Best Delivery Service to Work For

There are many reasons you might want to consider working for a food delivery service. They can be a great way to earn extra income or even a full-time job. And with the growth of online shopping, there is an increasing demand for delivery services.

But, not all delivery services are created equal. Some pay better than others, some offer more flexible hours, and some have better employee benefits. So, how do you know which delivery service is the best to work for? To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best delivery services to work for in 2020. These companies are worth considering whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or a full-time job.

DoorDash

Quick History:

• DoorDash is a food delivery service founded in 2013 by Stanford students Andrew Cheng, Stanley Tang, and Tony Xu.
• DoorDash is based in San Francisco, California.
• DoorDash partners with restaurants in over 4,000 United States and Canadian cities.
• DoorDash has raised over $1 billion in funding and is valued at $12.6 billion as of 2019.

Popularity

DoorDash is a popular food delivery service due to its ease of use and wide selection of restaurants.

DoorDash is also one of the few food delivery services that offer 24/7 delivery, making it an ideal option for those who crave late-night snacks or have busy schedules.

In addition, the app frequently offers discounts and promotions, saving users money on their food orders.

Requirements To Sign Up For DoorDash

• Must be 18 years old or older
• Access to a car, scooter, or bike in some markets
• A valid driver’s license number
• Auto insurance

How DoorDash Drivers Are Paid

DoorDash drivers are paid using the Dasher Pay Model, a complex system that considers various factors, including the time of day, the distance of the delivery, and whether or not the customer tips.

Drivers receive a base pay rate for each delivery and a per-mile rate. In addition, they may also receive bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries in a given period of time.

The Dasher Pay Model was designed to give drivers a guaranteed minimum hourly wage, and drivers have widely praised it for its fairness.

Paid Hourly Average

DoorDash drivers make an average of $23 per hour.

Actual earnings may differ depending on various factors such as the number of deliveries completed, the time of day, the region, and costs.

Hourly pay is calculated based on average Dasher payments during a delivery (from when you take an order to when you drop it off) over 90 days. It includes compensation for peak pay, tips, and other bonuses.

Pros and Cons of Being a DoorDash Driver

Pros:

There are several driver bonuses for DoorDash, including Peak Pay (higher pay when you drive during peak hours) and Challenges (completing a certain number of deliveries in a set amount of time).

DoorDash features several advantages for its drivers, or “Dashers.” First, Dashers have the option to decline or accept orders, so they can choose to take only the deliveries they want. Second, Dashers may bring along another person while making deliveries, making the job more enjoyable.

Finally, DoorDash has a default tip amount of 15%, so Dashers consistently earn a fair wage for their work.

Cons:

You must plan your hours ahead of time, which means you can’t just sign on to the app and start driving if you find yourself with a few extra hours to spare.

One of the biggest problems is that work is entirely dependent on demand. If no orders come in, you won’t make any money. Additionally, driving expenses can quickly add up, especially if you’re using your own car or gas.

And finally, driver support is only available via chat, so if you have an issue or need help, you may be waiting a while.

Instacart

Quick History:

• Instacart was Created by Apoorva Mehta, Brandon Leonardo, and Max Mullen In 2013.
• Instacart is based in San Francisco, California.
• Instacart is available in more than 5,000 cities across the United States and Canada, and it’s revolutionized the way people grocery shop.

Popularity

For food delivery services, Instacart is a popular choice for many reasons. One of the most significant advantages of using Instacart is you can generally expect your delivery to arrive within an hour or less.

In addition, Instacart offers a wide selection of restaurants and grocery stores to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to your liking. Another big selling point is that Instacart lets you track your order in real time, so you always know exactly when it will be delivered. And if there are any changes or delays, you will be immediately notified.

Finally, Instacart provides an excellent customer service experience, and its drivers are always professional and courteous. All these factors combine to make Instacart popular among food delivery services.

Requirements to Be a Shopper for Instacart

• Have access to a car, valid driver’s license, and car insurance
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Able to lift 50 lbs

Instacart shoppers are paid based on the size and complexity of the order and how busy the app is. Shoppers now indicate their anticipated earnings before deciding whether to accept a given order.

How Instacart Shoppers Are Paid

Shoppers who use the in-store or full-service payment methods are paid weekly via direct deposit to a checking or savings account.

Full-service customers can access their earnings more quickly by using Instant Cashout, which is an immediate transfer to a debit card.

After completing five batches, you may use Instant Cashout for the first time.

