Grubhub, DoorDash, UberEats, or Postmates:
Which Is the Best to Drive For?

https://www.findthebestcarprice.com/author-ftbcp

Geoff Cudd

Geoff Cudd

I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.

I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.

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Driving for a delivery app can be a great way to bring in some additional income.

With so many different options available, it can be difficult to determine which one you should drive for.

Grubhub, Doordash, UberEats, and Postmates are four of the most popular delivery services available.

In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about these delivery services.

Looking for a dependable vehicle for ridesharing or deliveries? Check out our list of the best cars for Uber & Lyft here. 

Grubhub vs. Doordash vs. UberEats vs. Postmates Comparison Table

What is Grubhub?

Grubhub was created as a digital alternative to paper menus. In 2013, they merged with a food delivery service (Seamless). Now, they deliver for over 200,000 restaurants in all 50 states.

Where is Grubhub Available?

Grubhub is available throughout the United States. It is available in all 50 states, including over 4,000 cities.

Grubhub Requirements

Grubhub Driver Requirements

• Car (bike permitted in select cities)
• Drivers need auto insurance and a valid driver’s license
• Bike riders need a valid ID (or license)
• Pass a background check
• Bank account for deposits
• Smartphone with Android 5.0 or later or iOS 11 or later
• 19+
• Must complete onboarding before choosing hours

Grubhub Vehicle Requirements

Depending on your location, you may be able to make Grubhub deliveries with a scooter, bike, car, or motorcycle. It’s even possible to rent a car for Grubhub. The specific requirements vary by city. There are no model/age restrictions for vehicles, and you will not need an inspection.

Grubhub Pay

Grubhub’s driver payment system works a little differently than other options. GrubHub drivers get a per order rate of $.50 per mile for the drive and 100% of tips. However, they also get a guaranteed minimum rate.

Grubhub pays drivers a minimum of $12 per hour and schedules the drivers for shifts. To receive the guaranteed base pay, drivers must accept a certain percentage of the orders they receive. While you can still deliver outside of your scheduled block, you will not be guaranteed the minimum hourly pay during that time. Drivers earn the delivery pay and 100% of tips for every order they deliver.

According to 3,500 salary reports on Glassdoor, the average hourly pay for Grubhub drivers is $26. Based on 4,801 reported salaries, the average yearly salary is $51,828.

Grubhub Driver Rewards

By partnering with Grubhub as a driver, you can earn a variety of special discounts. They have a list of all driver rewards here.

They also offer a driver recognition program. Drivers can increase their level based on their stats for attendance, acceptance rate, and block drop rate. At higher levels, you unlock more opportunities like early access to blocks.

Grubhub Costs to Drivers

Drivers do not have to pay Grubhub a percentage of earnings. Instead, Grubhub increased the customer’s delivery fee to ensure a profit. However, they must pay for vehicle maintenance, insurance, etc.

What is DoorDash?

Founded in 2013, DoorDash is a food delivery service for over 300,000 restaurants. DoorDash customers can use the app to order groceries, restaurant food, and other essentials from convenience stores.

DoorDash drivers are “Dashers” and they can use their scooter, bike, car, or motorcycle to deliver. Interestingly, DoorDash openly tells drivers they can make more money by driving for competitors at the same time.

Where is DoorDash Available?

DoorDash is available throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. Currently, they are available in over 4,000 cities. You can use their convenient location search feature to see if they are available near you.

DoorDash Requirements

DoorDash Driver Requirements

• 18+
• Submit your social security number (if in the U.S)
• Consent to a background check

DoorDash Vehicle Requirements

• Dashers can use any vehicle, including a car, scooter, or bicycle
• They must provide the driver’s license number for vehicles

DoorDash Pay

DoorDash pays drivers based on the distance and time delivery which makes the base pay range from $2 to $10. However, Dashers may also earn tips. 100% of tips go to the Dasher.

Dashers are independent contractors, so their pay varies greatly. According to Indeed, the average DoorDash hourly wage is $15.91 per hour.

DoorDash Driver Rewards

Dash drivers can earn more money via promotions. For example, DoorDash offers Peak Pay and Challenge Bonuses. The app rewards more active Dashers and provides promotions to help them meet earnings goals.

DoorDash Costs to Drivers

The figures on Dasher earnings are gross earnings, before expenses. Drivers may have many expenses related to vehicle upkeep. Using a bicycle or motorcycle can help keep expenses down.

