DoorDash for Dashers

DoorDash for Dashers: independent delivery in over 7,000 U.S. cities

DoorDash for Dashers is the portal that the DoorDash platform offers to those who want to work as independent delivery drivers (Dashers) in the United States. The service connects these drivers with food and other product orders placed by customers in over 7,000 U.S. cities, from major hubs like Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles to growing markets such as Philadelphia, Charlotte, Birmingham, Memphis, Kansas City, Portland, Boston, Washington, D.C., Knoxville, Omaha, and Boise.

How delivery works

Every day, customers across the country place orders for food and other goods through DoorDash. When a customer places an order, the platform offers it to nearby Dashers, who earn money by picking it up and delivering it. The typical process has three steps, all clearly outlined in the driver app: drive to the restaurant, pick up the food, and drive to the customer to drop it off. Before accepting, the Dasher sees where the delivery is going and how much they will earn, and can accept or decline the offer.

Flexibility and driver control

Drivers decide when, where, and how much they work, with no need to report to an office or a boss. They can choose whether or not to accept each offer, find nearby demand, and take advantage of promotions like Challenges and Peak Pay in the app. Signing up takes just a few minutes, and once the application is approved, most Dashers start earning within days. Instant cashout is subject to availability and eligibility, and requires approval and activation of the DoorDash Crimson Visa debit card.

Pay model

DoorDash states that its pay model was designed to make earnings fair and transparent. Compensation consists of three elements: base pay, promotions, and tips. Base pay is DoorDash's contribution for each offer. When the Dasher chooses to earn per offer, that base pay is calculated based on the estimated time, distance, and desirability of the offer; when they choose to earn by time, it is based on the minimum guaranteed hourly rate for time spent actively on a delivery.

Requirements to be a Dasher

• Age: 18 or older. In Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia, at least 19 is required; in California, at least 21.
• Vehicle: any car, scooter, or bicycle (in select cities).
• Documentation: driver's license or other form of ID (if delivering by bike only) and Social Security number, used solely for a background check to determine contractor eligibility.

To deliver in the United States, all you need is a smartphone and a mode of transportation: a car, bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle. No prior experience or specific vehicle features are required; a valid driver's license and insurance are enough. The platform notes that it welcomes drivers from all backgrounds and industries, including those who have worked in rideshare, food delivery, grocery delivery, or courier services, as well as catering, truck, and taxi drivers, and users of other gig economy platforms or commercial services.

Gear and safety

After the first delivery, DoorDash sends an activation kit that includes items such as a food warming bag and a Red Card. There is also an online store to purchase whatever gear each driver prefers. The platform also offers a set of safety tools designed to make it easy to get help when needed and to respond if a delivery does not go as planned.

Differences from rideshare

Compared with rideshare, delivery has two main differences: you don't carry passengers, and you can use any mode of transportation, including a two-door car, a bicycle, or a motorcycle. The work involves more physical activity, since the driver gets in and out of the vehicle to pick up and drop off orders.