One of the lasting effects of the pandemic is a dramatic shift in consumer expectations for delivery speed. In the not-so-distant past, it was normal to wait a week or more for online orders. Now, two- to three-day delivery is seen as the baseline by over 90% of people. People expect same-day delivery on just about any purchase, and companies have had to adjust. Delivery times that were once acceptable are now seen as deal-breakers by today’s “I want it now!” shoppers.

This shift in customer expectations creates enormous opportunities for delivery drivers. With the financial uncertainty created by the pandemic, along with layoffs across many industries, more and more people are seeking flexible gig work and alternative sources of income. In fact, the gig economy grew by 33% in 2020, 8.25x faster than the US economy as a whole. And it’s easy to see why. The gig economy gives workers true flexibility and control over when and how they work, and for many people, that’s more appealing than a 9-5 job. 

If you’re considering making money with your car as a self-employed delivery driver, you’re in luck. Let’s look at what the rise of delivery driver apps could mean for you – and your wallet. 

Skyrocketing Demand Driving for Delivery Apps

As consumer demand for instant gratification grows, the need for drivers on delivery driver apps shows no signs of slowing down. According to Business Wire Insights, the global food delivery app industry is projected to reach a staggering $8.4 billion by 2027. 

And that’s just food delivery apps. If you’d rather not cart food around, you have options. 

Crowdsourced delivery driver apps like Roadie’s focus on moving things – not people or food. The Roadie platform connects independent local drivers using the driver app with requests from small and large businesses, allowing them to offer same-day delivery options to their customers for retail items, documents, tools, and even luggage left behind at the airport. As more and more Americans outsource errands, opportunities for drivers using delivery driver apps are accelerating. 

Choose the Best Delivery Driver Apps for You

One of the primary drivers (that’s a pun!) of using delivery driver apps is the freedom to choose when and where you work. When selecting the best delivery driver apps to use, consider factors like pay rates, transparency, flexibility and pay frequency. That way you can decide if you want to drive during peak hours or if you’d rather take advantage of less traffic and fewer drivers competing for gigs in non-peak hours.

Online driver discussion forums can also  help you narrow down your options. One word of caution: take any information from online forums with a grain of salt. 

Strategize to Maximize Your Driver Earnings 

Keep in mind that you don’t have to choose just one app. It’s about freedom and flexibility, right? According to The Rideshare Guy, many drivers do what’s called “multi-apping”: using multiple apps at the same time to maximize earnings. For example, savvy drivers could drop off a retail order on their wait to pick up a food delivery, or the other way around. Another option is delivering multiple Roadie Gigs at the same time.

As a driver looking to make more money, the size of your vehicle matters. Delivery driver apps like Roadie allow you to deliver big and bulky items that require a larger vehicle. These deliveries pay more, so if you’ve got a big truck or van, it could mean accessing more opportunities and higher earnings.

How to Get Started Driving for Extra Income and Flexibility

Each delivery app has its own requirements and qualifications, so be sure to check the requirements to sign up for various apps. 

The online sign-up process to start using Roadie takes just minutes and if you’re 18 or older with a valid license and own a smartphone, you could start to make money driving the same day. Pro tip: Once you’re approved for any app, make sure to enable notifications so you’ll be alerted to new opportunities before they go to someone else! 

Whether you want to supplement earnings to fund a family-owned business or you’re looking to become self-employed as a driver, delivery driver apps empower you to take control of your income on your own terms. With the demand for same-day delivery showing no signs of slowing down, there are great options to find the right delivery driver apps, make your own hours, provide great service, and enjoy a profitable side hustle!

Sign up to drive with Roadie.

Here’s How Instant Pay Works: 

Roadie’s Instant Pay option lets drivers cash out instantly. 

To qualify for Instant Pay, you must have completed your first Gig more than 7 days ago, and delivered a total of at least 5 Gigs since you first signed up with Roadie.

In the main menu of the Roadie app, you’ll see an Instant Pay prompt below your balance. Tap the prompt to view your Instant Pay eligibility status and track your progress towards becoming eligible if you aren’t already.

