Enter your search term

Search by title or post keyword

Delivery

Your Definitive Guide to the Delivery Industry

Thanks to app-based services like GrubHub and Uber Eats, opportunities for delivery drivers are exploding. Continue reading to learn more about being a delivery driver in the gig economy.

Title for This Block

Description for this block. Use this space for describing your block. Any text will do. Description for this block. You can use this space for describing your block. Description for this block. Use this space for describing your block. Any text will do. Description for this block. You can use this space for describing your block.


Now that everyone has a smartphone, ordering food and grocery delivery is easier than ever.

To meet the rising demand, countless companies are launching delivery apps to capture a piece of the pie. Some specialize in food delivery, some focus on grocery delivery, and others deliver just about anything.

The prominence of delivery does not only mean increased convenience for customers, but it also means a plethora of new job opportunities for gigworkers.

And with so many options, knowing which service to work for can be tricky.

To clear this up and to help you make the most of these wonderfully convenient services, we’ve put together this guide about the delivery options provided to us by the gig economy.

We hope it will clear up the landscape for you and make it easier for you.

Table of Contents

Group 29

About the Delivery Industry

Group 7

How Much Can You Make?

Group 39

Delivery Driver Requirements

Group 19

How to Sign Up to Deliver

Group 12

How to Maximize Your Earnings

Group 41

Delivery Incentives and Bonuses

Chapter 1

About the Delivery Industry

Learn about the different options available to delivery workers.

As you might expect, the delivery industry is focused on one thing: delivering products to consumers.

Products include food, groceries, beer, packages, or anything else that you can think of. However, every delivery company has a different focus.

Here’s a summary of the different options out there for food delivery drivers. We’ve broken it down into four main categories: food, alcohol, packages, and “everything else.”


Food Delivery

Food delivery is by far the most common type of work in the delivery space. As time goes on, more and more food delivery companies start, leaving customers with more than a handful of options to choose from.

Here are the leading companies that you can work for as a food delivery driver:

  • Grubhub – GrubHub is one of the most prominent players in the food delivery space. They have been around for a long time as an ordering service, and they just recently started hiring they’re own drivers.
  • Uber Eats – Uber Eats is the food delivery branch of Uber (the rideshare company). They’ve snowballed thanks to their massive user base and through partnerships with companies like McDonald’s.
  • DoorDash – Instead of relying on partnerships with restaurants, DoorDash quickly expanded by offering delivery from basically any restaurant.
  • Caviar – Caviar caters to more high-end establishments and aims to provide large catering orders for businesses. The higher price point makes it an excellent option for drivers looking for big tips.
  • Deliveroo – This is a UK-specific app that delivers food from local restaurants.
  • Instacart – Founded by an ex-Amazon employee, Instacart specializes in grocery delivery. They also have an exclusive partnership with Whole Foods which has helped solidify their large footprint.

Alcohol and Marijuana Delivery

Up and coming startups are pushing into alcohol and marijuana delivery like never before, despite the difficulty of legislation.

The two most popular companies in this space are listed below.

  • Drizly – Drizly is the leader in alcohol delivery. Their business model is slightly different from most services since the drivers are actually employees of the liquor store (not the app).

Package Delivery

  • Amazon Flex – To meet the need for 2-day delivery stemming from Prime, Amazon launched Flex. This service relies on contracted employees to deliver packages.

Everything Else

Many of these services will also deliver food to your home from local restaurants, but they also offer additional services.

  • Postmates delivers anything and everything. Couriers receive an order and then go to the store and grab anything you need.
  • Favor is a Texas-based service that delivers just about anything.
  • GoPuff focuses on delivering items you’d typically find in a gas station or pharmacy. They’re different from most services because they have their own warehouse, which speeds up the process.

Chapter 2

How Much Can You Make in the Delivery Industry?

At the end of the day, how much you make as a delivery driver is one of the
most important factors.

That fact that there are so many delivery companies fighting for market share means that people are willing to pay a few extra bucks to have food and other products delivered directly to their doors.

Where does the extra money go?

