If you’ve been in a Walmart lately, you’ve undoubtedly seen Walmart employees poring over lists on handheld electronic devices and pushing carts loaded with bins full of groceries and other items. Welcome to Walmart Spark, Walmart’s home delivery service. And guess what? It’s a gig driving job. 

At the end of 2023, there were more than 4,600 Walmarts in the US. However, your goal in becoming a Walmart Spark driver is to narrow your focus to a few strategically located Walmart stores. This strategy reduces driving time, distance, and wear and tear on your car. You can also earn good money—higher than almost every gig driving job, except for the top rideshare companies. 

Check out this recent Gridwise blog post, How to Make $1000 a Week with Walmart Spark, to get on the road to greater earnings. You can also be more profitable by downloading the Gridwise app. It’s free and has features invaluable to all drivers.

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What is a Walmart Spark driver?

Like so many other societal changes in the last few years, you can point to the pandemic as the cause. Even though grocery delivery services were around before the pandemic, they gained lots of traction in Q1 and Q2 2020 as we all hunkered down. Walmart Spark was no different. 

The industry's growth didn’t stop with the end of the pandemic. In early 2023, Zion Market Research released a study in which they forecasted a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26% for the grocery delivery business, extending to 2030. 

Walmart had already developed a proprietary service in 2018 called Walmart Spark. They used a firm, Delivery Drivers, Inc. (DDI), to administrate the program. Walmart Spark drivers worked for DDI. There was also a relationship with DoorDash to handle some of the deliveries. In August 2022, Walmart ended its relationship with DoorDash and purchased DDI, making Walmart Spark an in-house operation. 

Walmart Spark drivers are gig drivers. They receive and accept orders through the Walmart Spark driver app, directing them to a Walmart store to pick up a delivery. In most cases, a Walmart employee has selected the items; the driver needs only to load the items into their car and deliver them to the customer's residence. 

Is being a Walmart Spark driver for you?

In deciding if Walmart Spark can be truly profitable, you should determine if you're reasonably close to a cluster of Walmarts. 

What is meant by a cluster of Walmarts? Very simply, how many Walmarts surround you within a few minutes’ drive? For instance, in a seven-square-mile area in the California suburban cities of Upland and Ontario (about 35 miles east of Los Angeles), there is a Walmart Supercenter, a Neighborhood Walmart, and a standard Walmart. The farthest distance between any of these stores is 4.4 miles, making this area heaven for a Walmart Spark driver. Three Walmarts in an area means that a Spark driver will stay busy. It is unlikely they will receive an order from a Walmart farther away. The result is that they drive less and spend less time traveling back to their home territory. 

If you live in a densely populated suburb, there is a good chance of a similar network of Walmarts in your area. This is great because you can draw from every one of them. If you live in a more rural area, you'll need to drive farther to make deliveries. 

Brenda Brown, a Walmart Spark driver in Las Cruces, NM, was highlighted in a 2020 article in Business Insider, telling how she made $113,000 in one year as a Walmart Spark driver. It wasn’t easy. Brenda says she averaged 80 hours a week and drove 48,000 miles making those deliveries. Her earnings came out to about $25 an hour, not counting fuel costs and car wear and tear. You should also note that Las Cruces, where Brenda delivered for Walmart Spark, is a town of around 113,000 people on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. That’s a far cry from the suburbs of larger cities with many Walmarts.

There are a few other details to Brenda’s story. She claimed about $95 in tips for every $100 in Walmart Spark earnings. Brenda’s territory included three Walmart stores, the farthest ones being 14 miles apart, and she said she made the trip between them several times daily. 

How to become a Walmart Spark delivery driver

Start with the Walmart Spark website. The requirements for Spark are that you have

• a registered vehicle
• a valid driver's license showing you're at least 18 years old
• a valid Social Security number 
• a smartphone
• a clean background record

You complete the application online, which takes about a week for processing, and then you get a return email. The return email comes from Walmart, but also look at anything from DDI, because they still administer the program internally. Upon being hired, you become a contract employee. You go through an orientation program and download the Walmart Spark app. 

You can check this FAQ page on the Walmart Spark site to answer additional questions. 

How much do Walmart Spark drivers make?

What do Walmart Spark drivers get paid? Spark delivery drivers receive pay on a per-delivery basis, depending on how many deliveries they make per hour. Every delivery shows your approximate earnings once you have completed it. 

Take a look at this chart recently published in the Gridwise blog, How to Make $1000 a Week with Walmart Spark.

YearAverage Gross Earnings Per Work HourAverage Gross Earnings Per Week2022$19.48$353.22023$17.81$322.5Source: Gridwise

As we have discussed before, if you find a region where several Walmart stores are clustered in a small area, you can make more and keep your expenses relatively low for a gig driver. The above are also based on averages and largely depend on the individual and orders.

Walmart Spark drivers can also earn more money through incentives, surges, and referral programs for referring other drivers. These offers are constantly changing, so check your app for the current incentives. Also, you get to keep 100% of your tips, whether they’re in cash or through the app. 

When does Walmart Spark pay? Earnings are electronically deposited into your bank account each Friday.

Perks and considerations for being a Spark driver for Walmart

Walmart Spark offers gig drivers some unique benefits, but there are also challenges to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if Spark is the right gig for you.

Perks

1. Potential for High Earnings
   With access to a busy market and a willingness to work consistently, you can earn good money as a Walmart Spark driver. Spark pays based on distance and order size, so well-planned schedules can pay off.
2. Reduced Wear and Tear on Your Car
   If you’re in an area with several Walmart stores, you’ll be able to pick up more orders without driving excessive miles. This can save on gas, maintenance, and overall vehicle depreciation.
3. No Passengers to Deal With
   Unlike rideshare driving, you won’t have to entertain passengers or keep your car immaculate for customer satisfaction. Spark drivers only interact with store employees during pickups, making the work more low-maintenance.
4. Flexible and Daytime Hours
   Spark operates during Walmart store hours, meaning you won’t need to work late into the night like many rideshare drivers. You can maintain a better work-life balance by working mostly during the day, with evenings free for other gigs if you choose.
5. Perfect Complement to Other Gigs
   Since peak times for Spark deliveries often occur during the day, you can still take advantage of evening peak hours for other gig platforms like rideshare or food delivery.

Considerations

1. Driver Saturation and Long Waitlists
   Due to its popularity, many areas have long waitlists to become a Spark driver. Some drivers report waiting months before they can even start, making it a slow process in saturated markets. However, you can multi-app on another platform until you make it through.
2. High Demand Can Lead to Long Wait Times
   Spark’s popularity can sometimes outpace the store’s ability to fulfill orders quickly.
3. Bot Concerns in Competitive Markets
   Reports from drivers, including those on Reddit, indicate that some drivers are using bots to grab the most profitable offers quickly. Walmart has stated that bot usage violates their terms, and drivers caught using them face deactivation.
4. Contract Work Comes with Financial Responsibility
   Like all gig jobs, you’re considered a contractor, which means you’re responsible for your own taxes, insurance, and benefits. Be sure to track your expenses and set aside funds for tax payments.

By weighing these factors, you can decide if Walmart Spark is a gig that fits your driving strategy and financial goals.