For security reasons, when you add a debit card, there’s a 1-day waiting period before you’ll have access to Instant Pay. After that period, you can tap the “Cash Out Now” button in Gig History to receive your payment immediately. A $1.99 processing fee will be deducted from your balance, and you’ll receive your payment within minutes (depending on your bank). If you don’t use Instant Pay, your earnings for those Gigs will be deposited weekly on Wednesday morning*.

(*As of November 19, 2024, weekly scheduled payouts will remain available in your balance until Wednesday mornings rather than being sent out on Tuesday mornings. Your weekly payout will still arrive in your bank account when it normally does – this change will just reduce processing time.)

Weekly deposits may take a few days to appear in your account depending on your bank. If you want payment sooner, be sure to use Instant Pay by midnight on Tuesday.

Instant payouts at a glance:

• Available for drivers with 5+ deliveries over 7+ days
• Add valid debit card in Bank Info section to enable Instant Pay 
• 1 day waiting period for security 
• Tap “Cash Out Now” in Gig History to instantly access driver earnings  
• $1.99 processing fee deducted 
• Payment in minutes quickly puts cash from driving Gigs in your hands 
• If you don’t use Instant Pay earnings for Gigs are automatically paid on Wednesday morning

We know getting paid fast is important to drivers like you. With the ease and convenience of Roadie’s Instant Pay, you can get paid same day and be on your way! 

Ready to start earning money your way as a driver? It takes just minutes to sign up with Roadie and start delivering like a boss! 

Visit our driver help center to watch our “Two Ways to Get Paid” video for other tips and tricks for drivers in the Roadie network.

In this guide, we’ll share 13 creative ways to monetize your car, tailoring each idea to fit your vehicle and lifestyle.

Top 13 Ideas for Making Money with Your Car

It doesn’t matter where you live in the US – there are flexible driving opportunities within the world of crowdsourced delivery platforms for almost any car and driver.

Let’s explore the top 13 auto-related side hustles of 2023:

1. Make money driving with Roadie.

Crowdsourced delivery platforms like Roadie are a game-changer for earning while driving. You can pick up an item and deliver it to someone in your area in a few taps. You can earn as much as $13 per delivery, with opportunities to earn more with multi-stop trips, XL deliveries, and extra certifications. And in many cases, the deliveries are just a few miles or minutes!

If you’re looking to fill gaps in your schedule or devote specific hours to driving, when you use Roadie you always get to choose just those deliveries that suit you. It’s a reliable, flexible way to monetize your vehicle.

Roadie deliveries are always things, not people, so you can enjoy your solo-driving, choose your own tunes and temperature, and never have to worry about passengers.

2. Give rides to people.

If you’re comfortable riding with strangers, ridesharing is an excellent option for earning extra cash with your car. Earnings depend on many factors–specifically, how far your passenger wants to go. A single Uber ride could pay $2-5 if someone is going down the road, but much higher for a rush hour drive across town.

Remember that rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have minimum car requirements. You’ll need a well-maintained 4-door sedan or SUV to be eligible.

3. Work with a food delivery service.

Food delivery services are a popular side hustle, allowing you to earn money by delivering food from local restaurants to customers’ doors. Platforms like DoorDash, UberEATS, Grubhub, and Postmates offer plenty of opportunities for delivery drivers.

All you need to get started is a vehicle, a smartphone, and a reliable automobile. However, it’s important to note that earnings often depend heavily on customer tips, making income unpredictable.

4. Shop and deliver groceries.

Grocery delivery apps like Shipt and Instacart offer drivers a flexible way to earn income by fulfilling grocery orders. You can choose your schedule as a driver, allowing for an excellent work-life balance.

The apps provide a simple interface for accepting and fulfilling orders, making it easy to navigate through the shopping list and efficiently complete your deliveries. Earnings typically come from a combination of a base fee, tips, and, occasionally, bonuses based on demand.

5. Rent out your car when you’re not using it.

If you don’t use your car often, consider loaning it to someone else. Platforms like Turo and Getaround help vehicle owners earn extra income with peer-to-peer rentals.

Users can choose from various cars based on their preferences and needs. Often, these rental platforms offer extra insurance options for security and peace of mind during rentals.

6. Help people move XL items.

Got extra cargo space in your truck, trailer, van, or SUV? Consider offering delivery services for bulky or hard-to-move items.

