Explore
App-based & courier
Delivery Driver
Start tomorrow, and do the vehicle math honestly.
Typical pay
$15-$25/hr before expenses
How you get in
None — license, insurance and a background check
Outlook
Saturated in dense markets
Delivery drivers move food and packages using their own vehicle for app platforms, or a company van as an employee. The two versions have completely different economics and the difference is usually underestimated.
A day in the life
- 10:30aGo online for the lunch window
- 11:00aStack orders, learn which restaurants are slow
- 2:00pSlow stretch — go offline or reposition
- 4:00pGas, and mentally subtract it from earnings
- 5:00pDinner rush, the best pay of the day
- 9:30pLog the miles for taxes
How to get in
App platform with your own vehicle
Duration
2-7 days
Cost
$0 to start — vehicle costs are yours
Credential
Driver's license, insurance, background check
- Sign up with one or more delivery platforms
- Pass the background check
- Add commercial or delivery coverage — personal auto policies exclude this work
- Track every mile for the tax deduction, which is the real margin
Employed courier or route driver
Duration
1-3 weeks
Cost
$0
Credential
Clean driving record; some routes need a DOT medical card
- Apply to FedEx Ground contractors, Amazon DSPs or a local courier
- Pass the driving record and physical requirements
- Drive a company vehicle with fuel and maintenance covered
- Trade flexibility for a real hourly wage and benefits
Box truck or cargo van owner-operator
Duration
1-3 months
Cost
$8,000-$60,000 for the vehicle
Credential
Business registration, DOT number for larger vehicles
- Buy or lease a cargo van or box truck
- Register the business and get commercial insurance
- Contract with freight and delivery load boards
- Much higher ceiling, and much higher risk
What people love
- · Working within days
- · Total schedule flexibility
- · No interview or resume
- · Cash flow is immediate
What wears people down
- · Vehicle depreciation and maintenance are yours
- · No benefits and no employment protections
- · Rates change without notice
- · Real hourly rate after expenses is far below the advertised figure