How Gridwise can help

Gridwise is dedicated and committed to making all gig drivers as successful as possible, and Walmart Spark drivers are no different. The Gridwise mileage tracker is the best mileage tracker app for Walmart Spark drivers, saving you hundreds and often thousands of dollars in taxes at the end of the year. 

If you multi-app, like many other drivers, you can link all your apps to the Gridwise platform. There are invaluable tools such as Where to Drive and When to Drive. You can see these features and more when downloading the Gridwise app for free. You can also track earnings and determine the best driving times and places, all for free! 

Try the Gridwise app today to start driving smarter.

And have fun out there!

Check out these Gridwise articles to learn about Walmart Spark opportunities:

• How to Make $1000 a Week with Walmart Spark
• The Best Delivery Service to Work For.
• UPS and FedEx: Which One Should Delivery Drivers Work For? 
• Download the Gridwise app today!
• Contact Gridwise

We have just launched an update to Gridwise’s mileage tracking feature! Basic and Plus users can now assign miles driven during a specific period to specific gig services, whether it’s Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or others. Whether using manual or automatic tracking, this update makes managing your tax-deductible mileage easier and more accurate.

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Why is this feature important?

As a gig worker, you receive 1099 forms for each platform, and reporting expenses like mileage separately is crucial. By assigning miles to specific services, you can streamline this process and better understand your vehicle utilization. This means more accurate records and maximum tax deductions since only business miles are deductible.

Check out our complete guide to dive into the details of using automatic mileage tracking. 

How to categorize mileage for automatic tracking users

For automatic tracking, it’s just as easy to review and categorize:

1. Go to the Earnings tab.
2. Tap on Recently tracked mileage at the top of the screen.
3. Swipe right to mark business-related trips and left for personal trips.
4. After categorizing your mileage as “business”, select your mileage, select the service (Uber, Lyft, etc.) you drove for then.
5. Tap Done to save your entry.

You can also edit mileage entries by tapping on them and updating the details as needed. Here is the full tutorial for how to use automatic mileage tracking.

https://vimeo.com/1010716836?share=copy#t=0

How to use the shift tracker for mileage tracking

If you prefer to track mileage using our shift tracker, follow these steps: 

Tap the Arrow button at the top of your Earnings screen. The button will turn green to indicate that tracking is active.

1. Start working your shift as usual. The tracker will automatically record your mileage in the background.
2. When you’re done for the day, tap the same arrow button again. It will turn grey to show that tracking has stopped.
3. To assign services, tap on Edit at the top of the End Shift screen.
4. Tap on Purpose to assign the shift’s mileage to the appropriate service.

How to manually add mileage in Gridwise

For manual mileage entry, follow these steps:

1. Tap the black (+) button in the top right corner.
2. Select Add mileage.
3. Choose a start and end date and time.
4. Enter the mileage.
5. Select a purpose for assigning the trip to a specific service.
6. (Optional) Add a note.
7. Tap Save to finalize your entry.

Your manual entry on the earnings tab will reflect your daily totals. Again, you will find the full tutorial for how to use Gridwise manual mileage tracking here.

https://vimeo.com/1013582539?share=copy#t=0

Mileage tracking: Your key to maximum tax savings

Mileage tracking is essential for gig workers, not just for staying organized but also for maximizing your tax deductions. With the ability to accurately categorize miles for each service, you’ll:

• Ensure you're claiming all eligible tax-deductible miles.
• Keep personal and business miles clearly separated.
• Avoid overpaying during tax season by staying organized year-round.
• Gain a better understanding of your vehicle utilization.

This new feature in Gridwise makes tracking and filing taxes easier than ever. Whether you prefer automatic or manual tracking, you control your gig work miles.

Ready to get started?

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A DoorDash driver recently alerted the community about a DoorDash scam. The suspicious order involved a single packet of avocado salsa from Taco Bell. This immediately raised red flags for the driver. While this may seem harmless, it was part of a growing fake DoorDash delivery scam targeting gig workers​.

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How the scam works

​​It’s an unfortunate scam that preys on workers who are often already striving to make ends meet. To make matters worse, it can lock Dashers out of their accounts. This leaves them unable to work for hours or even days, resulting in lost income.

1. Unusual order size: Scammers place an order for something insignificant, like a single sauce packet. This fake DoorDash order is often a vital indicator of a potential scam.
2. Driver accepts the order: Many drivers will accept it without questioning it.
3. Fake support call: While en route, the driver receives a call from someone claiming to be DoorDash support. This is a common tactic in DoorDash scam calls.
4. Security warning: The caller claims a security issue or the driver’s account has been flagged. This is a critical step in any DoorDash fraud.
5. Request for verification: The scammer asks for a DoorDash verification code sent to the driver’s phone to verify their identity.
6. Account takeover: Once the driver shares the code, the scammer can gain access to their account. Potentially stealing sensitive information or earnings​.

Why this scam works

• Plausibility: The call feels real because drivers are often alert for potential security risks. These DoorDash scam calls play on the driver's need to act quickly.
• Distraction: Drivers usually multitask while delivering and might need help fully seeing the warning signs.
• Order ambiguity: The system doesn’t always clarify that the order is for a trivial item like a sauce packet. This confusion aids the DoorDash scam​.

How to spot a scam early

• Unusual order size: Orders with tiny items like a single sauce packet or orders that don’t make sense (e.g., a beverage with no food).
• Sudden contact from “support”: Real DoorDash support usually contacts drivers through official app notifications. If drivers get calls outside the app, they should be suspicious of DoorDash scam calls.
• Urgent requests for personal information: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, asking for quick action. In this case asking you for a verification code. DoorDash will never ask for personal info over a call​.

Steps to take if you think you’re being scammed

1. Hang up immediately: If you suspect you are talking to a scammer, hang up and call DoorDash support directly through the app.
2. Report the incident: Use the official app to report any suspicious activity or possible DoorDash fraud.
3. Change your password: If you’ve shared your DoorDash verification code or any other account info, immediately change your password and enable two-factor authentication for added security​.

Best practices for protecting your DoorDash account

• Enable two-factor authentication: This extra security layer ensures that even if scammers obtain your login credentials, they can’t access your account without the second verification step.
• Keep your phone secure: Use strong passwords or biometric authentication (fingerprint, face recognition) to lock your phone. This protects any incoming DoorDash verification codes from being accessed by anyone but you.
• Monitor account activity: Regularly check your account for any unusual login attempts or changes to settings. Promptly report any suspicious activity related to DoorDash fraud​.

DoorDash’s official guidance on avoiding scams

DoorDash provides clear guidelines to help drivers avoid falling victim to scams:

• DoorDash never asks for codes via phone: Always remember that DoorDash will never ask you to provide sensitive information, such as a DoorDash verification code, over a phone call.
• Use official support channels: Always communicate with DoorDash support through the in-app help center or official channels. Do not trust support requests that come via phone calls or emails​. For more information, visit DoorDash's official help page on scams.

Community advice on avoiding the scam

Delivery drivers on Reddit have shared their thoughts on how to avoid DoorDash scams:

• Decline suspicious orders: If you receive a fake DoorDash order for a single sauce packet or another trivial item, it’s best to decline it to avoid a scam.
• Report it: Instead of simply declining, some drivers suggest going to the restaurant, contacting DoorDash support from there, and requesting half-pay for a canceled order.
• Legitimate small orders: Some small orders are legitimate, so double-check before declining an order. However, remain cautious of any DoorDash scam calls​.

