Becoming a delivery driver offers the opportunity to make money on your own schedule.
In this article, we’ll explore various delivery apps you can work for and provide tips to help you maximize your income.
We thoroughly tested popular platforms DoorDash, GoPuff, and Instacart to help you understand the real earnings potential and requirements.
Quick Picks: Best Delivery Apps for Different Needs
- Best Overall: DoorDash
- Highest Earning Potential: GoShare
- Most Predictable Income: Amazon Flex
- Best for Grocery Enthusiasts: Instacart
- Best for Large Vehicles: Roadie
- Best for Beginners: Uber Eats
- Best for Retail Delivery: Shipt
- Most Consistent Work: Gopuff
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Best Delivery Driver Apps to Work for
DoorDash
DoorDash is a platform that provides customers with food delivery services from various local restaurants.
Becoming a Dasher and making money delivering food with DoorDash can be among the highest-paying food delivery driver jobs.
We tested DoorDash for 5 hours and here is our test earnings results;
The steps to becoming a Dasher include:
- Sign up to become a Dasher on the company’s website
- Schedule your Dasher orientation meeting at DoorDash office where you’ll do the following:
- Listen to a quick presentation of how the app works
- Sign a tax form
- Pick up DoorDash branded shirt, a prepaid shopping card and insulated bags to deliver hot products.
- Complete sign up by passing the basic background check.
- Get the Dasher app (Android or iOS) and earn money as a delivery driver.
DoorDash allows you to fulfill deliveries using a car, bike, scooter or motorcycle.
Pros:
- Flexible scheduling
- 100% of tips kept
- Instant cash-out
- Free activation kit
Cons:
- High competition in some areas
- Earnings vary by market
DoorDash Summary
- Flexible working hours
- DollarBreak’s test earnings – $115.50 over 5 active hours
- No experience or training required
- Daily payments available
- Special perks and rewards for drivers
- 10% cash back on gas surcharges
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex allows you to earn money by delivering Amazon orders to customers’ doorsteps.
Becoming an Amazon Flex delivery driver is simple:
- Sign up for Amazon Flex driver
- Choose the service area where you’ll pick up and deliver Amazon packages
- Provide tax and payment details
- Download the Amazon Flex app (for Android and iOS) to find the orders
- Get approved and start delivering
As an Amazon Flex delivery driver, you can earn on average $18-25 per hour, meaning that you could earn more than $1,000 weekly.
Pros:
- Scheduled blocks (3-6 hours)
- Extra pay for peak times
- Commercial insurance included
Cons:
- Limited market availability
- Blocks fill up fast
- Must be 21+ years old
Instacart
Instacart is an on-demand grocery delivery platform that offers one of the best delivery driver jobs on the market. As an Instacart delivery driver, your job involves visiting grocery stores to help customers purchase their orders and then delivering them to customers’ addresses.
Here’s how to get a job as a delivery driver for Instacart:
- Sign up as an Instacart full-service shopper on the company’s website
- Download the Shopper app for Android or iOS to complete your sign up and start your background check process
- Pass a background check and get approved
- Fill out the paperwork. You need to sign an independent contractor agreement and W-9 tax form
You can earn on average $1,500 per week as a full-service delivery driver. In addition, you can also keep 100% of all tips you receive. Thus, you can boost your earnings on the platform by providing superb customer service.
Pros:
- Choose batches that fit your preferences
- 100% of tips kept
- Quick payouts
Cons:
- More complex than restaurant delivery
- Can be physically demanding
- Earnings impacted by weather
Instacart Summary
- 2 different types of work available
- Earn up to $10 per full-service order
- Get $10 for each friend you refer
- Work as much or as little as you want
- Choose which batches to accept
- Cash out your earnings in 2 hours
Uber Eats
Uber Eats is a food delivery service provided by Uber. You can join the platform as a delivery driver to earn some extra cash. The platform allows almost anyone to join and start delivering food. In general, most delivery drivers on the platform deliver by car, although you can delivery on foot or on bike in some cities.
Becoming a delivery driver for Uber Eats is relatively simple:
- Sign up as a driver on the company’s website
- Pass a screening process and upload required documents along with your photo
- Get approved and start accepting orders to deliver.
As a delivery driver with Uber Eats, you can earn between $8 to $12 per hour, plus tips.
Pros:
- Work anytime, anywhere
- Fast, weekly payouts
- Easily switch between deliveries and rides
- Constant promotions and surges
Cons:
- High competition during peak hours
- Must maintain rating to access perks
Shipt
Shipt is a US-based on-demand delivery service provider for groceries and household essentials.
To become a delivery driver with Shipt, you will need to:
- Sign up as a Shipt shopper on the company’s website and answer simple questions that will show your communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Submit video responses showing your communication skills and familiarity with Shipt mobile app
- Sign the Shipt Shopper agreement
- Once you get approved, download the Shipt app (for Android and iOS) to start delivering orders
With Shipt, you can earn $22 per hour and keep 100% of customer tips. However, you must be at least 18 and own a 1997 or newer vehicle to become a delivery driver with Shipt. You must also be able to lift at least 40 pounds since some larger orders may require heavy lifting.