Paid Hourly Average

Instacart In-Store and Full-service Shoppers average between $13 and $17 per hour.

Pros & Cons of Being a Shopper For Instacart

Pros:

Being an Instacart shopper has a lot of pros. For one, the hours are extremely flexible. You can work as little or as much as you want, and there is no minimum number of hours required.

You can also choose two types of work: in-store shopping or full-service shopping. In-store shopping is excellent for people who want to work at their own pace, while full-service shopping is perfect for people who want to earn a higher wage.

And the best part is that you get paid quickly! Instacart shoppers are typically paid within a few days, which is much faster than most other companies. So if you’re looking for a flexible job with good pay, Instacart is worth considering.

Cons:

Being an Instacart shopper also has a few cons. For one, you may need additional insurance to cover your vehicle while shopping for someone else. You’re also responsible for your own driver expenses, like fuel and tolls.

And finally, orders aren’t always guaranteed. Sometimes a customer will cancel an order or change their mind about what they want, and you’ll be left without a delivery to make.

But overall, the pros of being an Instacart shopper outweigh the cons. It’s a great way to earn extra money, and you get to choose your own hours.

Shipt

Quick History:

• Shipt is a membership-based grocery delivery service that was founded in 2014.
• Shipt is based in Birmingham, Alabama, and currently delivers to over 260 cities across the United States.
• Shipt offers same-day delivery on orders placed before 1 pm.
• Shipt partners with major retailers like Target and CVS and local grocery stores to provide convenient delivery options for its customers.
• Shipt also offers a subscription service that provides access to exclusive deals and discounts.

Popularity

Since its launch in 2014, Shipt has become one of the most popular grocery delivery services in the United States.

The company partners with local retailers to deliver groceries directly to customers’ homes, offering a wide range of convenient features that have made it a hit with busy consumers.

For example, Shipt allows customers to shop online or through its mobile app, offering same-day delivery for orders placed before 1 p.m. In addition, customers can choose from a wide variety of grocery items, including fresh produce, household essentials, and even alcohol.

Requirements Needed To Be A Shipt Shopper

• Must be 18 years old or older
• Have a valid driver’s license and insurance
• Have a reliable vehicle – a 1997 model or newer
• Capable of lifting 40 lbs or more
• Have insulated cooler bags

Shipt allows its users to place more than one order at a time, allowing the drivers to use the time they have to fill multiple orders and earn higher pay.

Shipt’s pay structure was modified in the fall of 2020, and some drivers have reported lower compensation due to the new pay model being considerably more complex.

How Shipt Drivers Get Paid

Shipt shoppers choose between having their earnings deposited weekly every Monday morning or with an instant cashout available up to five times a day for a charge of about 49 cents each cashout. Shipt pays using direct deposit.

Paid Hourly Average

Shipt shoppers can expect to make between $15 to $20 an hour.

Pros and Cons of Being a Shipt Shopper

Pros:

Being a Shipt shopper has tons of benefits. First, the sign-up process is super easy–it only takes a few minutes to fill out the online form.

Second, you can work whenever you want– there are no set hours, so you can fit the job around your schedule.

Third, every shopper comes with a free Shipt membership, so you don’t have to pay anything to start working.

And fourth, customers can request you for future orders, so you can build up a stable of regulars who always choose you as their shopper.

Cons:

You can’t see the entire order in advance.

No instant payouts.

Finally, tips vary widely, so you never really know how much you will make on each job.

Uber Eats

Quick History:

• Uber Eats is a food delivery app created in 2014 by Uber.
• Uber Eats is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.
• Uber Eats generated $8.3 billion in revenue in 2021.

Popularity

Uber Eats has become one of the most popular food delivery apps. There are a few reasons for this.

First, Uber Eats offers a wide selection of restaurants, making it easy to find something to your taste.

Second, the app is easy to use and quick to place an order.

Third, Uber Eats delivers relatively fast, so you don’t have to wait long for your food.

And fourth, the prices are generally reasonable. All of these factors have contributed to the app’s growing popularity.

Requirements for Becoming An Uber Eats Driver

• Meet the minimum age to drive in your city/state
• Have at least one year of licensed driving experience (if you’re under 23 years old, you need three years of driving experience)
• A valid U.S. driver’s license
• Eligible vehicle
• Provide proof of residency in your city or state
• Have vehicle insurance

Every delivery made via Uber Eats is compensated with a base fee, which covers the cost of pick-up and drop-off and travel time. The business has also introduced a new earnings component (called a trip supplement) to compensate for time and distance.