Of course, some of that money goes to the creators of the apps. But the rest of it goes to the delivery driver.

But how much?

The answer varies from service to service. Here’s a summary of how much you can make working for the various delivery services available today.


As is the case with all delivery jobs, how much you make depends on how often you work, what you deliver, and when you work.

But, to give you a rough idea of what you can expect to earn, here’s a summary of the salaries offered by each service:

  • Uber Eats – Uber Eats drivers report making about $16 per hour. Drivers are paid based on pickup fees, delivery fees, mileage, tips, and “Boosts.”
  • Grubhub – GrubHub drivers make about $12 per hour, not including tips. GrubHub pays a per order rate, plus 50 cents per mile. Learn more about the GrubHub pay structure here.
  • DoorDash – Dashers earn a base rate per delivery (typically around $1), plus a “pay boost.” Check out this article to learn more about how much Dashers make (which seems to be between $15-$25/hour if you include tips).
  • Caviar – Caviar workers can make around $25/hour, but that widely depends on the size of orders, which can vary greatly with this high-end service.
  • InstacartInstacart shopper pay depends on your job (since they hire shoppers and drivers), but the average pay is around $15/hour.
  • Deliveroo – Deliveroo riders (most employees deliver by bike) make around 10£/hour (remember, this is a UK-specific company, for now.)
  • Drizly – Calculating Drizly driver pay is tricky since Drizly doesn’t hire their own drivers. Instead, independent retailers are responsible for finding drivers. Wages are competitive, with some estimates coming in around $12/hour.
  • Amazon Flex – According to Amazon, Flex drivers make between $18 and $25 per hour. This is one of the highest paying and most dependable delivery gigs out there.
  • Postmates – In addition to pick up and drop off rates, Postmates earnings also include a per-minute and per-mile rate, which makes it a favorite among drivers. From what we’ve seen, Postmates wages are comparable to DoorDash and Uber Eats.
  • Favor – Unliked most services, Favor has a guaranteed minimum wage (typically around $9 per hour. In addition to the hourly wage, Favor Runners keep all tips, which brings hourly earnings up to close to $20 per hour.
  • GoPuffGoPuff pays drivers for each shift they work. In addition to the shift rate, drivers also receive extra for each delivery. And like all other services, delivery drivers keep all tips.

Chapter 3

Delivery Driver Requirements

Find out what it takes to become a delivery driver in the gig economy.

Every job in the gig economy has some basic requirements, and delivery work is no different.

In general, the requirements for being a delivery driver aren’t all that strict, but each one has its own expectations.

Below you’ll find a quick summary of what you need to work for each company, as well as links to resources that will tell you more.


Most companies require you to be at least 18 years old. You’ll also need access to reliable transportation (car, bike, scooter, etc,) and own a modern smartphone (so you can review orders on the fly).

Besides those three basic requirements, each company has specific needs.

Uber Eats

The requirements for being an UberEATS driver are similar to those for Uber, but they are slightly more relaxed. To work for UberEATS, you need to:

  • Be 19 years old (18 if you plan to deliver on bike or foot)
  • Have valid insurance
  • Pass a background check
  • Have a current driver’s license and vehicle registration
  • Be able to lift 30 pounds

In addition to driver requirements, there are vehicle requirements for Uber Eats:

  • Vehicles can’t be older than 15 years
  • Your car can’t be dented, damaged, or missing parts
  • You can’t drive a rental vehicle unless it’s rented directly through Uber
  • You must have an insurance policy in your name

Grubhub

GrubHub requirements include:

  • Be 19 years old (21 in Chicago)
  • Have at least two years driving experience
  • Own an iPhone with iOS 8 or higher, or an Android with 4.0 or higher (data plan required)
  • Have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle that is covered by auto insurance
  • Have a checking account
  • Pass a background check

If you’re planning to work for Grubhub without a car, you do not need a driver’s license, but you do need a valid state ID. More information can be found here.