Stories from other drivers

Many drivers have shared their experiences of either avoiding or falling victim to DoorDash scams:

• Driver experiences: One driver received a suspicious call from someone claiming to be DoorDash support but hung up after realizing they were being asked for their DoorDash verification code. By reporting the incident immediately, they could secure their account and prevent unauthorized access.
• Lessons learned: These stories emphasize the importance of being cautious, recognizing the warning signs of a fake DoorDash delivery, and never sharing personal information with anyone claiming to be support outside of the app.

What to do if your account is compromised

If your account has been compromised due to DoorDash fraud, here’s what to do:

1. Contact support: Immediately report the issue to DoorDash’s official support team through the app.
2. Change your password: Lock your account by changing your password and enabling two-factor authentication.
3. Monitor earnings: Regularly check your earnings and ensure no unauthorized transactions have occurred. DoorDash may assist in recovering stolen earnings if the fraud is reported promptly​.

Work smart and stay safe

As a delivery driver, staying alert and cautious is critical to protecting your earnings and personal information. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, but by recognizing the red flags—such as suspicious orders or unsolicited calls claiming to be support—you can avoid falling victim to their tactics. 

Always trust your instincts, verify any unusual requests through official channels, and never share personal information or verification codes with anyone. Protecting yourself from scams ensures you can focus on what matters most: making deliveries and maximizing your earnings safely. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep driving wise.

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Check out some great articles for gig workers

• Make $1,000 a week with DoorDash
• 10 Ways To Stay Safe As A Delivery Or Rideshare Driver
• How to make $1000 a week with Amazon Flex
• Here's how to make $1000 with Uber Eats a week
• Maximize earnings with Gridwise features
• Check out the Gridwise Job Board

Are you interested in a fulfilling job that plays a critical role in the healthcare industry? For gig wokrers, finding medical courier jobs are an excellent way to make a difference by ensuring that vital medical supplies, specimens, and medications are delivered on time and intact. Whether you’re looking for a career change or exploring new gig opportunities, medical courier jobs are in high demand, with healthcare providers relying heavily on drivers to transport life-saving materials. In this post, we'll walk you through what it takes to become a medical delivery driver, where you can find work, and how to thrive in this growing field.

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What does a medical courier do?

A medical courier is responsible for transporting important medical items such as lab specimens, blood, prescription medications, and healthcare documents between medical facilities, laboratories, pharmacies, and patients. Unlike standard delivery drivers, medical couriers must follow strict protocols to ensure the safety and confidentiality of the items they deliver.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering medical supplies and specimens on time.
• Handling materials carefully to avoid contamination or damage.
• Maintaining patient and provider confidentiality, often in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

The stakes are high in medical delivery jobs, making attention to detail and reliability essential traits for anyone considering this role.

What are the requirements to become a medical delivery driver?

You’ll need more than just a vehicle and a valid driver’s license to qualify for most medical supply delivery jobs. Here are the typical requirements:

• Clean driving record: Companies expect their medical drivers to be safe and responsible.
• Background check: A thorough background check is often required because medical couriers handle sensitive information and high-value items.
• Specialized training: Some positions may require you to complete training on handling medical specimens or become familiar with medical transport regulations.
• Customer service skills: Good communication skills can set you apart from other candidates since you’ll be interacting with healthcare professionals and patients.

You don’t always need a degree, but certifications related to healthcare logistics or HIPAA compliance can make you more attractive to employers.

How much can you earn as a medical courier?

The earnings for medical courier jobs can vary depending on location, your company, and whether you’re working part-time or full-time. On average, medical couriers can earn between $30,000 and $45,000 annually.

Key factors that influence earnings:

• Location: Larger cities tend to offer higher wages due to increased demand for deliveries.
• Number of hours worked: Many medicine delivery jobs are flexible, allowing you to set your hours. Working more shifts or during high-demand times can boost your income.
• Gig work vs. full-time employment: Gig platforms often allow you to take on more deliveries and earn more than salaried positions.

Many medical couriers can maximize their earnings with strategic driving and careful planning.

Which companies hire medical couriers?

There are numerous companies and platforms actively seeking medical delivery drivers. Here are some of the top employers to consider:

• Dropoff.com: A leading on-demand same-day delivery service for the healthcare industry. Dropoff specializes in transporting medical supplies and specimens, and you can apply directly on their website.
• Medical Logistic Solutions: This company provides medical courier services to hospitals and labs. They often hire independent contractors for deliveries.
• Labcorp: As a large diagnostics company, Labcorp frequently hires medical couriers to transport specimens between their facilities.
• FedEx and UPS Healthcare: These logistics giants offer healthcare delivery services, and their job boards often feature opportunities for medical supply delivery jobs.
• AmeriPharma: Specializing in pharmacy deliveries, AmeriPharma provides medicine delivery jobs across the United States.

In addition to these companies, local hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies often hire medical drivers directly, making it worthwhile to network in your local area.

Where can you find medical supply delivery jobs?

If you’re ready to start your search for medical courier jobs, there are several places you can look:

• Job boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn regularly post medical delivery driver positions listings.
• Dropoff.com: As mentioned earlier, this platform is dedicated to medical and healthcare deliveries, making it a great starting point.
• Courier Exchange: A platform that connects couriers with delivery jobs, including medical transport.
• Direct applications: Don’t hesitate to contact local hospitals, clinics, labs, and pharmacies directly. Many healthcare providers prefer hiring medical couriers who are local and familiar with the area.

Gig platforms are another excellent option if you’re looking for flexibility. Services like Dropoff.com allow you to work on your own schedule, taking on as many or as few deliveries as you like.

What’s the day-to-day like for medical couriers?

A typical day for a medical courier involves picking up and delivering sensitive medical items, often under strict time constraints. Your deliveries might range from prescription medications to lab specimens and even life-saving equipment.

Here’s what you can expect on the job:

• Planning routes: Efficiency is key in medical delivery driver jobs. Many couriers use apps like Gridwise to plan their routes and avoid delays.
• Handling urgent deliveries: Medical couriers often deal with time-sensitive materials, so there’s little room for error.
• Following protocols: You’ll need to maintain the integrity of the items you're transporting, ensuring nothing gets damaged or contaminated.

While challenging, the role is highly rewarding, knowing you’re critical in patient care.

Looking for medical courier jobs? Check out our job board!

If you’re ready to take the next step and start your career as a medical courier, we’ve got you covered! Gridwise offers a comprehensive job board with listings for medical courier jobs, medical supply delivery jobs, and medicine delivery jobs in your area.

Our job board is updated regularly with the latest opportunities from top companies like Dropoff.com, FedEx, and local hospitals and pharmacies. You can apply directly through our platform and take advantage of additional tools that will help you maximize your earnings as a gig worker.

Are there opportunities for career growth as a medical courier?

Yes! Medical courier jobs can lead to various career paths within the healthcare logistics sector. You might start as a delivery driver, but with experience, you can move into supervisory roles or logistics management.

Here are a few ways to grow your career:

• Obtain certifications in healthcare logistics or medical transportation.
• Transition into roles such as logistics manager or dispatch coordinator.
• Develop specialized skills in handling specific types of medical deliveries, such as organ transport or pharmaceutical shipments.

