Becoming a DoorDash driver can look incredibly simple from the outside. You download the app, accept an order, pick up the food, deliver it to the customer and get paid.
Technically, that is how it works.
But once you begin dashing, you quickly realize that there is much more to learn. You need to understand which orders are worth accepting, how DoorDash calculates your pay, what your ratings mean, how scheduling works, what to do when a restaurant is delayed and how to handle customers who do not answer their phones.
You also need to think about expenses, mileage, taxes, vehicle maintenance and your personal safety.
I have worked as a DoorDash Dasher for more than five years, and one thing I have learned is that your results depend heavily on how well you understand the platform. You can learn everything through trial and error, but some of those lessons can be expensive.
This DoorDash Driver Complete Guide 2026 will walk you through the important things every new Dasher needs to know before completing that first delivery.
What Is a DoorDash Dasher?
A Dasher is an independent delivery driver who uses the DoorDash platform to complete delivery offers.
Although DoorDash is commonly associated with restaurant food, Dashers may also receive offers involving:
- Groceries
- Convenience-store items
- Retail products
- Alcohol
- Pet supplies
- Pharmacy items
- Flowers
- Package deliveries
- Shop and Deliver orders
- Catering or large orders
The types of offers available depend on your city, eligibility, age and delivery preferences.
DoorDash currently operates in more than 7,000 US cities. Dashers can generally deliver using a car, while bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and motorcycles may also be available in selected markets.
The main appeal is flexibility. You decide when to open the Dasher app, when to schedule a dash and when to stop working. However, flexibility does not guarantee that every location or hour will have enough orders.
You are also responsible for managing your own expenses and taxes because Dashers generally work as independent contractors rather than traditional hourly employees.
DoorDash Driver Requirements in 2026
The basic requirements are not complicated, but age rules now vary by state.
Most prospective Dashers must be at least 18 years old. However, DoorDash currently requires applicants to be at least 19 in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. California applicants must be at least 21.
You will generally need:
- A smartphone capable of running the Dasher app
- A valid Social Security number
- A valid US government-issued identification document
- A valid driver’s license when using a motor vehicle
- Personal automobile insurance when delivering by car
- A car, bicycle, e-bike, scooter or motorcycle, depending on local availability
- Consent to a background check
- A bank account or another available payout method
There is no nationwide DoorDash requirement for a particular vehicle year, make or model. You can generally use any reliable car as long as it is legally registered, properly insured and safe to operate.
Dashers who want to deliver alcohol must be at least 21 and carry an accepted government-issued ID.
How to Sign Up as a DoorDash Driver
You can begin the process through the DoorDash Dasher website or the Dasher app.
The signup process generally works like this:
1. Create your Dasher account
Enter your ZIP code, phone number and email address. You will then create a profile using your legal information.
Use information that matches your identification and tax records. Differences in your name, date of birth or Social Security number can delay verification.
2. Choose your transportation method
Select whether you plan to deliver using a car, bicycle, scooter, e-bike or motorcycle. The choices shown will depend on your market.
3. Submit the required personal information
DoorDash may ask for your:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license information
- Current address
- Vehicle information
4. Consent to the background check
Anyone applying to become a Dasher must pass a background check. The screening may include a criminal-history report and, when you are using a motor vehicle, a motor-vehicle report. DoorDash’s background-check provider may also report certain new records after the original screening.
The processing time can vary. Some applicants are approved quickly, while others may wait longer if additional records need to be reviewed.
5. Complete identity verification
DoorDash may ask you to photograph a valid US government-issued ID and take a selfie.
Accepted documents may include a:
- Driver’s license
- State ID
- US passport
- Passport card
- Permanent Resident Card
- Employment Authorization Card
Expired IDs, temporary paper licenses, screenshots, photocopies and non-US identification documents are not accepted for this identity-verification process.
6. Wait for account activation
You become eligible to use the platform after completing the application and passing the required background and motor-vehicle checks.
Most approved Dashers can begin earning within days, although approval time is not guaranteed.
What Do You Need Before Your First Dash?
You do not need a vehicle full of expensive equipment. However, a few basic items can make deliveries much easier.
