Gridwise blog

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also called Sea-Tac, is the eighth busiest airport in the US by passenger traffic. It saw over 50 million passengers in 2019 and is considered one of the fastest growing airports in the country. It’s a primary hub for Alaska Airlines as well, which is all to say that this is a pretty important airport. 

It also means major earning potential for rideshare drivers in the Seattle Area.

Sea-Tac Airport allows Uber and Lyft vehicles at the pick-up and drop-off terminals, but before heading that way, there are a few rules you’ll want to know. To maximize earnings (and avoid a ticket), it’s important to understand how to navigate the airport, join the queue, and legitimize your vehicle. 

To help rideshare drivers be successful at the Sea-Tac Airport, we put together this blog post to serve as a guide. The following topics are covered: 

1. What should you do before arriving?
2. Do you need any permits to drive there?
3. Where is the rideshare waiting area?
4. What are the passenger pick-up rules?
5. What are the passenger drop-off rules?
6. When is the best time to drive at the airport?
7. What is the best driving strategy?
   

Let’s dive in!

What should you do before arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and entering the airport queue?

To pick up passengers at SEA, you’ll need your trade dress, which (as you know) is the Lyft or Uber decal that goes on the lower passenger-side windshield of your car.

Uber sends out this decal when drivers sign up. If you’ve lost yours since then, there are a few easy ways to replace it. You can request that a new one be mailed to you, pick one up at your local Greenlight Hub (be wary of recent closures), or print out a temporary version at home. 

You can order a Lyft decal from your Dashboard, and print a temporary emblem to use while waiting for yours to come in the mail.

You’ll also need your FHP ID (For-Hire Permit Identification) Card. You can apply for that here on the King County site. Your TNC vehicle decal comes with this card, and this has to be placed inside the windshield behind your rearview mirror. 

One last thing-- the Port of Seattle will only allow vehicles to pick up at Sea-Tac if they have a blended MPG rating of 40 or higher for Lyft and 45 or higher for Uber. You can check your MPG here. If your MPG is lower than 40, you’ll have to leave the staging lot and won’t be entered into the queue-- but you will be able to drive through the Re-match program. (Stay tuned for an explanation of Rematch).

Where is the Uber/Lyft waiting area?

If you drive for Uber, the waiting area is located at 2902 S. 171st Street SeaTac, WA 98188. You can also use the lot located at 3037 S 160th Street. These lots are where you’ll head when you first arrive at the airport.

The Ground Transportation Lot for Lyft drivers is located at 1069 S. 160th Street, SeaTac, Washington 98188.

Once you get to your staging lot, you’ll automatically be entered into the airport queue. You’ll be able to check your place in line in the Lyft or Uber app. Unfortunately, if the lot is full you’ll have to leave the airport. 

How should Uber and Lyft drivers pick up passengers?

The driver who has been waiting the longest in the staging area gets the next rider request as part of the TNC’s “FIFO” (first-in-first-out) technology. Make sure not to enter out of driver mode while you wait or you’ll lose your spot in line.

Once you get a ride, a pin will be placed at the pick-up spot for you to meet your rider. Follow the signs for Arrivals, then keep left for the “Ground Transportation- Authorized Vehicles Only” area to pick up passengers in the parking garage.

This will be on the 3rd floor of the garage at Row I. Do not pick up passengers at the curbside terminal entrance, and note that you are only permitted to wait 15 minutes in the parking lot for your passenger.

It can get tricky, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your passenger to confirm where they are.

How should Uber and Lyft drivers drop off passengers at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport?

Luckily, dropping off passengers at SEA is a lot easier than picking them up. Just head to the upper departures level and drop your passenger off curbside at the terminal of their choice. 

At this point you’ll be eligible for Rematch. Rematch means you can receive a pickup request up to 1 minute after dropping off a passenger-- and you won’t have to go back to the staging lot.

If you are Rematched, proceed through the far-right lane under “Terminal Direct Parking” past the “STOP” sign, proceed up the helix to the third floor, and find the App Based Rideshare pickup area in Sections G-J. You will not have to meet any MPG requirements for Rematch. 

If you aren’t Rematched, either head to the staging lot or to the open road.

When is the best time to drive at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport?

Turn to your Gridwise app for information about all arrivals and departures at SEA, as well as delays and cancellations. 

Typically, midday is the best time for airport driving; most passenger arrivals and departures occur sometime between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

With Gridwise Plus you’ll be able to see airport data 24 hours in advance, so you can lock in a solid airport strategy the night before you head out. You’ll also be able to turn on custom alerts, maximizing your earnings by staying ahead of Arrivals and Departures.

What are some good airport strategies?

Follow the rules

SEA has some safety requirements for drivers, including keeping your headlights on at all times, staying under 10 mph, stopping at crosswalks, and not stopping at thru lanes. Uber and Lyft won’t pay your fine if you get one, so stay diligent about following the rules and listening to SEA’s airport staff.

Pick up a passenger on the way to the airport

Count on Gridwise to let you know when there’s a peak in airport departures, so you can hang around near hotels at that time to maximize your chances of an airport ride.

Do not cancel on a passenger after you’ve accepted a fare

If you do, you will be bumped to the bottom of the queue and your wait starts all over again. The good news is that if it’s a short ride, some companies let you jump back in line after you’ve dropped the passenger off.

