Gridwise blog

When Uber bought Postmates back in the summer of 2020, we were told that the two companies would operate separately, as detailed in the blog post Uber just bought Postmates. Now, however, it appears that the merger, which was officially completed on December 1, 2020, is a done deal for both drivers and customers. Many still ask "is Postmates Uber Eats?" and "Are post makes and Uber Eats the same?"In this post we’ll look at how these changes will affect Postmates and Uber Eats drivers as the apps merge and the two companies work as one. The main points to be covered:

• The status of the Postmates-Uber merger
• What the merger means for Postmates Fleet members and Uber Eats drivers
• How the Postmates acquisition could affect Uber’s rideshare and delivery services
• How can drivers get the most out of this deal?

The status of the Postmates-Uber merger: Is Postmates owned by Uber?

Does Uber own Postamtes? Although referred to as a “merger,” the deal is, in effect, a full-on acquisition. Uber now fully owns Postmates, after transferring $2.65 billion in Uber stock to Postmates.Even when the official news was released, Uber announced that Postmates would continue to operate separately. This may have been the case for some time, but things seem to have recently changed.Now, Postmates drivers are getting notices telling them they must apply to Uber Eats. Postmates has shut down its driver affiliate and referral plans and has told all its delivery people the app is going away, and they will no longer be part of the Fleet.On a corporate level, Postmates laid off 15 percent of its staff (185 employees) in January 2021 and its founder and CEO, Bastian Lehmann, announced that he was leaving the company. Recently, customers and restaurants have been introduced to the idea of Postmates being “folded into” Uber Eats. According to media reports, Postmates will no longer operate separately after June 2021.It appears that the Postmates–Uber transition is just about complete. That means it’s time for Postmates Fleet members and Uber Eats drivers to examine the impact the merger will have on their respective delivery gigs.Are you wondering, "What is Postmates?" "Is Postmates Uber Eats?" Like DoorDash, Postmates is an independent food delivery service that has both restaurants and stores on the platform. So unlike with the other food delivery apps, you might be stopping by a 7-Eleven on occasion to deliver someone a slurpee.

What the merger means for Postmates Fleet members and Uber Eats drivers

The not-so-good

Postmates drivers likely have the most to worry about, as Uber Eats is well known for having tougher restrictions on drivers. For example, vehicles more than 20 years old were acceptable for Postmates, but not for Uber Eats. Also, if you’re a driver who wants to hop on your bike and do deliveries rather than driving your car, you can’t do that with Uber Eats. You have to open a separate bike delivery account.Uber Eats’ background check is known to be stricter, too. The transfer from Postmates to Uber Eats is not automatic. Postmates Fleet members must apply separately to be Uber Eats delivery drivers. As the tech portion of the merger took effect, Postmates drivers found it pretty rough going. According to a May 17, 2021 article in Buzzfeed News, once the apps started to combine, there were reports of drivers failing to receive their payments. For now, things seem to have smoothed out, but it’s easy to see why these drivers may have felt slighted.Drivers for Uber Eats could also stand to lose from this merger. Obviously, more drivers in the same company means more competition for orders. But since former Postmates customers will be in the pool of Uber Eats orders, the impact might not be too severe.

The not-so-bad

Any driver who has worked for both Postmates and Uber Eats will tell you that Uber has much better customer service and the app is more reliable. It’s also more flexible; for instance, drivers for Uber Eats are always notified about stacked orders.That wasn’t the case with the Postmates app. A feature that allowed fee-free drop-offs for people at the same location. Other deliveries often meant Postmate Fleet members had to haul up to five hours in one run. Though there will be some stacked orders, drivers can choose whether or not to take them on the Uber platform.Customers can give tips on Uber Eats either before or after the trip. On Postmates, there was never any way to know whether you’d get a tip or what it would be. Uber’s platform and policies are clearer and more straightforward, and will be a welcome change for former Postmates drivers.

How the Postmates acquisition could affect Uber’s rideshare and delivery services

Let’s face it. Uber wouldn’t bother to pay all that cash for a company if it didn’t see the good that would come from it. One of the many benefits for Uber through this acquisition is access to a whole population of drivers at a time when the company is working hard to get people to drive. See more about the Uber incentives for drivers.An automatic influx of drivers from Postmates could provide the solution to Uber’s driver shortage problem on both sides of the business. Some delivery drivers might make the move over to rideshare, since it’s relatively easy for qualified drivers to switch back and forth between moving delivery items and carrying passengers on the Uber app.The Uber Pro rewards program applies to both sides of the company, so rideshare drivers can maintain their benefits through both rideshare and delivery. Those who drive for delivery only are eligible for Uber Eats Pro, where it’s available.Uber has stated that its acquisition of Postmates will help the company pave the way to profitability. Certainly, the surge in delivery business in 2020, show that investing more in this branch of mobility could be a smart move. Postmates’ stronghold in Los Angeles and the Southwest can only add to Uber’s potential for success and further growth both now and in the future.With Uber Eats gobbling up Postmates, Uber will now grab up 37 percent of the national food delivery market share.

How can drivers get the most out of this deal?

If you’re a Postmates driver, the best thing you can do (if you qualify) is sign up to drive for Uber’s rideshare service as well as Uber Eats. If you do this now, sign up as a rideshare driver first and you’ll automatically be accepted as an Uber Eats delivery driver. The incentives for signing up as a rideshare driver, during the second quarter of 2021, are considerable. Don’t miss out on them.If you’re already an Uber Eats driver, you’ll automatically benefit from the additional orders that are likely to come in through Postmates. Also, because some Postmates drivers won’t be eligible to drive for Uber, you’ll have the opportunity to pick up the business they’ll be unable to process because they don’t qualify to work for Uber.Since the companies are consolidating under one corporate umbrella, another advantage for both companies’ drivers is greater leverage for negotiating better pay and job security. Uber has made overtures to drivers through Prop 22 in California. It’s likely that more changes in driver compensation will emerge as drivers in other states also demand them.Drivers can also make the most of this deal by remembering that they can always work for more than one platform. If the conditions of driving for Uber don’t work out for you, consider moving over to another delivery company, or maybe into parcel or grocery delivery. You can get an idea of potential Shipt driver earnings.The Postmates driver app (formerly called Postmates Fleet app) is no longer in service. To drive for Postmates, sign up for Uber Eats and start making money delivering food and groceries.Common questions:What is Postmates? Like DoorDash, Postmates is an independent food delivery service that has both restaurants and stores on the platform. So unlike with the other food delivery apps, you might be stopping by a 7-Eleven on occasion to deliver someone a slurpee.Is Postmates owned by Uber?Yes, Uber completed the transaction in December, 2020.