Consider preparing:
- An insulated delivery bag
- A pizza bag
- A drink carrier
- A phone mount
- A reliable phone charger
- A power bank
- A flashlight
- Paper towels
- Hand sanitizer
- A mileage-tracking app
- A small umbrella
- A reflective vest for nighttime deliveries
Some new Dashers may be allowed to start before receiving a Red Card or hot bag. When this Instant Dash option is available, DoorDash says the driver will initially receive offers that can be completed without those items.
What is the DoorDash Red Card?
The Red Card is a prepaid card used for certain Shop and Deliver or merchant-payment offers.
It is not your personal debit card, and it is not where your earnings are deposited. DoorDash automatically funds it when it is needed for an eligible order.
Never use the Red Card for personal purchases.
Understanding the Dasher App
The Dasher app is your main workplace. You use it to:
- Start or schedule a dash
- View delivery zones
- Receive offers
- Navigate to merchants
- Contact customers
- Report delivery problems
- Track ratings
- Review earnings
- Change payout methods
- Contact support
- Access safety features
Before your first delivery, explore the app while you are parked. Learn where the Help button, Earnings tab, Ratings page and Schedule section are located.
Do not wait until you have an angry customer or a missing order to figure out where the support options are.
How to Start Dashing
There are two common ways to begin working.
Dash Now
When enough orders are available in a zone, the area may appear active on the map and the app may display a Dash Now button.
Tap the button, choose an ending time and confirm your starting location.
When a zone is gray or already has enough drivers, Dash Now may not be available. You may see an option to schedule a future dash instead.
Schedule a Dash
To reserve a time:
- Open the Schedule tab.
- Select an available day.
- Choose your preferred starting zone.
- Select an available start and end time.
- Save the schedule.
Available slots can disappear when enough Dashers have already reserved them. DoorDash Support cannot manually add, edit or extend a schedule for you.
DoorDash says lunch from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and dinner from around 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. are often among the busiest periods. Actual demand still depends on your market, day, weather, local events and number of available drivers.
How a DoorDash Delivery Works
Once your dash begins, DoorDash can send you delivery offers.
Here is the basic process.
Step 1: Review the offer
The offer screen normally gives you information such as:
- Minimum guaranteed payout
- Estimated distance
- Restaurant or merchant
- Number of orders
- General destination
- Estimated delivery time
- Offer type
You have a limited amount of time to accept or decline. DoorDash’s new-Dasher guide says an offer may provide about 50 seconds to decide, although the actual timer shown in the app can vary.
Before accepting, consider three things:
- How much does the offer pay?
- How many total miles will you drive?
- How long will the order probably take?
An $8 offer is not automatically good. It may be profitable for a short delivery but poor for a long drive that leaves you far outside your delivery zone.
Step 2: Drive to the restaurant
After accepting, follow the in-app navigation to the pickup location.
Drive safely. Do not rush, speed or use your phone while the vehicle is moving.
Step 3: Confirm the correct order
At the restaurant:
- Tell the employee you are picking up a DoorDash order.
- Provide the customer’s name or order number.
- Check the receipt or label.
- Verify the number of bags.
- Ask about drinks.
- Avoid opening sealed packaging.
Do not mark the order as picked up until you actually have it.
Step 4: Secure the order
Place hot food in an insulated bag. Keep drinks upright and separate from heavy items.
A few seconds spent securing the order can prevent a major problem during a sudden stop or sharp turn.
Step 5: Review the delivery instructions
Before driving away, read the customer’s instructions.
Look for:
- Apartment or unit number
- Gate code
- Building name
- Hotel room or lobby instructions
- “Hand it to me” or “Leave at my door”
- Requested entrance
- Parking information
- Special drop-off notes
Reviewing these details early can save several minutes at the destination.
Step 6: Navigate to the customer
Follow the map, but do not trust navigation blindly. Compare the map pin with the written address.
GPS directions can occasionally lead to the wrong entrance, rear alley, neighboring building or closed gate.
Step 7: Complete the delivery
For a leave-at-door delivery:
- Place the order in a clean and visible area.
- Do not block an outward-opening door.
- Keep food away from pets, sprinklers and extreme weather.
- Take a clear photo.
- Add a short description when needed.
- Mark the order as delivered.
For a hand-to-customer delivery:
- Confirm the customer’s name when appropriate.
- Hand over the complete order.
- Mark it delivered only after completing the handoff.