Be ready to present your waybill and keep your app updated

A waybill is essentially a receipt of the last trip you completed. Be prepared to present this to airport officials or law enforcement while waiting for arrivals. Keeping your app updated is the best way to take advantage of programs like Rematch that can mean bigger earnings.

Always be prepared

The fact is, you never know when law enforcement will show up. Keep your driver’s license, insurance card, and registration handy-- in addition to your trade dress, TNC vehicle decal, and FHP ID Card. Just in case.

Congrats! Now you’re all set to make some pick-ups and drop-offs at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport—and maybe take a trip up the Space Needle in between.

Only eight miles from downtown Milwaukee, the Mitchell International Airport (MKE) sees more than 3 million passengers each year. That’s a lot of arrivals and departures—and a lot of riders for Uber and Lyft drivers looking to make a nice profit on airport drives.

But in order to maximize your earnings at Wisconsin’s busiest airport, you’ll need to know how to navigate the staging lots and arrivals queues. This involves having a solid airport strategy and knowing how to avoid citations. 

That’s why we put together this instructional guide to help Uber and Lyft drivers be successful when driving at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. We’ll walk you through everything from trade dress to airport peak times, so all you have to do is get on the road. The following topics are covered:

1. What should you do before arriving at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport?
2. Do you need any permits to drive at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport?
3. Where is the rideshare waiting area at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport?
4. What are the passenger pick up rules at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport?
5. What are the passenger drop off rules at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport?
6. When is the best time to drive at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport?
7. What is the best Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport strategy?

Let’s dive in!

What should you do before arriving at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and entering the airport queue?

First things first. Get your trade dress, which (as you know) is the Lyft or Uber decal that goes on the windshield of your car.

Uber sends out this decal when drivers sign up. If you’ve lost yours since then, there’s a couple easy ways to replace it. You can request that a new one be mailed to you, pick one up at your local Greenlight Hub (be wary of recent Hub closures), or print out a temporary version at home. 

You can order a Lyft decal from your Dashboard and print a temporary emblem while waiting for yours to come in the mail. 

Where is the Uber/Lyft waiting area at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport?

Currently, all rideshare drivers share the staging lot that is located on St. Jasper Avenue off West College Avenue.

Once you enter the staging lot you’ll automatically be entered into the airport queue. Make sure not to log out of the app, cancel rides, or drive off airport property—you could lose your spot.

The queue is ordered first in-first out, so whoever has been waiting the longest will get the next request.

How should Uber and Lyft drivers pick up passengers at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport?

Once you receive a request, follow the route down South Howell Avenue. 

If you’re with Lyft, look for Lyft signs outside Carousel 2 of the baggage claim, where your passenger will be waiting.

If you’re with Uber, follow the Uber signs nearer to Carousel 1 of the baggage claim.

It can get tricky, so keep an eye on Google Maps and don’t hesitate to reach out to your rider.

How should Uber and Lyft drivers drop off passengers at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport?

Dropping off passengers at the Milwaukee airport is simple. All you have to do is take passengers to the terminal of their aircraft carrier. 

That's it, then you're back on the road!

When is the best time to drive at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport?

The Milwaukee Airport is pretty busy, and you’re not the only driver in the area who knows that. This is why waiting in the queue can be frustrating, especially when you could be making money on the road.

What that means is the best time to drive at MKE is when the ratio of passengers to drivers is at its absolute highest.

For flight insights, check your Gridwise app. The Airports tab lets you compare queue times to passenger arrival times. At MKE, the best time for driving tends to be around midday, where there’s a spike in departures.

There are, of course, certain times of year that receive more passengers, like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years. Still, the best way to understand rider demand at your airport is with Gridwise.

With Gridwise Plus you’ll be able to see airport data 24 hours in advance, so you can lock in a solid airport strategy the night before you head out. You’ll also be able to create custom alerts for arrivals and departures.

What are some good airport strategies?

Pick up a passenger on the way to the airport!

Don’t just be a driver who picks up passengers at the airport—also pick them up when they are heading to the airport. Gridwise does a great job of telling you when there’s also a peak in airport departures, so you can hang around near hotels at that time to maximize your chances of an airport ride.

Do not cancel on a passenger after you’ve accepted a fare

If you do, you’ll be bumped to the bottom of the queue and your wait starts all over again. The good news is, if it’s a short ride, some companies let you jump back in line after you’ve dropped that passenger off. 

Fortunately, if a passenger cancels on you, it does not affect your place in line.

Look out for your short ride bump

After waiting at the airport for a passenger, there is nothing more frustrating than getting a ride that’s just  five minutes away. That’s why the major rideshare companies have some form of a short ride bump that allows you to jump back into the front of the line if you get a very short ride request.

To take advantage of a short ride bump, simply complete your short ride and watch for a text message or in-app message that gives you the option to head back to the MKE lot for a spot in the queue.

Always be prepared

You never know when law enforcement will show up, so always keep your driver’s license, insurance card, and registration handy. And don’t forget to have your trade dress displayed, as well as be ready to show your waybill (an in-app receipt of your last drive) to airport officials.

Now you should be ready to make that drive to Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport. Happy driving!

