Operators on the Patwadi network are independent service providers, not employees, agents, or partners of Patwadi Logistics LLP.

Independent contractor status

You are engaged as an independent contractor. Nothing in this agreement creates, or is intended to create, a relationship of employer-employee, principal-agent, partnership, or joint venture between you and Patwadi Logistics LLP.

As an independent contractor, you are responsible for:

  • Your own income tax filings and compliance obligations under the Income Tax Act, 1961
  • Any GST registration and filings if your annual receipts from Patwadi and other parties exceed the applicable threshold
  • Any insurance you choose to carry for yourself or your vehicle

Patwadi does not deduct TDS at source except where required by applicable law for payments made to contractors above the threshold prescribed under Section 194C of the Income Tax Act.

No exclusivity

Patwadi does not require exclusivity. You may work with other platforms or carry out other economic activities, provided doing so does not create a conflict of interest and does not compromise your custody obligations while parcels are in your care.

You may not, while active on a Patwadi trip, carry parcels for any third party outside the Patwadi booking record.

KYC and identity verification

Activation on the Patwadi platform is conditional on satisfactory completion of Know Your Operator (KYO) verification, which includes:

  • Submission of a valid government-issued photo identity document (Aadhaar card, driving licence, or voter card)
  • A live selfie matched to the identity document
  • Confirmation of your assigned corridor or city zone
  • Provision of a valid bank account or UPI handle for settlement

You warrant that all information submitted during verification is accurate and complete. You must inform Patwadi within 7 days of any change to your identity documents, banking details, or contact information. False or incomplete KYC is grounds for immediate suspension and forfeiture of any outstanding settlement amounts.

Your activation on the Patwadi network is tied to a specific role and one or more assigned corridors. You may not act outside these assignments without written approval from Patwadi.

Last-Mile Partner (LMP) — role definition

As an LMP, your responsibilities include:

  • Collecting parcels from the sender at the agreed time window
  • Verifying the parcel and the sender's identity using the in-app handoff code and photo
  • Transporting the parcel safely to the designated transit point or linehaul handoff location
  • At the destination end: collecting from the linehaul conductor and delivering to the recipient or holding for recipient collection up to 7 days
  • Completing every handoff in the app before the parcel changes hands
Linehaul Conductor — role definition

As a Linehaul Conductor, your responsibilities include:

  • Accepting parcel handoff from the origin LMP using the in-app code and photo
  • Carrying the parcel on your designated bus route to the destination city
  • Handing over to the destination LMP using the in-app code and photo
  • Ensuring the parcel is not transferred to any person who is not a verified Patwadi operator on the same booking

Linehaul conductors operate on confirmed trip records. You may not commence a trip without an active trip record in the app.

Corridor assignment and changes

Your active corridors are recorded in the Patwadi system under your operator profile. You will only receive parcel assignments for corridors in your approved list.

To add, change, or remove a corridor, contact Patwadi admin via the support channel. Corridor changes take effect after admin approval — not upon request.

Operating on an unapproved corridor will result in the trip being flagged, the booking being reassigned, and potential suspension of your account.

The Patwadi custody chain is the operational and legal backbone of every shipment. Your custody duties are non-negotiable and apply to every parcel, without exception.

The four-step custody chain

Every parcel on the Patwadi network moves through four verified handoff points:

  • Step 1: Sender → LMP (collection)
  • Step 2: LMP → Linehaul Conductor (transit handoff)
  • Step 3: Linehaul Conductor → Destination LMP (delivery handoff)
  • Step 4: Destination LMP → Recipient (delivery)

Each step requires a unique 4-digit code entered in the app and a photograph uploaded at the point of handoff. A handoff is not complete until both elements are confirmed in the system. The confirmed timestamp and photograph constitute an immutable custody record.

Your obligations at every handoff
  • Complete the in-app verification before the parcel changes hands. Never hand over a parcel without receiving the code from the next party in the chain.
  • Photograph the parcel clearly — the label, the condition of packaging, and the handoff context must be visible.
  • Inspect the parcel visually at collection. If packaging is compromised, note the condition in the app before accepting. Accepting a damaged parcel without noting it makes you liable for that damage.
  • Never leave a parcel unattended. The parcel is your custody from the moment you accept the code until the next party accepts.
Refusing a handoff

You have the right — and the obligation — to refuse a handoff when: the parcel visibly contains a prohibited item; the packaging is severely compromised; the code provided does not match the in-app code; or you have reasonable grounds to believe the parcel contains hazardous material.

In all refusal cases, report the incident to Patwadi admin via WhatsApp immediately, before leaving the location.

Storage — LMP destination hold

Where a delivery attempt fails, make a second attempt within the window communicated by Patwadi admin. After two failed attempts, the parcel enters a storage hold of up to 7 days. You are responsible for maintaining the parcel in safe, dry, secure conditions during the hold. If the recipient does not collect within 7 days, the parcel is returned to sender. Return trip compensation is payable per the rate schedule.

