The best delivery apps to work for are the ones most active in your area.
However, because most apps are becoming wildly popular nationwide, I’ve broken down the most popular apps to help you determine which is right for you.
Let’s dive in.
9 Best Delivery Apps to Work For
These apps are the best delivery apps to work for because they are available nationwide and provide a wide selection of options for delivery services.
1. DoorDash
DoorDash has 66% of the meal delivery market, so there’s no doubt it made our list of the best delivery apps to work for.
DoorDash is available almost everywhere, and in some markets, you can deliver items from local convenience, grocery, and drug stores to increase your earnings.
Availability
DoorDash is available in all 50 states and covers approximately 7,000 cities, giving drivers many opportunities to make money.
Key Features
- Offers Peak Pay as either Earn per Offer or Earn by Time, allowing drivers to earn more per delivery or hour, depending on the market
- Some markets have Guaranteed Earnings, so you know the minimum you’ll earn per hour
- All drivers keep 100% of the customer tips
- Apple CarPlay integration to make it safer for drivers to view the DoorDash app on their dashboard versus looking at their phones
- Drivers can use Fast Pay to cash out instantly rather than waiting for their weekly direct deposit
DoorDash Driver Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have an Android or Smartphone
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have active car insurance
- Pass a background and driving record check
Pros
- Offers opportunities for higher pay
- Can schedule hours ahead if you know your schedule
- You set your own hours and which orders you’ll accept
- Someone else can drive with you (or for you) if they are an approved Dasher
Cons
- Charges a $1.99 fee for instant payout
- Only provides phone support for ‘urgent’ issues
Keep Reading: DoorDash Driver Review
2. Uber Eats
Uber Eats is an offshoot of Uber, the rideshare service allowing drivers to pick up restaurant food and deliver it to customers.
If you’re already an Uber driver, you are automatically approved to deliver for Uber Eats. Just select ‘Deliver Food with UberEats’ in your Work Hub and accept the delivery terms.
Availability
Uber Eats is available across 45 countries and 6,000 cities.
Key Features
- Allows delivery by car, scooter, bike, and even walking in some cities
- Offers an Uber Pro card, a debit card, and a checking account that pays cash back on gas purchases and offers free instant cashouts immediately after a delivery
- Provides drivers with 24/7 customer support via phone
- Android Auto and CarPlay integration to allow more safe and convenient use of the app while driving
- Offers clear map labels for courier drop-offs so you waste less time and increase your per-hour earnings
Uber Eats Driver Requirements
- Be at least 19 years old (18 if delivering by foot)
- Have a reliable two or 4-door car for vehicle delivery
- Have a motorized scooter (50cc or less) for scooter delivery)
- Have a valid driver’s license and insurance
- Pass a background and driving test (if driving)
Pros
- Offers option for instant pay
- Opportunities to deliver even without a car
- Can switch between Uber Eats and Uber to maximize earnings
Cons
- Can be a lot of competition
- No guaranteed earnings option
Keep Reading: Uber Eats Driver Review
3. Instacart
Instacart is one of the best delivery apps to work for, but if you don’t have a car, there is still an opportunity to earn money.
Instacart offers options for full-service drivers, or people who shop for a customer’s order and deliver it to their doorstep, or in-store shoppers who only do the shopping but don’t deliver.
Availability
Instacart is currently available nationwide and in Canada. They are still expanding where they are available, too.
Key Features
- Can schedule shifts ahead of time
- In-store shoppers can earn a fixed hourly wage, or full-service shoppers earn varying pay based on order size, distance, and demand
- Drivers can get paid instantly for a small fee after completing five batches
- Instacart issues a payment card to pay for the groceries, so the money never comes out of your pocket
Instacart Shopper Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to lift at least 40 pounds
- Have access to a reliable car
- Have access to a smartphone
- Pass a background check
Pros
- Opportunity to see and learn about new products
- Set your own schedule, working as little or as much as you want
- Available at a large number of stores, including Costco, Aldi, Kroger, Meijer, and 7-Eleven
Cons
- You must be able to lift heavy items
- You must schedule your hours ahead of time
Keep Reading: Instacart Shopper Review
4. Amazon Flex
Amazon deliveries don’t come only from employed Amazon drivers. Amazon Flex drivers can now deliver Amazon goods in their own vehicles. This allows you to work for one of the country’s largest retailers but on your own terms.