DoorDash

The requirements for DoorDash drivers, or “Dashers,” are:

  • Be at least 18
  • Have access to a motor vehicle or bike
  • Have an insurance policy in your name.
  • Have two years of driving experience
  • Possess a clean driving record
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Own a smartphone
  • Be able to pass a background check.

To learn more, here’s a guide that outlines everything you need to know about what it takes to be a Dasher.

Caviar

To work for Caviar, you must:

  • Be 18 or older
  • Have two years of experience working as a delivery driver
  • Have vehicle insurance
  • Pass a background check
  • Own a smartphone

For more details, here’s a resource that will tell you everything you need to know

Deliveroo

You don’t need much to drive for Deliveroo. The requirements are:

  • Have a car, bike, or scooter, and the necessary safety equipment
  • Own a smartphone with Android or iOS
  • Prove you have the right to work in the UK

Instacart

There are two ways to work for Instacart: as a driver (Full-Service) and as a shopper (In-Store).

To be a Full-Service Shopper, the requirements are:

  • Be at least 18
  • Be able to lift 30–40 pounds, on average, several times per day
  • Be legally allowed to work in the United States
  • Have access to a vehicle at all times
  • Have car insurance
  • Have a smartphone capable of running the Instacart app (iPhone 5 or Android 4.4 or newer)

To be an In-Store Shopper, you need to:

  • Be at least 17 years of age or older
  • Be able to work in the United States legally
  • Have a smartphone capable of running the Instacart app (iPhone 5 or Android 4.4 or newer)
  • Be prepared to lift 30–40 lbs, on average, several times per day

Here’s a more detailed explanation of all the Instacart requirements.

Drizly

To drive for Drizly, you need to meet the following prerequisites:

  • Own a reliable vehicle, preferably a larger vehicle such as a truck or SUV.
  • Have a valid driver’s license.
  • Be able to lift the product in and out of your vehicle

Amazon Flex

If you’re interested in working as an Amazon Flex driver, the requirements are:

  • A valid driver’s license that shows you are 21 or older
  • Social Security number
  • Modern smartphone (Android Phone or iPhone 5 or newer)
  • Proof of auto insurance
  • A mid-sized sedan (a 4-door Honda Civic is mid-sized) or larger – but if it’s a truck you have to have a bed top to protect packages from the weather.
  • Ability to pass a background check

Here’s a resource that will tell you everything you need to know about getting hired as an Amazon Flex driver.

Postmates

The Postmates requirements are pretty simple.

  • Be 18 years old
  • Have a driver’s license
  • Pass a background check
  • Pass a DMV background check

Favor

Working for Favor requires you to:

  • Be at least 18
  • Have a clean record, meaning no prior convictions
  • Own an iPhone or Android phone (who doesn’t at this point?)
  • Have access to reliable transportation, such as a car, bike, or scooter.

GoPuff

The GoPuff driver requirements are:

  • Be 21 or older
  • Have a driver’s license
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Be able to navigate a GPS
  • Be knowledgeable of your local area

Chapter 4

How to Sign Up to be a Delivery Driver

The sign-up process is a bit different for each company, here’s the rundown.

Signing up to be a delivery driver is pretty straightforward. In most cases, you need to fill out an online form, submit some documents (to prove your eligibility), and complete some sort of orientation.

From there, you can start making deliveries!

Here’s what the signup process looks like for the leading delivery companies:


Grubhub

Signing up to drive for Grubhub is pretty straightforward. You need to fill out the application form here, make sure to have your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and bank account information on hand, as you will need to provide this information to complete your application.

DoorDash

Assuming you meet the requirements, applying to come a DoorDash Dasher is easy. Visit their website and make an account using your email address. You’ll then be asked to provide some more information about yourself as well as proof you meet the requirements.

If you still have questions, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Uber Eats

If you’re interested in becoming an Uber Eats driver, you can sign up here. In addition to providing proof you meet the requirements mentioned above, you’ll need to give your personal information, which includes your name, phone number, email, address, etc.

For those already driving for Uber, it’s even easier to get started with Uber Eats. Just sign into your account and scroll to the bottom of the menu where you’ll see a link that says “get more requests by doing delivery.”