How DoorDash Driver Pay Works
DoorDash pay can include three main components:
Base pay + customer tips + applicable promotions
Base pay
Under Earn per Offer, DoorDash says base pay generally ranges from $2 to more than $10. The calculation may consider the estimated time, distance and desirability of the offer. Longer, more time-consuming or less popular offers may have higher base pay.
The customer’s tip does not reduce the base-pay amount under DoorDash’s current published pay model.
Customer tips
Dashers receive 100% of customer tips added through DoorDash.
However, the initial offer screen may sometimes show only a guaranteed minimum. The final payout may be higher after delivery.
Promotions
Depending on your location and eligibility, you may see promotions such as:
- Peak Pay
- Challenges
- Delivery streaks
- Bonus opportunities
- Market-specific incentives
Peak Pay can add an extra amount per eligible delivery under Earn per Offer. Under Earn by Time, it may increase the guaranteed active hourly rate during the promotional period.
Promotions are not guaranteed, and two Dashers in the same city may not always receive identical offers.
Earn per Offer vs. Earn by Time
Some markets allow Dashers to choose between two earning modes.
Earn per Offer
You receive a displayed minimum for each accepted offer.
This mode may be better when:
- Orders are moving quickly.
- Restaurant wait times are short.
- You want more freedom to decline unprofitable offers.
- You understand your market well.
- Customers in your area tend to tip consistently.
Earn by Time
Earn by Time pays a guaranteed active hourly rate from the moment you accept an offer until you complete it or the customer or merchant cancels it. Tips and eligible promotions are added on top.
The important phrase is active time.
You are not necessarily paid for all the time you are logged in and waiting. Your active time begins when you accept an offer and ends when the delivery is completed or canceled.
DoorDash currently allows Dashers using Earn by Time to decline or unassign up to one offer per hour. A second decline or unassignment during that hour can end the Earn by Time session or move the driver to Earn per Offer.
Neither mode is automatically better everywhere. Try both when available and compare your earnings after mileage and expenses.
How Much Can You Make With DoorDash?
There is no single guaranteed earnings figure for all Dashers.
Your results can depend on:
- Your city
- Time of day
- Day of the week
- Weather
- Local events
- Customer tips
- Traffic
- Restaurant wait times
- Delivery distance
- Available promotions
- Number of competing Dashers
- Your order-selection strategy
- Vehicle expenses
The number shown in the Earnings tab is your gross revenue, not necessarily your profit.
To estimate your real profit, subtract expenses such as:
- Gas
- Vehicle depreciation
- Maintenance
- Tires
- Oil changes
- Repairs
- Insurance
- Tolls
- Parking
- Phone service
- Delivery equipment
- Taxes
A Dasher who earns $150 but drives 200 miles may be in a weaker position than a driver who earns $120 while driving only 70 miles.
Track both your earnings and mileage from the beginning.
Choosing Which Orders to Accept
New Dashers sometimes accept every offer because they are worried that declining will cause immediate deactivation.
DoorDash currently lists no platform-wide minimum Acceptance Rate required to remain active. However, Acceptance Rate can affect eligibility for Rewards benefits and priority programs in participating markets.
Before accepting an order, examine:
Payout
Is the guaranteed amount reasonable?
Mileage
How many miles are shown from your current location through the customer’s address?
Return distance
Will the delivery leave you near restaurants, or will you need to drive several unpaid miles back?
Restaurant
Is the merchant normally fast, or does it regularly make drivers wait?
Drop-off difficulty
Is the order going to a house, apartment complex, hospital, college campus, hotel or downtown building?
Number of orders
A stacked offer may contain two or more pickups or drop-offs.
Expected time
A short-distance order can still be unprofitable when the restaurant is slow or parking is difficult.
Many experienced drivers use a personal dollars-per-mile guideline. There is no perfect universal number because vehicle costs and markets vary, but you should always understand the relationship between payout, mileage and time.
DoorDash Ratings Explained
Your Ratings page may include several performance measurements.
Customer Rating
Customers may rate the delivery from one to five stars.
DoorDash currently lists a minimum Customer Rating of 4.2. Ratings are generally based on recent customer feedback rather than your entire lifetime delivery history.