Amazon states its Flex drivers make $18 to $25 an hour, but your actual earnings depend on demand, location, and the tips you receive.
Availability
Amazon Flex is still somewhat new and is currently available in 100 U.S. cities, with plans to expand further.
Key Features
- You can deliver Amazon deliveries in your own car, with only place to pick up items, rather than traveling to different stores or restaurants
- You can choose blocks to work as early as a week in advance or sign up that day if you find some spare time to work
- Flex pays drivers in hourly blocks, so you know how much you’ll earn and exactly how long you will work
- Has reserved and instant offers that allow for deliveries meant exclusively for you or opportunities to pick up a last-minute shift
Amazon Flex Driver Requirements
- Be at least 21 years old
- Live in an area where Amazon Flex is available
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Drive a 4-door, mid-size, or larger car or truck
- Have a current smartphone
Pros
- Ability to book shifts ahead of time
- You can choose your payment date
- You know ahead of time how much you’ll earn
Cons
- Not nationwide yet
- You may not qualify if you drive a smaller car
5. Shipt
Shipt is like Instacart, allowing drivers to shop for and deliver groceries. Shipt recently got bought out by Target and offers drivers two opportunities.
Shipt shoppers go into the designated stores, shop the customer’s list, purchase the items, and deliver them.
Shipt drivers simply show up at the designated Target store, pick up the order curbside, and deliver it to customers.
Both opportunities allow the chance to make money delivering goods.
Availability
Shipt is available nationwide.
Key Features
- Shipt offers a base pay, plus drivers keep 100% of customer tips. On occasion, they also run bonuses to increase drivers’ earnings
- You can choose simply to drive, meaning you never get out of your car except to drop the packages bought off on the customer’s doorstep, as you take a designated route based on the number of packages your car can hold
- Shoppers have more flexibility and opportunities because they can pick up orders they want, shop for them, and deliver them to customers within an hour
Shipt Driver Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to lift 45 pounds unassisted
- Have a current driver’s license and insurance
- Provide a valid Social Security number
- Own a smartphone
- Understand basic produce selection
Pros
- You choose when and how much you work
- Customers can request you as their shopper
- Offers opportunities for people who love to shop or those who prefer to hit the road and only make deliveries
Cons
- Tips aren’t required
- You cannot see if a customer tipped before accepting the order
Keep Reading: Shipt Shopper Review
6. Grubhub
Grubhub is another food delivery service that allows drivers to go to restaurants to pick up paid-for orders and deliver them to the customer. According to Indeed, the average Grubhub driver pay is $14.56 per hour, but pay varies by location.
In addition to its traditional restaurant delivery service, Grubhub offers Grubhub Goods at over 3,000 locations in the United States. This service is in partnership with 7-Eleven and is an on-demand convenience delivery service.
Availability
Grubhub food delivery is available nationwide. Grubhub Goods is in many locations and is continually expanding.
Key Features
- Grubhub has in-app safety features that connect directly to 911 in an emergency by sliding a button
- Grubhub drivers can access exclusive discounts and deals, including 15% off at Jiffy Lube and deals on phone plans at Verizon
- Drivers can pre-schedule shifts to ensure there is work available for them on the days they want to work, or you can turn on ‘taking offers’ if you want to spontaneously work
- Payouts are available 15 minutes after delivery, and if you have a Chase checking account, they are free; otherwise, they are $0.50 per payout
Grubhub Driver Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old and have a valid license for one year (2 years if 19 or older)
- Own a smartphone
- Have a valid driver’s license and insurance
- Pass a background check
Pros
- Many markets have guaranteed minimum earnings
- More opportunities with Grubhub Goods deliveries, so you aren’t relying only on restaurant orders
- Offers minimum pay in certain areas, which guarantees an hourly rate even if you don't have enough deliveries to meet that rate
Cons
- Doesn’t run challenges or promos often
- Has delivery boundaries that you must be within to get orders during your shifts
Other Delivery Apps to Consider
The above best delivery apps to work for are our top picks because they are available in the largest number of states and have the most flexibility.
