CitizenShipper Driver

How to Become a CitizenShipper Driver

Much like other peer-to-peer platforms, such as Uber or Postmates, CitizenShipper offers everyday drivers the chance to earn.

Sometimes referred to as transporters, CitizenShipper drivers are essentially freelancers who bid on paid shipping opportunities.

To figure out if the gig is right for you, read through the driver requirements and application process below.

Driver Requirements

In order to help shipping customers connect with the most trusted drivers possible, CitizenShipper transporters must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have a valid U.S. driver’s license
• Own a vehicle with cargo space (larger vehicles are eligible for more gigs)
• Have proof of vehicle insurance
• Pay a subscription fee of $24.99 per month (with the first three months free)
• Pass a background check

In order to pass the CitizenShipper background check, you cannot have any:

• Felonies in the last five years
• Violent or theft-related felonies in the past 10 years
• DUI arrests in the past five years
• Outstanding warrants for arrest
• Continuous misdemeanor patterns

If you plan to earn through exotic animal or pet transport services, you’ll also have to register with the USDA, upload your proof of registration to the CitizenShipper platform, and own a vehicle with good climate control.

Most pet owners will also expect you to have an active, related insurance policy, as well.

Any additional certifications you have — for example, if you’re registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) as a professional transporter — can be helpful for landing gigs.

Registering with the DOT is only required if you’re operating a vehicle that weighs over 10,000 pounds or if you’re crossing state borders for shipments on a full-time basis (including shipments outside of the CitizenShipper platform).

Signing Up

If you meet the requirements listed above and are interested in signing up, you can do so by completing the following step-by-step process:

Head to citizenshipper.com/register and check the types of shipments you’re willing and able to complete.

Then, scroll down to enter your first name, last name, email address, and preferred password before tapping “Sign Up Now!”

You’ll automatically be redirected to a page with shipping requests near you.

However, before you can bid on any of these, you’ll need to get verified.

Tap the settings icon on the upper right corner and select “Settings” to continue.

Tap the “Verifications” tab on the left hand column.

Select “Start Security Check” and follow the prompts to verify your phone number and approve a background check.

If you have a USDA registration, you can head back to your “Verifications” section once you’ve completed this process to get your registration verified by CitizenShipper.

As you’re waiting to get fully verified (this may take a few days), you can explore your settings, edit your profile, and update your shipping preferences.

How Much Money Can I Make as a Driver?

CitizenShipper drivers have a considerable amount of control over their own earnings.

You can make bids at whatever price works for you, though many drivers choose to budget 30% to 40% of their bids for expenses.

In addition to offering you a sizable profit for your time, each bid should cover:

• Expected gas expenses
• Expected tolls
• Food and accommodations (for long-distance trips)
• A portion of your monthly car insurance, vehicle maintenance, and CitizenShipper subscription expenses

Landing gigs is easier in the beginning if you’re willing to bid lower, but as you start getting great ratings and reviews, you can expect to make an average of $8,000 to $10,000 per month when you complete 15-20 shipments.

Once you have some experience, you should be able to make approximately 50 cents per mile — or even up to $5 per mile if you stack multiple shipments in one trip using free tools on the platform.