By Police1 Staff
HOUSTON — Police officers remain among the most trusted and respected professions. And one company is tapping into that to hire off-duty officers for instant pickup and delivery services.
PICKUP, a smartphone-friendly mini-moving service, began service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and most recently expanded to Houston. The business allows polcie and other off-duty public service employees earn extra income. Known as “Good Guys,” employees will deliver and move items ranging from couches to cactuses.
“We moved an 8-foot cactus the other day,” PICKUP founder Brenda Stoner told the Houston Culture Map.
When a request is make via the PICKUP app, website or number, the nearest driver will come transport anything that will fit in the truck and is valued at less than $20,000.
“The anti-zoning mentality of Houston, where you’ve got residential, commercial and retail in pockets of the city, seems to be ideal for an on-demand service,” Stoner said, who started the business with her boyfriend and pickup truck.
The minimum charge for service is $45, with additional charges to cover mileage, time spent and even assembly of items. Drivers can earn up to $50 per hour, at least $25 per run and pocket 100 percent of all tips.
“We’ve assembled a lot of bunk beds from IKEA,” Stoner said.
As a single mother, Stoner said that employees must go through 30 different checks to be hired, including phone interviews, in-person interviews, background checks and truck assessments.
She said that military veterans, police and firefighters help streamline the hiring process. “They bring in their own culture; they’re kind, careful and courteous. When they’re looking for part-time work, leveraging that capability is a natural fit.”
PICKUP welcomes both men and women with a pickup truck to apply. “We’re looking for good guys. We’re trying to make living wage opportunities for some of the best guys that are out there.”