You can protect your rating by:
- Checking drinks
- Following delivery instructions
- Keeping food insulated
- Avoiding blocked doors
- Providing reasonable updates during delays
- Taking clear drop-off photos
- Remaining polite
- Delivering to the correct address
Completion Rate
Completion Rate measures how often you complete an order after accepting it.
DoorDash currently lists a minimum Completion Rate of 90%, although certain local programs or Rewards benefits may require a higher figure.
Declining an offer before accepting it does not lower Completion Rate. Accepting and later unassigning generally does.
Do not accept an order unless you are reasonably confident you can finish it.
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate measures the percentage of recent offers you accept.
DoorDash currently lists no minimum Acceptance Rate to remain active, but a higher rate may be required for Silver, Gold or Platinum benefits in participating markets.
On-Time or Early Rate
This tracks whether you arrive and complete deliveries by the expected times.
A single restaurant delay normally should not make you panic, but repeated or extreme lateness can create account problems. DoorDash states that repeated lateness may result in deactivation.
Always report long restaurant waits through the options shown in the app.
Overall Dasher Rating pilot
DoorDash is testing an Overall Dasher Rating in selected areas. This pilot can combine factors such as Acceptance Rate, Completion Rate, Customer Rating, On-Time Rate, Quality Rate and recent delivery volume into one score that determines Rewards status.
Because programs vary by market, treat the exact requirements displayed inside your app as the rules that apply to your account.
DoorDash Rewards: Silver, Gold and Platinum
In participating markets, the Dasher Rewards program may place drivers into Silver, Gold or Platinum levels.
Possible benefits can include:
- Priority access to higher-paying offers
- Priority access to Dash Now
- Advanced scheduling
- VIP support
- Access to large orders
- Additional market-specific perks
The benefits and qualification requirements can differ by location. DoorDash also explains that priority access increases the likelihood of receiving certain orders but does not guarantee them.
Do not accept clearly unprofitable deliveries only to chase a status symbol. Compare the real financial value of the benefits with the cost of maintaining the required ratings.
When and How DoorDash Pays Drivers
Weekly direct deposit
DoorDash normally pays for deliveries completed from Monday through Sunday through weekly direct deposit.
The transfer usually takes two to three days and commonly appears by Wednesday night, although bank holidays or processing problems may cause delays.
Fast Pay
Eligible US Dashers may use Fast Pay to transfer available earnings to an eligible debit card.
DoorDash currently lists a $1.99 fee per Fast Pay transfer. Eligibility requirements and security waiting periods may apply.
DoorDash Crimson
DoorDash Crimson is a personal banking account available to eligible Dashers. It includes a Visa debit card and can provide automatic access to DoorDash earnings after every dash without an Instant Pay fee.
DoorDash says there is no credit check or application fee, although successful identity verification is required. The account is provided through Starion Bank, Member FDIC.
DoorDash Crimson and the Red Card are completely different:
- Crimson Card: Used for your money and Dasher earnings.
- Red Card: Used to pay for eligible customer orders.
Common Problems New Dashers Encounter
Not every delivery will go smoothly. Here are a few common situations.
The restaurant says another driver picked up the order
Do not mark it as picked up. Use the Help options in the app and contact support.
The order is taking too long
Report the delay through the app. Decide whether continuing to wait makes sense, but remember that unassigning can affect Completion Rate.
The customer is not responding
Call or text through the app. Follow the customer-unavailable process shown for that delivery type.
Do not leave an age-restricted order unattended.
The customer changes the address
Do not automatically drive to a completely different address. Contact support and follow the instructions provided for the active order.
The store is closed
Use the in-app process to report the closure. Take any required photo and follow all prompts.
You cannot complete the delivery
Stay calm, park safely and contact support through the Help button.
Do not falsely mark an undelivered order as complete.
DoorDash Driver Safety Tips
No delivery is worth risking your life or personal safety.
Park before using the app
Do not accept offers, read instructions or text customers while driving.
Trust your instincts
Leave immediately when a location or situation feels dangerous.
Keep your doors locked
Especially when waiting at night or in an unfamiliar parking lot.
Avoid entering customers’ homes
You are generally delivering to the customer, not moving items through the person’s house.
Use a flashlight
A small flashlight can help you see house numbers, steps, uneven pavement and obstacles.
Do not confront customers
When a customer becomes aggressive, return to your vehicle, move to a safe location and contact support.