Make more money and track it – with Gridwise!

Whether you move over to Uber from Postmates or decide to diversify into other driving gigs, Gridwise has you covered. Simply connect your driving app to Gridwise, sign on at the beginning of your shift, and your earnings and mileage will be tracked, tabulated, and consolidated into graphs like these:You can see how much you make per hour, what you’re getting for each trip, and also track your expenses as they come in. Use this information to see exactly what you’re making from each company, and then you can decide how to mix your gigs to maximize your earnings.Gridwise also helps you make money by giving you inside information about airport activity, traffic, and events in your area. Gridwise helps you save money by checking the Perks Tab for deals and discounts that make every driver smile.You’ll get alerts that take you to the latest news from our informative blog and YouTube channel, too. And, when you join us on Facebook, you’ll be in a community of drivers who share your concerns and turn you on to new ideas and opportunities.Gridwise is the ultimate assistant for rideshare and delivery drivers. If you don’t have the app yet, you need to download it – right now!If you are a delivery driver, here are some articles you will probably enjoy!

• 5 Best Mileage Trackers For Gig Drivers
• A Guide to Dashing: DoorDash For New Drivers vs. Experienced Drivers
• How to make $1000 a week with Uber Eats

We’ll spare you the predictable pandemic intro and jump right into what matters.  

While rideshare business suffered a sudden decline, delivery services like Instacart and Grubhub found their own. Propelled by lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, people relied heavily on delivery for food and grocery orders, which sharply increased demand.

Instacart grew rapidly under the conditions created by the pandemic, attracting many drivers to the platform. But with the economy reopening and people returning to life as normal, is it still an attractive option for drivers?

What are Instacart drivers taking home in 2021?

Unless it’s something to brag about, companies like Instacart don’t usually reveal how much drivers are making per hour. Thankfully, more than 100,000 drivers use the Gridwise driver assistant app to track their earnings across various rideshare and delivery services – and that allows us to analyze earnings and provide you with the information you need to make the most of your time on the road.  

So, what does our latest Instacart data suggest?

Well, data from Q3 of 2021 show that median earnings dropped from $18.12 per hour in July to $14.85 in September.

Median earnings per trip have also dipped from $16.24 to $15.38 during this period. Based on those numbers, it’s looking like Instacart earnings are on the decline as we leave behind the worst of the pandemic.

Median earnings per hour for September 2021 were still more than what drivers used to make before the COVID outbreak last year. Instacart drivers made $12.31 per hour in January of 2020. The following April, when lockdowns were in full force, drivers made around $16.65 per hour and $23.43 per trip. For the rest of 2020, hourly earnings ranged between $14.50 and $16.50.

Interestingly, Instacart drivers made more money in Q1 of 2021 than any quarter last year. Median earnings per hour touched $17.08 in January 2021, the highest we have seen so far. Median earnings per trip were also higher in Q1 2021 than any other quarter.

What that means looking forward

From the data, Instacart drivers are making more money than they did in the months prior to the COVID outbreak in the U.S.

However, compared to Q1 of 2021, Q3 earnings show a downward trend, suggesting either the number of orders has gone down, or the number of active drivers has gone up. Unfortunately, either scenario is bad news for hopeful Instacart drivers.

How does Instacart compare to other services?

If Instacart drivers made the switch to drive for Uber or Lyft, they would be making around $20 to $35 per hour on average.

In fact, final earnings could be even higher as these ride-hailing companies are currently spending millions of dollars in incentives to bridge the driver shortage.

It’s a flip-flop. While rideshare suffered significantly during the pandemic, delivery businesses grew rapidly. But now that people are moving more freely, there is a growing demand for rideshare drivers and a reduced need for delivery drivers.

So, should you drive for Instacart in 2021?

At the end of the day, it’s your decision. Let’s look at the factors you need to consider and the questions you need to answer to decide whether Instacart is a viable option for you:

• Instacart earnings are significantly lower compared with Uber and Lyft. Even other delivery services like Amazon Flex and Walmart GoLocal boast higher earnings per hour than what Instacart drivers made in Q3 2021.
• Ridesharing involves sharing a small enclosed space with dozens of strangers every month, some/many of whom may be unvaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated or have health conditions that make COVID deadly for you, you’ll need to seriously consider the health risks associated with ridesharing.
• Rideshare earnings are heavily influenced by your location. If you operate in any of the worst-performing markets, you may not make more than you would on Instacart.
• Delivery services usually allow you to see how much you are going to make (excluding tips) before you accept an order. Though rideshare services are experimenting with this feature, it’s not as widespread or transparent. So, if you want to be picky about your orders, delivery jobs have the upper hand.

What you can do to earn the most with Instacart

If Instacart is your app of choice, here are some tips to help you improve your earnings:

• Be picky. Don’t accept any and every order that comes your way. Wait for high-value batches for better payout and tips. It is possible to strike a balance between your acceptance rate and accepting worthwhile orders.
• Function over form. If you don’t already own a vehicle, opt for a fuel-efficient model (either purchased or rented). Unlike picking a car for rideshare, you don’t have to worry about riders’ comfort when delivering groceries.
• Over-deliver. Maintain a high customer rating to get priority access to batches. Being courteous, punctual, and proactive in anticipating customers’ needs can help you maintain a high rating without much effort.
• Get ahead. Set an alarm to quickly claim peak time slots for your shifts. Planning in advance will help you improve your earnings significantly through Peak Hour Pay Boosts and more batches.
• Share the love. Refer your friends to become Instacart drivers to earn a referral bonus. When someone shows interest in your job, help them decide if it’s right for them and guide them through the signup process.
• Work where it works. If feasible, move to busy zones to get more batches. Keep an eye on zones to spot patterns and schedule your shifts accordingly.