The Cincinnati airport is a global hub for Amazon Air and DHL Aviation, ranking 4th in North America for total cargo operations. That’s a lot of packages coming in and out. But what about passengers?

Serving the Northern Kentucky and Southern Ohio areas, this airport sees over 8 million people arriving or departing per year. That gives rideshare drivers in this area a great opportunity to profit on longer rides.

But if you’re going to maximize your earnings at CVG, you’ll need to know how to navigate. That takes a solid airport strategy, and knowing how to avoid citations. That’s why we put together this instructional guide to help Uber and Lyft drivers be successful when driving at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

We’ll walk you through everything from trade dress to airport peak times, so all you have to do is get on the road. The following topics are covered:

1. What do you need to do before arriving at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport?
2. Do you need any permits to drive at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport?
3. Where is the rideshare waiting area at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport?
4. What are the passenger pick-up rules at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport?
5. What are the passenger drop-off rules at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport?
6. When is the best time to drive at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport?
7. What is the best Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport strategy?

Let’s dive in!

What do you need to do before arriving at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and entering the airport queue?

You’ll need your trade dress, which (as you know) is the Lyft or Uber decal that goes on the windshield of your car.

Uber sends out this decal when drivers sign up. If you’ve lost yours since then, there are a few easy ways to replace it. You can request that a new one be mailed to you, pick one up at your local Greenlight Hub (be wary of recent Hub closures), or print out a temporary version at home. 

You can order a Lyft decal from your Dashboard and print a temporary emblem while waiting for yours to come in the mail. 

Where is the Uber/Lyft waiting area at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport?

Currently, all rideshare drivers share the staging lot that is located on Barkley Drive off Loomis Road. If it’s a busy day and the staging lot is full, you’ll have to leave the airport.

Once you enter the staging lot you’ll automatically be entered into the airport queue. Make sure not to log out of the app, cancel rides, or drive off airport property—you could lose your spot.

How should Uber and Lyft drivers pick up passengers at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport?

Once you receive a request, follow the route from the waiting lot to the pick-up point. Turn left on Loomis Road, right onto Donaldson Road, right onto Lincoln Road, and follow signs to the Pickup Zone outside Door 10 of the terminal building. 

With certain rideshare companies, you’ll pull into a numbered parking lot in the commercial vehicle lot. Then, you text your passenger the number so they can come find you. 

It can get tricky, so keep an eye on Google Maps and don’t hesitate to reach out to your rider.

How should Uber and Lyft drivers drop off passengers at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport?

Dropping off passengers at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is simple. All you have to do is take passengers to the terminal of the aircraft carrier. 

When is the best time to drive at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport?

CVG is a pretty busy airport, and you’re not the only driver in the area who knows that. This is why the queue can be frustratingly long, especially when you could be making money on the road rather than waiting.

So the best time to drive at CVG is when the ratio of passengers to drivers is at its absolute highest.

For flight insights, check your Gridwise app. The Airports tab lets you compare queue times to passenger arrival times.

There are, of course, certain times of year that receive more passengers, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years. Still, the best way to understand rider demand at your airport is with Gridwise.

The best time for driving appears to be around midday, where there’s a spike in departures.

What is the best airport strategy for the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport?

Pick up a passenger on the way to the airport!

Don’t just be a driver that picks up passengers at the airport. Also pick them up when they are heading to the airport. Gridwise does a great job of telling you when there is also a peak in airport departures, so you can hang around near hotels at that time to maximize your chances of an airport ride.

Do not cancel on a passenger after you’ve accepted a fare

If you do, you will be bumped to the bottom of the queue and your wait starts all over again. The good news is that if it’s a short ride, some companies let you jump back in line after you’ve dropped that passenger off. Fortunately, a passenger canceling on you does not affect your place in line.

Look out for your short ride bump

After waiting at the airport for a passenger, there is nothing worse than getting a ride that’s just five minutes away. That’s why the major rideshare companies have some form of a short ride bump that allows you to jump back into the front of the line if you get a very short ride request.

To take advantage of a short ride bump, simply complete your short ride and look out for a text message or in-app message that gives you the option to head back to the CVG lot for a spot in the queue.

Always be prepared

You never know when law enforcement will show up, so always keep your driver’s license, insurance card, and registration handy. And don’t forget to have your trade dress displayed, as well as be ready to show your waybill (basically a receipt of your last drive) to airport officials.

Now you should be ready to make that drive to CVG. Happy driving!

The Orlando International Airport (MCO) saw over 50 million visitors in 2019, making it the busiest airport in Florida and the tenth busiest airport in the United States. As an operating base for JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines—as well as the home of a maintenance base for United Airlines—this is an important airport. 

That means high potential earnings for rideshare drivers who are driving those millions of passengers to and from the aviation hub.

Orlando International Airport allows Uber and Lyft vehicles at the pick-up and drop-off terminals, but before heading that way, there are a few rules you’ll want to know. To maximize earnings (and avoid a ticket), it’s important to understand how to navigate the airport, join the queue, and legitimize your vehicle. 

