Someone recently made a comment my youtube channel Asking for more information about pay to drive. This industry covers a few different opportunities, primarily ride sharing, which is basically chauffeuring passengers around town, and delivery jobs where you get paid to deliver food, packages and even drinks.
Delivery service apps have become so popular in recent years because they eliminate the need for strangers to get into your car. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco have had delivery services for years, while smaller towns and cities are beginning to see their availability of online food delivery grow. While I’ve covered individual opportunities like DoorDash in the past, I haven’t talked much about the industry as a whole.
Today, we’re talking about some great “pay to drive apps,” starting with those deliveries and moving on to some great rideshare opportunities (the more eggs the merrier here!) you’re familiar with like Uber (and Uber Eats) and Lyft. Will see the gig but also get some new opportunities.
Why are delivery job apps so attractive?
If you’re thinking about becoming a delivery driver, your motivations are probably the same as many others out there. Mainly, you’re looking for a side gig with a lot of flexibility (although there are some that do this full-time).
Most delivery job apps allow people to log in and work whenever they want. You won’t be held back by a predetermined schedule. If you don’t feel like working out this week, you don’t have to. If you can work all week, you can. If your Saturday night plans get canceled at the last minute, you can make some money instead. Need to come up with some quick cash? Go to work. You’re in the driver’s seat – pun intended.
The sign-on and activation process is also quite painful. My husband went through the process for a lift a year or two ago and it only took a few days before he was ready to start making money.
What are the general requirements?
Although we’re covering several jobs and apps today, most will have the same basic basic requirements to become a driver:
- Minimum age which may vary
- A reliable, late model car (Note: elevator A program is available to help you get into a wheelless vehicle without having to worry about the mileage restrictions that come with a lease. Some apps also allow delivery by bike or scooter.)
- Complete a background check
- Valid US driver’s license
Earn money by delivering food
GrabHub
GrubHub is a popular food delivery app. The company’s website says their platform receives more orders than any other and is available in dozens of cities across the U.S. They’ve partnered with Seamless, so you can deliver those food orders, too.
The company encourages GrubHub drivers to sign up for incentivized blocks when they’re available although I’ve heard it’s not required. Log in and work when you want.
There are no pay rates available on the site and I’ve read at least one review that says incentives are almost non-existent. That being said, tips are encouraged during the ordering process and drivers keep them 100%.
You’ll need a driver’s license (state ID if you ride a bicycle), car insurance and a bank account to receive payment.
UberEats
UberEats is a food delivery service under Uber. Delivery gigs are available in many cities across North America and beyond.
Depending on your location, you may be able to deliver with your car, bike or scooter. You set your schedule and work as much or as little as you want.
Doordash
DoorDash is another food delivery app that allows drivers to not only use a car for delivery but also motorcycles, scooters, bikes, and even on foot in some markets. Doordash drivers must be 18 or older, have no major violations on their driving record, and less than three “incidents” in the past 3 years. A background check is also required.
The app is currently available in several major US cities. My research reveals that rates and order loads can vary greatly from city to city. This app is another one that encourages customers to tip generously during their order process, which can offset lower delivery rates in some locations.
Caviar
Caviar has been around since 2012. It’s still pretty small though. It’s only available in about a dozen cities.
You are paid a per-delivery fee and 100% customer tips. The site says you can earn up to $25 per hour but most of the reviews I’ve read don’t seem to support order loads.
Postmate
I’ve heard really good things about Postmate. Postmate is more than a grocery delivery service. You can pick up and deliver alcohol, food, groceries and more. You can work flexible hours anytime in any Postmate market. I’ve also heard of some really great customer tips that come through this app. It pays a little differently in that you are paid based on wait time and mileage. The blitz price multiplier also kicks in during peak orders.
On the downside, while some customers tip generously, some don’t because the app doesn’t ask for it until the order is delivered. There is also minimal support offered by the company so it may not be the best option for new drivers who may need assistance.
More jobs like GrubHub
- OrderUp/Groupon to Go
- Tapingo (distributed on college campuses)
- Saucy (alcohol delivery)
- the waiter
Get paid for delivered groceries
Roddy
This delivery platform allows customers to ship almost anything, including their pets! And, they can ship almost anywhere within the United States
Delivery rates are determined by the size of the item and the distance it is being shipped. According to the website at the time of publishing this post, drivers can earn up to $60 for local deliveries and up to $650 for long-distance trips. Once you become a roadie driver you will also have access to special driver discounts on food, hire and repairs.
Drivers must be 18 years of age or older, have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance, and be able to pass a background check. Once hired you must maintain 4-star review status.
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex drivers are helping Amazon deliver same-day deliveries. According to the site, drivers can set their own schedule and earn $18 to $25 an hour.
I hear it can be a pretty stressful gig. Unlike traditional delivery services, some recent reviews say you don’t know how far you’re driving for a delivery until you pick up the packages. From what I understand, you choose blocks of time based on your availability and the packages and routes within that block are already assembled by Amazon and ready to go. You can’t choose delivery like many similar apps. And you won’t know what deliveries are in the block until you pick up the packages.
Flex is currently available in more than 50 cities. If you are not covered yet, you can get on the waiting list.
Jobs like Amazon Flex
Pay to drive passengers
Uber and elevator Today’s most popular and accessible rideshare app. They work in the same way. You can log in and drive whenever you want. You get paid per ride and can also get tips. On occasion, incentives may be available during peak hours.
Cut your teeth on these two. There is a lot of support available within this community and from company employees.
If you like ridesharing, you can find some more unique opportunities:
HopSkipDrive
This service provides transportation for children. As you might expect, the requirements are a little more stringent:
- 23 years of age or older
- 4-door vehicle, 2008 or newer
- Clear background check
- Proof of insurance
- Good driving record
- 5+ years of childcare experience
The site currently says drivers can earn $30 an hour. Once accepted as a driver, you can choose rides that work with your schedule and location. Each ride is assigned a flat rate so you know ahead of time how much you’ll earn. You can also earn bonuses for recruiting families using HopSkipDrive.
More jobs like Uber
Things to keep in mind when becoming a rideshare and/or delivery driver
You are responsible for most of the costs While working as a delivery driver. These include gas, insurance, and vehicle maintenance and repair. Conversely, you can deduct the mileage you drive while making rides and/or deliveries. Talk to your tax preparer for more information about taking this deduction. And you can use a tool like QuickBooks Self-Employed to help you keep track of your income and expenses.
In most cases there is no guaranteed hourly rate. If you log in and there are no deliveries or rides available, you won’t earn anything. Many drivers also complain that the per-ride or per-delivery rates are really low in many cases.
There are some exceptions to this, such as working for a company that hires employees as opposed to independent contractors or working for a company that offers a guaranteed minimum during peak times, but there are generally drawbacks as well. Working as an employee usually means giving up some of the freedom and flexibility you’re after.
Combining driving gigs can increase your earnings. Some companies encourage it. And many experienced drivers certainly encourage it. This can help you pick and choose Order the most profitable in your area.
Some companies may have you meet an experienced driver before taking your first ride or delivery. This is a good opportunity to ask an experienced driver questions and get some essential tips to make your new gig life more profitable and enjoyable.
No Comments
Leave a comment Cancel