Use SafeDash
SafeDash is available in US markets through the blue shield icon in the Dasher app. It can connect you with a trained safety agent or emergency assistance. DoorDash says the service is available 24/7 while you are signed in, although emergency-service costs and normal carrier charges may still apply.
For an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Does DoorDash Provide Insurance?
You still need your own personal automobile insurance.
DoorDash states that Dashers using a car must have valid personal auto insurance. It also warns that some personal policies may not cover delivery activity, so drivers should speak with their insurance provider about appropriate coverage.
DoorDash maintains certain third-party liability coverage during defined delivery periods, but the details vary by state and situation. Damage to your own vehicle may remain your responsibility.
US Dashers are also automatically eligible for DoorDash’s occupational accident policy, subject to its terms and exclusions. The published benefits can include up to $1 million in covered medical expenses and limited disability payments for qualifying injuries sustained while making a delivery.
Insurance rules can be complicated. Read the applicable policy and do not assume DoorDash will pay for every accident, injury or vehicle repair.
DoorDash Taxes for New Drivers
This is one of the most important sections of the guide.
DoorDash does not normally withhold federal income tax, Social Security tax or Medicare tax from a US independent contractor’s delivery earnings.
You are responsible for tracking income and eligible business expenses.
DoorDash currently provides a Form 1099-NEC through the Dasher app to US Dashers who earn at least $600 during the calendar year. However, earning less than $600 does not automatically make the income tax-free.
The IRS says gig workers must report taxable gig income. It also states that a tax return is generally required when net earnings from self-employment reach $400 or more, even when the gig work is temporary or part-time.
Depending on your situation, you may need to file:
- Form 1040
- Schedule C
- Schedule SE
- State and local tax forms
- Quarterly estimated-tax payments
Keep records of:
- DoorDash earnings
- Customer tips
- Business mileage
- Tolls and parking
- Delivery bags and supplies
- Phone expenses
- Vehicle expenses
- Other eligible business costs
2026 standard mileage rate
The IRS changed the business mileage rate during 2026.
For eligible business mileage:
- January 1 through June 30, 2026: 72.5 cents per mile
- July 1 through December 31, 2026: 76 cents per mile
The midyear increase applies to eligible business transportation expenses beginning July 1, 2026.
That means your mileage log should clearly separate miles driven during the first and second halves of 2026.
Tax situations vary, so consult a qualified tax professional when you need advice about deductions, estimated payments or filing requirements.
How to Track DoorDash Mileage
Do not wait until tax season to reconstruct an entire year of driving.
Use one of these methods:
- A mileage-tracking app
- A written mileage log
- A spreadsheet
- Photos of your odometer
- A combination of digital and written records
Record:
- Date
- Starting mileage
- Ending mileage
- Business purpose
- Total business miles
- Delivery zone or general route
DoorDash may provide an estimated mileage summary, but your personal log can include business mileage that an estimate may miss.
Protecting Yourself From Dasher Scams
Scammers frequently create urgency. They may pretend that:
- A customer used a stolen card.
- Your account is being investigated.
- You must verify a delivery.
- Your account will be deactivated.
- You earned a bonus.
- Your payout information needs to be updated.
They may already know the customer’s name or details about an active order.
Never give a caller:
- Your password
- A verification code
- Your Social Security number
- Your full debit-card number
- Your bank password
- Access to your email account
When something feels suspicious, end the call and contact DoorDash through the official Dasher app.
If you believe someone accessed your account, immediately change your password and contact DoorDash Support.
Practical Tips for Your First Week
Start in an area you know
Familiar roads, apartment complexes and parking areas make the first few deliveries less stressful.
Begin during daylight
Nighttime deliveries add challenges such as dark house numbers, unsafe parking and poorly lit walkways.
Avoid chasing every hotspot
A hotspot shows recent or expected demand. It does not guarantee that an order will still be available when you arrive.
Keep communication simple
Customers do not need constant updates.
Message them when:
- The restaurant has a significant delay.
- An item needs substitution.
- You cannot find the address.
- A gate code is missing.
- Another genuine problem affects the delivery.
Check for drinks
Missing drinks are among the easiest mistakes to prevent.
Never open sealed bags
Ask restaurant employees to confirm the contents instead.
Keep records from day one
Track mileage, earnings and expenses before they become difficult to reconstruct.
