The Best Times to DoorDash

As a DoorDash driver, finding the best times to DoorDash can be the difference between an average shift and a highly profitable one. Timing your driving sessions around peak hours ensures that you’ll spend less time waiting for orders and more time earning. This guide will walk you through the best times to DoorDash, both on weekdays and weekends, with tips on how to use the Gridwise When to Drive feature to maximize your earnings.

Why Timing Matters for DoorDash Drivers

When optimizing your delivery schedule, you need to know the best times to DoorDash. Driving during peak hours can significantly boost your earnings, thanks to higher demand, surge pricing, and bonuses from DoorDash. But beyond general busy times, using data and tools like Gridwise allows you to predict precisely when the market will be highest. This will help you to work during the most profitable hours.

Peak Hours for DoorDash: A General Guide

If you’re wondering when are the best times to DoorDash, you can typically rely on the meal rushes. For most cities, the following hours are peak times:

• Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Driving during these hours ensures you’re active when the most orders are being placed. However, the best times to DoorDash in my area can vary based on local trends. That’s where Gridwise can help.

Best Times to DoorDash on Weekdays

For most drivers, weekday shifts can be quieter outside of meal times. However, knowing the best times to DoorDash on weekdays can allow you to strategically drive when competition is lower, but demand is still high.

• Lunch rush (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) is particularly strong during weekdays, as office workers often order delivery.
• Dinner rush (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM) sees a steady flow of orders from families and commuters getting home from work.

By focusing on these peak hours, especially during Monday through Friday, you’ll find the best times to DoorDash for steady income.

Best Times to DoorDash on Weekends

Weekends are prime time for DoorDash drivers because demand is consistently higher. But what are the best times to DoorDash on Saturdays and Sundays? Generally, the peak hours remain similar to weekdays, but there are additional high-demand opportunities:

• Brunch (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM) is more popular on weekends, as people often order in for late breakfasts.
• Late-night orders (9:00 PM – 1:00 AM) tend to spike, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when people are out socializing or relaxing at home.

These factors make the best times to DoorDash on weekends more varied, giving you extra chances to increase your earnings.

How to Find Your City’s Best Time to Doordash

While general guidelines are helpful, knowing the exact best times to DoorDash in my area can provide a major advantage. That’s where Gridwise’s When to Drive feature comes in. It uses real-time data and historical trends to predict peak demand hours, helping you pinpoint the best times to DoorDash with precision.

Here’s how you can use the When to Drive feature to maximize your earnings:

1. Open the Gridwise app: Navigate to the When to Drive feature.
2. View high-demand times: Based on your location, Gridwise will display the most profitable times to drive.
3. Plan your shifts accordingly: By adjusting your schedule to match these peak hours, you’ll ensure you’re driving when orders are most frequent.

Gridwise’s When to Drive feature takes the guesswork out of figuring out when are the best times to DoorDash, ensuring you’re always online when the demand is at its highest.

Tips to Maximize Earnings During Peak Hours

Identify the best times to DoorDash using the Gridwise app. And then here are some additional strategies to help you make the most of your time:

• Use multiple apps: During peak hours, try multi-apping (using DoorDash alongside Uber Eats or GrubHub). This can reduce your downtime and increase your overall earnings.
• Position yourself near high-demand areas: Stay close to popular restaurants or areas with lots of activity, especially during rush hours.
• Avoid long-distance orders: Shorter trips during peak times will allow you to complete more deliveries and make more money.

More Gridwise Features to Help You Maximize Your Earnings

Gridwise offers a variety of other tools that can help you become a more efficient and profitable driver. Here are some key features that can take your gig work to the next level:

• Mileage and Expense Tracker: Tracking your miles is essential for maximizing tax deductions. With Gridwise, you can automatically track your mileage and record other expenses. This makes it easier to manage your finances and reduce your tax burden.
• Earnings Tracker: Gridwise helps you keep track of your earnings across multiple gig platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Lyft. By analyzing your income and hours, you can better understand which platforms are most profitable.
• Airport Demand Insights: Are you driving for rideshare apps too? This feature gives you real-time data on passenger demand at airports. It helps you determine whether waiting at an airport is worth your time, so you can maximize your driving efficiency.
• Real-Time Weather and Traffic Alerts: Gridwise provides real-time updates on weather conditions and traffic patterns in your area. This helps you avoid delays and stay safe on the road.

By using these features, you can streamline your gig work, save money, and drive smarter. Whether tracking your earnings or understanding local traffic, Gridwise equips you with the tools you need to thrive in the gig economy.

Looking for Other Delivery Articles?

• How Much Do DoorDash Drivers Make? – Learn the earning potential of a DoorDash driver and how to boost your income.
• How to Make $1,000 a Week with DoorDash – Discover proven strategies to earn $1,000 weekly as a DoorDash driver.
• How to Make $1,000 a Week with Uber Eats – Find out how top drivers reach $1,000 a week with Uber Eats.
• Gig Driver Job Board – Explore new job opportunities and maximize your gig driving career.