Operators represent Patwadi in every interaction with senders and recipients. Conduct that damages Patwadi's reputation or harms customers is grounds for immediate suspension.

Standards of conduct
  • Arrive within the booked time window. If delayed, notify Patwadi admin — not the customer directly.
  • Handle parcels with care. No dropping, stacking heavy items on fragile ones, or exposing parcels to rain or excessive heat.
  • Do not open any parcel under any circumstance.
  • Do not request or accept payment from senders or recipients. All payments are processed by Patwadi. Cash collected outside this is fraud and grounds for immediate termination.
  • Do not share your app login credentials. Your account is tied to your verified identity.
  • Do not disclose the pickup or delivery addresses of any customer to any third party.
Privacy obligations

Customer personal data (names, addresses, phone numbers) is provided solely to complete your assigned delivery. You must not use it for any other purpose, contact customers outside the current booking, share it with third parties, or retain it after delivery.

Violations may constitute an offence under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the IT Act, 2000, in addition to being grounds for immediate termination.

Vehicle and safety standards (Linehaul)

For Linehaul Conductors: parcels must be stored in a designated, secure area during transit, not mixed with personal baggage or unsecured cargo, not accessible to passengers during transit, and protected from extreme temperature, moisture, or rough handling. Any loss or damage from unsafe storage during linehaul transit is your liability.

Operators are paid per completed delivery leg on a weekly settlement cycle. Rates, deductions, and settlement mechanics are set out below.

How earnings are calculated

Your earnings per completed trip leg are calculated based on the rate schedule communicated at onboarding. Rates may include:

  • Pickup fee: per collection (LMP at origin)
  • Delivery fee: per successful delivery (LMP at destination)
  • Linehaul rate: per corridor leg, per parcel or per trip
  • Storage compensation: per day during approved hold period
  • Return trip compensation: per return-to-sender leg
Settlement cycle

Settlement is processed weekly, covering all completed delivery legs from Monday to Sunday of the prior week. Payment is initiated every Monday and reaches your registered bank account or UPI handle within 24 to 48 hours depending on your bank.

A completed leg means: the full custody chain for that leg has been verified in the app (code + photo at both ends), and no dispute has been raised. Legs under active dispute are held until resolved.

Deductions

Patwadi may deduct amounts from your settlement for: confirmed loss or damage during your leg where custody evidence does not establish third-party liability; incomplete handoff records resulting in a customer dispute; prohibited item handling; or fraudulent cash collection from customers.

All deductions are communicated in writing before being applied. You have 48 hours to raise a dispute. Deductions are capped at two settlement periods.

Rate changes

Patwadi may revise the rate schedule at any time, with at least 7 days' notice via WhatsApp and in-app notification. Continuing to accept bookings after the effective date of a rate change constitutes acceptance. If you do not agree to the new rates, you may terminate before the effective date.

Patwadi may suspend or terminate an operator account for conduct that compromises the safety, integrity, or reliability of the network.

Immediate suspension grounds

Your account may be suspended immediately, without prior notice, for: opening a parcel; accepting payment from a customer outside the Patwadi payment system; carrying a parcel on an unrecorded booking; providing false or fabricated custody photographs or codes; sharing app credentials; confirmed abusive behaviour toward a customer; operating on an unapproved corridor; or confirmed false KYC documents.

Suspension process — other grounds

For matters not listed as immediate grounds — repeated lateness, incomplete app records, multiple disputed legs — Patwadi will notify you of the issue and give you 7 days to respond before a suspension decision is made.

Appeal

A suspended operator may appeal within 7 days of suspension notice. Include the grounds for appeal and any supporting evidence. Patwadi will respond within 7 business days. Reinstatement is at Patwadi's sole discretion. During suspension, no new bookings are assigned, but settlement for completed pre-suspension legs proceeds on the normal cycle.

Termination

Either party may terminate this agreement at any time by giving 7 days' written notice. Patwadi may terminate without notice for the grounds listed under immediate suspension above.

Upon termination: no new bookings will be assigned; any parcels in active custody must be handed over to the next operator or returned to Patwadi admin; outstanding settlement for completed verified legs will be paid on the next settlement cycle after termination, less any deductions.

Liability between Patwadi and operators is limited to the custody leg and the conditions described below.

Your liability as an operator

You are responsible for the safe custody of any parcel from the point you accept the handoff code to the point the next party in the chain accepts it. If a parcel is lost or damaged during your leg and the custody evidence does not establish that the cause arose outside your control, you may be liable for the declared value of the parcel, subject to the caps in the Patwadi Shipping Policy.

Patwadi's liability to you

Patwadi's liability to you is limited to payment of amounts due under the rate schedule for verified completed legs. Patwadi is not liable for losses from your own conduct or negligence; changes to corridor availability or booking volume; system downtime; or external events beyond Patwadi's control.

Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Patwadi Logistics LLP, its directors, employees, and agents from any claim, loss, or liability arising from: your breach of this agreement; your negligence or misconduct during a delivery leg; your violation of any applicable law; or any third-party claim arising from your actions while carrying Patwadi parcels.