DoorDash takes an undisclosed percentage from delivery fees. Before taking a job, they can see the flat rate they will earn for completing it.

What is UberEats?

UberEats is a delivery service that offers on-demand delivery from many restaurants. Much like the other delivery services, drivers pick up the orders and deliver them to customers.

Where is UberEats Available?

UberEats is available in major cities throughout the U.S., including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, NYC, Seattle, San Francisco, and more. It’s also available in 40 countries around the world, including the U.K., France, and Canada.

UberEats Requirements

UberEats Driver Requirements

The individual requirements vary depending on which method of delivery you will use.

To deliver by car:

• Must be the legal driving age in your city
• Have a 4 or 2 door car
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Submit your Social Security number to UberEats for a background check

To deliver by scooter:

• 19+ years old
• Motorized scooter must be under 50cc
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Submit your Social Security number for background check

To delivery by bicycle or foot:

• 18+ years old
• Possess a government-issued ID
• Submit your Social Security number for background check

UberEats Vehicle Requirements

While the requirements to drive for Uber are strict, the vehicle requirements for Uber Eats are not. UberEats deliverers can use their scooter, bike, or car.

UberEats Pay

On average, UberEats drivers make between $8 and $12 per hour. Actual pay will vary depending on demand, the cost of gas, and vehicle maintenance. On average, UberEats drivers in NJ earn $42,463.

Drivers are paid a base fair, surge pricing fee, promotions, and customer tips. The fees vary based on location. Drivers keep 100% of their tips.

UberEats Driver Rewards

Furthermore, Boost promotions allow drivers to earn more per trip because UberEats guarantees certain rates based on times and location. The Surge promotion allows drivers to earn more during high-demand times. The app displays high-demand areas by shading them in red. Drivers can also see the extra money they will earn in those areas.

UberEats Costs to Drivers

UberEats takes a 20% fee from each delivery. Drivers must also pay for their own vehicle insurance, gas, maintenance, etc.

What is Postmates?

Postmates was started in 2011, and it’s an on-demand delivery service. While the other apps focus mostly on food, Postmates was created to get people anything they need. Of course, they work with many restaurants.

Where is Postmates Available?

Postmates is available in 400 cities throughout 50 states in the U.S. It’s also available in Mexico.

Postmates Requirements

Postmates Driver Requirements

• 18+ years old (21+ to deliver alcohol)
• Eligible to work in the U.S.
• Have a smartphone
• Access to a vehicle is required in some areas. In others, you can use scooters, bikes, walking, etc.
• Auto insurance if you will use a car
• Provide your Social Security number for background check
• Pass a driving record check (if you will be driving)

Postmates Vehicle Requirements

Postmates does not require a vehicle inspection, and there are no vehicle requirements. However, you must adhere to the guidelines in your city. In many cities, Postmates drivers can choose between using a truck, scooter, car, bicycle, or their own feet.

Postmates Pay

According to Indeed, Postmates delivery drivers make an average of $14.16 per hour. Drivers are paid based on a calculation, including pickup, drop-off, wait time, and distances. They allow batch orders, which helps drivers increase their volume of deliveries. Drivers also get 100% of tips.

Recently, Postmates introduced guaranteed pay. They outline the specified amount of money for various numbers of deliveries. If you make less than the guaranteed pay, Postmates will pay you the difference.

Postmates Driver Rewards

Postmates also offers several driver incentives on the Postmates app. The promotions vary, but an example is completing a certain number of orders in a set time frame to earn a bonus or delivering during peak hours. Postmates sends out alerts to let drivers know about the bonus rewards.

Postmates Costs to Drivers

Postmates keeps 20% of the delivery fee, while the driver earns 80% of it.

Availability Comparison

UberEats is the most widely available food delivery service option. They are available in six continents and rank 1st or 2nd for gross orders in most countries they are available in. However, availability is fairly good for each service.

• Grubhub: Available in 400 cities throughout all 50 states.
• DoorDash: Available throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. Currently, they are available in over 4,000 cities
• UberEats: Available in six continents (40 countries).
• Postmates: Available in all 50 U.S. states and Mexico.

