Helper Terms
A plain summary of the Independent contractor agreement for moving helpers. Version 2026-12. You read and sign the full agreement in your helper portal after you apply. If anything here differs from the full agreement, the full agreement controls.
You are an independent contractor
- You are not an employee. You choose which jobs to accept or decline.
- You handle your own transportation and your own self-employment taxes.
Getting approved
- You complete the application, a background check, a photo ID and a W-9.
- Approval is at Cartwheel's discretion and does not guarantee any amount of work.
- If your area is full, you may be placed on a waitlist until a spot opens.
Before you can take jobs
- Your contractor agreement is signed, your W-9 is complete, your photo ID is approved by the office, and your payout setup is complete.
Pay
- Your base hourly rate depends on the job's area and is shown in your portal.
- New helpers start as Rookie for their first 2 jobs, always working with a Pro.
- Your rate can go up with strong ratings and step down if your average drops. Pay already earned is never taken back.
- Truck jobs and Crew Lead roles pay extra, shown on each job.
- Pay is reviewed after each job and sent through Stripe. Instant payout is available for a fee.
Job offers
- There is no penalty for declining an offer and no guaranteed minimum work.
- You set your own availability in your portal at any time.
On the job
- Check in through the app: On my way, then the customer's arrival code and completion code.
- Your location is shared only while you are working an active job.
- Take the required arrival and completion photos.
- Never ask for or enter a customer's code before you have actually arrived or finished.
Customers and side work
- Contact customers only through the masked line and in-app messages.
- No off-platform work, side payments, or going around Cartwheel to work for its customers.
Reliability
- Late cancellations and no-shows are reviewed and can affect your account.
Taxes, ending the agreement, and liability
- Cartwheel issues a 1099-NEC each year. Weekly statements are summaries, not tax forms.
- Either side can end the agreement. Liability and dispute terms are in the full agreement.