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.
Below is a list of the different resources we’ve created to help YOU.
About the Delivery Industry
How Much Can You Make?
Delivery Driver Requirements
How to Sign Up to Deliver
How to Maximize Your Earnings
Delivery Incentives and Bonuses
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.
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. 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 Delivery
- 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?
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.
- Instacart – Instacart 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.
- GoPuff – GoPuff 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
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 5
How to Maximize Your Delivery Driver Earnings
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 6
Delivery Promo Codes [For Drivers and Customers]
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the folks behind TeachMeDelivery.com?
ANSWER
Our website survives off of contributions, ad revenue, and affiliate partnerships. While this provides some income, the majority of our income is reinvested back into our website to help more people.
How accurate is the information on this website?
ANSWER
Though we don’t have many on our staff, we do everything we can to make sure the data on our website is accurate and current. It may not be 100% perfect all the time, but it’s the best resource out there.
How does this website make money to survive?
ANSWER
Our website survives off of contributions, ad revenue, and affiliate partnerships. While this provides some income, the majority of our income is reinvested back into our website to help more people.