If you’re looking for long-term opportunities, this field offers significant growth potential.

Ready to try this service?

Becoming a medical courier is a great way to be part of the healthcare system while enjoying a flexible, in-demand job. With companies like Dropoff.com, Labcorp, and local healthcare providers always looking for reliable drivers, there’s no shortage of opportunities. Whether you’re looking for part-time medicine delivery jobs or a full-time career, this field offers something.If you’re ready to maximize your earnings as a medical courier, check out platforms like Dropoff.com and use tools like Gridwise to streamline your deliveries and track your income. And don’t forget to visit our job board to find the latest medical courier job listings!

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More blogs we think you will enjoy

• Make $1,000 a week with DoorDash
• 10 Ways To Stay Safe As A Delivery Or Rideshare Driver
• How to make $1000 a week with Amazon Flex
• Here's how to make $1000 with Uber Eats a week
• Maximize earnings with Gridwise features
• Check out the Gridwise Job Board

The moment you become a gig driver, your relationship with your vehicle is transformed. No longer can you get away with leaving old receipts, candy wrappers, or day-old coffee cups lying around. You’ll also need to clean up after passengers and pick up food items you carry in your car. Suddenly, you’re forced to keep your car neat enough to pass inspection by the most persnickety of riders.

This, as you know, isn’t always easy. Cleaning out your car can take up valuable time you could have spent making money with your driving gig. However, if you don’t have a clean place for your passengers or take care of the mess food creates in your car, you won’t be very successful.

How can you get high ratings from your customers about the condition of your car? Try these basic ways to can keep your vehicle in better-than-presentable condition:

1. Clean as you go. You can’t wait to clean your car when it is a hot mess. Check for litter after every passenger or delivery, and spot clean as much as possible.
2. Visit your local car wash. Many car wash companies now offer inexpensive monthly memberships featuring unlimited washes and free vacuum access. You’ll make up the money you spend keeping clean in tips, and also retain the value of your vehicle.
3. Carry disinfecting wet wipes. Pick up a package of disposable cleaning cloths so you can keep surfaces clear and free of germs. Remember those fastidious routines of pandemic days gone by? Disinfecting and keeping your car free of contagions is still a good idea, and doing so improves the appearance of your interior, too.
4. Avoid food and beverage spills. If you’re a delivery driver, get yourself some equipment that protects your vehicle from the stains that come with food and liquids that won’t stay put. Beverage holders and insulated food bags put you and your delivery business in a much better position.
5. Take along a mini vacuum that plugs into your car’s power supply. This helps you to clean up little messes (like the glitter on that little kid’s artwork), and clean out the nooks and crannies in and around the dashboard and doors.

Now that your car has passed the clean inspection, are you totally ready to present your vehicle to the public? There’s one more thing. 

Breathe some fresh air outside, exhale, then step into your vehicle and take a good whiff. What does your nose tell you? If your car doesn’t smell fresh and clean, your customers are going to turn up their noses, and probably give you a thumbs-down when it comes time for tips and ratings. 

At this point, you are probably intensely aware that gig driving takes a toll on your vehicle in more ways than one. You’ve got to worry about mileage, wear and tear, cleanliness, and…the smells that come with rideshare driving and delivery work. 

Faced with the job of ferrying customers coming not-so-fresh from the gym, not to mention riders who leave behind a plume of skunky weed stench, rideshare drivers fight a constant battle to keep their cars smelling clean. Delivery drivers have it even harder. With a maddening mixture of cuisines loaded in and out of the car daily, the aromatic result can become a cacophony of malodorous stale food smells that can take away anybody’s appetite.

Aera Go Diffuser: The best-smelling solution

What can you do when the unappealing smells that inevitably find their way into your vehicle’s ventilation system just won’t go away? 

You can drive with the windows down, but that won’t be very effective. Plus, if it’s hot, cold, or wet outside, you and/or your passengers could become quite miserable. There’s always the option of fumigating the car cabin with pungent air freshener, but you might discover the cure is worse than the disease.

Don’t give up, because now there’s a company that recognizes your plight, and they created the perfect solution. Aera Go is a smart fragrance diffuser designed especially for your vehicle! It fits right into your cup holder, automatically eliminates the bad stuff, and emanates pleasant aromas that will make you and your passengers enjoy the ride! 

Aera Go elevates your rideshare and delivery driving to a 5-star experience with:

• up to 350 hours of pleasant smells from each cartridge
• 10 settings to accommodate individual needs and sensibilities
• sustainably sourced, cruelty-free, and clean fragrance that eliminates odors naturally
• scents that are safe for children and pets
• a refillable unit providing a delightful variety of olfactory “flavors”
• auto on-off technology

Aera Go is incredibly easy to use. Simply plug the unit into your vehicle’s USB, place it in your cup holder, pop in your favorite fragrance capsule, and adjust the strength to your liking. The efficient, flexible, and all-natural Aera Go will get right to work at what it does best, including living up to its reputation for being a major tip magnet! 

Transform stale smells from too many differently perfumed passengers into the awesome aromas of beach house or crisp breeze. Or eliminate that fast-food stench with fresh citrus or the floral bouquet of Hawaii in minutes. All this becomes possible when you own Aera Go, the #1-rated vehicle diffuser for rideshare and delivery!

The creators of Aera Go understand the needs of gig drivers, so they’re showing some love with a substantial discount! Purchase Aera Go and use the code RIDESHARE to get 30% off. Your nose—and all your passengers—will thank you!

Following our deep dive into Lime charging, we're now turning our attention to another major player in the scooter industry with our Guide to Being a Bird Charger.The gig economy is ripe with opportunities for those willing to hustle, and becoming a Bird Fleet Manager is one that stands out. This role, which involves charging and maintaining Bird scooters, can be particularly rewarding for savvy individuals.Despite recent changes at Bird, the potential for fleet managers remains promising. Let's unpack this opportunity and explore strategies to maximize your earnings in this dynamic role.

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What is Bird, and what's been going on with the company? 

Bird was founded in Santa Monica, California, in 2017, as a micromobility company specializing in last-mile transportation. They started with ten e-scooters. Within a year the company raised $300 million in funding and was valued at $2 billion. Bird was flying high. 

In the last few years, Bird has undergone many changes, including eliminating most of its fleet of gig workers who served as Bird chargers and recreating the position of Bird fleet manager. There was also a bankruptcy, but Bird emerged earlier this year with a renewed focus and a streamlined business model.  

A new business model

Bird’s bankruptcy was spurred by the pandemic. Sales plummeted 50% in 2020, as they did for many gig workers and companies in the community mobility sector (while food and grocery delivery cleaned up). Bird declared bankruptcy in 2022, acquired Spin (another e-scooter company) somewhere along the way, and went through a corporate realignment. They re-emerged from bankruptcy earlier this year as Third Lane Mobility, the largest micromobility company in North America, of which both Bird and Spin are subsidiaries. 

Bird and Spin remain a force, though, according to a recent Third Lane Mobility release. In 2023, 

• Bird and Spin riders traveled over 51 million miles globally, which equates to circling the earth more than 2,050 times.
• Bird and Spin users were responsible for millions of motor vehicle trips that were not taken. 
• Bird and Spin users also prevented 10,191 metric tons of C02 emissions from entering the atmosphere. 