Click it, and then you’re all set. The requirements are the same for both, so you don’t need to provide any additional information.

Caviar

To sign up for Caviar, you’ll need to create an account with a valid email address and a password. From there, you will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, phone number, and mailing address. The application process will ask you to detail your experience and also to give your consent for the background check.

Learn more about the Caviar application process here.

Deliveroo

To sign up for Deliveroo, you’ll need to:

  • Provide proof that you meet the requirements
  • Choose where you want to work
  • Give Deliveroo your personal information.
  • Fill out an application, which you can find here.

Instacart

To sign up for Instacart, you can apply here. Like most of the company’s on this list, you’ll need to give your personal information to make an account and get the process started. Depending on your location, you may need to complete an in-person onboarding session.

Learn more about the Instart application and onboarding process.

Drizly

To drive for Drizly, the process is a bit different, mainly because you don’t apply to Drizly but rather directly to the store.

Start by searching for a participating store, and then you can either contact the store directly or look at the Drizly job board to find openings.

Amazon Flex

If you meet the requirements discussed above, download the Amazon Flex app or visit their signup page to check for openings in your area.

You’ll need to approve a background check and also provide your social security number. If there aren’t any openings in your area when you look, you can add yourself to a waiting list so that you know when it’s time to apply.

One of the tricky parts of signing up to be an Amazon Flex driving is downloading the app. For a complete walkthrough, click here.

Postmates

Sign up for Postmates by making an account using your email address. From there, you will need to provide some more personal information, such as your age, address, phone number, etc. Click here to get started.

Favor

Become a Favor driver by filling out this form that requires you to give your name, address, email, and phone number

GoPuff

Working for GoPuff requires you to apply to one of their open positions. They hire based on location, so click here to find out if there are any openings in your area.

Chapter 5

How to Maximize Your Delivery Driver Earnings

Once you sign up and are approved to drive, you now need to understand how
to maximize your time behind the wheel.

If you’re a food delivery driver, the best way to increase your earnings is to drive during peak times. Peak times for food delivery is typically on nights and weekends.

All of the different services we’ve discussed give you the chance to make some extra money, but for those looking to get the most out of your time, consider the following tips for maximizing your earnings:


Grubhub

One of the best ways to to make more money as a GrubHub driver is to take advantage of hourly guarantees. To get the best hourly guarantees, you’ll have to schedule the best delivery blocks. And to schedule the best delivery blocks, you’ll need to receive Premier driver status.

DoorDash

Of the many ways to  make more money as a DoorDash driver, here are some of the most effective:

  • Make use of the “Hotspots” feature to know where the good rates are
  • Deliver during peak times
  • Be willing to work when the weather is terrible (tips and bonuses are higher, and there is less competition for jobs.

Uber Eats

Like Uber, Uber Eats makes use of “Surge Pricing” and “Boost Earnings.” These are percentage multipliers that allow Uber Eats to keep up with increased demand.

The exact amount you’ll earn will depend on the situation, and you can’t do both “Surge” and “Boost” at the same time, but paying attention to when and where they occur will help you earn more driving for Uber Eats.

You can also work to provide excellent service so that you can earn tips from customers, which you get to keep

Caviar

Some Caviar drivers report making as much as $25 per hour, mostly due to great tips. A lot of businesses use Caviar for lunch delivery, so if you live near a large business district, you can make a pretty penny working in these areas during lunch.

Deliveroo

To make more money with Deliveroo, focus on the weekends. According to some sources, riders working on Friday and Saturday night can make up to 21/hour.

Instacart

To make more money working for Instacart, take advantage of their referral program. If you can get people you know to sign up, then you can earn a bonus. Some people may tip you for making deliveries, but this isn’t always the case, so don’t bank on it.

Drizly

There isn’t a great way to increase your Drizly earnings since the company hires you as a regular employee. But being accurate and speedy with each delivery is a reliable way to increase tips.

Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex limits your earning potential by putting caps on how much you can work in a week. As a result, the best ways to maximize your earning are too:

  • Work the most amount of hours possible
  • Work during busy times (Thanksgiving to Christmas, for example)

To get the highest paying tips, learning when new shifts become available and sign up ASAP.

