What is a Slot?
A Slot is a pre-determined time frame for completing assigned jobs with a guaranteed earnings amount. You can review details like the pick-up suburb, delivery area, item type, and expected job count before accepting a Slot.
With Slots, you can view and pre-book runs for the upcoming week, helping you plan your work and have a steady & stable income flow.
What are the different types of Slots?
1. Partner Slot:
You’ll be assigned a run of jobs from a single business partner shortly before the pick-up time.
2. Sherpa Slot:
You’ll be assigned various jobs within a specific area for a specified duration. More jobs may be assigned during this period, so keep an eye on your app! The jobs assigned to you is not limited to a single run, you may be required to do multiple pick-ups, including for single delivery.
How can I view and accept a Slot?
Slots appear as grey pins on the map. Tap the job card for details. advance.
You can also book Slots in - see a blue dot on the calendar? It means that a Slot is available - make sure to grab it!
Event Day Slots have a special icon that appears on the week of the event - keep an eye out for this icon
What are Slot reminders?
You will receive a reminder one day before your scheduled Slot at 8 am, which must be confirmed within 4 hours, or the Slot will be unassigned. If confirmed, another reminder will be sent 1 hour before the pick-up time.
What should I do if I'm no longer available for a Slot?
Unassign yourself as soon as possible through notifications or within My Jobs. Unassigning within 2 hours of the start time will affect your unassignment rate.
If you withdraw after the Slot has started, you’ll only be paid for the jobs you’ve completed — not the full Slot rate. If no jobs are completed, no payment will be made.
Please note that frequent late unassignments or withdrawals may result in limited future Slot offers.
What happens when I accept a Slot?
When you accept a Slot, you’re committing to complete all deliveries assigned during that time.
Once accepted:
You may be allocated jobs that would otherwise go to the general crowd.
All previously listed job prices are replaced by the fixed Slot fee.
- Job allocation method is at Sherpa’s discretion, and individual job offers outside of the Slot structure will not apply.
During your Slot
Job numbers may increase or decrease depending on customer demand.
Pick-ups can come from multiple stores within the same area or SA3 — this is normal.
Plan your route efficiently to make sure you complete all jobs within the Slot timeframe.
The job allocation process is managed entirely by Sherpa, so individual job offers outside the Slot structure will not apply.
At the start of your Slot
Be ready and available before the Slot start time.
Begin your pick-ups as soon as the Slot begins, or immediately once your first job is assigned.
Starting promptly helps you stay on schedule and avoid any delivery delays.
What happens with Slot cancellations and overtime?
Sherpa-Initiated Cancellations:
Cancelled before/soon after Start time: You will be notified immediately if a Slot is cancelled by us. If cancelled within 30 minutes of the start time, you’ll be compensated.
Early end: In some cases, we may end the Slot earlier than the scheduled time. You will still be compensated for the time spent on the Slot, provided you remained within your assigned area during that period and follow the Suggested Route and complete all deliveries in a timely manner.
Event Day Cancellations: No compensation is provided if a Slot is cancelled 30 minutes or more before the scheduled start time. Compensation details will be outlined in your Payment Summary and RCTI if cancelled within 30 minutes of the scheduled pick-up time.
Overtime (Sherpa Slots only): If you are assigned more jobs than originally stated, we’ll contact you first. If you agree to take them on, you’ll be compensated for the extra work.
If maximium jobs are alloted to the slot and these jobs take longer and extend the duration of your Slot, you’ll be compensated for the additional time worked. If the jobs go beyond the scheduled Slot duration, you may request unassignment to end the Slot.
How Are Slot Payments Calculated?
Sherpa provides fair and transparent compensation for every Slot.
Your minimum guaranteed payment applies only when all assigned jobs within the Slot are completed.
Payment may be adjusted or withdrawn if:
Deliveries are incomplete, missing, or damaged.
A Slot is unassigned after it has started.
Your Slot payments are displayed in your Payment Summary and RCTI, alongside standard delivery earnings.
1. Cancellations
Sherpa-Initiated Cancellation (within 30 minutes of the Slot start time):
You will be compensated for 30 minutes of the Slot to cover your time and commitment.
Sherpa-Initiated Cancellation (early end):
If Sherpa cancels a Slot early, you will be paid the greater of 50% of the total Slot value or the value up to the actual end time.