Learn your restaurants
Over time, you will discover which merchants are fast, which have difficult parking and which regularly delay drivers.
Think in profit, not gross earnings
A busy dash is not necessarily a profitable dash.
Mistakes New DoorDash Drivers Should Avoid
- Accepting every offer without checking mileage
- Forgetting drinks
- Marking an order as picked up too early
- Leaving food directly in front of an outward-opening door
- Ignoring apartment and gate instructions
- Driving to an unapproved changed address
- Arguing with restaurant workers
- Opening sealed customer packaging
- Failing to track mileage
- Spending all earnings without saving for taxes
- Sharing verification codes with callers
- Driving recklessly to protect an estimated delivery time
- Marking an order delivered before completing it
- Accepting an order and then repeatedly unassigning
- Assuming gross earnings are the same as profit
Is DoorDash Worth It in 2026?
DoorDash can be worthwhile for drivers who:
- Need flexible working hours
- Live in an active delivery market
- Use a fuel-efficient and reliable vehicle
- Understand how to evaluate offers
- Track expenses carefully
- Work during profitable periods
- Treat dashing like a small business
It may be less attractive when:
- Your market has too many drivers
- Delivery distances are consistently long
- Gas and maintenance costs are high
- Restaurant waits are excessive
- You depend on guaranteed hourly income
- Your vehicle is expensive to operate
- You accept too many unprofitable offers
The best way to evaluate DoorDash is to test it using real numbers.
After several weeks, calculate:
Total earnings minus vehicle costs, other expenses and estimated taxes
Then divide the result by your total time, including the time you spent waiting for offers.
That gives you a more honest picture of whether DoorDash is worthwhile in your particular market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I decline DoorDash orders?
Yes. DoorDash says Dashers may accept or decline delivery opportunities, and there is currently no platform-wide minimum Acceptance Rate required to remain active. A low Acceptance Rate can still affect eligibility for certain Rewards benefits.
Can I DoorDash in another city?
Yes. In many cases, you can Dash Now or schedule in a nearby city. When moving to a completely different region, the app may allow you to update your dashing location.
Do I need a DoorDash hot bag?
An insulated bag is strongly recommended for maintaining food quality. Some new Dashers can initially receive offers that do not require a hot bag or Red Card through Instant Dash.
Does DoorDash pay for gas?
DoorDash does not generally reimburse every driver’s normal fuel expenses. Some Dashers may receive promotions, Crimson gas rewards or market-specific programs, but you should calculate fuel as one of your business expenses.
Can DoorDash deactivate you for declining orders?
DoorDash currently lists no minimum Acceptance Rate required to remain active. However, fraudulent activity, unsafe conduct, repeated extreme lateness, low Completion Rate, low Customer Rating or other policy violations may place an account at risk.
What is the minimum Completion Rate?
DoorDash currently publishes a platform minimum of 90%, although local Rewards programs can require a higher rate.
How do I contact DoorDash Support?
You can access chat or phone support through the Help section of the Dasher app. DoorDash currently advertises 24/7 chat and phone support for Dashers.
Can someone ride with me while I DoorDash?
A passenger may accompany you, but you remain responsible for completing deliveries properly, protecting customer information and complying with DoorDash’s agreement and applicable laws. The approved Dasher should perform any steps requiring identity or age verification.
Can I use more than one delivery app?
Independent contractors may generally use multiple platforms, but you should never let another app cause late pickups, melted food or unreasonable delivery delays. Pause other apps when you cannot properly manage additional orders.
Final Thoughts
DoorDash is easy to start, but becoming an efficient and profitable Dasher takes time.
Your first few deliveries may feel confusing. You might miss an entrance, wait too long at a restaurant or accept an order that turns out to be less profitable than expected. Almost every experienced driver has made those mistakes.
The important thing is to learn from each delivery.
Pay attention to which restaurants are reliable, which neighborhoods are difficult, what times produce the strongest orders and how much you are actually spending per mile. Protect your ratings, but do not let the app pressure you into unsafe driving or consistently unprofitable decisions.
Most importantly, remember that you are operating a small delivery business. Your real goal is not simply to stay busy. Your goal is to complete deliveries safely, provide good service and earn a reasonable profit after expenses.
Once you understand that, DoorDash becomes much easier to manage.