And, as always, rely on the Gridwise driver assistant app. Gridwise helps you keep track of all your Instacart earnings by comparing your performance and earnings across different services to gauge what’s working best for you … and your wallet. Download Gridwise today!

Uber and Lyft are the go-to rideshare companies for both riders and drivers in the United States. In fact, many drivers have been happily working for both of them for years. 

Unfortunately, the pandemic created a sudden and significant drop in ride demand, forcing many drivers off the road. Although both companies were affected, Uber seems to have salvaged the situation, primarily by doubling down on Uber Eats to keep its drivers busy.

However, with drivers not coming back to work and no alternative service, Lyft is struggling to keep up. 

To stay afloat, the company has made some notable changes for 2021 — but are these measures enough to make Lyft a viable option for drivers again?

Where did all the drivers go?

There isn’t a single issue causing the driver shortage. It’s a culmination of several external and internal factors.

Lyft’s business is primarily focused on ride-hailing, which saw a slump during the pandemic. The company’s ridership was down by 75 percent last year, while delivery jobs on other platforms have seen a spike in business during the same period. 

Since drivers can easily switch platforms, many have understandably left for greener pastures. As the economy continues to reopen, however, rideshare business is on the rise again – but Lyft doesn’t have enough drivers online to meet the demand. 

Additionally, internal factors have caused many drivers to leave and refuse to return to Lyft. 

Drivers cite a lack of transparency in earnings, deteriorating support, poor surge pricing, and declining incentives and rewards as some of the reasons to stay away. 

Lyft drivers, and also Uber drivers, went on a 24-hour strike in July this year to air their grievances.

In contrast, DoorDash, Instacart, and other delivery apps have fared well, attracting more and more drivers. 

How much are Lyft drivers making?

Lyft doesn’t guarantee minimum earnings, but the company does promise to provide drivers with a dependable and worthwhile opportunity.

In a blog post in 2018, Lyft’s Laura Copeland stated that drivers’ median earnings were $29.47/hour nationally and $31.18/hour in its top 25 markets. 

It’s worth noting, however, that these earnings were calculated by considering only the total time spent in driving to a passenger and heading to their destination. It doesn’t include time spent waiting for requests. Once the waiting period is added to the mix, the median earnings drop to $18.83/hour nationally and $21.08/hour in the top 25 markets.

Lyft hasn’t published any recent data, but we analyzed the earnings of over 100,000 Gridwise drivers to get you the numbers that matter.

Lyft Bets Big on Bonuses

Both Uber and Lyft have taken big steps to get enough drivers back on the road to match the growing demand. 

Lyft spent over $550 million in driver incentives in the first half of this year and yearly spending is expected to exceed $1 billion. 

What else is Lyft doing to get drivers on the road?

Apart from increasing incentives, Lyft is also trying to address other complaints raised by drivers in the past. As part of this process, the company made some promises:

• Long pickup bonuses are live in six markets;
• Drivers can unlock the ability to see passenger destinations before starting a ride;
• The option for drivers to see trip details and earnings before accepting a ride is in testing in select markets.

What to do if Lyft isn’t right for you

Fortunately, there are plenty of options, and a lot of them are also offering great bonus opportunities.

• Uber: Uber’s main advantage is its multi-service platform that allows drivers to switch to food delivery if ride demand slows again.
• Instacart: Instacart specializes in delivering groceries from nearby stores and has seen a huge spike in demand over 2020 – and the demand is expected to last. It’s a good option for drivers who are uncomfortable with sharing their car with strangers during the pandemic.
• DoorDash: DoorDash trips are shorter and deliveries can be made without a car.
• Amazon Flex: Flex is Amazon’s delivery platform for gig drivers and allows drivers to deliver Amazon Fresh, Prime Now, Whole Foods Market, and Amazon.com orders.
• GoLocal: A white-label delivery service from Walmart, GoLocal caters to businesses of all sizes and promises a greater variety of merchants than competing apps.

Is it worth driving for Lyft in 2021?

According to a study by Rakuten Intelligence, the cost of a ride increased by 92 percent on rideshare apps between January 2018 and July 2021 due to the shortage of drivers. As of July 2021, Uber and Lyft were operating 40 percent below their usual driver capacity.

We believe it is worthwhile to drive for Lyft right now. The driver shortage is creating long wait times and high prices that aren’t sitting well with riders. 

So Lyft is willing to spend billions of dollars in incentives to get drivers back on the road – and that’s money that could be in your pocket.

With the increased incentives, Lyft drivers in select cities are making at least $40/hour even when the waiting time is included. That’s not a bad gig, even if it is temporary. 

Earn more anytime with Gridwise

We’ll never take incentives away for drivers that drive with Gridwise! The #1 gig-driving assistant pulls together all your driver data, so you can see exactly how much you’re earning at a glance, all in one centralized location. 

Plus, you’ll get hooked up with driver offers and plugged into an engaged community to take your earnings to the next level. So download the app today and get the most from time on the road all year long. 

We all love a shiny new toy — especially the apps that “disrupt” the market and change the way we get around, get food, or get deliveries.  

Companies like Uber, Lyft, and the numerous delivery apps popping up every year are changing the way we live and creating new opportunities to earn – but where does that leave established companies like UPS and FedEx? 

They’re wising up, taking careful note of what’s happening in the industry, and adapting their own business model to create opportunities for gig drivers like you to earn even more. 

Becoming a driver for FedEx or UPS is a great way to generate additional income and create even more opportunities to work a schedule that suits you. 

And now is the time to get on the road. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause shortages of school bus drivers, truck drivers, and FedEx and UPS delivery drivers. Plus, increased demand around the holidays creates great bonus opportunities for package delivery drivers. In this article, we’ll cover:

• What does it take to deliver with UPS and FedEx? 
• How much should you expect to earn? 
• Is UPS or FedEx better for gig drivers? 

Brown Box Bootcamp: What does it take to deliver with UPS and FedEx? 