Pros:
- Develop rapport with regular customers
- Choose your preferred orders
- Same-day pay for select orders
- Focus on customer service
Cons:
- Stricter scheduling and availability rules
- Physically demanding with large orders
- Need to maintain near-perfect rating
Shipt Summary
- High earnings potential in some areas
- Get a paycheck on a weekly basis
- Start shopping within 5 days of approval
- Easy to apply to become a shopper
GoPuff
GoPuff is a platform that provides delivery services for essential goods like cleaning supplies, groceries, snacks and others on demand. Plus, you can get paid to deliver alcohol.
If you want to become a delivery driver for GoPuff, you need to:
- Sign up and fill out your contact information on the company’s website
- Next, provide detailed information about yourself and pass a basic background check. You should also upload photos of your car and required documents, such as car insurance
- Once the GoPuff recruiters approve your application, they’ll invite you for an onboarding meeting. During this meeting, you’ll listen to a presentation about the company and best practices to increase your earnings. You will also sign the agreement and fill out the tax form
- Download the GoPuff app on your iPhone or Android smartphone, and you can start delivering orders on the platform
Pros:
- Predictable, steady income
- Lower mileage than restaurant delivery
- Employee benefits in select markets
- Easier parking and navigation
Cons:
- Limited shift flexibility
- Must commit to regular hours
- Age requirement of 21+
Gopuff Summary
- Potential to earn up to $15 per hour + tips
- Additional ways to earn extra cash
- Good side hustle even with a full-time job
- Work as much or as little as you want
- Centralized one pickup location
- Scheduled blocks wait time may be paid
GoShare
GoShare connects truck drivers on-demand to people who need help to deliver large items like furniture and home appliances or need help moving. The amount you can earn will vary based on the type of vehicle that you use to carry out deliveries.
| Type of the vehicle | Average earnings per hour |
|---|---|
| Cars, SUVs, Minivans | $45 |
| Standard Pickup Truck | $70 |
| Labor Only | $60 |
| Full-Sized Cargo Van | $105 |
| Box Truck | $168 |
To become a GoShare driver, simply follow the steps below:
- Download the GoShare app on your iPhone or Android phone
- Submit the online application
- Watch the orientation video provided after you sign up
- Pass vehicle inspection
- Pass background check
Pros:
- High base rates for large vehicles
- Unique, high-paying gigs
- Less competition than food delivery
- Can choose the jobs you want
Cons:
- Inconsistent demand
- May require heavy lifting
- Need specific vehicle types
Grubhub
Grubhub allows its customers to order food from their favorite restaurants and have it delivered to their doorsteps. You can also sign up to become a delivery driver with GrubHub to earn some extra cash.
To sign up for food delivery driver jobs with GrubHub, simply:
- Apply online on Grubhub website or using an app (for Android or iOS)
- Pass a criminal background check
- Access onboarding meeting covering the app functionality, scheduling, deliveries, etc.
- Sign the agreement and tax form
- Get car decals, warming bags and more from Grubhub
Delivering with Grubhub you can earn on average $15 per hour.
Roadie
Roadie is an on-demand delivery driver app that connects delivery drivers with people who need to transport a package from one location to another. The platform is designed to help drivers earn extra cash on trips they are already making.
According to the company, you can earn up to $12 for local trips. To maximize your earnings, you can also take on 2 to 3 deliveries per trip heading in the same direction.
Pros:
- Unique, high-value deliveries
- Higher pay for large vehicles
- Multi-stop opportunities
Cons:
- Less consistent work
- Longer trips
- Earnings vary widely
Favor Delivery
Favor Delivery is one of the top food delivery platforms based in the Texas. You can sign up for delivery driver jobs on the platform. Delivery drivers with Favor Delivery are known as Runners.
To become a Runner, simply follow these steps:
- Fill out a Runner application indicating basic information, such as your name and contact info
- Pass a quick background check
- Schedule an orientation meeting, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour. During this orientation, you’ll learn tips and tricks from top-earning runners to start your delivery career on the right path. Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license and direct deposit information with you because you’ll also need to do the paperwork.
- Download the Runner app on your iPhone or Android and start accepting orders.
Favor Delivery pays between $10 to $18 per hour.
How Much Do Delivery Drivers Make a Day?
On average, delivery drivers make $82 – $114 per day. However, this amount may vary depending on the delivery company you partner with.
You can refer to the average pay rates featured in this article to determine how much you can earn by working as a delivery driver.
How to Become a Delivery Driver?
The exact requirements to become a delivery driver will vary based on the specific platform you choose to work with. Nonetheless, some general provisions apply to most delivery driver jobs.
Some of these general requirements include:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Own a vehicle that is insured
- Provide a clear criminal record
- Have an up-to-date iPhone or Android smartphone
Be sure to check with the particular platform for information on their requirements for becoming a delivery driver, as they may vary.
Is It Dangerous to be a Delivery Driver?
The most prominent danger delivery drivers face is road accidents. Especially people who deliver on bikes or mopeds are at risk of getting severe injuries caused by accidents. However, accidents are covered by your insurance.