Bird fleet managers appear

During the pandemic, one significant problem was the collapse of the Bird scooter charger network. This network consisted of gig workers who collected as many Bird scooters as they could each night, charged them overnight at home, and redistributed them to specified locations (called nests) for customer use. With fewer Bird chargers available, the e-scooters couldn’t be charged, leading to a decline in ridership. 

Bird’s response to the charger problem was to eliminate the Bird charger position, which put their remaining fleet out of work. They recreated the charger position as a Bird fleet manager, rehiring some former chargers for these new roles. 

What is a Bird fleet manager? Fleet managers are assigned a fleet of Bird e-scooters (anywhere from 50 to 100), which remained owned by Bird. Every night, the managers use an app to locate the e-scooters, collect them, and take them to a central location for charging. Each morning, the fleet managers redistribute the scooters to predetermined locations. 

Bird fleet managers are also responsible for repairing and maintaining the e-scooters. Sometimes, this is at Bird's expense, and other times, the managers absorb the cost. Missing, stolen, and vandalized scooters are also a problem. Fleet managers are often financially responsible for these losses.

There is also a report card

Fleet managers start out making about 40% to 45% of the revenue generated by each scooter assigned to them. Successful managers follow the performance of each scooter using Bird’s app-based fleet management software. A fleet manager can acquire additional scooters if they excel at the job. Some have fleets of several hundred. High performance often means a higher percentage of earnings, too.  

According to a 2023 article in Wired, the Bird fleet manager’s app highlights underperforming scooters. You risk losing the fleet if that number exceeds 10% of your e-scooters. 

How can you become a Bird fleet manager?

Like most gig positions, the Bird application process is online. You start by filling in your name and some personal information on the Bird website; then wait for a phone call. Depending on where you live, that phone call may take a while. 

One of the characteristics of the e-scooter and micromobility business is that it does well in good weather. This is great if you’re in the southwestern US or the sunbelt states, where the sun shines most days and the roads don’t get covered with ice. Business is more seasonal in areas with harsher winters. If you’re in a good market, there is likely a waiting list to be a Bird fleet manager. If you live where there is snow, your winter may involve some side hustles to make ends meet. 

Scooters and micromobility are more prevalent in urban settings and less common in the suburbs. Some cities have also legislated against e-scooters or limited their hours of operation. 

Things and skills you’ll need to be a Bird fleet manager

Being a Bird fleet manager takes a commitment. Here are some things you’ll need that will be considered when you interview for the position. 

Business experience. Most Bird fleet managers are business people who understand business decisions, possessing management and organizational skills. Some fleet managers even have full-time employees. 

Large van or truck. When you go out at night to collect your fleet, you’ll need a good-sized vehicle to transport them. A load of 50 to 100 scooters, averaging 40 pounds each, won’t fit in the back of the family SUV. Bird doesn’t have vehicle requirements, but you’ll need a suitable vehicle for the business. 

Mechanical abilities. Fleet managers are responsible for maintaining the scooters. According to the Wired story, the company changed the brake mechanism on one model of Bird scooter, and the changeover fell to fleet managers. 

Warehouse space. You’ll need space for your Bird scooter maintenance operations, and the space required to store them while they charge. This will likely exceed the capacity of most garages. 

Familiarity with analytics. Successful fleet managers understand data analysis. They have access to app-based tools, fleet management software, and analytics that help monitor the performance of individual e-scooters, identify opportunities for increased usage, and locate e-scooters for retrieval. 

Knowledge of the community mobility market. The gig mobility market is little more than a decade old, and in that time, it has undergone waves of change. Successful gig drivers and e-scooter chargers will tell you that understanding the market is vital. 

You will need to consider these things if being a Bird fleet manager appeals to you. 

How much is the Bird fleet manager salary?

According to multiple sources, Bird fleet managers earn a minimum of $1,500 a week, although that is not guaranteed. If you do a good job and grow your fleet, you can acquire more scooters, which increases your income. Of course, with a larger fleet comes the need for more space and more time to maintain the scooters. 

Anecdotally, some Bird fleet managers talk about making more than $100,000 a year, but those are often fleet managers with employees. 

Bird fleet managers are contract employees, so they are responsible for taxes. As contract employees, there is no vacation or sick time from Bird, so someone will have to ensure that things get done 365 days a year. 

For every successful Bird fleet manager, there are those who aren’t. Profitable Bird fleet managers admit that it comes down to good location, business savvy, and hard work. 

A final word about managing Bird scooters

Any student of micromobility and last-mile transportation will tell you that the market is constantly changing. Bird is a good example. Like most companies in the shared mobility market, they faced challenges during the pandemic.In some phases, bird charger jobs were eliminated or redefined. When Bird scooter charger jobs disappeared, many gig workers had to find a different side hustle or identify other gig economy opportunities. 

Now Bird has successfully re-emerged into the market, and they have created new opportunities for those experienced in community mobility. 

In some areas, Bird has contracts with cities to provide e-scooters. Cities regularly evaluate the contracts, and sometimes they change or drop them to go with another e-scooter provider. Bird fleet managers can lose part or all of their business overnight. 

Gridwise can help

The Gridwise app is an invaluable tool for the gig industry. The Gridwise mileage tracker helps Bird fleet managers track business miles; the same is true for the Gridwise expense tracker. These features make tax time a breeze. There are also other benefits and even discounts on gasoline. 

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Check out these Gridwise articles to learn more about being a Bird fleet manager and other opportunities in the gig industry:

• The Ultimate Guide to Being a Lime Scooter Charger/Juicer
• Unlock Your Earning Potential: The Best Side Hustle Jobs in 2024
• How to make $1000 a week with Amazon Flex
• Here's how to make $1000 with Uber Eats a week
• Compare earnings: DoorDash vs. Uber Eats
• Check out the Gridwise Job Board

Not all gig drivers are women, by a long shot. However, women do make up a hefty proportion of the driver population. Gridwise data indicates that approximately 41% of the Gridwise community identify as female.

Women drivers come from all age groups and have a variety of reasons for choosing gig driving. Many of them drive because it can be a fun way to bring in extra money, while others relish the way flexible hours let them choose their shifts. 

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Women in the gig economy

A fair number of women drivers do their gig full time, and use their ambition and determination to make a very good living in the gig economy. In general, women drivers have the same reasons for working in rideshare and delivery that men do. 

Yet there are some differences in the way they experience interactions while doing their jobs. Men are, at times, subjected to sexual harassment, but incidents of this kind happen to women far more frequently.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 43% of men and 81% of women have experienced some form of sexual harassment and/or assault. So if you’re a male and have stayed with us this far, you may want to keep reading. But more so for women, the potential for sexual harassment and assault, along with the likelihood of being robbed or attacked, could explain why the friends and family members of so many women Uber drivers are constantly dogging them about the safety of rideshare driving and delivery. 

You can put their minds at ease, and take care of any concerns of your own, by using some of these tips on to make driving for DoorDash, Instacart, Lyft, and Uber as safe as it is profitable and convenient.