To help rideshare drivers be successful at the Orlando International Airport, we put together this blog post to serve as a guide. The following topics are covered: 

1. What should you do before arriving at the Orlando International Airport?
2. Do you need any permits to drive there?
3. Where is the rideshare waiting area?
4. What are the passenger pick-up rules?
5. What are the passenger drop-off rules?
6. When is the best time to drive at the airport?
7. What is the best driving strategy?

Let’s dive in!

What should you do before arriving at Orlando International Airport and entering the airport queue?

To pick up passengers at MCO, you’ll need your trade dress, which (as you know) is the Lyft or Uber decal that goes on the windshield of your car.

Uber sends out this decal when drivers sign up. If you’ve lost yours since then, there are a few easy ways to replace it. You can request that a new one be mailed to you, pick one up at your local Greenlight Hub (be wary of recent closures), or print out a temporary version at home. 

You can order a Lyft decal from your Dashboard, and print a temporary emblem to use while waiting for yours to come in the mail. Keep in mind that the Orlando airport requires two Lyft decals: one on the front windshield and one in the back.

Where is the Uber/Lyft waiting area?

The Orlando International Airport has one staging area for rideshare drivers to wait in, and it’s located off Bear Road. If you’re driving for Uber, head to the waiting area adjacent to B-52 Memorial Park. If you’re with Lyft, the address is 8149 Bear Road.

Once you get to the staging lot, you’ll automatically be entered into the airport queue. You’ll be able to check your place in line in the Lyft or Uber app. Unfortunately, if the lot is full you’ll have to leave the airport. 

How should Uber and Lyft drivers pick up passengers?

The driver who has been waiting the longest in the staging area gets the next rider request. Make sure not to enter out of driver mode while you wait or you’ll lose your spot in line.

Once you get a ride, a pin will be placed at the pick-up spot for you to meet your rider. This will be located on Level 2 of designated airport areas marked “TNC Pick-Ups,” just outside the baggage claim. There are two terminals here: Terminal A (at Doors 1 and 14) and Terminal B (Doors 20 and 31).

How should Uber and Lyft drivers drop off passengers at the Orlando International Airport?

Luckily, dropping off passengers at MCO is a lot easier than picking them up. Just head to the departure level at the passenger’s carrier of choice. Make sure not to linger here to avoid creating traffic.

That’s it, and you’re back on the road! 

When is the best time to drive at the International Orlando Airport?

Turn to your Gridwise app for information about all arrivals and departures at MCO, as well as delays and cancellations. 

Typically, midday is the best time for airport driving; most passenger arrivals and departures occur sometime between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

With Gridwise Plus you’ll be able to see airport data 24 hours in advance, so you can lock in a solid airport strategy the night before you head out.

What are some good airport strategies?

Pick up a passenger on the way to the airport

Count on Gridwise to let you know when there’s a peak in airport departures, so you can hang around near hotels at that time to maximize your chances of an airport ride.

Do not cancel on a passenger after you’ve accepted a fare

If you do, you will be bumped to the bottom of the queue and your wait starts all over again. The good news is that if it’s a short ride, some companies let you jump back in line after you’ve dropped the passenger off.

Be ready to present your waybill and keep your app updated

A waybill is essentially a receipt of the last trip you completed. Be prepared to present this to airport officials or law enforcement while waiting for arrivals. 

Always be prepared

The fact is, you never know when law enforcement will show up. Keep your driver’s license, insurance card, and registration handy, and don’t forget to have your placard displayed.

Congrats! Now you’re all set to make some pick-ups and drop-offs at the Orlando International Airport—and maybe sneak a Dole Whip in betwee

Last year, the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) saw over 50 million visitors, making it one of the busiest airports in America—and based on aircraft movements, the sixth busiest airport in the world. As a hub for American Airlines and a home to the Charlotte Air National Guard Base, it’s safe to say this is a major airport. 

And with great airports comes great rideshare opportunities. Millions of annual passengers means major earnings for Uber and Lyft drivers who are driving passengers to and from the aviation hub.

The Charlotte airport allows Uber and Lyft vehicles at the pick-up and drop-off terminals, but before heading that way, there are a couple rules you’ll want to know. To maximize earnings (and avoid a ticket), it’s important to understand how to navigate the airport, join the queue, and legitimize your vehicle. 

To help rideshare drivers be successful at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, we put together this blog post to serve as a guide. The following topics are covered:

1. What should you do before arriving at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport?
2. Do you need any permits to drive there?
3. Where is the rideshare waiting area?
4. What are the passenger pick-up rules?
5. What are the passenger drop-off rules?
6. When is the best time to drive at the airport?
7. What is the best driving strategy?

Let’s dive in!

What should you do before arriving at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and entering the airport queue?

To pick up passengers at CLT, you’ll need your trade dress, which (as you know) is the Lyft or Uber decal that goes on the windshield of your car.

Uber sends out this decal when drivers sign up. If you’ve lost yours since then, there are a few easy ways to replace it. You can request that a new one be mailed to you, pick one up at your local Greenlight Hub (be wary of recent closures), or print out a temporary version at home. 

You can order a Lyft decal from your Dashboard, and print a temporary emblem to use while waiting for yours to come in the mail. 

Where is the Uber/Lyft waiting area?

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport has one staging area for rideshare drivers to wait in, and it’s located on 5608 Wilkinson Blvd. (do not wait for requests on Stafford Avenue).