How Uber Eats Drivers Get Paid

Payments are made every week to your linked direct deposit account. You may also use Instant Pay, which allows you to transfer your earnings to a debit card up to five times per day. The “Earnings” tab in the app allows you to see your earnings anytime.

Paid Hourly Average

Uber Eats drivers earned, on average, $9.37 per trip and $15.84 per hour in 2022.

Your earnings as an Uber Eats driver can vary greatly depending on where you live, the amount of time you spend driving, and the number of deliveries you make.

Pros and Cons of Being An Uber Eats Driver

Pros:

The Uber Eats platform integrates well with the Uber app, so if you’re interested in rideshare driving, it’s easy to switch between the two. Additionally, as long as you’re not driving for Uber simultaneously, Uber Eats drivers can have someone else in the car while they deliver.

Finally, Uber Eats offers incentives for drivers to earn more, like Quest (reaching specific trip goals), Boost (multipliers during busy times), and elevated pricing during busy times.

Cons:

Uber has been known to change its driver pay rates regularly, which can be confusing and frustrating.

Secondly, Quest is an incentive program that is being phased out in some cities, so you may not be able to earn as much money as you initially hoped.

Finally, compared to some other food delivery businesses, Uber Eats tends to pay less to its drivers overall.

GrubHub

Quick History:

• GrubHub was started in 2004 by Matt Maloney and Mike Evans.
• GrubHub is the largest online food ordering platform in the United States, with more than 14 million active users.
• GrubHub serves more than 4,000 U.S. cities with more than 225,000 restaurants.
• GrubHub Headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois.

Popularity

GrubHub is the largest online food ordering platform in the United States. It connects diners with local restaurants, making ordering food from the comfort of home easy.

In 2019, GrubHub processed $15.6 billion worth of orders, representing a 35% year-over-year increase. The company attributes its success to its expansive network of restaurant partners and its user-friendly ordering interface. Moreover, GrubHub has invested heavily in marketing and advertising, which has helped raise brand awareness and drive customer acquisition.

In recent years, the company has expanded into new markets such as grocery delivery and alcohol delivery.

Requirements for Becoming a GrubHub Driver

• Be at least 19 years old or at least 21 in Chicago and Las Vegas
• Have a valid driver’s license and car insurance
• Own or have access to a mobile phone

How GrubHub Drivers Get Paid

GrubHub pays its drivers by direct deposit into their bank account every Thursday.

They also have Instant Cash Out, where you can cash out to your bank account.

Free for Chase Ban customers and $0.50 each for other bank customers. Or, cash out directly to your debit card for $050 per transaction.

Paid Hourly Average

GrubHub Drivers average $12-$15/hour.

Pros and Cons of Being a GrubHub Driver

Pros:

The app provides detailed information about each order, so you know exactly what to expect.

The default tips are set at a generous 15%, and you can always increase this amount if you feel inclined.

Perhaps best of all, GrubHub has live phone-based support for delivery drivers in the U.S., so help is always just a phone call away.

Cons:

GrubHub drivers are not as heavily incentivized as drivers for other restaurant-based delivery services.

GrubHub requires drivers to sign up for specific delivery locations, limiting their freedom and flexibility.

Amazon Flex

Quick History:

• Amazon Flex delivery was started in 2015.
• Amazon Flex is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.
• Amazon Flex outsources deliveries for Amazon Prime and restaurant delivery partners.

Popularity

Amazon Flex is a program that allows people to deliver packages for Amazon as independent contractors.

The program is popular for several reasons. First, it offers a flexible schedule, allowing people to choose when they want to work.

Second, it pays well – contractors can earn up to $25 an hour, one of the highest-paying delivery services available.

Requirements for Becoming 

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Drive a mid-size or larger vehicle
• Have auto insurance

How Amazon Flex Drivers Get Paid

Amazon Flex processes payments on Tuesdays and Fridays to your bank account by direct deposit.

You should see the deposits within 24 hours, barring any bank holidays.

Paid Hourly Average

Amazon Flex drivers earn an average of $18-$25 per hour.

Pros and Cons of Being

Pros:

Amazon Flex is a great way to earn some extra cash. The payouts are twice weekly, much better than most other delivery services that only pay once weekly.

You also earn the same amount even if you complete your deliveries early, which is excellent if you need to get somewhere else quickly.

The per-hour pay is also among the highest on this list, so you can make some decent money with Amazon Flex.