UPS 

To get yourself into one of the coveted brown uniforms of the United Parcel Service is the childhood goal of many for good reason. UPS is one of the largest shipping companies in the world, delivering 5.5 billion packages per year. That’s a lot of demand. 

As a rideshare or delivery driver, you’re probably not interested in getting behind the wheel of a UPS truck full-time. UPS is thinking of you, so they created Personal Vehicle Driver (PVD) positions for high-demand seasons. 

UPS PVD drivers deliver packages like any UPS driver, but they have a more flexible schedule and can use their car similar to an Amazon Flex driver. UPS PVD driver qualifications include:

• Lift, lower, and carry packages up to 70 pounds 
• 21 years or older 
• Valid driver’s license
• No at-fault accidents or moving violations within 12 months 
• Proof of registered vehicle
• Minimum state-required auto insurance 
• Adherence to company appearance guidelines 
• Ability to work up to 5 1/2 hour shifts Monday through Friday (some holidays and weekends possible) 

All UPS drivers are employees of UPS, not contractors. So, it’s important to understand the complete terms of your employment when you apply for a UPS delivery driver position. 

FedEx

Package delivery drivers with FedEx don’t have the option to use their own vehicles. However, FedEx does offer non-CDL delivery positions utilizing their fleet that allow drivers to get on the road faster and avoid the expense of obtaining a special license. 

FedEx Courier qualifications include:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Able to lift up to 75 pounds 
• Pass mandatory drug screening, background check, and medical examination 
• Ability to operate vehicle in all weather conditions  

While FedEx does offer some part-time courier positions, they’re less flexible; as with UPS, FedEx drivers are employees of FedEx, rather than independent contractors. 

How much do UPS delivery drivers earn? 

According to Glassdoor, UPS PVD drivers earn from $21 – $30 per hour, with the average pay around $22 an hour. Because drivers are using their own vehicles, they are also reimbursed at 

 $0.56/gallon to cover expenses and depreciation. 

This means drivers with UPS typically earn slightly more than other part-time delivery drivers. It’s important to remember, though, that your hourly rate is your only compensation; there’s no opportunity to earn tips or other bonus incentives that come along with most gig driving jobs.

In most cases, UPS Personal Vehicle Driver gigs are seasonal positions.

If you’re looking for a break from the driver’s seat, you might consider applying as a seasonal package handler. During high-demand seasons, you’ll ride routes with drivers of large UPS trucks, helping them make deliveries and earning from $12 to $15 per hour. 

How much do FedEx Courier drivers earn? 

On par with UPS package delivery drivers, FedEx Courier drivers earn between $21 and $24/hour. Again, this is slightly above the average pay for most gig delivery drivers, but there’s no opportunity to earn tips or other additional bonuses. 

Because Courier drivers are employees of the company, earnings vary by state to accommodate for fluctuations in the cost of living (the same as any other position with FedEx). 

Which package delivery service is best for gig drivers? 

Both FedEx and UPS offer great opportunities for drivers to earn more, particularly around the holidays, on a flexible (but still reliable) schedule. However, there are some considerations that rideshare and delivery drivers need to think about before they jump into working with either as a package delivery driver. 

Good news for all

The main advantage that FedEx and UPS both offer for gig drivers is the opportunity to be an actual employee of the company rather than an independent contractor. This provides drivers with something everyone needs around the holidays: stability. 

Not only are drivers paid a guaranteed hourly salary, their schedule is also chosen ahead of time. That means you can know exactly when you’ll work and how much you’ll make before you hit the road – which can be a major relief during an already busy and stressful season. 

What’s the catch? 

The downside with these services is that they lack the true freedom you get with many other gig opportunities. Although needing to schedule your hours ahead of time is becoming more common with apps like Instacart, you can still make last-minute changes and don’t have to report to anyone. 

At the end of the day, being a UPS or FedEx delivery driver doesn’t allow you to “be your own boss.” 

Which should you choose? 

If you’re okay with giving up a little control in exchange for a higher package delivery salary that supplements your other rideshare and/or delivery earnings, the UPS Personal Vehicle Driver program is probably your best bet. 

You still get the freedom of working part-time but you have the stability of knowing exactly how much you’ll earn at a pretty great hourly rate. 

Put higher earnings on your schedule with Gridwise! 

When you start putting together your schedule, it’s important to know where and when to drive. Even if you think you have the perfect route, Gridwise can help make the most of your time on the road with When to Drive.

When to Drive uses data from thousands of drivers using the Gridwise platform, allowing you to see how many trips are happening per hour and earnings per trip and per hour across different days and times of the week. 

How does this help with FedEx and UPS? Download the Gridwise app to see when to drive to maximize your rideshare and delivery earnings, take note of the hours that are a little slower, and see if you can find a FedEx or UPS package delivery job to fit into those hours – less waiting, more earning!

You also get access to driver-exclusive benefits, gig-economy news, and a supportive driver community. Don’t wait, get the most out of your time on the road and join Gridwise today!

We’ve all been there. You’re out at the right time of day for peakrideshare and delivery business, but … you must not be in the rightplace. The volume you were looking for just isn’t showing up.

Your rideshare and delivery apps probably show where theythink the peak places are, but that doesn’t mean they’re accurate – nordoes it mean those locations won’t already be swamped with otherdrivers.

Let’s look at the issue of “where to drive,” and a solution to theproblem that you can get from your Gridwise app. In this article we’llcover:

• What knowing where to drive does for you
• How to get the data you need
• Where to Drive: a great new feature for Gridwise drivers
• What drivers are saying about Where to Drive from Gridwise

How knowing where to drive benefits you

At any given moment, you can scan your app’s map and see where the“hot” areas might be. They’ll be marked as places where the rates arehigher, crowds are more dense, and/or where there’s a bigger need fordrivers.

This can help you a lot, but surge maps on gig platform apps don’talways offer consistent, reliable information. Drivers who’ve played“chase the surge” can tell you that at best, driving to a high-volumearea might work only half the time. All too often, drivers waste timeand gas driving to a hot area, only to watch the surge prices evaporateas soon as they get there.

What you really need is historical data that lets you knowwhere high-demand areas are – not just once in a while, but all thetime. When you see the parts of town, or your suburban area, get themost traffic and yield the highest earnings on a regular basis, you cancount on making your trip to those spots well worth your while.