Most people don’t have a way to transport large items like furniture or appliances, so there’s a high demand and payout for this type of delivery service. For example, the Roadie platform has exclusive Gigs for XL, bulky, and hard-to-move items, which can boost your earnings.

7. Pick up and deliver medications.

In the gig economy, prescription delivery is a great side hustle. Many delivery platforms like Roadie now partner with local pharmacies, allowing drivers to ensure timely and confidential medication deliveries.

Pharmacy Gigs are a perfect fit if you have a smaller car. However, keep in mind that pharmacy deliveries require extra certifications.

8. Make passive income with car advertisements.   

Another fun side hustle: Turn your car into a moving billboard. According to FinanceBuzz, companies like Wrapify, Carvertise, and Nickelytics will pay you to add a decal, sticker, or wrap to your car to promote a product or service.

Choose advertisers that align with your preferences, and let your vehicle do the work for you while you go about your daily routine, earning as you drive.

9. Create a mobile business.

If you have a specialized skill like repairing bikes, you can transform it into a mobile business. Mobile side hustles like car maintenance, pet grooming, or bike tune-ups offer flexibility and convenience.

Startup costs for specialized tools or vehicle modifications can be a drawback. However, the potential to meet customer demand at their door makes it a viable option to earn extra income.

10.   Help children or older people get around.

Did you know that about 20% of adults aged 65 or older don’t drive? Young or old, many people need reliable help getting around.

If you have childcare or eldercare experience, consider rideshare platforms or services that specialize in helping these populations. Some platforms specifically cater to minors or older adults, ensuring safety and care during transportation.

11.   Take part in car and traffic-related studies.

According to a tip from Reddit, you can make a little extra cash with your car by participating in research studies. They say, “Keep an eye out for traffic studies — I’m getting $100 for driving to work with a GPS on my phone this week.”

To find opportunities near you, check out local university research boards, subreddits for your city or town, and job postings at college libraries.

12.   Be a taxi driver…for pets.

If you don’t mind a little dog hair in your car, consider driving for a pet taxi service. With more office workers back after the pandemic, plenty of people need extra help caring for their pets.

This includes transporting pets to vet appointments, doggie daycare, and more. Try a Google search for ‘local pet taxi’ to find pet taxi opportunities in your area.

13.   Run errands for your neighbors.

Often, busy parents and families will hire you to do their local errands, like picking up items around town, returning purchases, or grocery shopping.

To find opportunities like this, join online groups for your community and start posting. Sign up for your local email lists, Facebook groups, or Nextdoor neighborhoods to connect with neighbors and find great opportunities.

Before You Drive

Preparation is vital before getting on the road and earning money. Here’s what you should know before you go:

• Get ready to be a boss.
  Making money with your car means you’re the boss. This comes with incredible pros (hello, flexibility, and freedom) and a few cons, like taxes.
• Know your tax responsibilities.
  When you earn extra cash with your car, you’re responsible for reporting those earnings to the IRS and paying income taxes. Get familiar with state and federal tax laws, including any auto-related tax breaks you may qualify for.
• Check your auto insurance coverage.
  Nearly all gig work requires you to have adequate auto insurance – including commercial coverage. Be sure your coverage levels are at least equivalent to your state’s minimums, you have informed your agent that you are using your vehicle for gig work, and your insurance is  fully paid and up to date before driving.
• Get certified for extra cash.
  No matter what car monetization strategy you pick, it always pays to do your research. Extra knowledge often leads to more money and better opportunities. For example, if you’re driving with Roadie, you can get certified in the app for specialized deliveries and vehicle types.

Ready to Hit the Road?

With these 13 creative ways to monetize your car, you can unlock the potential of your wheels and drive towards financial freedom.

If you’re ready to hit the road and start earning fast, you’ll love Roadie. Turn spare time into extra cash, earning up to $13 per local trip and even more on multi-stop deliveries.

Sign up to drive with Roadie.

Ever thought about working for yourself instead of someone else? If you have, you’re definitely not alone. 

Surveys reveal that a staggering 90% of Americans dream of being their own boss someday. Surprisingly, the reality paints a different picture. Only 36% of the workforce have taken the plunge into independent work.