Once you get to the staging lot, you’ll automatically be entered into the airport queue. You’ll be able to check your place in line in the Lyft or Uber app. Unfortunately, if the lot is full you’ll need to leave the airport. 

How should Uber and Lyft drivers pick up passengers?

The driver who has been waiting the longest time in the staging area gets the next rider request. Make sure not to enter out of driver mode while you wait, or you’ll lose your spot in line.

Once you get a ride, a pin will be placed at the pick-up spot for you to meet your passenger. For Uber drivers, this pick-up will be at Zone E of the lower Arrivals level. For Lyft, a pin will be placed at a pre-approved meeting location at Zone D of the lower Arrivals level. 

It can get tricky, so keep an eye on Google Maps and don’t hesitate to reach out to your rider.

How should Uber and Lyft drivers drop off passengers at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport?

Luckily, dropping off passengers at CLT is a lot easier than picking them up. Just head to the departure level at the passenger’s carrier of choice. Make sure not to linger there to avoid creating traffic.

That’s it, and you’re back on the road! 

When is the best time to drive at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport?

Turn to your Gridwise app for information about all arrivals and departures at CLT, as well as delays and cancellations. 

Typically, midday is the best time for airport driving; most passenger arrivals and departures occur sometime between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

With Gridwise Plus you’ll be able to see airport data 24 hours in advance, so you can lock in a solid airport strategy the night before you head out.

What are some good airport strategies?

Pick up a passenger on the way to the airport

Count on Gridwise to let you know when there’s a peak in airport departures, so you can hang around near hotels at that time to maximize your chances of an airport ride.

Do not cancel on a passenger after you’ve accepted a fare

If you do, you’ll be bumped to the bottom of the queue and your wait starts all over again. The good news is that if it’s a short ride, some companies let you jump back in line after you’ve dropped that passenger off.

Be ready to present your waybill and keep your app updated

A waybill is essentially a receipt of the last trip you completed. Be prepared to present this to airport officials or law enforcement while waiting for arrivals.

Always be prepared

As always, you never know when law enforcement will show up. Keep your driver’s license, insurance card, and registration handy, and don’t forget to have your placard displayed.

Congrats! Now you’re all set to make some pick-ups and drop-offs at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Happy driving!

We understand that the money you make from rideshare and/or delivery driving is important to you. This applies whether you’re saving for a vacation or your wedding, or if you drive full time to pay all your bills. You certainly want that money to keep coming in.

That’s why deactivation, a company’s decision to remove your access to their app so you can no longer get work, can be devastating. Suddenly, and sometimes with little or no warning, your lifeline to the money you need can be severed.

Occasionally you’ll come across customers who want to pull a scam, such as claiming you did something objectionable, so they can get a free ride or delivery. The consistency with which they lie about drivers to get breaks from the companies makes us wonder: Is this some kind of weird coincidence, or do they have secret social media groups or Reddit threads that give them such audacious ideas?

In any event, deactivation is something every driver dreads, but still needs to be aware of. We now live in a world where the companies are charging more for rides and deliveries, and the customers feel ripped-off. Some of them will go to a lot of trouble to get back at the companies. And … It’s terribly unfair when innocent drivers get caught in the crossfire. But it can, and does, happen, and it’s becoming more common.

Over the last few months, we’ve been hearing from drivers who got deactivated for what sounds like utterly unfair reasons. These incidents led us to do some digging and put this blog post together, so we can share information with you about:

• Deactivation: policies for the major companies
• Protective measures: what you can do to avoid being deactivated
• Fighting back: the best ways to get your account reactivated

Why drivers get deactivated

There are numerous reasons why a company can deactivate you.

Some happen to be justifiable, at least from the company’s point of view. As a representative of their business, you embody a way for them to be held responsible (specifically, sued) for making a customer suffer any kind of loss, be it financial, physical, or emotional. Therefore, they’re going to be totally unwilling to take certain risks.

Risk aversion is most likely at the root of the following incidents that can cause you to lose access to a platform:

• Failure to pass a background check (remember, the companies periodically re-do these checks)
• Unsafe driving, including being stopped and ticketed by police while on the app
• Carrying a weapon
• Threatening a customer
• Driving under the influence
• Committing any other kind of crime while you’re on the app

Some of these grounds for deactivation might be controversial, but they are universally accepted by the companies. (By the way, you also accepted them when you agreed to the terms of service.) We can see how any of them could potentially harm the company as well as the driver, so they really do make sense.

Now, given that we can tacitly agree to the above-listed actions as grounds for deactivation, there are other violations you may or may not be aware of. Here’s a rundown of the major rideshare and food delivery players, and their grounds for deactivation.

Rideshare Companies

Why Uber deactivates drivers

Uber’s rules are fairly clear and easily understood. Still, you need to know them just in case you haven’t read the fine print—which we recommend you do as soon as possible.