Cons:

While there are certainly some perks to being an Amazon Flex driver, there are also a few downsides that potential applicants should be aware of.

One downside is that only a limited number of openings are available in selected states and cities. This means that competition for these positions can be pretty fierce.

Additionally, as an Amazon Flex driver, you’ll need to be able to lift heavier packages. The work can also be much more physically demanding than some people anticipate.

Caviar

Quick History:

• Caviar was founded in 2012.
• Caviar is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.
• Caviar expanded to New York City and Boston in 2013.
• Caviar merged with Square in 2014 and became its own independent company.

Popularity

Caviar is a food delivery app that has become increasingly popular recently.

Caviar has become especially popular with busy professionals who don’t have time to cook or go out to eat.

The app’s convenience and wide selection of restaurants have made it a hit with users, and its popularity is only growing.

Requirements for Becoming 

• Must be 18 years old or older
• Access to a car, scooter, or bike in some markets
• A valid driver’s license number
• Current auto insurance

How Caviar Drivers Get Paid

Caviar Couriers are paid either through direct deposit or through the Cash App.

Direct deposits to bank accounts are done once a week.

Paid Hourly Average

Caviar couriers can average $15-$20 per hour.

The payment method for Caviar couriers is the same as for DoorDash, with Base Pay plus Promotions plus Tips = Total Earnings.

With Amazon Flex, the more you deliver in a specific area, the higher your earnings potential.

The base pay varies depending on where you’re delivering and may be as low as $2 per order or as much as $10 per order.

You can earn extra money to complete tasks (e.g., driving during peak hours) and for Challenges (doing so many transactions in a specific period).

Pros and Cons of Being a Caviar Courier

Pros:

Being a Caviar courier has its perks–literally. You can see the details of each order, including pay, before accepting the order.

There are no penalties for accepting fewer orders as a courier.

And smaller delivery areas can result in fewer dead miles (miles between orders).

Cons:

DoorDash owns Caviar now, which means you’re not just delivering from high-end restaurants. This has led to a decrease in driver pay.

You also have to schedule your hours in the app, which isn’t great for drivers who want more flexibility.

Favor

Quick History:

• Favor was created by Ben Doherty and Zac Maurais in 2016.
• Favor is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Popularity

When it comes to the best food delivery service, Favor delivery is an up-and-comer. It has one of the best delivery apps in the business.

Favor is a local delivery company in Texas but has spread to over 100 cities within the Lonestar state.

Favor refers to its delivery drivers as “runners.”

Requirements for Becoming a Favor Runner

• Be at least 18 years old
• Own or have access to a mobile device
• Active U.S. driver’s license
• Personal vehicle and insurance
• Bank account to process direct deposit

How Favor Runners Get Paid

Favor pays its runners via direct deposit five times a week!

Paid Hourly Average

Favor runners average $18-$20 per hour.

Runners earn 35% of the delivery fee plus 100% of your tips. This is one of the finest food delivery apps to work for in Texas since Favor gives hourly guarantees of $9-$10/hour incentives to drivers who schedule their hours ahead of time.

Pros:

There are some upsides to being a Favor delivery runner. One is that you can deliver by bike in some areas, so you don’t need a car or license.

Another is that driver pay is on the higher end.

And last, there are higher-than-average hourly guarantees. So, if you’re looking for a gig that doesn’t require a car or license and pays well, Favor is worth checking out.

Cons:

As of 2022, Favor is only available in about 100 cities located in Texas. Even among locals, it’s still behind some of the more popular delivery apps.

Saucey

Quick History:

• Saucey was started in 2014 by two college students, Sean Broihier and Nick Alt.
• Saucey is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.
• Saucey is the largest alcoholic delivery service in the US.

Popularity

Recently, a new breed of alcohol delivery service has become increasingly popular among young adults.

These companies, such as Saucey, offer on-demand delivery of wine, beer, and spirits, making it easy and convenient to stock one’s home bar.

These services are a godsend for busy urbanites who don’t have the time or patience to stand in line at a liquor store.

Requirements for Becoming 

• At least 21 years old
• Reliable car that’s a 2007 model year or newer
• Own or have access to a Smartphone
• Current auto Insurance
• Clean driving record

How Saucey Drivers Get Paid

Saucey pays its drivers via direct deposit.

Saucey delivery drivers are required to check IDs for each order they transport, which differs from some of the other delivery apps on this list.

Paid Hourly Average

Saucey drivers make $7 per delivery but average about $10 per hour on a given day. This makes Saucey one of the lowest-paying delivery apps to work for.

