One of the few downsides is that when you’re an independent worker, you have to manage all the complexities of insurance, taxes and more without the support of an employer. It can be confusing, time-consuming and sometimes expensive to make the best choices for yourself and your family. 

That’s why Roadie has partnered with Stride to give drivers the tools they need to reach the full potential of independent work. Stride is a one-stop platform (including a free app) that simplifies the complexities of independence, like finding the right health insurance plan, managing taxes and saving on everyday expenses. 

Let’s look at all the ways Stride can benefit you as an independent driver. 

Simplify Insurance Protection 

Stride breaks the complicated process of choosing insurance protection into simple steps. As an official partner of HealthCare.gov, Stride offers all the same plans you’d find in your state’s Marketplace at the same low prices. With personalized recommendations and unbiased advisors, Stride makes it simpler to get the insurance plan that best fits your needs and budget. Through Roadie’s partnership, 36% of drivers who applied for health insurance via Stride are paying less than $1/month! 

Stride is free to use — the only cost is the cost of the carrier’s plan; there are no hidden fees. When you apply throughStride, you also get access to streamlined tools that simplify plan selection based on doctors, prescriptions, health needs and budget. 

In addition to necessary coverage like health, dental and vision, Stride can also help you secure extra coverage like affordable life, accident and disability insurance. 

Drivers using Roadie have saved $709/month on average by getting insurance through Stride. That’s $12,762 in an 18-month health premium period. Because Stride exclusively serves independent workers, they don’t tell you what to do — they provide you with tools and support to do things your way. “Drivers using Roadie have saved on average $731/month on average by getting insurance through Stride. That’s $13,152 in an 18-month health premium period.”

Take Control at Tax Time

You work hard, so at tax time, you want to be sure to keep as much of your money as possible. But as an independent worker, keeping up with all the information you need can be a real hassle. Recording mileage, estimating tax deductions, uploading receipts and categorizing expenses — it’s a lot. 

With the free Stride app, you get mileage and expense tracking so you can stay on top of your cash flow, business expenses and more all in one place. When it’s time to file your taxes, you’ll get a full report of all your earnings and deductions to simplify your tax return and maximize savings. Roadie Drivers who track their miles and expenses on the app save an average of  $710 per year on taxes. Through Roadie’s partnership with Stride, drivers can even save 25% off their federal tax return using TurboTax’s Self-Employed product. 

The app isn’t just helpful at tax time — it also includes step-by-step guides and other useful information to help you manage finances,insurance and more as an independent worker all year long. 

Everyday Savings

Stride helps simplify taxes, finances and insurance from your phone, with (almost) everything you need just a few taps away. But Stride also helps put more of your money back in your pocket with discounts and savings on things like business services, shopping, gas and dining. With promotions from Stride’s marketplace of vendors, you’ll find savings on everyday expenses and more chances to stretch your money. It’s a win-win-win!

Set Yourself Up For Success

Roadie’s partnership with Stride makes it simpler than ever to make the most of independent work, with free tools to manage your insurance, taxes and finances. Sign up with Stride today!

*The above information is not meant to be tax advice. You are advised to consult a tax professional when filing your taxes and reporting your earnings and deductions from the Roadie app.

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.

What do I need to start driving on the Roadie platform?

To become a driver, you must be 18 years old, have a Social Security Number, and have a valid and current U.S. driver’s license.

What kind of auto insurance do I need?

A driver must have a current auto insurance policy that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements in the state where the driver’s vehicle is registered and that covers the driver’s completion of Gigs on the platform.   

A driver must have such auto insurance prior to offering on Gigs.  A driver will not be allowed to deliver Gigs and will be removed from the platform if the driver does not have adequate auto insurance coverage.  A driver must carry proof of all required auto insurance coverage at all times while performing Gigs and must provide the same to Roadie and/or other authorities and officials upon request.

While only your insurance carrier can tell you what coverage is required in your state, many drivers carry commercial insurance to protect themselves against liability in the event of an accident. 

Drivers must also provide Roadie with the necessary contacts with their insurance carrier in the event of a motor vehicle accident or other claim related to a Gig.

Take a moment to watch the following video that provides a comprehensive overview of what you can expect on your first Gig. Let’s hit the road together!

What will I be delivering?

From lemons to lawnmowers, Roadie drivers deliver just about everything! You’ll be provided with all the details about a Gig before you submit an offer, so you can choose the Gigs that work best for you.

What’s expected of me as a driver?

Once you’re matched with a Gig, you’re expected to complete it within the specified pick-up and delivery times, and maintain friendly communication with the sender and recipient as needed throughout. All verified drivers must maintain a minimum 4-star rating in the Roadie network, based on feedback from senders on every Gig.

How do I get matched to a Gig?

After you’ve completed signup, head over to the map to find a Gig that interests you. Each pin represents a pickup location. Tap on a pin to see Gigs from that spot, then tap again to learn more. There, you’ll find important information like item dimensions, pickup and drop-off instructions, and total distance, so you can be sure you aren’t signing up for more cargo than you or your vehicle can handle. Most importantly, you’ll also see what a Gig pays before you decide to offer on it.

If it all looks good, tap “Submit” to let us know you’re interested and available. We’ll let you know within 15 minutes if you’ve been matched.

How do I deliver a Gig?

Once we notify you that the Gig is yours, tap the notification to open the app. Hit “Start” to begin the Gig. We’ll let you know the pickup address and will share contact information for your point of contact at pickup, as well as any other special notes you should know before you arrive.

Use the app to mark you’ve arrived and make sure you follow any instructions at pickup. Then you’re ready to head to drop-off!

Once you’re there, use the app to mark you’ve arrived at the delivery location and read the delivery notes to see if there are any special instructions for delivery. Be sure to take a photo and mark where you’ve left the items. Some Gigs may require a signature, too.

If you run into any issues on a Gig, help is just a tap away. Within the app, you can cancel a Gig, create returns and get in touch with Support.

How does payment work?

You should see the payment for your delivery in your Driver Dashboard. We offer free weekly deposits every Wednesday*, or you can choose to sign up for Instant Pay to cash out immediately for a fee. 

(*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.)

What if I have questions about driving for Roadie?

If you have any questions about payment, Gig matching, or anything else, feel free to check out our Support Center – it’s full of helpful information.

We’re excited you’ve decided to give Roadie a try. See you on the road!