• Low star ratings. Yours must be at 4.6 or above to drive Uber X. The other classifications may require even higher star ratings.
• Lack of activity. If you haven’t driven for 90 days, Uber may deactivate your account.
• Serious customer complaints. If a customer reports you for sexual harassment or driving under the influence, you have a problem. The company has a zero-tolerance policy for these behaviors.
• Other customer complaints. Violations of community guidelines such as exclusion due to race, gender, disability, size, age (except in the case of unaccompanied minors), or other obviously heinous acts are definite grounds for deactivation.
• Contacting riders after you drop them off. Known as “post-ride contact,” this is at best creepy, and often very close to stalking.
• Expired documents: If you fail to keep your driver’s license, registration, insurance, and any other required documents (this varies by area) up to date, you could be suspended until you present current credentials.
• Bending the rules: Uber’s terms of service make it clear that actions such as having someone else in the car with you when you’re driving, promoting a competing service, or driving someone who is obviously under the age of 18 without an accompanying adult (among others), are sufficient cause for action by the company.

Why Lyft deactivates drivers

Lyft is more explicit about its grounds for deactivation, adding other criteria along with those listed for Uber:

• Low driver rating. Lyft’s standards are based on the average rate in your city. You’ll want to keep your rating as high as possible (of course).
• Your aging vehicle. There are limits on how old your vehicle can be. If it passes the timeline, Lyft’s system will pick up on that and deactivate your account.
• Substance-related rule breaking. You let a passenger ride with an open container of alcohol, or you allowed the person to use drugs in your car. This falls under “committing crimes while on the app,” but Lyft is explicit about these particular acts.
• Refusal to transport a service animal. Lyft, quite rightfully, makes a big deal about this issue. If you fear what damage an animal might do, carry a protective cover for your seat and use it when you have a fur (or feathered) baby on board.
• Texting while driving. Along with being a violation of Lyft’s rules, it’s an incredibly careless thing to do. How safe would you feel if your driver was typing while attempting to drive?
• Accepting rides off the app. There may be times when people on the street try to flag you down for rides. Lyft specifically prohibits this—and it’s also not the smartest thing you can do. Didn’t you sign up with the app because personal safety was one of your concerns? Leave those rides for the cabbies with bulletproof glass between them and their “wild card” riders.
• Falsifying documents or information. Tell the truth and know that you could be asked to prove it at any time.
• Smoking. Yes, it’s your car, but as far as Lyft is concerned it’s also a reflection of their standards. Passengers will notice the smell of tobacco smoke in your vehicle because it seeps into the upholstery. Marijuana, even if it’s legal where you drive, is not an okay smell to have in your car if you don’t want to be nailed for DUI. Avoid smoking anything in your vehicle if you’re going to use it for Lyft.

Restaurant Delivery

Like the rideshare companies, delivery companies have basic standards. The general ones, such as documentation for your vehicle, your license, and so forth, are the same. Be sure to read the fine print in your company’s terms of service so you’re aware of what’s expected of you.

In many cases, though, details such as vehicle age and condition are less important to delivery companies. And there are some matters that are unique to delivery, including:

Lateness. Remember that delivery companies are all about time. If it’s been proven that you took excessive amounts of time to complete a delivery, your access to the app could be on the chopping block, depending on which company you work for.

Card abuse. This seems like a relatively obvious infarction: abuse of the charge cards some companies give drivers to pay for customers’ meals and groceries. You’re not allowed to buy anything for yourself with that card—period.

Fraud. A sure path to deactivation by delivery companies, fraud could entail not following through with a delivery, eating all or some of the food in a delivery, or using two delivery apps at the same time. In the third scheme, the driver can make out on two deliveries, but it will also entail the customers having an extra wait for their delivery - and winding up on the receiving end of a cold meal that was supposed to be hot. That’s definitely not good for business.

Here are some additional criteria for deactivation that are specific to the delivery companies:

Why Grubhub drivers get deactivated

Accepting too few orders. Grubhub works with blocks of time. If you’re a driver, and you have time blocked out that could be used by someone else, and you’re not accepting deliveries, you could be deactivated. The fairness of this may be disputed, but it’s still happening. Grubhub is just following the rather dubious lead of other companies who push drivers into taking more work than they might really want.

Why Doordash drivers get deactivated

Violation of the terms of your contract. Lately Doordash has become more aggressive about this, possibly in an effort to outdo Grubhub when it comes to bullying drivers. In addition to the items previously listed, such as abuse of the charge card and not fulfilling deliveries, this encompasses a deceptive trick many drivers were playing: In an attempt to get many quick, local deliveries, and rack up enough deliveries for certain promotions, they falsely reported using a bicycle for delivery.

Completion rate. Doordash drivers must maintain a completion rate of 80%.

Driver rating. Doordash drivers must maintain a rating of at least 4.2.

Why Postmates drivers get deactivated

Failure to abide by the Fleet Agreement. You really need to read the fine print here. Part of the agreement states that you may not use an arbiter in any dispute with the company, nor can you engage in a class action suit. Convenient for them … not so convenient for you.

Negative customer complaints. The good news is, there is no star rating for Postmates, so you can’t be docked for not making a certain number. Customers enter a basic thumbs-up or thumbs-down on your performance. Postmates claims the customer’s choice won’t affect you, but serious complaints that customers write or call in can result in deactivation.

Grocery shopping and delivery

Why Instacart shoppers drivers get deactivated

This side of the delivery business can be more complicated than the others we’ve discussed so far. Not only are you responsible for delivering the goods; in this case, you also have to do the shopping. That leaves you exposed to all kinds of customer reactions.