2. Late Arrival or Delayed Start
Drivers are expected to arrive on time and begin the Slot as scheduled.
If you arrive late to your first pick-up, the time lost will be deducted from your Slot payment.
Deliveries within a Sherpa Slot that are not completed within standard delivery windows will not qualify for a late rate adjustment.
3. Slot End Time & Job Completion
Your Slot end time is determined by the last job in your bucket.
Sherpa assesses both distance and time required to complete all deliveries.
Your actual completion time is verified using Sherpa’s routing service to ensure fair and accurate compensation.
If your Slot activity shows inefficient time usage (e.g. long idle periods, unnecessary delays), Sherpa may review your performance before confirming payment.
4. Efficiency and Fair Use
Sherpa compensates drivers based on time, effort, and delivery performance.
Maintaining efficient routing, steady progress, and on-time delivery helps ensure you receive your full payment and maintain eligibility for future Slot opportunities.
5. Driver Cancellation During a Slot
If you cancel or withdraw after your Slot has started, your payment will be adjusted according to the work completed:
You will be paid per delivery for completed jobs, calculated at marketplace delivery rates (not the Slot fee).
If you cancel after the Slot has started but do not complete any deliveries, Sherpa will calculate the time you were active and apply a 50% debit to your driver account for that portion of the Slot.
This policy reflects the time and operational impact of mid-Slot cancellations.
Repeated cancellations may limit access to future Slot opportunities.
6. Payments
Your Slot fee payment will be assessed, adjusted, and reflected in your driver account following review.
All Slot earnings and adjustments will appear in your Payment Summary and RCTI.
Example of Payment Summary Including Slot Fees
RCTI
7. Slot unassignment and Penalties
To ensure fair access to Slots and minimise disruptions, Sherpa monitors unassignment and may apply penalties when they occur frequently or too close to the Slot start time.
Unassigning before a Slot starts
Drivers may unassign from a Slot more than 1 hour before the Slot start time without any penalty.
However, repeated unassignments are tracked.
If you unassign from Slots more than 4 times within a 7-day period, you will be temporarily restricted from booking new Slots for the next 7 days.
Unassigning close to Slot start time
You can unassign a Slot within 1 hour of the start time. However, this will affect your access to future Slots.
- A warning will be issued for the first occurrence
- If you unassign 2 slots within 1 hours of the start time in the same week, you may be temporarily restricted from booking Slots
Commitment guidelines for Slot drivers
Here's what you can expect when you book and confirm a Slot:
1. Be ready for the full Slot period.
Once you’ve confirmed your Slot, please stay available and ready to complete jobs throughout the scheduled time.
2. Complete all jobs assigned during your Slot.
Each Slot may include several pickups and deliveries in your area, depending on demand. You’ll need to complete all jobs allocated during that time to qualify for your guaranteed earnings.
Slots are planned on the basis that drivers will complete an average of 3-4 jobs per hour. This delivery rate is used to set Slot duration, routing and job allocation. If delivery progress falls below this expected pace and there is no valid operational reason, your Slot payment may be adjusted and pro-rated to reflect the work completed.
Please note that you cannot request for jobs to be removed, as all allocations are made to support efficient route planning.
At times, you may receive multiple pick-ups ready at the same time. Don’t worry — this won’t affect your late rating as long as you continue progressing through your assigned jobs within the Slot duration.
3. Guaranteed payments apply when all jobs are completed.
Your guaranteed Slot payment covers all assigned jobs during the Slot. If a Slot is cancelled midway or not fully completed, the guarantee may not apply. In such cases, we’ll contact you to discuss the payment.
4. Additional jobs and compensation.
Sometimes, we may ask if you’re interested in taking on more jobs than originally stated to help meet demand.
If this happens, we’ll contact you first. If you agree, you’ll receive additional compensation for the extra work.
5. Let us know early if you can’t make it.
Things happen! If you’re no longer available for your Slot, please unassign yourself as early as possible. Cancelling less than two hours before the start time may affect your future opportunities.
Repeated late cancellations or unassignments may also reduce future Slot invitations and affect your driver rating.
Tips for Mastering Slots and Meeting Expectations
Don't see your question here? Contact Sherpa Support via email at support@sherpa.net.au.