How to get the data you need

You undoubtedly have a history of where you make the most money ongiven days, but it’s not easy to compile that kind of information.Unless you’re a whiz with spreadsheets, you probably don’t even thinkabout taking the time to map out where the cash comes from.

No one can blame you for that; drivers have enough to do as it is.Also, just because you get good business in one or two areasconsistently doesn’t mean you can keep going back to the same well.Eventually, it’s going to run dry. But what if you could get data from allthe areas where you could potentially drive or deliver, right on yourphone, so you could look at it while you’re on your shift as well aswhen you’re planning it? We know what you’re thinking: “Yeah, right.”

We’re not kidding. In fact, Gridwise wants to get that informationinto your hands where it can be put to good use. How can this happen?

Gridwise anonymously collects data from drivers who sync theirdriving and delivery apps. Earnings, mileage, and locations arerecorded, and … Gridwise compiles all the info that tells us where theaction is in your town. You won’t want to miss having it in yourinformation arsenal!

You already know Gridwise as a great resource for information and driver-focused deals and discounts, including:

• Airport information: arrivals, departures, and queue lengths at your location
• Weather: current information and weather alerts
• Traffic: traffic alerts
• Gas deals: join Gridwise Plus and get $.10 off per gallon with Gridwise Gas
• Event information: everything you need to know about local events
• When to Drive: a new feature that tells you the best times to drive in your area for rideshare, food delivery, and delivery of groceries and packages

And there’s more! The whole reason Gridwise collects the information on the best times and spots to drive is to serve drivers. Gridwisetracks your earnings and expenses with very little effort on your part.All you need to do is link your gig apps to Gridwise, and the app willlog your earnings stats and mileage automatically. Also, Gridwise makesit easy to record your expenses as you’re incurring them. Then, whenyou’re ready to see how well you and your driving gigs are doing, youcan call up the numbers in helpful graphs like these:

And now … there’s Where to Drive!

Where to Drive: a great new feature for Gridwise drivers

Optimize your driving strategy with this slick new feature fromGridwise. Check out and compare the hot spots in your driving domain andget all the stats:

• Earnings: the combined total earnings from each neighborhood or area
• Trips: the total number of trips from each locality
• Earnings per trip
• Distance per trip

Here’s what it looks like:

Right now, Where to Drive is only available in select major cities. Check to see if it’s available in your area by clicking on the Where to Drive icon on the Home screen:

If you can only see the Nationwide view, that means that we don’thave enough data from drivers in your area to give you accurateinformation. But, the more drivers that join Gridwise in your city, themore insights we can give you. So if you tell your friends and otherdrivers about Gridwise, the more useful our app will be; win-win!

And if you’re a Gridwise Plus member, you get even more options.You’ll be able to expand the menu of filters so you can put together astrategy that always wins. Join Gridwise Plus with a few taps, in-app.Your membership is 100% tax-deductible, and will hand you the keys to earning an average of $300 more per month.

• The Where to Drivefeature offers Gridwise Plus members the best hourly earnings byneighborhood in your city. All numbers are derived from real-timecrowdsourced data, anonymously collected from other Gridwise users. Youcan customize the information in more ways than you can probablyimagine. Look at total earnings, or split them between rideshare ordelivery, time, and date. It’s clear and easy to use, too; here’s whatthe expanded menu looks like:
• You can view data for rideshare, fooddelivery, or grocery/package delivery, and see earnings by the hour andtrip. You can also compare earnings over time by looking back in time.
• We need to tell you that once in a while (rarely), it may be hard to getthe full picture because there isn’t enough data. This is part of theproblem of using other users’ information, but again, it happens rarely. Most of the time you’re getting the best insight available, withnumbers that come from other drivers, just like you.

What drivers are saying about Where to Drive from Gridwise

We value our Beta testers because they tell us exactly what it’s liketo experience new features as we add them to the Gridwise app. Here aresome of their reactions, after their recent test runs on the new Where to Drive feature:

Long-time Gridwise user Hamilton says:

“I would definitely use the feature more often than the Uber heatmap. This would be super-useful if there’s a lull in a certain spot,then the Gridwise app would show me whether or not it’s worth leavingthe area to go somewhere else.”

Summer, another driver who uses Gridwise, told us:

“I would change my driving strategy now that the Gridwise app shows me the most valuable times to drive in different areas.”

Tony, a loyal Gridwise driver, said:

“The Where to Drive feature would be useful for medriving food delivery because it would show what suburbs/areas areprofitable and where I should be heading for the lunch rush.”

We’d like to know what your experience of using the Where to Drive feature is like, but there’s only one way for us all to find out … download the Gridwise app, and try it today!

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Being a rideshare or delivery driver is a demanding job. Strict deadlines, fierce competition, and performance-linked incentives leave very little room for delivery delays or failures. 

Still, breakdowns happen, even when you take every precaution to avoid them.

So, what can you do to minimize the impact for you and the customer when your vehicle breaks down in the middle of an Uber, Lyft, or food delivery trip? 

What should you do if your car breaks down while driving for Uber or Lyft?

Any vehicle breakdown is bad, but adding passengers to the mix is even more complicated, not to mention aggravating. Uber and Lyft drivers must be extra cautious and take the proper steps to reduce the chance of breakdowns. 

You should also have a plan to tackle any challenges if a breakdown does occur:

• Pull over safely and clearly communicate the situation to the rider;
• Contact Uber or Lyft driver support immediately to let them know about the situation;
• If you can fix the car, let the rider know approximately how long it will take;
• If you cannot fix the car, end the trip immediately and assist the rider in booking another ride;
• Always take care of the rider first, then your vehicle.

What should you do if your car breaks down while driving for DoorDash or Uber Eats?

Delays when delivering groceries or food orders might not be the same as being stranded in the middle of nowhere, but it can still inconvenience your customer and impact your tips and rating. 

Here are a few options if you get stuck making a food delivery order: 

• Pull over safely and contact customer support;
• Contact the customer directly to inform them about the situation;
• If the vehicle issue is something you can fix, let the customer know how long you expect the delay to be.