The big name here is Instacart—which unfortunately has a not-so-great reputation when it comes to deactivation. It can come without warning, and it can be difficult to appeal. Shoppers have complained that the company is extremely difficult to contact, as well.

Check out this video discussing a recent Instacart deactivation:

Here are some reasons why Instacart might deactivate you:

• Misuse of the card. This is the same deal as the food delivery companies. With food, it can be more complicated, though. Prices might be different than indicated when you get to the store, or there could be other elements (club memberships, etc.) that might need to be verified - or even paid for.
• Failure to document that a delivery of alcohol of prescription drugs was carried out as directed. This could quickly become a nightmare.

The overdub would go something like...“Hey- that Instacart driver never delivered my oxy, and probably just stole the pills. Now I have to get another refill…”

• Discrepancies with receipts. Yes, they do happen. “Holding on” to receipts can be cumbersome. Therefore, you may want to scan them (or just snap a shot of them with your phone).

Protective measures: What you can do to avoid deactivation

Deactivation can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, it often happens because drivers fail to protect themselves from certain factors.

By far, the most common source of being falsely accused is an unwarranted customer complaint. You’ll want to be on the lookout for those customers who are trying to get something for nothing—at your expense. You’ll also want to be able to defend yourself against the company if their app sees or interprets something that simply isn’t true.

Here are some steps you can take to improve your chances of avoiding deactivation.

• Read the fine print. Do more than just click “I agree” on the terms of service: Read the document. Take notes. Know what’s in it and how it affects you. You can look the document up on your company’s website.

• Ask questions. If a situation arises that makes you question what an appropriate response might be, ask. If you can’t get in touch with your company right away (and that happens a lot), send out a lifeline in a social media group or Reddit thread.

• Invest in one or more recording devices. You could use a dashcam and/or a bodycam, especially if you’re delivering prescriptions, cannabis, or alcohol. Taking this measure is a sad statement about our inability to trust the human race, but it’s necessary to have absolute proof of what happens on the scene of any kind of incident, and when.

• Use photo documentation. In addition to scanning any receipts, you can also make sure your delivery photos are clear. You can take an extra shot of those bags in front of the customer’s door for your own records too.

• Document correspondence with your company. Although it doesn’t do much to create instant gratification, email is better than a phone call because you have the exchange in writing.

• Respond promptly to company notifications. If your company sends you an email or other notice of a complaint, pull over and get back to them immediately. It could make the difference between you working and you getting deactivated.

• Hedge your bets. Sign up with more than one service, or create a hybrid driving gig (rideshare and delivery) to make sure you’re covered. If one company deactivates you (as long as it wasn’t for committing a crime), you can still work for another.

Fighting back: the best ways to get your account reactivated

The first thing you should know about the appeal process is that it can be a long, drawn-out series of actions that can take a week or two, and maybe longer.

• In most cases, you’re going to start by responding to the notice the company sends you. They all give you a place to send in your appeal. Do this in writing. If you don’t feel confident in your writing ability, ask someone to help you.

• Ask for the specific reasons you were deactivated. The companies don’t always tell you until you ask.

• Do not admit guilt. Always listen to what the charges are, then tell your side of the story.

• Offer to provide evidence (that dashcam/body cam footage could be a lifesaver here)

• Ask if there’s an opportunity for arbitration. In New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, the Independent Drivers Guild has worked out agreements with Uber and Lyft to form deactivation appeals panels, composed of drivers and representatives from the companies.

These boards listen to both sides of the complaint and make a determination about your deactivation or reactivation. So far this is the only organization we know of that’s been able to negotiate this service with the companies, but their good work gives us hope for the future.

• If all else fails, MAKE NOISE. Contact the companies on social media constantly, continue to call/message support channels, even go to the press about your situation. One driver even emailed Uber’s CEO directly to get his account reactivated.

Always ride with Gridwise

The tough reality is, deactivation is more common these days, and it can come without warning. We don’t ever want it to happen to you, and that’s why we’ve provided this post on the ins and outs, what to know, what to watch out for, and the games some companies play.

Keep reading our blog posts! And now that you know how smart it is to use more than one app, download Gridwise to track your earnings and mileage on each. You’ll also get info on weather, airport traffic, and events in your town, plus easy access to deals for drivers and a quick link to J. and Brandon’s thought-provoking podcast.

Be safe out there. And remember, we at Gridwise have got your back.

I love being a rideshare driver, I love new music, and I also love getting paid.

These are three passions of mine that I think a lot of you can relate to. So when I heard about a new company called Steereo that has somehow combined my three loves into one service I had to share it with the Gridwise community.

Meet Steereo, the rideshare app that is literally paying drivers to play new music for there riders.

How does Steereo Work

The idea for Steereo is simple.

New artists need to get their music heard by as many people as possible, and rideshare drivers have dozens of passengers in a given week or even a day that are listening to music in their cars.

Steereo simply provides an app that rideshare drivers can use to play music from these up and coming artists while compensating them for playing the music. As a driver, all you have to do is signup and download the app, choose a playlist that you want to play, and the app will track when you’re playing music for riders.

How are drivers making money?

With Steereo, drivers make money based on the amount of music you play for riders. So the more that you drive and the more that you play music from Steereo for riders, the more you get paid.