However, here are some other delivery apps to consider.
7. Saucey
Saucey is one of the country’s only alcohol delivery services, although others may deliver alcohol in some areas. Saucey doesn’t hire drivers directly; they partner with services like DoorDash and Uber Eats for deliveries.
8. Eaze
If you live in California or Michigan, you can apply to deliver for Eaze, the country’s first cannabis delivery service. You will deliver for licensed retailers and make guaranteed earnings for the area.
9. Favor
Favor is a delivery service in Texas that delivers anything customers need, from food to dry cleaning and anything from the store. They have only a few requirements and pay drivers to refer other drivers to the service.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Delivery App to Work For
When choosing the best delivery apps to work for, there are various factors to consider, including:
- Location: Not all delivery apps work in all areas; even if they do, some have lower demand than others. Determine which apps have the highest demand in your area to earn the most money.
- Pay structure: Most delivery apps work the same, paying a flat rate, plus you keep 100% of the tips. However, some apps have guaranteed earnings or run promotions that help you earn more than others.
- Types of delivery: You should love the type of delivery you do, and you have many options, from food to alcohol or items from the store. Decide whether you want to shop for someone or simply pick up packaged store or restaurant orders and deliver them.
- Instant pay: If getting paid instantly is important to you, determine which apps offer it and for how much. Some don’t charge a fee, and others charge hefty fees or limit the number of instant payouts you can have.
How Much Can I Earn as a Delivery Driver?
How much you earn as a delivery driver varies by location, service, and when you work. Expect to earn between $10 to $15, depending on where you work. However, you may find that you can use promos or other challenges to increase your earnings.
FAQs
Knowing the best delivery apps to work for is important! Here are some more questions people have about them.
How Do I Sign Up to Become a Delivery App Driver?
Each delivery app has a different signup process, but most are online and take only a few minutes. Be prepared to share personal information, like your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, no matter the app you choose, because all require a background check.
What Expenses Am I Responsible For as A Delivery Driver?
Delivery drivers work as independent contractors when working for apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats. This means you’re responsible for 100% of your expenses, but you may be able to write them off on your taxes. Talk to your tax advisor to determine if that’s the case.
What Is the Best Delivery Company to Work For?
DoorDash is the most popular delivery company to work for, but there are plenty of other options, including Amazon Flex, Shipt, and Instacart. Determine which apps have the highest demand in your area to maximize your earnings.
Can I Deliver Multiple Orders at Once?
Many apps allow you to deliver multiple orders at once, but you must ensure you can keep them straight and deliver great customer service. For example, you may be able to stack orders with Shipt, shopping for two orders at the same store, but be sure you can deliver both in a timely manner.
What Delivery App Gets Used the Most?
DoorDash is the most popular delivery app because it’s available nationwide and works with 500,000 merchants.
Can I Work for Multiple Delivery Apps Simultaneously?
Since you are an independent contractor, you can work with as many apps as you want. However, keeping your orders straight and delivering great customer service is important, or you risk making less money working for more apps.
Is There Flexibility in Choosing My Own Working Hours?
Yes, it’s great to be able to choose your own hours. Whether you pre-book them or work when you want on-demand, it’s freeing to decide whether to work or not without feeling forced.
Conclusion
Choosing the best delivery apps to work for is important. Time is money, and the less time you can spend working, the more time you have for playing!
Choose the apps with the highest demand and best pay in your area to make the most of your time.