Tip: Even if the company has already contacted the customer, it leaves a good impression if you can personally communicate with the person and apologize directly for the inconvenience. You may even be able to save your tips.

A little preventative maintenance goes a long way

As the saying goes, “Prevention is the best medicine.” 

While we’re certainly no doctors, this adage applies to vehicle maintenance as well. 

Though breakdowns and repairs are inevitable, particularly as cars age and depreciate, you can prevent many emergencies by taking measures such as:

• Schedule regular maintenance and servicing;
• Avoid rash or reckless driving;
• Get your oil changed on time;
• Learn to perform basic roadside repairs, and keep a toolbox and a spare tire in your vehicle;
• Address small repairs quickly before they turn into bigger issues.

If all else fails, who can you call? 

Enrolling in a roadside assistance program can help you get back on the road quickly in the event of a breakdown – or if you run out of gas. 

It’s a form of insurance that is often sold as an add-on with your auto insurance. The situations/incidents covered under roadside assistance programs can include:

• Mechanical failure 
• Towing 
• On-site refueling 
• Tire changes
• Vehicle lockouts 
• Courtesy vehicles: A few premium policies also supply a vehicle to the policy owner at the site of the breakdown for temporary use.

Since roadside assistance is an insurance policy, different providers offer different benefits – all to provide you with seamless relief when a vehicle breaks down. 

There are many popular roadside assistance insurance providers in the U.S., each with its own pros and cons: 

Uber Pro (managed by urgent.ly)

Pros

1. Complimentary service, as part of the Uber Pro rewards program
2. Real-time tracking and status updates 
3. Uber-like on-demand service with a connected network of 45,000 service vehicles
4. Around-the-clock customer support

Cons

1. Only available for select Uber drivers
2. Can only be used while driving for Uber 

Allstate (great for Lyft drivers)

Pros

1. Membership and pay-per-use plans available
2. Focused plans
3. Membership plans also cover family members
4. Can be purchased as an inexpensive add-on to an Allstate car insurance policy
5. Platinum status Lyft drivers get free roadside assistance as part of Lyft’s Accelerate driver rewards program
6. Lyft drivers get pre-negotiated and discounted flat rates for roadside assistance services

Cons

1. No premium plans
2. Limits on benefits can be restrictive

AAA 

Pros

1. Established provider with a proven track record of reliability and quick service
2. Multiple membership options to match your requirements and budget
3. Free identity-theft monitoring for all members
4. Partner discounts and perks

Cons

1. Requires full membership
2. Membership benefits can be costly and unhelpful for drivers
3. Prices vary significantly by region

Good Sam Roadside Assistance

Pros

1. Multiple membership options to match your needs
2. Single plan to cover all your vehicles
3. Family members included in the plan at no extra cost
4. No limit on towing distance (restrictions apply)

Cons

1. Benefits geared toward families with multiple vehicles
2. Restrictions can limit actual benefits to drivers 
3. Requires full membership

State Farm Roadside Assistance

Pros

1. Available add-on with State Farm auto insurance
2. Policyholders can request roadside assistance only when needed without buying the add-on, as long as they are willing to pay for the services
3. Inexpensive option for State Farm policyholders

Cons

1. Available only to State Farm auto insurance policyholders
2. Only one basic plan with many restrictions
3. No option for extensive coverage even if you are willing to pay more

Gridwise is there when you need it! 

Want a little more assistance? look no further than Gridwise. The #1 gig-driving assistant pulls together all of your driver data, so you can see exactly how much you’re earning at a glance, all in one centralized location.

Plus, we provide you with driver offers and an engaged community to take your earnings to the next level. So download the Gridwise app today and get started on the path to higher earnings.

And if you have experience using any of these roadside services, or a helpful tip to offer, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a comment below or join our Facebook group!

So you want to drive rideshare. That’s great! You’ve probably seen what a great part- and full-time gig driving for platforms like Lyft and Uber can be, offering flexibility and outstanding opportunities to earn on your own terms. But there’s one problem … 

You don’t have a car. 

Not to worry! There are several options available for rideshare drivers who don’t own a vehicle. And even if you do, it might still be smart for you to consider renting a separate vehicle for your business, which helps you cut down on depreciation and maintenance costs. 

If you’ve never worked as a rideshare driver before, renting a car for a few weeks is a great way to get a feel for it. That will allow you to see if it’s a good fit for you, and whether you’ll make money in your area.

Why would I consider renting a car? 

Going the rental route makes a lot of financial sense for some drivers. Here are some reasons you might consider renting a car for your rideshare business:

• It requires little to no investment to get started compared with purchasing a vehicle;
• It’s a safe bet when you are unsure about the viability of rideshare in your city;
• You can get access to a vehicle even if you don’t have stellar credit;
• You can switch vehicles easily and frequently to pick the one that works best for you (if you wanted to drive XL for an event weekend, for example);
• You don’t want to worry about basic repairs, maintenance, depreciation, and insurance costs.

How do I rent a car for rideshare? 

Drivers can rent directly from Uber and Lyft through their approved programs. Even though Uber and Lyft have rental programs, the vehicles are still supplied by rental company partners. 

Uber partners with Avis, Hertz, KINTO Share, Getaround, and Zipcar. All the information you need about these partners and Uber’s rental program can be found on this page.

Lyft, as part of its Express Drive rental program, has two car rental partners: Flexdrive and Hertz. All the information you need about this program can be found here. 

It’s important to note that driving an unapproved rental vehicle may result in removal from the platform, so make sure you’re getting your car from the right place. 

The process to rent a car from Uber or Lyft is pretty simple:

1. Sign up as a driver and pass background checks (where applicable);
2. Select a vehicle;
3. Make a reservation;
4. Confirm the order by making a payment;
5. Collect your car;
6. Renew your rental or return the car.

There is one drawback to renting through Uber and Lyft: You’re not allowed to use these cars for ridesharing on competing platforms. As Lyft explains: “You can’t use Express Drive rentals through Hertz for any other 'for-hire’ services.”

Rental cars from either of these programs can be used for personal reasons, but there are some restrictions. Check with your company to get the specifics.

What are the requirements for renting a car?