Pay Comparison

• Grubhub: Base pay of $12/hour during scheduled shifts. Drivers must meet certain conditions. 100% of tips.
• DoorDash: Pays a base rate ranging from $2 to $8 per delivery. 100% of tips.
• UberEats: Drivers are paid a base fair + surge pricing + promotions + tips that vary based on several factors. The average earnings are $8 to $12/hour.
• Postmates: Drivers are paid based on pick up, drop off, time, and distance traveled. They also earn 100% of tips. The average earnings are $14.16/hour

Driver Fees Comparison

• Grubhub: 0% of delivery fees (Grubhub charges customers accordingly to make money)
• DoorDash: Undisclosed fee
• UberEats: Takes 20% of the delivery fee
• Postmates: 20% of the delivery fee goes to Postmates

Driver Rewards Comparison

• Grubhub: Earn discounts for being a Grubhub driver. Grubhub has a Recognition program. Drivers move up in the program by hitting key metrics. Higher-level drivers get priority for scheduling.
• DoorDash: DoorDash offers Peak Pay and other Challenge Bonuses to give drivers opportunities to earn more.
• UberEats: The Boost promotion guarantees certain rates based on certain locations. The Surge promotion allows drivers to earn more during high-demand times.
• Postmates: Promotions for delivering orders in a set time frame or for delivering during peak hours. Postmates sends out alerts on driver bonuses.

Driver Support Comparison

• Grubhub: Offers live phone support while on a delivery. However, they have faced several labor lawsuits.
• DoorDash: Offers a driver support chat function in the app, but many complain it is slow. Furthermore, DoorDash faced a tipping scandal in 2019 for allegedly using tips to make up the guaranteed minimum pay. Since then, they have changed their model to ensure drivers earn 100% of tips.
• UberEats: Drivers can contact an Uber agent for assistance by heading to the “Help” section of the Driver app. They offer in-app phone support, but drivers can also submit questions online.
• Postmates: Postmates offers fleet support with helpful information on how to resolve potential issues. You can also send a message to support during a job, but drivers recommend reaching out on Facebook for a quick response.

Ease of Use Comparison

• Grubhub: A reliable app with good information on orders before accepting.
• DoorDash: They provide good information on offers, but they struggle with app reliability.
• UberEats: UberEats displays the restaurant's name, a delivery map, estimated drive time, and the minimum payment amount. You cannot access customer information until picking up the food.
• Postmates: Postmates displays a map with offers, but not the amount you will earn. Customer information is hard to access as well.

Which Is the Best Overall Service to Drive For?

Overall, there is no top delivery app to drive for. You must check the availability in your area as well as the popularity of the service and which restaurants it serves. The apps people use most may vary based on location. Furthermore, you must assess which model fits your needs best.

Ultimately, the best option is often to drive for more than one service at once.

Many experienced drivers use multiple devices to connect to more than one service. This way, they can pick up the nearest jobs and deliver multiple orders at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays the best, Grubhub, DoorDash, UberEats, or Postmates?

No delivery app clearly wins for pay. They all have a similar base pay rate. UberEats formerly discouraged tips, which now reflect low tipping rates. They must offer incentives to make up for this. Postmates has the best base pay, but what drivers actually take home is not necessarily the highest. DoorDash base pay is fairly low, but tips seem to be in line with Grubhub. Grubhub offers excellent peak pay incentives. You must examine who is the most consistent in your market.

Which food delivery service is the most popular?

DoorDash is the most popular online food delivery service in the United States, currently leading the very tight race. Before 2018, Grubhub controlled 50% of US online food delivery.

Which is the best food delivery service to drive for?

Each food delivery service has its pros and cons. Ultimately, you should consider which has the best market in your particular location.

Is it worth driving for Grubhub?

Driving for Grubhub or the other delivery services above can be a good source of supplemental income. However, it also comes with downsides like vehicle wear and tear, traffic, and inconsistent pay. A specific downside to Grubhub is that you will not have priority to select shifts if you are not in the highest tier, and it takes time to earn that ranking. To decide if driving for Grubhub is worth it for you, check the popularity of Grubhub in your area and assess if you will have the time to work your way to the top of the driver rankings.

Can you work for DoorDash and Grubhub?

Yes, you can work for other delivery services. When delivering for DoorDash, Grubhub, UberEats, etc., you are an independent contractor. This means you are free to work for any other courier jobs when you want.

How many delivery orders can you make in one day?

The number of delivery orders a driver can make in one day can vary greatly based on the traffic, demand, restaurant waiting time, distance, and more. However, you can expect to make at least two deliveries per hour.