Common questions from individual drivers getting started on Bikum.
When does my 180-day free trial start?
The 180-day free trial starts from the day you add your truck in the app — not from the day you create your account. This means you can register your account today and add your truck whenever you're ready, and the trial countdown only begins from that truck addition date. During the 180 days, you have full access to receive loads, submit quotes, and use GPS tracking with no payment required.
When is my account fully active and eligible to receive loads?
Your account is not fully active just by registering. You become eligible to receive loads and shipper requests only after completing your truck registration — including uploading the vehicle registration card, filling in the traffic file number, and having your truck details saved in the system. Until the truck is added, you will not appear on the Bikum map and cannot receive any load requests or shipper calls.
Do I need to add bank details before I can receive loads?
Bank details are not required to receive loads or appear on the map. However, when you submit a quote without bank details on file, you will see a warning message reminding you to add them. Completed delivery payments cannot be transferred to you without bank details. We strongly recommend adding them as soon as possible to avoid any delay in receiving your earnings.
What is the commission rate for individual drivers?
Individual drivers pay a flat 10% platform fee on all completed loads. This is deducted automatically before the payment is released to your bank account. For example, if a shipper pays 1,000 AED for a load, Bikum deducts 100 AED and you receive 900 AED. Always factor this into your quotes — if you want to earn 900 AED net, quote 1,000 AED to the shipper.
Why should I enable location tracking always and in the background?
Enabling background location is critical for receiving loads. When background location is active, shippers can see your truck's real-time position on the map and send you load requests even when you are not actively using the app. Without it, your truck will not appear on the shipper's map and you will miss nearby load opportunities. You are prompted to enable this permission during app setup. Keep it enabled at all times while on duty — you can disable it when you are not working.
What if I entered an incorrect traffic file number during truck registration?
If you entered the wrong traffic file number, don't worry — you can update your truck details from the app after registration. Go to your truck profile and edit the traffic file number. If the corrected number matches a carrier company registered on Bikum, the system will automatically link you to that company and update your account type from Individual to Company driver. If no match is found, you remain as an independent driver.
Can I sign up using my Google or Apple account?
Yes. On Android devices you can sign up and log in using your Google account. On iOS devices you can use your Apple account. Both options are available on the sign-up screen as an alternative to creating an account with your email and password.
Who manages my subscription renewal as an individual driver?
As an individual driver, you are responsible for managing and renewing your own subscription. Unlike company drivers whose carrier company can renew their subscription from the portal, you renew directly through the Bikum mobile app before your current subscription period ends. Make sure to renew before expiry to avoid any interruption to your access on the platform.
Can I later join a carrier company after registering as an individual driver?
Yes. If you later decide to operate under a carrier company registered on Bikum, you can update your truck details and enter the company's traffic file number. Once the correct number is saved, the system will automatically link you to that company and change your account type to Company driver. Your commission rate will then shift from the individual 10% flat rate to the company's lower tiered rates (8%, 6%, 5%) and payments will go to the company's bank account instead of yours.
How do I cancel my subscription?
Individual Truck Drivers: Drivers can submit a cancellation request from the My Profile screen in the Bikum app. Please note there is no refund on paid subscription fees. Once cancelled, your subscription remains active until the end of your current validity period — you will not be charged again after that. If you change your mind, you can resume your subscription at any time within the remaining validity period at no extra cost. Once the validity period ends, resuming access will require paying the standard subscription fee based on your chosen package (600 AED / 180 days or 1,000 AED / 360 days).
In all cases, subscriptions are never auto-renewed. When your validity period ends, your account will not be renewed unless you actively pay for a new subscription period.