Most drivers make around $120 extra per month… For doing exactly what you would be doing anyway!

But wait… How does Steereo make money

Steereo is a free app for rideshare drivers, but they charge music creators a monthly fee to be included on the playlist that you’re playing for riders.

So the artists are footing the bill to pay drivers like you!

What’s the best way to be successful with Steereo?

The best thing about Steereo is that it’s a no-brainer for drivers in markets where Steereo is active. You don’t need to build a strategy around Steereo, nothing to plan. Just pick up passengers, click play, and drive.

So if you want to make a extra $120 per month for almost no extra effort, sign up for Steereo and start playing music today!

Being a rideshare driver can be tough. Sometimes you have to deal with drunk, obnoxious passengers. Other times you’ll be sitting in awkward silence with a single passenger as the time creeps slowly by. And anyone who has ever taken a long road trip will agree that being behind the wheel for extended periods of time can be hard on your back. At the end of the day, though, it’s a career that offers excellent flexibility as well as earnings potential.

To balance out the challenges of being a rideshare driver, our goal at Gridwise is to provide you with the best resources, insights, and advice to help make your time on the road more efficient and less stressful. In addition to the unique features offered through the Gridwise app, we want to help you understand which TNCs provide the most driver friendly features. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of driver features provided by Via, Uber, and Lyft.

Via

Via is one of the few rideshare services that is actually about sharing rides. Drivers find Via appealing due to their guaranteed hourly rates. Plus, Via only operates in spaces where there is a lot of driver demand, which means fewer miles on your vehicle and no long-distance trips. But does this TNC provide driver friendly features?

The Via app has standard driver features, such as the ability to set a pickup location, rider feedback, and GPS. But where Via really shines is their live support team available by phone or text. The Rideshare Guy explains that if you ever come across a problem on the road, contacting their support team will get you a live person who works for Via in real-time. This driver friendly feature is unique to Via; most other TNCs only provide support through email.

Uber

As you might expect, the Uber app has the most features available for both passengers and drivers out of all TNCs. Since its inception in 2009, Uber has come a long way in regard to the features it provides. The Ridesharing Driver has an entire article explaining all of the driver features in detail, but it seems as though they aren’t all driver friendly features.

For example, one Uber feature for drivers is a map that shows your location along with where the surge areas are. Those that drive for Uber don’t consider this a driver friendly feature because it fails to show the location of other drivers. This is important to know because if you head toward a surge area and there is already a cluster of drivers in the area, it could turn into a nightmare.

Another feature that Uber offers its drivers is the destination filter, which allows you to set an address and only get ride requests that are heading towards that destination. Sounds like a pretty useful driver friendly feature, right? Yes, but there’s a catch: Uber limits you to only using this feature two times per day.

The features that drivers seem to like the most are all of the information the Uber driver app provides about your earnings. Upon opening the earnings tab, the main feature is a bar graph that shows you how much you have earned each day of the week. You can tap each bar in the graph to see how much you earned that day, and if you tap the number above the graph, you’ll get a detailed breakdown of the day. At the bottom of the graph is an estimated payout for the week.

The Ridesharing Driver concludes that while the Uber driver app is an impressively comprehensive resource with tons of features, it isn’t very well organized. Even though Uber has the most driver features out of all of the TNCs, they aren’t necessarily features that are going to make your rides more efficient and less stressful.

Lastly, Uber offers a driver friendly feature called Earnings Boost, which guarantees surge pricing on fares that originate from a certain area at a certain time while charging the passenger regular prices. In order to take advantage of this feature, look for an email or alert in the app that will convey the times when Uber Earnings Boost will be available. According to The Rideshare Guy, Earnings Boosts are typically offered during the times when they’re trying to incentivize drivers to get out on the road: rush hour/commuting hours and Friday/Saturday night party hours. Additionally, the boost amounts are higher during the times of higher demand.

Lyft

The Lyft app is pretty straightforward, but this TNC does not provide as many features as Uber. The app is limited when it comes to viewing details on your pay, your profile, and your vehicle. All of these detailed reports and features are available on Lyft.com, but not through the app.

However, the company recently released a new app (Lyft Driver) which is solely dedicated to drivers. Lyft is still in the process of adding resources and other driver friendly features, but a recent blog post from Lyft assures drivers to “stay tuned” and that they will be gradually introducing drivers to the app over the summer.

Under the home tab in the Lyft app you’ll see the GPS service, which also shows Prime Time surge areas. Similar to Uber Earnings Boost, Prime Time is one of the best driver friendly features that Lyft offers. According to the Lyft website, guaranteed Prime Time is a way for drivers to boost earnings while providing rides for passengers during the busiest times, such as major holidays, promotions, or events in certain markets. During these times, rides will include Prime Time earnings at or above the promotional amount. For example, drivers will receive either a text message or email that during a time range (i.e. 8AM to 11AM) driving in a specific area will allow them to receive a multiplier of their earnings (i.e. 1.5x). The Lyft GPS feature will color code the Prime Time areas: the darker the pink color, the higher the Prime Time rate is.

As a rideshare driver, which TNC do you think provides the most driver friendly features? Is Uber at the top of your list or does an underdog take the win? Share your thoughts in the comments below!