But here’s the exciting part: the freelance economy is skyrocketing, so there’s a huge demand for independent workers in the US. Plus, high-tech platforms like Roadie are making it easier to take charge of your destiny and become your own boss.

Let’s explore how Roadie empowers thousands of drivers on their path to a boss-free lifestyle.

What’s Roadie? And how can it help me be my own boss?

The Roadie driver app is a crowdsourced delivery platform that connects independent drivers, like you, with businesses (Senders) that need help with their deliveries – we call them Gigs. It’s similar to Uber or Lyft – but with stuff in your car instead of people. And unlike typical rideshare or delivery apps, using Roadie is 100% flexible to suit your needs and schedule.

For example, if you’re on the way to pick up your kids from soccer practice, the Roadie app can match you with a Gig along your route. You can make extra money by dropping off stuff where you’re already going – as much as 13 bucks per delivery, more if you have a car that can hold oversized items, like a SUV, and you also can get certifications to boost your earnings. It’s a win-win. 

With Roadie, you offer on only the Gigs you want and pass on the ones you don’t. When a Sender posts their Gig you’ll see all the details, like the size vehicle you need, distance to pickup and delivery and most importantly how much you’ll earn. You get  to decide if the Gig is right for you – before you offer.  You can offer on as many Gigs as you want, but you are never required to offer on any Gig.  And you are never assigned a Gig that you have to worry about turning down. It is completely up to you when and how much you use the Roadie app. You’re the boss, literally. 

Now that you know the basics of the Roadie driver app, let’s get into some of the pros and cons of being your own boss. 

The Pros and Cons of Independent Gig Work

Like all things in life, the road to becoming your own boss has some ups and downs.  

The Pros of Being Your Own Boss

You’re working for YOU, not for someone else.
According to research from the Workforce Institute, managers can have a massive impact on a worker’s mental health—even as much as a partner or spouse. If Michael Scott makes your boss look good by comparison, you get it. When you’re the boss, you don’t have to worry about micromanagers, time clocks, or coworkers.

Often, you’ll get better mental health.
For many, shedding the weight of a traditional workplace can boost happiness and mental health. 60% of employees worldwide cite their job as the biggest influence on their mental health, emphasizing a need for better balance.

You’ll experience new independence and flexibility.
This working style gives you extra flexibility to handle whatever life throws your way, whether it’s a much-needed gym break or a spontaneous self-care day. Even the trendiest full-time jobs can’t match this level of freedom.

You can diversify your income.
In this economy, having multiple sources of income is crucial. Delivering Gigs can boost your bottom line and provide extra earning potential.

You’ll accelerate your earnings and paydays.
Need money yesterday? TheRoadie app provides more flexible earning options than traditional 9-5 jobs. Rather than waiting for a payday every 14 days, drivers using Roadie can opt for weekly or instant payments.

You can take advantage of super-low startup costs.
For a side hustle like Roadie, you don’t need to create a perfect business plan for your delivery service right away. To start earning, you just need to  start delivering Gigs.

The Cons of #BossLife

You’ve got to figure out taxes.
Nobody likes the dreaded “T”-word. Independent contractors are responsible for calculating and paying their own taxes. However, most independent workers find that freedom and flexibility outweigh the hassle. 

You have to learn how to manage variable income.
One of the most significant adjustments to being your own boss is adjusting to variable income. You’ll need to get used to budgeting and planning your finances. Roadie is a side-hustle, so add the Roadie app to your routine for extra cash, but you may want to keep your day job for stable income until your delivery business is up and running..

Ultimately, you have to answer to someone.
Even though independent workers don’t have bosses (hooray!), they do have to answer to someone: their customers and clients. If they’re not happy with your delivery services, your wallet won’t be happy either.

4 Signs You’re Ready to Be Your Own Boss

Are you itching to say goodbye to timesheets forever? Here are 3 signs that it’s time to take the leap.

1) You thrive on independence.

If you value independence, being your own boss is the way to go. You’ll have complete control over your schedule and choose when and where you want to work. 

2) You want to embrace the adventure.

You’ve read the success stories, but you also know independent work will come with ups and downs. Let’s face it: trying something new can be incredibly rewarding and challenging. And it takes guts to step out of your comfort zone. This might be why 90% of Americans want to work for themselves, but only a fraction do it. 