Personal safety: Keep smart options at your fingertips

How safe is Uber for women drivers? The more you know, the safer you’ll be. In the event of an emergency, or in a moment when you’re in danger, what would you do? You can always call 911, of course. In addition to that option, rideshare and delivery companies are pretty diligent about providing one-button options for getting help. Here are some examples:

Uber's safety features

• In-app emergency assistance button calls for help and shows your trip details.
• “Follow my ride” feature lets family and friends track your movements and watch for irregularities.
• RideTrack will alert Uber if your trip goes drastically off-course; and if they don’t hear from you, the company will call to check your status.

See more about Uber’s safety features for drivers on the Uber website.

Lyft's safety features

• In-app button gives access to ADT, who will get you instant assistance.
• You can share your location with trusted friends and family. 
• Lyft provides videos for drivers to learn more about keeping themselves safe.

The Lyft Website provides further details about the safety features Lyft offers.

Is DoorDash safe for female drivers?

This and other delivery companies definitely do their part to make it that way. The delivery apps DoorDash, Instacart, Shipt, and Grubhub have features that instantly connect drivers to emergency services via ADT or RapidSOS, training videos, plus other features that promote safety while driving, such as allowing fewer notifications from customers.

There is no doubt that these features can be helpful, and you should definitely use them.

Get a dashcam for your car

Above and beyond the tools offered by your rideshare or delivery company, though, we recommend that you get a dashcam.

When a Pittsburgh area Uber driver was shot and killed by a passenger in the fall of 2021, police were able to follow her attacker’s trail through her phone’s Uber activity, but her dashcam gave them even more information. The video evidence of the incident not only enabled authorities to identify the attacker, it will also be used to support the state’s case against him. This CNN article provides the details of the aftermath of this terrible tragedy, and the role the driver’s dashcam played in it. 

Make sure that you protect yourself with all the available technology. Read more about what a dashcam can do to protect you.

Bodycams are a good idea for delivery work

Obviously, this was an extreme case, and one that nobody deserves or wants to see repeated. In a similar way, no driver deserves to be the victim of sexual harassment. If you encounter a passenger who comes across as suggestive, or downright creepy and aggressive, having that recording can seal your case against them. If you do delivery work, wearing a body cam can deter attackers or harassers from selecting you to be their next victim.

Read more about how to deflect unwanted passenger behavior in this article from The Conversation.

In addition to taking basic safety measures, there are other things you can do to ensure that you enjoy being a female Uber driver without being harmed, and become a poster person for female Lyft driver safety.

9 more tips for women rideshare and delivery drivers

These tips are geared to women (and men) who take their personal safety seriously. Use them like your life depends on it, because it just might.

On every trip

1. Before a trip, check your passengers. Look at their ratings, and if they’re low, consider letting the opportunity pass you by. Plus, make sure the person getting into your car is the same person who is on the passenger account.

2. During a trip, keep doors locked and windows up. Be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking outside your car. Trust your instincts. If your gut tells you something doesn’t feel safe, it probably isn’t.

3. After a trip, check for belongings that might get left behind before the passenger leaves, so you won’t be called back to a sketchy address to return them.

Throughout your shifts 

4. Stay alert and follow your instincts

• Trust your gut. Don’t ignore those messages or remarks that make you feel unsafe. If a potential passenger looks dangerous or even a little bit creepy, keep your distance. Don’t be afraid to cancel a ride. Your safety is far more important than your cancellation rate. You can always report your reason for canceling to your company.
• Maintain a “strictly business” attitude. The way you present yourself as a driver can speak volumes about what you will—and absolutely will not—tolerate.
• Be alert. If you’re parked on a lonely street, look all around you to make sure there’s no one suspicious who might mark you as a target.
• Carry yourself with confidence. Whether you’re walking to your vehicle or dropping off a delivery, keep your head up and walk with a purpose; don’t let yourself be distracted. When it looks like you know where you’re going, and that you have a strong sense of self-confidence, you’re far less likely to be marked as a victim.
• Consider self-defense training. It is against company policy, and in many cases illegal, to carry weapons while you’re doing rideshare or delivery driving, so that’s not what we mean here. We’re talking self-defense classes and martial arts schools that can help you develop skills and “street smarts.” You’ll learn as much or more about how to prevent or get out of a situation as you will about actual bodily defense or hand-to-hand combat—something that’s well worth the money and effort. Plus, it can be a great way to stay in shape!
• Report any and all incidents to your driving platform. If a passenger harasses or touches you, report it to your company. They will deal with the customer and probably terminate their app privileges. You have the right to refuse a ride or ask a passenger to leave your vehicle if you feel the least bit unsafe. Your company should, and probably will, support your decision. Read more about how to deal with troublesome customers.

5. Know where safe areas are and assess your surroundings
   Learn street names and localities of safer neighborhoods, and try your best to stay in them. Stick to the busiest parts of town where more people are around. Beware of simply following “surges.” Often, the rates are highest in those areas that most drivers would rather not go. Use Where to Drive to see where the best areas to drive are, and where drivers are getting the most money for their time.

6. Drive at safe times

Is Uber safe for women at night? Well, it can be. If you know you will be around large crowds or otherwise familiar territory, you don’t have so much to worry about. How do you know when the safest times to drive are?

It might be all right to be out on a weekend at midnight, when people need you to take them to and from bars, restaurants, and cultural events. Late on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening, though, the same areas that seemed so lively might be deserted, and even dangerous.

You could try figuring out the good and not-so-great times to drive by trial and error, or you could get the facts right away when you use When to Drive from Gridwise. This feature graphs out data from real Gridwise drivers to show you when the best (and safest) times to drive are in your town.

7. Use Gridwise and its many features to help you navigate other information and services that could impact your earnings and your safety, such as

• airport information: arrivals, departures, and queue lengths at your location
• weather: current information and weather alerts
• traffic alerts: where the bottlenecks are and how to avoid them
• gas deals: save on fuel costs with Gridwise Gas
• event information: start times, end times, locations—everything you need to know about local events

Using Gridwise features is a wise way to stay safe, and the following tidbit is just one more thing we’d like you to consider.

Important tip from a successful women gig driver: Always have your car or phone’s GPS programmed to take you to a busy place, such as the cultural district or an area with a lot of restaurants and bars. That way, if you have to drop off a passenger or delivery in a quiet, dangerous-looking place, you can turn off your driving app and get to a safer location with ease.

8. Maintain your vehicle and call for help when needed

Nobody wants to have their vehicle break down in the middle of a gig driving shift, but it can happen. When it happens to women, it can pose additional safety risks. Getting a flat or discovering your battery is dead on a lonely country road takes on new meaning when there’s a greater possibility of encounters with people whose intentions are not-so-good. 

It’s true that proper car maintenance can cost money, but it’s an investment you can’t afford not to make. Stay fully informed about what it takes to keep your car running. You might already know how to perform many of these tasks, and you may be able to change a tire in just a few minutes…flat. But in the event you’re not an automotive whiz, or you definitely need a tow, there is help you can always call on.

There are affordable roadside assistance programs for drivers, and some programs help drivers get reduced prices on car maintenance (including up to 44% off certain maintenance services!).

