In today’s fast-paced gig economy, delivery driving for platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats has become a popular way to earn money with flexibility. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time gig, delivering food or groceries using your car, bike, or scooter can be an accessible option. But is it worth it? Let’s dive into what it means to be a delivery driver, the earning potential, requirements, where to apply, tips for success, and the pros and cons of this job.
What Does a Delivery Driver Do?
As a delivery driver for services like DoorDash or Uber Eats, your primary role is to pick up food or grocery orders from restaurants, stores, or warehouses and deliver them to customers. You’ll use your own vehicle—whether it’s a car, bike, or scooter—navigate through your city, and ensure timely deliveries. The job is managed through a smartphone app, which provides order details, navigation, and customer communication.
This role appeals to those who enjoy working independently, exploring their city, and interacting with people (albeit briefly). It’s a straightforward job: accept an order, pick it up, and drop it off. But there’s more to consider before jumping in.
Earning Potential: What Can You Make?
The earning potential for delivery drivers typically ranges from $10 to $25 per hour, depending on several factors:
- Location: Urban areas with high demand often yield higher earnings due to more orders and shorter delivery distances.
- Tips: Customer tips can significantly boost your income, especially for fast and friendly service. Tips accounted for 53.4% of food delivery drivers’ earnings in 2024, according to a Gridwise report.
- Time of Day: Peak hours (lunch and dinner rushes) tend to offer more orders and better pay.
- Platform: Each service (DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.) has its own pay structure, which may include base pay, bonuses, and incentives. For example, Uber Eats drivers average $24.68 per hour, while DoorDash drivers average $18.93 per hour, including tips and bonuses.
However, earnings are not guaranteed and can vary day to day. Some drivers report making closer to the higher end in busy markets, while others in quieter areas may earn less.
Requirements: What Do You Need to Start?
Getting started as a delivery driver is relatively simple, with minimal barriers to entry:
- Vehicle: Depending on the platform and market, you can use a car, bike, or scooter. Some cities even allow walking deliveries.
- Driver’s License: Required for car-based deliveries, along with auto insurance. Bike or scooter drivers may not need a license in some cases.
- Smartphone: A reliable smartphone is essential to access the delivery app, accept orders, and navigate routes.
- Background Check: Most platforms require a background check to ensure safety and reliability. This process typically takes 3-5 days and includes a review of your driving record and criminal history.
The signup process is quick, often allowing you to start working within days after approval.
Where to Apply
Ready to get started? Here are the primary platforms to apply for delivery driver positions, along with their application links:
- DoorDash: Sign up through the DoorDash website or app. Visit Dasher Central to create an account, submit your details, and complete the background check. DoorDash holds over 65% of the U.S. food delivery market, making it a top choice for consistent orders.
- Uber Eats: Apply via the Uber website or Driver app. Go to Uber Eats Driver Signup to register, upload required documents (driver’s license, insurance, and a photo), and start delivering after approval. Uber Eats operates in over 500 cities in the U.S.
- Grubhub: Join by visiting Grubhub for Drivers to apply and start delivering food in your city. Grubhub offers block scheduling to secure delivery times and boost earnings.
- Instacart: For grocery delivery, apply at Instacart Shopper. This is ideal if you prefer shopping and delivering groceries. Instacart drivers can earn up to $26 per hour in some markets.
- Shipt: Another grocery delivery option; sign up at Shipt Shopper. Shipt offers a base pay of $5 per order plus 7.5% of the order total, with potential earnings of $22 per hour after 100 deliveries.
- Roadie: For a variety of delivery types, including same-day and long-distance, apply at Roadie Driver. Roadie is ideal for drivers looking to deliver packages beyond food.
- Amazon Flex: For package delivery, sign up at Amazon Flex. This platform offers transparent pay and block scheduling for consistent earnings.
You can apply to multiple platforms to maximize order opportunities. Many drivers work for more than one service to increase earnings by keeping both apps open. For example, combining DoorDash with Uber Eats can help you toggle between high-demand orders.
