Uber Eats vs DoorDash Delivery for New Drivers: What to Expect

So you’ve decided to become a food delivery driver and want to know what to expect as a new driver? Well, you’re in luck. There is no shortage of YouTube videos and Reddit threads for new drivers to familiarize themselves with the process. Uber Eats vs DoorDash delivery as a process is very similar. However, if you have decided to become an Uber Eats or DoorDash driver, let us have a look here at some of the things new drivers should be aware of before beginning work.

Uber Eats

The Uber network of delivery services maintains high standards for its drivers, and some of these requirements differ between the services. To deliver for Uber Eats, some of these requirements can vary by different cities, but some of the standards requirements are:

• Be at least 19 years old
• Possess a valid driver’s license and car insurance
• Have a clean driving record with no major violations in the last seven years
• Have a two-door or four-door car younger than 1998
• Have at least one year of driving experience
• Pass a background check and safety screening
• Upload some required documents such as proof of insurance

Drivers must have a smart phone with the Uber Driver app installed and learn to navigate the order acceptance screens. Drivers receive audio notifications through the app when a delivery request is made, and once it is accepted, the driver taps “navigate” to begin the GPS directions to the restaurant. The driver gives the restaurant the order number and customer name and should double check that the order is correct before leaving. To deliver the order, tap “Start Trip” to get the delivery address. If the client has not selected the option to have the order left on the doorstep, the driver should always hand deliver any orders to the client. Once this is done, the driver swipes “complete trip” in the app to receive credit for the delivery.

DoorDash

DoorDash, unlike Uber, is primarily a food-only delivery service, which has operated in Canada, the United States, and Australia since 2013. To deliver for DoorDash, drivers must meet the following qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a vehicle able to complete food deliveries
• Have a smart phone with the driver app installed
• Have vehicle insurance on motorized vehicles
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Pass a background and drivers’ check
• Upload required documents

To accept an order in DoorDash, a driver logs in and the system begins looking for orders to assign. When an order is found, the driver gets a notification that allows them to either accept or decline. Once accepted, the driver gets information about the restaurant and customer, including the address for both, and the estimated time of delivery. Customers can order from restaurants that are partnered with DoorDash, as well as those that are not. If the restaurant is partnered with DoorDash, the payment is completed by the client in the application. If the restaurant is not a partner, the driver must pay for the delivery with the DoorDash Red Card. The Red Card is a prepaid debit card to which the company uploads funds from the client at the time of the order.

Summary

In the last 10 years, a substantial number of people have joined the gig economy to earn extra money, or as a career in and of itself. There is no shortage of advice and information out there for new drivers, especially those who need flexible schedules instead of a standard 9-to-5 job. There are entire discussion threads concerning Uber Eats vs DoorDash delivery jobs. Perhaps the main things that drivers should remember when working for any food delivery company is that there will not always be steady work, that there are peak times for food delivery during both regular weekdays and weekends, and most importantly, that drivers are independent contractors, responsible for their own costs, gas, vehicle maintenance, and taxes. Drivers should also familiarize themselves with best practices before beginning any delivery service driving job.

FAQ

1. Is there any kind of training available for new drivers on either service between Uber Eats vs DoorDash delivery?

Yes, both Uber Eats and DoorDash provide some training for new drivers, and there are several YouTube channels with instructional videos for new drivers made by veteran drivers.

2. What other factors should drivers be aware of?

Drivers should always be familiar with state and local laws where they are operating. Some state laws have certain requirements for delivery app drivers that do not exist in other states. Some auto insurances will not cover a vehicle being used for food delivery as a source of income, so drivers should always check with their auto insurance first.