9. Be prepared and well equipped

Because you’re driving so much and to so many different places as a gig driver, it’s more important than ever to carry equipment that you might need when emergencies arise. Here are some suggestions:

• jumper cables or battery charger
• tire gauge
• spare tire (and knowledge of how to change a flat)
• tool kit
• hand warmers
• water
• snack food
• wiper fluid
• motor oil
• a blanket and/or an extra coat 
• snow shovel/brush
• safety cones and/or flares
• flashlight or headlamp

Even though these supplies will take up room in your vehicle, the fact they can save your life is worth it. Weather is important to keep in mind too. Waiting for the tow truck in the middle of a hot desert road or blizzard-blocked highway could make you see how that water, snacks, or thermal blanket can earn their keep.

Make Gridwise your on-the-road partner

Using Gridwise as a female driver offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your experience and efficiency on the road. With features like real-time tracking of earnings and mileage, you can better plan your routes and avoid less safe areas. The app also provides insights into the best times and places to drive, helping you stay in busier, safer neighborhoods.

Additionally, Gridwise offers exclusive benefits such as discounted vehicle maintenance and roadside assistance, which are crucial for avoiding breakdowns in potentially unsafe situations. By using Gridwise, you can maximize your earnings while ensuring a safer and more secure driving experience.

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For many Uber drivers, the aspiration to earn over $1,000 weekly is not just a dream—it's an achievable goal with the right strategies and commitment. By understanding market dynamics and optimizing driving hours, drivers can significantly increase their earnings. This section outlines a structured approach to help drivers reach that financial milestone, detailing the necessary hours, potential earnings, and practical strategies to maximize profits. Below, you will find a comprehensive breakdown on how to make $1000 a week with Uber.

"1600 in about 33 hours last week. Definitely possible driving at the right times. About 12% of that was tips" (Reddit user Nythain, 2023). - Reddit. (2023). Is it possible to consistently make $1000 per week? 

This approach will focus on achieving earnings in the 90th percentile of Uber drivers, as that's the key to reaching the $1,000+ weekly goal.

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Realistic Breakdown to Earn $1,000+ Per Week with Uber

CategoryDetailsTarget Weekly Earnings$1,200+ (aiming above $1,000 for buffer)Hours Worked35-40 hoursAverage Hourly Rate$30-$33 (90th percentile earnings)Daily Schedule5-6 days per week, 6-8 hours per dayFocus AreasUrban areas, rush hours, nightlife hotspotsKey Strategies1. Drive during peak hours and surge times
2. Be selective with ride acceptance
3. Utilize driver incentives and bonuses
4. Maximize airport runs
5. Increase tips through excellent serviceAdditional IncomeUtilize Uber Eats during slow rideshare periodsExpense ManagementTrack mileage and expenses for tax deductions

To achieve this earnings goal, let’s re-iterate these points:

1. Timing is crucial: Focus on driving during peak hours, typically morning and evening rush hours, and late nights around popular nightlife.
   
2. Location strategy: Concentrate on urban areas with high ride demand. Use the Gridwise app's "Where to Drive" feature to identify hotspots.
   
3. Surge pricing: Take advantage of surge pricing periods, which can significantly boost your hourly rate.
   
4. Ride selection: Be strategic about which rides you accept. Prioritize rides that keep you in high-demand areas.
   
5. Maximize bonuses: Stay alerted to Uber's incentives, such as the new "trips in a row" promotion offering up to 20% bonuses.
   
6. Airport focus: Incorporate airport runs into your strategy, as they often provide consistent ride opportunities.
   
7. Enhance tip earnings: Aim to increase your tips above the average 10-11% by providing excellent service, offering amenities, and maintaining a clean, comfortable vehicle1
   
8. Utilize downtime: Consider switching to Uber Eats during slower rideshare periods to maintain a steady income stream.

By implementing these strategies and maintaining a consistent schedule, drivers can realistically aim for the $1,000+ weekly earnings goal. Remember that earnings can fluctuate based on market conditions, so it's essential to remain flexible and adapt your strategy.

The good news is that there is only one overarching goal for how to make more than $1,000 per week with Uber. That goal is to get your earnings into the 90th percentile of Uber drivers. Let’s look at the numbers, and you’ll see what we mean. 

Uber driver earnings, January–September 2023

PeriodGross earnings per work hourTotal tripsWork hoursWork milesHours required to achieve $1,000/wkEarnings for drivers performing in the 90th percentile2023-01$20.0411235.4768.249.9$30.702023-02$21.6111235.1773.546.27$32.532023-03$21.7011738.9849.946.08$33.012023-04$21.6311036.8803.546.23$33.532023-05$19.8410336.5802.350.40$31.542023-06$18.319837.1812.554.61$29.422023-07$18.4010037.1817.054.35$29.432023-08$18.6810338.4840.953.53$29.072023-09$19.6211139.0857.650.97$31.00

How much does Uber pay? As you can see, the average gross Uber driver pay per hour (column 2) hovered between $18.31 and $21.70. The best month in 2023 was March, when drivers earning the average had to work just over 46 hours to earn $1000 a week with Uber.

But let’s focus on column 7. In the first three quarters of 2023, gross Uber driver pay per hour for those drivers in the 90th percentile was anywhere from $29.07 to as much as $33.53. As reflected in column 8, these drivers worked under 35 hours a week during the first nine months of 2023; and in April 2023, drivers in the 90th percentile worked less than 30 hours to achieve the $1,000 goal. 

Let’s look at it another way. Drivers in 2023 who were in the 90th percentile of earnings earned 50% more per hour than those in the average gross Uber pay rate. If they worked 40 hours a week, they were averaging over $1,200. 

As an Uber driver, you can’t afford not to be in that 90th percentile. 

How to make more money on Uber: The strategies and details

There are things you can do to move yourself up to that 90th percentile of the Uber pay rate, and the reality is that these strategies are relatively straightforward. If you incorporate them into your daily driving, they’ll quickly become routine. We briefly touched on them, but now we will go into more detail. 

Monitor all the numbers

“What gets measured gets improved.” This is the foundation of business philosophy, and it's true. Smart drivers look at all the numbers.

• Bonus and incentive earnings. Are you taking advantage of rate surges and driver incentives? 
• Tip earnings. This area is where you can have the greatest impact, and it doesn’t take much. 
• Total trips. This is also looked at in terms of per-trip earnings. What it comes down to is how much you average per trip. You increase earnings if you can increase your number of trips per hour. 
• Work miles. Fuel is your largest expense. Concentrate on driving in target-rich areas with many rides, and shave a few travel miles off each day. 
• Work hours. How long did it take you to realize your earnings? 

Remember, what gets measured gets improved. It’s an important strategy of a successful Uber driver. 

HOT TIP #1: Download the Gridwise app and use the Earnings Tracker. You can follow all these numbers and see them at a glance on one screen. 

Know when and where to drive with Uber

Uber drivers in the 90th percentile have a good philosophy. They drive where the rides are and when they are there. 

Busy times and areas often have patterns. Most often, rides tend to be in urban areas, where the people are. More rides go into the areas of employment in the mornings, with a higher number coming out in the evenings. These times parallel rush hours. There are also more rides in and around the hot spots for evening nightlife. 

Remember, though, every driver is different. We knew of a driver who hit the road around midnight and stayed out until at least 8:00 am. He knew the hot spots, including hospitals and employers that operated around-the-clock shifts. His Uber driver salary averaged $1,400 a week.  

HOT TIP #2: The Gridwise app includes the invaluable features When to Drive and Where to Drive. Download the Gridwise app today. 