To rent a car through Uber or Lyft, you must first sign up as a driver, meeting all their respective driver eligibility requirements. 

On top of that, you will have different rental conditions and prices based on the vehicle provider you choose. The plans, prices, and rental conditions are set and managed by these vehicle providers even though you’re renting a car through Uber or Lyft.

Rental payments typically cover rideshare miles, basic maintenance, and insurance. Any expenses above that will be paid by you.

With Uber, rentals for drivers start at $260/week before taxes, while Lyft rental plans start at $209/week.

These are the provider-specific details about car rental: 

Avis

• Driver must be at least 25 years old
• No security deposit required to rent a car
• Rental prices range from $150 – $295 per week

Hertz 

• Driver must be at least 21 years old (additional fees may apply for drivers under 25) 
• $200 refundable security deposit
• Rental prices range from $150 – $235 per week

KINTO Share

• Driver must be at least 21 years old
• No security deposit required to rent a car
• Rental prices range from $215 – $250 per week
• Both weekly and hourly rentals are available

Getaround

• Peer-to-peer car rental service
• Driver must be at least 19 years old
• Weekly and hourly rentals available
• Rental prices start at $4/hour

Flexdrive

• Driver must be at least 25 years old
• Rental prices start at $209/week
• Weekly rentals
• Vehicles rented through Flexdrive don’t come with any Lyft ride requirements — you can use the vehicle as needed as long as you're making rental payments. 

GridWise Rental by HyreCar

HyreCar is a popular peer-to-peer vehicle marketplace for renting cars from individual owners. Gridwise has partnered with HyreCar to let you save on vehicle costs and keep more of what you earn. 

It’s a flexible platform that allows you to rent a car for as little as two days or multiple months. Rental plans are also equally flexible since individual car owners set their own prices.

Cars rented through HyreCar can be used on any rideshare or delivery platform as long as the vehicle meets the eligibility criteria.

Whether you rent or own, always drive with Gridwise

The Gridwise driver app helps you minimize costs and maximize your earnings. With custom airport, event, and hotspot alerts, our app tells you when and where to drive to keep the rides coming. 

The app also helps you to track your mileage and other expenses, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in tax deductions.

Not quite enough? Gridwise users also enjoy access to our collaborative community and a number of exclusive driver perks. 

Download the app today and see why thousands of drivers have partnered with Gridwise to get the most from their rideshare business.

When you sign up as a rideshare or delivery driver, becoming a hero might be the furthest thing from your mind. Soon, though, you’ll undoubtedly learn that being a driver can put you in a position where “doing the right thing” could change the course of a passenger’s or customer’s life – often literally.

In this article, we’ll open up in full voice to take notice of the unsung heroes of the gig economy: rideshare and delivery drivers who, even when the odds were against them, went above and beyond the call of duty to make the world a better place. We’ll also look at the distinction between doing a good deed and inviting trouble, and how drivers can stay safe. Here’s what we’ll be covering:

• Driving in a very real world
• Going above and beyond the call of gig driving
• Is it always wise to be a hero?
• How can you avoid unhappy endings?

Driving in a very real world

The job of rideshare or delivery driver can seem self-contained enough. In truth, however, it’s a chance to see how we’re all connected. Even if you go out of your way to avoid getting involved with the daily dramas of passengers and delivery customers, sometimes your heart won’t let you stay out of situations where you know you can make a difference.

Have you ever picked up people who were literally too drunk to know where they were? It happens. One driver recounts a tale in which an inebriated young woman entered a trip that would take about 86 hours … a “ride” to Helsinki, Finland.

This rideshare equivalent of “drunk dialing” was annoying, but there was more at stake. The passenger wasn’t in the safest of neighborhoods, and her condition made her utterly defenseless. So, the driver decided to drop her where she said her friends were. The enormous fare to Northern Europe would surely have been nice, but the driver tried not to be too disappointed. It was nicer to just leave her safely protected by her friends.

People have all kinds of troubles, and we as drivers often get to witness those troubles personally. People we pick up outside a medical building come into the car crying, possibly because they’ve just been informed of a scary diagnosis. Or, we might deliver dinner to someone who’s got clothes stuffed into black garbage bags piled up on the porch. Maybe the bags contain the belongings of a departed loved one, which could definitely explain the tears in the person’s eyes.

Sometimes the best thing to do is... just do the job. People often don’t want to talk. Then again, they might open up and start to tell us their troubles. Being there to listen is that little thing most drivers will do for their customers. As long as the discourse doesn’t jump ethical or socially acceptable lines, it’s not typically a problem. In fact, doing this little thing to help a fellow human is, in its own way, heroic.

With that said, heroism can cover a wide range of actions, and there are many drivers who’ve taken it to the limit. Here are a few stories that are sure to make you admire your fellow drivers for the heroes they are.

Going above and beyond the call of gig driving

Let’s start with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the widespread threat of catching the virus, there were heroes delivering meals to people who were confined to their homes. Donning masks, sometimes gloves, and always with their thermal bags in hand, these drivers were a godsend for those who were housebound. Delivery drivers were also frequent visitors to hospitals and nursing homes, where overworked medical personnel and caretakers hungrily awaited their orders to arrive.

Rideshare drivers also risked exposure to the virus, ferrying medical workers and other essential worker heroes to and from their posts at the front lines of the pandemic.

These drivers, rideshare and delivery, helped people who were going through unsettling, uncertain times. In many locations, drivers had to carry documentation with them that stated as rideshare or delivery drivers, they fit the category of essential workers. Many sad and scary scenes are etched in those drivers’ memories now; although they got through it with flying colors, it’s easy for those of us on the outside to wonder how they did.

Whether drivers are simply lifting the spirits of ordinary people or getting involved in a major society-wide nightmare, rideshare heroes and lionhearted delivery drivers give the rest of us a lot to look up to – and that’s only the beginning of the story. 

There are stories of rideshare and delivery drivers who’ve jumped over the line into hero status by handling situations that changed the lives of their customers, and others in their communities, too. Here are a few of those stories:

September 2021 – Pittsburgh, PA

An Uber driver picked up an elderly woman to take her to the bank. The woman told the driver she’d gotten a call telling her she won the lottery, and she had to go to the bank to send in a check for $1,500 to cover her taxes in advance, or else she’d never see her jackpot. And, she added, how nice it was of the person giving her the money to send an Uber to her house to take her there.