Pros and Cons of Being a Saucey Driver

Pros:

You can receive a guaranteed minimum payment if you’re willing to schedule your time in advance.

Cons:

Saucey offers one of the lowest payments per delivery in the industry. The hours can be very limiting when considering when most people drink.

goPuff

Quick History:

goPuff is a delivery app created by Rafael Ilishayev and Yakir Gola in 2013.

goPuff is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.

goPuff is available in over 1,000 cities in the US and Europe.

Popularity

The main distinction between goPuff and other delivery services is that instead of relying on delivery drivers to shop at stores for each purchase, goPuff gets items from one of its 200+ warehouses.

Drivers must make arrangements in advance, and all deliveries are made within a 30-minute radius of the warehouses.

Requirements for Becoming 

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Current insurance and registration
• Valid driver’s license
• Own or have access to a smartphone
• Pass a background check

How goPuff Drivers Get Paid

goPuff pays via direct deposit every Friday.

Paid Hourly Average

goPuff drivers can earn an average of $10-$15 per hour.

Drivers receive a commission for each order and 100% of their gratuities. You’re also guaranteed an hourly minimum wage, which differs by market.

Pros and Cons of Being goPuff Driver

Pros:

Since goPuff has centralized warehouses, you’re not driving all over town picking up orders. You’re also within a thirty-minute delivery radius of all orders.

goPuff also offers a guaranteed minimum pay for its drivers.

Cons:

goPuff is not as well-known as other food delivery services, so there may be fewer openings for new drivers.

Because orders can be paid for in cash, you may have to carry large amounts of cash on you, which can be a hassle (and dangerous).

Delivery.com

Quick History:

• Delivery.com is said to have started in 1995.
• Delivery.com is headquartered in New York City, NY.
• Delivery.com has partnerships with over 12,000 businesses in more than 2,400 cities across the United States.

Popularity

Delivery.com is a New York City-based delivery service that delivers food, laundry services, alcohol, and other goods.

Customers can earn points for each dollar spent, and those points may be redeemed for cash or donated to several charity organizations. This unique way of doing business has generated a loyal following for the company.

Requirements for Becoming 

• 18 or older
• Valid driver’s license
• Proof of auto insurance
• Own or have access to a smartphone
• Pass a background check

How Delivery.com Drivers Get Paid

Delivery.com pays its delivery drivers via direct deposit.

You’ll be asked which hours you want to work when joining Delivery.com as a delivery driver. It does this to ensure they don’t get overcrowded with drivers wanting to work the same shifts.

Paid Hourly Average

Drivers for Delivery.com earn an average of $15 per hour.

However, in large metro areas, some drivers have been known to earn significantly more.

Pros and Cons of Being Delivery.com Driver.

Pros:

There are several pros to being a delivery.com driver. For starters, the requirements to become a driver are minimal. You can apply to be a driver if you have a valid driver’s license and insurance.

Additionally, hours are flexible. You can choose to work as little or as much as you want, making it an excellent option for those who need to supplement their income or students looking for a part-time job.

Additionally, delivery.com drivers have access to more options than grocery and takeout delivery companies. In addition to food delivery, you can also deliver laundry and alcohol.

This allows you to earn more money by delivering items that are in high demand.

Cons:

One of the biggest complaints from drivers is the pay; according to Glassdoor, the average hourly rate for a delivery.com driver is just $8.25/hour – which, after factoring in gas and other expenses, isn’t all that much. Additionally, many drivers have complained about how disorganized management can be; reviews on sites like Indeed and Yelp often mention confusion and frustration with the company’s policies and procedures.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delivery driver job, Doordash and GrubHub are both great options. Both companies offer flexible schedules, competitive pay, and the opportunity to earn tips.

To start driving for Doordash, you simply sign up online and complete a background check.

For GrubHub, you’ll need to create an account and complete a short application.

Once you’re approved, you can start accepting orders and delivering food. So if you’re looking for a flexible job with the potential to earn good money, consider becoming a delivery driver for Doordash or GrubHub.

FAQ

Q. Which Delivery Company Pays the Most?

A. Amazon Flex pays the most averaging $18-$25 per hour. However, with better pay comes longer and more labor-based work.

Q. What’s the Best Delivery Service to Work For?

A. There is no one correct answer. It depends on location, the flexibility of hours, and the requirements needed to start deliveries as a driver. This is why we recommended GrubHub and Doordash. They both have reasonable and flexible terms for starting as a driver.