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Be selective about the Uber rides you accept

Now that the Uber driver app tells you your destination upfront, you can be more selective about the rides you accept. The main question you have to ask yourself is, Does the drive end in a location where I have a reasonable chance of getting another ride quickly? A long drive to the outer suburbs might look like a tempting price tag, but if it leaves you in an area with few rides, you have an empty car. As a rideshare driver, empty cars make no money. 

A more attractive ride brings you to an area where you're likely to get another passenger quickly. A series of shorter rides in a metropolitan area will often net you more than the long rides occupying the same time. 

We’ve all heard the urban legend of a gig driver who took a passenger from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. It was an excellent fare, but the reality is that they likely had an empty car on the way back. 

Yes, being selective will affect your acceptance rate, but the rideshare companies are not as persnickety about acceptance rates as they were a few years back. 

Uber surges

When a special event lets out, or the bars start turning out the last revelers shortly before 2:00 am, the Uber app often has a situation where there are more passenger requests in a specific area than there are drivers. The app automatically attracts drivers by increasing fares by a multiplier (we’ve seen it anywhere from x0.25 (a 25% increase in fare) to a x4 (a 400% increase in fare). Surges are indicated on your phone by a heat overlay. The darker the overlay, the higher the surge. One or two surge rides can turn a mediocre shift into a really good haul. 

HOT TIP #3: Don’t chase surges. Surges are transitory. As soon as there are enough drivers, the surge is gone. Unless you're seconds away, driving to a surge overlay on your map is a waste of time. 

HOT TIP #4: Surges often happen in repetitive patterns. If you see a surge, remember it next time you're driving in the same area at the same time. It could be connected to a theater that lets out at a certain time, a sporting event, or a large employer at shift change. 

Special events

Trade shows, conventions, concerts, and sporting events all offer the chance to make extra money. Keep tabs on what’s happening in your region. One sure way is to download the Gridwise app and check out the Events tab. 

Driver incentives

Uber used to have an incentive where you could earn a bonus if you accepted a specific number of drives in a specified period of time. For example, accept four rides in a designated area in a two-hour period and earn a $15 bonus. 

Incentives like these were interesting because as soon as you completed your last ride in the series and then accepted the next ride, the bonus started over again; and sometimes the only thing required was that your first ride happen within the specified period. The remainder could extend outside the period. These bonuses were usually announced in the app. 

Incentives depended on whether the app perceived there was a specific need for drivers in an area. Sometimes the rules changed, and for some inexplicable reason the offer was often driver-specific (not every driver would get the same offer). 

Uber might also run an incentive like this in advance of an anticipated need for drivers (such as a sporting event or concert letting out). Some drivers theorize that these offers were made to new drivers to keep them from getting discouraged in those first few weeks. 

In August 2024, Uber released a promotion called trips in a row that applies to UberX drivers. There will be specific offers, seen on your app, in which you can receive a bonus of 5% for accepting a ride in a designated region during a designated time. The next ride you accept increases the bonus 5% more (that’s 10%). The increases go up by 5% per ride until you reach 20%. The offers are in select markets, and there is no word as to what markets those are. You can even cancel a ride during the period and not lose your incentives; you just get knocked down a level. If you're at a 10% bonus level and you cancel a ride, then the next one remains at the 10% level.   

There are also other incentives. You need to be vigilant. Bonuses and incentives almost always appear on the app and are designed to keep drivers loyal to the Uber app, as opposed to multi-apping. 

Multi-apping

While we are on the subject, let’s talk about multi-apping, or the popular practice of operating two or more apps at the same time. If you're on the Uber app, then you're automatically cleared to deliver for Uber Eats. Drivers work the other food delivery apps also. 

Roadie, which specializes in package delivery, can dovetail nicely with Uber rideshare. Get an assignment from Roadie to pick up a suitcase at the airport and deliver it later that day to a passenger at a hotel or their home. What’s nice is that the time requirements to get the job done are flexible. To learn more about Roadie, refer to these Gridwise blog posts: The Ultimate Guide to Being a Roadie Driver, and How Much Do Roadie Drivers Make in 2024?

Airports

Airports are a favorite of many drivers and a good source of rides. It’s not uncommon to drive into the airport, drop off your passenger, and leave with another one. The areas surrounding an airport are often carpeted with hotels and restaurants, all good sources of rides. Download the Gridwise app and check out the Airport tab, which features arrival times, flight delays, and other info. 

Track your Uber mileage

As a contract employee, you're in business for yourself. Uber doesn’t withhold taxes and neither does any other gig job. Mileage is the most significant write-off you have as a gig driver, and there is no better tool than the Gridwise mileage tracker. Download it for free as part of the Gridwise app. Set it up once, and it passively tracks your mileage. 

Also track your expenses in the Gridwise expense tracker. At tax time, you can download your mileage record into an Excel file for easy handling. While you’re at it, use Gridwise to help you file your taxes. You won’t realize these savings on a weekly or monthly basis, but at the end of the year, taxes are a big deal. 

Increase your tips

Tips average 10% to 11% for rideshare drivers, but as a driver in the 90th percentile you should be earning more in tips. Here are some things you can do: 

• Maintain a playlist of good music. Have a couple of different genres and mix it up. 
• Carry gum and mints. Useful for those passengers on their way to a date or job interview, or who enjoyed a recent garlic-laden dinner. 
• Supply charging cords. Set your car up so that passengers can charge their iPhone or Android phone. 
• Open the car door. While a passenger is getting their stuff together, you should be holding the door open for them. 
• Be a good conversationalist. Most people love to talk, and it’s an extra bonus if you call them by their first name. People love to hear the sound of their name. 
• Dress nicely. People respect someone who takes a few minutes to look well presented. 
• Maintain a few cash apps. For whatever reason, a customer might want to tip you off the app but they don’t carry cash. One good example is car dealerships that use Uber to their shuttle service customers. The dealership is paying for the ride, so if the passenger wants to tip you, they can’t do it through the app. This happens more than you would think. Maintain a selection of cash apps on your phone (they’re almost always free), so this is no longer a problem. 

There are other things you can do to earn more tips, but these are the big ones. If you have a few minutes, check out this Gridwise blog post, How to Boost Rideshare Driver Earnings and Earn Bigger Tips.

How Gridwise can increase Uber driver earnings

We filled this blog post with information on how to make $1,000 a week as an Uber driver. We’ve talked about When to Drive and Where to Drive features. We also revealed how you can save big money by using the Gridwise mileage tracker to keep tabs on your mileage. You can also follow the Gridwise blog, which is full of information about the latest trends in gig driving, and how to earn more by working smart. Numerous benefits and discounts on insurance, car repairs, and other services are also available in the Gridwise app. 

You owe it to yourself to check out the Gridwise website and download the Gridwise app. It’s the ticket to the best earnings as a gig driver and an expert guide for how to make $1,000 per week with Uber, or whichever gig driver service you choose to work for. 

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Check out these links to learn more about earning $1,000 a week on other platforms, or to discover valuable Gridwise services. 

• How To Make $1000 A Week With Amazon Flex
•  How To Make $1000 A Week With DoorDash
•  How to make $1000 a week with Uber Eats
•  How to make $1000 a week with Instacart
•  How To Make $1000 A Week With Walmart Spark
• Check Out the Gridwise Job Board