The driver smelled a rat and called the police. The officer who responded congratulated the driver for being so “on the ball,” and saving this poor woman from a nasty scam. 

Then, the exact scene played out that same day, this time in Massachusetts. Fortunately, rideshare heroes are everywhere, so the police were called and the person involved was also not scammed out of $1,500.

March 2019 – Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

As we’ve noted, drivers witness a wide variety of activities and events while they’re out there on the road. Uber celebrated Michele Champoux in this article. An amazing hero among rideshare drivers, Champoux took a potentially tragic situation into her own hands and stopped the worst from happening.

After she and her passenger noticed that the vehicle in the next lane was on fire, Champoux took rapid action. Yes, she called 911, but that wasn’t all. She pulled in front of the smoking car and attracted the driver’s attention so they could both pull over. With her rider’s assistance, Champoux helped the other driver release two children from their car seats in the back of the burning car. 

Without minutes the car was engulfed in flames, but that didn’t deter Champoux. She continued to beat back the potential disaster by standing on the side of the highway, warning other cars to stay away until police and firefighting personnel arrived. This rideshare hero certainly earned every last kudo Uber sent her way. “I think it is our responsibility to help each other out,” says Champoux.

May 2021 – Chicago, IL

If you think carting around a few drunks and putting up with bad smells and rudeness constitute a rough night, consider what Chicago Uber driver Mike Bussan went through. He was just driving along, waiting for a ping to come in, when suddenly he heard the unmistakable sound of a car crash. He stopped, and then ran to the scene of the accident – and noticed that one of the occupants of the vehicle was bleeding profusely.

Bussan jumped into action, helped the two men into his vehicle, and drove them to the nearest hospital. Then, when he was offered a cash reward, he turned it down. That’s what you call a rideshare hero with a heart and humility.

September 2021 – Van Nuys, CA

There are also many stories of delivery drivers who have gone above and beyond to perform heroic acts ... such as Gerson Tavares. He was on his way to a pickup when he noticed a tiny child toddling down a very busy street. Tavares screeched to a stop, got out of his car, and began frantically waving his arms at oncoming traffic to prevent the two-year-old from getting hit. He then scooped up the child and took him to his car. 

Tavares called the police, who located the toddler’s family. For obvious reasons, the police also opened up an investigation with Child Protective Services. 

August 2021, Woburn, MA

On a hot summer afternoon, an Amazon delivery driver came upon a house with a swimming pool – and heard a sound that was unlike anything he’d ever heard before. It turned out to be the howl of a terrified 14-year old husky that had wandered into the pool and was sinking. His head was just about to go under the water when the driver jumped in, still wearing his clothes and carrying his wallet and phone, to save the dog.

It was later revealed that the dog’s humans were on vacation, and only thought they had secured the gate to the pool. The husky wandered into the water, unsupervised, apparently just before the dog sitter was scheduled to arrive. The owners were deeply grateful to the driver for his good deed, and the dog continues to thrive. Hopefully, he learned his lesson and won’t be trying to swim unsupervised anytime soon!

Is it always wise to be the hero?

Whether it’s a person or a pooch that needs saving, there are times when doing the right thing and doing the wise thing are at odds. In all the hero stories we’ve covered so far, the drivers were able to do their good deeds without any harm coming to them. As a driver, you always have to be able to use your instincts, but listening to what your common sense tells you in a serious scenario can save your life.

For example, if you happen to come across a situation where there’s anger, chaos, and violence, of course you shouldn’t run straight into the danger zone. You’ll be far better off simply alerting the authorities and going on your way.

The story of a Washington, D.C. driver illustrates how dangerous it can be to not only try to help others, but to even attempt to fight back when you’re attacked. In March 2021, Uber Eats driver Mohammed Anwar was accosted by two teenage girls, whose plan was to hijack his vehicle.

They used a stun gun on Anwar. After a struggle over the steering wheel, the girls grabbed the wheel and took off, with Anwar hanging onto the side of his car. Rather than let go of his vehicle, Anwar fought them as he was dragged along by the reckless car thieves. He fought back … but ended up losing his life.  

When it becomes apparent that you could be hurt or killed if you don’t get away from a dangerous situation, there’s only one decision to make: Get away as fast as possible. In Anwar’s case, it’s likely that being shocked by a taser interfered with his ability to think clearly. His tragic death was in no way his fault, but the incident does illustrate the wisdom of letting go of even our most precious possessions before we let someone take our lives.

His death – which could more accurately be described as a murder – is a tragic loss for his family and everyone who knew him. It’s also a sobering reminder for the community of drivers who have been forced to realize that at any time, they could find themselves in a similar situation. This leads us to ask another question.

How can you avoid these situations?

Most of us have the desire to do the right thing in almost any situation, but we also need to know when it’s wise to leave it to the pros. Here are some scenarios that might warrant a retreat rather than a bold charge into the fray:

• Violent arguments
• Shooting noises
• Fires
• Explosions
• Fights
• Riots
• Gang attacks

When you’re outnumbered, cornered, or in vulnerable circumstances, it’s time to obey the first law that’s taught to every martial artist: When you are in danger, do everything you can to GET AWAY. You’re not going to be able to kung fu your way through 17 armed people carrying knives, chains, and guns.

Unless you’re qualified as a law enforcement or emergency officer of some kind, the best thing you can do is hit the gas pedal and call 911 as soon as you can to report the incident. 

Do not let anyone see you using your phone, especially if a crime is in the process of being committed. If there’s a fire or explosion, evacuate the area immediately and call 9-1-1.

Be prepared, too. Know your apps, and be clear on how each one of them provides you with direct access to help, and in many cases, the ability to have loved ones track you and know where you’re located at any given time.

Remember, though … the fact that it isn’t always prudent to jump into a dangerous situation shouldn’t stop you from other acts of heroism. You can still pull your vehicle over and care for people in your community, and in the process, make a difference in their lives. Just make sure to assess the level of danger before you go in.