3) You can progress at your own pace.

You’re ready to take gradual steps towards self-employment. Being your boss is a huge lifestyle change, so you can take it slow or fast—you decide. Starting small with an app like Roadie, gives you complete flexibility to discover what type of deliveries suit you best.

4) You have an entrepreneurial spirit.

Finding the type of independent work that fits your lifestyle, skills, and schedule takes time and experimentation. Whether it’s entrepreneurship or gig work, you need to be willing to try a lot of different avenues to become independent But when it comes to picking the right delivery app, it pays off to do your research; not only is Roadie more flexible, it offers certifications to increase your earning potential and extra perks.

Get Started with Roadie

Ready to get on the road with Roadie? Here’s a quick walkthrough of how the app works!

• Qualify
  To drive with Roadie, you must be 18 years old, have a Social Security Number, a valid US driver’s license, and an insured car. 
• Sign Up
  Fill out a quick online form to sign up to drive. 
• Get Verified
  Submit requested information to the Roadie platform to verify your identity. 
• Download the Roadie App
  Download the Roadie app and start making money with your car. You can choose to drive every day or every once in a while – it’s completely up to you!
• Earn $$$
  Choose between weekly or instant payments to get your cash. Explore opportunities to earn even more with driver certifications, multi-stop deliveries, and XL deliveries.

That’s all you need to turn your vehicle into extra income. Verification is fast – drivers often sign up, get on the road, and start earning the same day.

Experience the freedom of being your own boss with Roadie. Fasten your seatbelt to lock in financial wins, flexibility, and a fun lifestyle. The open road awaits!

Drive With Roadie

• Transparent Pricing
• Open Box Policy
• Pickup & Delivery Confirmation
• Secure Payments
• Two-Way Ratings

An App That’s Got Your Back

Our Customer Support Team is available 24/7 for any questions or concerns you may have while you’re on a delivery. With our team behind you, you can drive with peace of mind, all the time.

Safety Now And Down The Road

Drivers are a huge part of our Roadie community. That’s why we work hard every day to build a trusted platform that puts your safety and security first. From full transparency about Gig details to ensuring our driver payments system is secure, our goal is always to make sure you feel comfortable and confident out there on the road.

More Transparency Means More Control

Delivering using the Roadie platform means knowing where you’re going ahead of time. That’s why you can see the pick-up and drop-off locations on the map before you offer on a Gig. Likewise, Roadie takes the guesswork out of driver earnings. You’ll see upfront pricing on every Gig before you decide if it’s right for you. Most importantly, you always have the right to know what you’re delivering. If a consumer sender gives you a packaged item, our open box policy allows you to inspect an item before leaving the pick-up location.

We’re Here When You Need Us

Got questions? We have answers. Visit our Support Center to learn more about setting up your account, driving a Gig, or confirming a delivery. If you can’t find what you’re looking for there, connect with a human by reaching out to our 24/7 Live Customer Support team for help.

Get more details

Can’t remember what went where? See a map of where each Gig went, plus breakdowns of each stop you made on your route.

Track earnings and expenses with ease

Easily track tips, reimbursements, and cancellation fees with a detailed payment breakdown for each delivery. Revisit your submitted expense images and upload new ones up to thirty days after a delivery — no need to contact Support.

Save time with Support

Need assistance with a past Gig? Tap “Contact Support” and watch your Gig details autofill. It will save you time and give our team all the necessary info they need to help you.

With these improvements, Roadie’s app is giving drivers like you more control over your side hustle.

Tip Included

When a sender adds a tip upfront, it will be noted in the Gig Details. Senders typically use this as an incentive for going above and beyond for things like urgency and heavy lifting. Now you can see those reasons in the Gig details, along with the amount added and the original payout for the Gig.

Tip Possible

You’ll see the “Tip Possible” tag for Gigs like Walmart deliveries, when customers have the opportunity to tip after their items have been delivered. When tips are added after the fact, we’ll send you a notification with the amount that’s been added to your payout, and you’ll be able to see it itemized within Gig History in your Driver Dashboard.

We hope these new features will mean more money in your pocket. As always, we want to make sure drivers like you are getting the most value for your time on the road!