On occasion, there are more extreme dangers that delivery drivers may experience, like robbery. Nonetheless, it would be best if you were not too concerned about these since they generally don’t occur very frequently.
How to Become The World’s Best Delivery Driver?
Here are some tips to become better at your job as a delivery driver:
- Be friendly and communicate with your customers when necessary. For example, notify them you’ll be late when stuck in traffic.
- Be a safe driver and try to lower your stress while you’re stuck in traffic, not letting road rage take over. Most employers only recruit delivery drivers with clean driving records, so keep them clean.
- Plan your routes efficiently to fulfill as many daily orders as possible.
- Be patient. You will have to wait for restaurants to prepare orders or for your customers to come to the door. Either way, keep calm.
- Be attentive and make sure nothing smooshes, breaks, spills or leaks during transportation.
Which Delivery Jobs Pay The Most?
There are many platforms offering delivery driver jobs. However, regarding which delivery company pays the most to drivers, Peach is a clear winner. Peach offers the highest hourly payout of $30 to $55 per hour. If you work consistently and average 40 hours per week, you can earn between $4,800 to $8,800 monthly.
Nonetheless, Peach may not be available in all US cities. Thus, you may also consider joining a platform like Instacart or DoorDash, which are available in most US cities.
Note that you’re an independent contractor when working with delivery companies. Thus, your total earnings depend on you and might vary based on how many orders you fulfill daily.
What is The Best Food Delivery Service to Work for?
If you are wondering what is the best food delivery service to work for, some of the top options include:
- DoorDash
- Uber Eats
- GrubHub
- Favor Delivery
- GoPuff
Here are the platforms ranked based on the amount you can earn as a delivery driver with them.
| Best Food Delivery Service to Work For | Earning Potential |
|---|---|
| DoorDash | DollarBreak’s test earnings – $115.50 over 5 active hours |
| Uber Eats | Up to $12 per order |
| GrubHub | Up to $15 per hour |
| Favor Delivery | Up to $18 per hour |
| GoPuff | Up to $15 per hour |
How to Become a Food Delivery Driver?
While some food delivery platforms allow you to complete deliveries by bike, most platforms will require access to an insured vehicle and a valid driver’s license. Although most companies will require you to pass a background check, this is often a formality for most people.
Most platforms will also require you to have a smartphone to manage and track your deliveries.
In fact, if you’re super organized, you can even work for multiple platforms, increasing your earning potential. Just be sure not to mix up your orders so that your customer satisfaction ratings don’t decrease.
Secrets to Maximizing Your Earnings
The Multi-App Method
Juggling multiple apps is the key to keeping your earnings high and your downtime low. Here’s the optimal setup:
- Primary Apps: DoorDash, Uber Eats
- These are your bread and butter, offering the most consistent demand
- Secondary Apps: Instacart, Amazon Flex
- Add these to fill in gaps and diversify your earnings
- Wildcard Apps: GoShare, Roadie
- Hop on these for high-value, specialty gigs
Pro Tip: Always keep your primary app running and fit in deliveries from other apps when it makes sense. Watch for opportunities to stack orders going in the same direction.
Master Your Market
Every market has its own quirks and rhythms. Here’s how to optimize for yours:
- Scout Peak Times: Track when demand spikes in your area (usually lunch, dinner, and weekends)
- Learn Your Hotspots: Identify restaurants and neighborhoods that consistently pump out orders
- Avoid Traffic Traps: Take note of congested roads and peak hours to optimize your routes
Gear Up for Success
Having the right equipment can make your shifts smoother and more profitable. Here’s what every driver should have:
- Insulated Bags: Keeps food hot and fresh, leading to better ratings and tips
- Phone Charger: Don’t let a dead battery derail your shift
- Phone Mount: Keeps your hands free and your eyes on the road
- Car Maintenance Kit: Stay prepared for any roadside hiccups
- Water and Snacks: Fuel yourself for long shifts
Setting Yourself Up for Success
Develop a Routine
Consistency is key to thriving in the gig economy. Create a routine that works for you:
- Set a Schedule: Commit to regular hours to build momentum
- Stick to Your Turf: Focus on a few core areas you know well
- Stay Organized: Keep your car clean and your gear ready to go
Master Your Money
As an independent contractor, managing your finances is crucial. Here’s how:
- Track Your Mileage: Use an app like Stride to log miles for tax deductions
- Save for Taxes: Set aside 25-30% of your earnings for Uncle Sam
- Log Your Expenses: Keep receipts for gas, maintenance, and other write-offs
Deliver Amazing Service
In the delivery game, your reputation is everything. Wow your customers with:
- Proactive Communication: Keep them informed on order status and ETA
- Careful Handling: Treat every order like it’s your own
- Friendly Demeanor: A smile and kind word go a long way
Ready to Hit the Road?
Getting started is easy. Just:
- Pick Your Apps
- Complete Sign-up
- Prep Your Vehicle
- Start at Peak Hours
- Grow and Optimize
Remember, every shift is a chance to learn, improve, and earn. Stay positive, stay consistent, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your side hustle can become a thriving gig.