Resources for Delivery Drivers
To succeed as a delivery driver, leverage these resources for tips, community support, and tools:
- Gridwise: A free app to track earnings, expenses, and mileage across multiple platforms. It also provides insights on peak delivery times and high-demand areas. Available at Gridwise.
- Para App: Helps drivers preview order details, including tips, before accepting. This is especially useful for DoorDash drivers to avoid low-paying orders. Download at Para.
- The Rideshare Guy: YouTube channel offering expert advice on delivery apps, including pay structures and strategies. Visit The Rideshare Guy or check their YouTube channel for videos like “How to Maximize Your Earnings as a Delivery Driver.”
- Reddit Communities: Join r/couriersofreddit or r/DoorDash_Drivers for driver tips, experiences, and advice. These forums are great for learning from peers about local markets and app updates.
- YouTube Video Resource: Watch “DoorDash Driver Tips” by a popular YouTuber with over 219,000 subscribers. This video covers strategies like choosing high-value orders, managing gas costs, and staying safe. Watch here The Rideshare Guy.
Tips for Success as a Delivery Driver
To maximize your earnings and efficiency, consider these strategies from experienced drivers and industry insights:
- Work During Peak Hours: Deliver during lunch (11 AM–2 PM) and dinner (5 PM–9 PM) rushes, as these times often have higher order volumes and better pay due to promotions like DoorDash’s Peak Pay or Uber Eats’ Boost and Surge.
- Choose High-Value Orders: Use apps like Para to preview order details, including tips, before accepting. This helps avoid low-paying deliveries. DoorDash drivers need a 70% acceptance rate for Top Dasher status, but prioritize profitable orders over maintaining a high rate.
- Multi-App Strategy: Sign up for multiple platforms (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) to ensure a steady flow of orders. Switch apps during downtime to avoid waiting.
- Optimize Routes: Use navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps to find the fastest routes. Uber Eats provides real-time navigation alerts for roadwork or accidents to save time.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular maintenance (e.g., oil changes, tire checks) reduces repair costs by up to 30% and keeps your vehicle reliable. Track mileage with apps like TripLog for tax deductions.
- Provide Excellent Service: A friendly demeanor and proactive communication (e.g., updating customers on delays) can boost tips and ratings. Aim for a 4.9/5 rating to maintain access to orders.
- Maximize Tax Deductions: As an independent contractor, track expenses like gas, maintenance, and phone costs. Apps like Gridwise can help analyze earnings and expenses for tax season.
- Stay Safe: Use safety features like Uber’s GPS tracking and emergency assistance button. Opt for contactless delivery when requested to reduce contact.
Pros of Being a Delivery Driver
This gig comes with several advantages that make it appealing:
- Flexible Hours: You choose when and how long to work, making it ideal for students, parents, or anyone with a busy schedule.
- Fast Start: Unlike traditional jobs, you can often begin delivering within days of signing up.
- Independence: Work on your own terms without a boss hovering over you.
- Explore Your City: If you love driving or biking around, this job lets you see new places and stay active.
Cons to Consider
While the flexibility is great, there are downsides to keep in mind:
- Wear on Vehicle: Using your car means added maintenance costs, such as gas, oil changes, and repairs, which can eat into your earnings.
- Variable Income: Earnings depend on factors like demand, tips, and time worked, leading to unpredictable paychecks.
- Physical Demands: Long hours on the road or biking can be tiring, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic. You may need to lift packages up to 30 lbs or climb stairs.
- Lack of Benefits: As an independent contractor, you won’t get health insurance, paid time off, or other employee perks.
Is Delivery Driving Right for You?
Becoming a delivery driver can be a fantastic way to earn money if you value flexibility and don’t mind the hustle. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy driving or biking, have a reliable vehicle, and are comfortable with variable income. However, it’s important to weigh the costs—both financial (vehicle maintenance) and personal (time and energy)—before diving in.
To get started, apply through the platforms listed above, ensure your vehicle is in good shape, and use the resources and tips provided to maximize your earnings. With the right approach, this gig can be a rewarding way to earn a living or supplement your income.
Ready to hit the road? Research the platforms available in your area, compare their pay structures, and take the first step toward becoming a delivery driver today!