Postmates

Overall, there are lots of ways to maximize your earnings with Postmates, but the best methods are:

  • Stacking your deliveries so that you can do more at once
  • Working during peak hours
  • Capitalizing on bonuses and incentives offered by Postmates.

Favor

You’ll make the most with Favor if you accept every single delivery. According to the company, Runners who accept over 90% of orders earn 15% more per hour.

GoPuff

There aren’t a lot of opportunities to earn more with GoPuff because they only deliver within a 30-minute radius of their warehouses, which means there aren’t chances to do longer deliveries. As a result, tips are going to be the best way to make more than the average hourly rate.

Chapter 6

Delivery Promo Codes [For Drivers and Customers]

Make more money (or save money) with these delivery promo codes.

Almost every delivery company offers some sort of promo code.

For drivers, these promo codes are usually in the form of sign-up bonuses. For customers, delivery promo codes often provide free delivery or discounted orders.

Here’s a rundown of various delivery promo codes, and how to enter them.


Uber Eats

As a customer, you can enter Uber Eats promo codes to get a discount on your first few orders. To enter a promo code, log into the app and in the menu click “Promotions.” Enter your code, and the discount will be applied to your next order. Here’s more info if you need it.

For delivery drivers, you can earn bonuses by getting other drivers to sign up.

Quick Links:

Caviar

If you refer your friends to Caviar, you could be eligible for a discount on your next order, which you can redeem using a promo code provided by Caviar.

To enter a promo and save money on your next order, enter the code when paying for your food. You’ll see a link at the bottom that says “Have a Promo Code?” Click on it and enter the details, and then you’re set to enjoy discounted deliver.

Quick Links:

Grubhub

There are tons of different promo codes for Grubhub users. To enter one, click “Add Promo Code” on the checkout page and type on the details. According to your specific code, the total cost of your order will be reduced.

Quick Link: GrubHub Customer Promo Codes

DoorDash

Promo codes for DoorDash get entered at checkout. Before you confirm your order, enter the details of the code to enjoy the discount.

They also have a delivery driver referral program, just like Uber Eats.

Quick Links:

Deliveroo

Entering a promo code with Deliveroo is easy. After you’ve added items to your cart, and before you click “Pay,” you’ll see a spot where you can enter the code. Put in the details, and then click “Update Total.” Voila! Instant savings.

Quick Link: Deliveroo Customer Promo Code

Instacart

To get a discount on your groceries, enter a promo code by clicking “Credits and Promo Codes” on the menu in either the app or on the website.

Quick Link: Instacart Customer Promo Code

Drizly

Drizly promo codes depend on state laws. If you can use a promo code, you can enter it by clicking the “Enter a Promo Code” link at the bottom of your order summary.

Postmates

Postmates frequently offers promotions to both drivers and customers which you can use to make the most of the service.

For drivers, you can earn a bonus by signing up using a referral code. You sign up the same way as mentioned above, but this way you start out a little bit ahead.

For customers, promos give you access to discounts on the things you buy from Postmates. When you get your hands on one, go into the app and under your account click “Promos and Credits.”

Enter the code, and your account will be credited. The next time you make a purchase, that discount will appear.

Quick Links:

Favor

Promo codes get you discounted deliveries. You enter them after you make a purchase by going into your order details and putting the code in. The discount will be applied and debited to your order total.

GoPuff

We don’t know of a current GoPuff promo code, but we know they’re out there. After you’ve added items to your cart but before you’ve checked out, you will have the option to enter a code. An icon will show up on the corner of the screen when viewing your cart, and when you click it, you’ll be prompted to enter the code details, and then the discount will be subtracted from your total.

Amazon Flex

At the moment, Amazon Flex does not offer promo codes for either drivers or customers.

As you can see, the delivery business is booming. Both consumers and drivers have tons of options to choose from, and each service is doing its part to help make people’s lives easier.

If you think one of these services is for you, then download the app and get started delivering today.