Did you know that UPS sent 36.5 million packages per day? That’s on top of the 10 million FedEx sent per day and 6 million sent by USPS per day in the same year!
That’s a lot of packages to send! No wonder there are so many delivery trucks on the road these days.
If you’re looking to get into this lucrative market to make some extra money, you’re not alone. It’s very possible to deliver packages for money and set your own schedule at the same time.
Yes, you can work for some of the largest delivery services out there without having to sign up full-time. This flexibility can help you earn some side hustle income or even save up for a large purchase you’re working toward.
So where can you find companies that will pay you to deliver packages? In this guide, we’ll introduce you to two handfuls of companies ready to hand over the cash for making deliveries.
We’ll also give you the details you need to make sure you’re eligible to drive for these companies. Plus, we’ll give you an estimated hourly rate so you can decide if it’s the right side hustle for you.
Are you ready to learn more about how you can deliver packages for money? Let’s get started!
What is Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Delivery
Delivering packages for money is all about taking advantage of the peer-to-peer delivery marketplace. It’s a lucrative alternative to working directly for a shipping company that dictates terms of work that you must agree to, such as hours, pay, and location.
While you can certainly earn a sizable chunk of change by delivering packages for shipping companies like Amazon and FedEx, you’re bound by their terms to deliver packages on-time and in certain areas.
With P2P delivery, you can choose which packages you want to deliver, where you want to go, and how much you want to charge. P2P platforms will link you up with a shipper to let you both work out the details.
Delivering packages can be more fun than having to rush food around to hungry people. In addition to making money by delivering these packages, you can also use these services to potentially pay less for delivery than you would with a major transport company.
Related: Check out our Postmates review and learn more about how Instacart works.
10 Ways to Deliver Packages for Money
If you want to get paid to drive and deliver packages for money, here are 10 companies willing to hand over cash for your efforts.
1. Amazon Flex
Struggling with how to make money with your car? Check out Amazon Flex, a branch of the ecommerce giant that will pay you to drive and deliver Amazon packages.
To apply to work for Amazon Flex, you’ll need to create a Flex-specific account through your regular Amazon account. Fill out the application and submit to a background check.
Note that Amazon Flex requires you to be at least 21 years old and pass the background check to qualify. In addition, Amazon Flex does not hire in every area, especially if their full-time drivers already cover that neighborhood.
However, if you are accepted, you will deliver Amazon packages to both residential and business addresses. You’ll set aside either two to four hours or three to six hours at a time to work, depending on which type of delivery is available (including Amazon Fresh, Prime packages, or regularly shipped orders).
Amazon Flex pays via direct deposit on Tuesday and Friday each week. Most drivers make around $18 to $25 per hour with Amazon Flex.
2. CitizenShipper
Some of the best passive income ideas can still involve a certain amount of action on your part. For example, you can earn money for delivering packages across the nation with CitizenShipper.
The best way to make money with this service is to find jobs that will pay you for trips you’re already going to make. If you’re traveling to see family in New York, you can get paid by the best delivery app jobs to bring a package with you.
CitizenShipper requires drivers to be at least 21 to create an account on their peer-to-peer marketplace. You must also be able to pass a background check, have a valid driver’s license, and be insured.
You’ll connect with clients and discuss payment details before coordinating the shipment and agreeing to final terms. If you deliver pets, for example, you can earn up to $1,000 per trip.
As a driver, you can try CitizenShipper for free for three months. After that, you’ll need to pay $24.99 to stay on the site and continue bidding on shipping jobs.
CitizenShipper is great if you planned a trip and want to make some extra money on the side. Drivers who completed anywhere between 15-20 shipments per month earned between $8,000 and $10,000 per month, minus expenses.
3. Dolly
Some of the best side hustles stem from services you can offer that are in demand. Dolly is a service that meets the needs of people who want to move or ship items but don’t have the necessary equipment.
Drivers at Dolly are called “Helpers,” while those who lend the lifting muscle only are called “Hands.” Helpers can earn about $30 per hour, while Hands earn about half that.
Helpers can lend a hand in moving, removing junk, or even donating a large number of possessions. Dolly also has a retail store delivery program that connects Helpers with local businesses.
Heavy lifting is a requirement for Helpers, in addition to being at least 21 with a valid driver’s license. Drivers must also be insured and own a pickup truck or cargo van that is newer than 2000.
Dolly makes weekly payments via PayPal.
If you are at least 18 years old, speak English, can pass a background check, have a valid driver’s license, and own a vehicle that’s 2001 model year or newer, you can work for GoShare. This app lets you deliver packages for money at your own pace.
Once you complete registration, you can sign up to get notified of projects when they pop up in your area. You’ll qualify for projects based on whether you own a sedan, box truck, pickup, or cargo van.
Set your own hours and choose which jobs you want to complete with GoShare. You’ll make about $33 an hour with a minivan or sedan and up to $71.50 per hour with a box truck.
GoShare pays you immediately as soon as you complete a delivery. You can withdraw your balance to a bank account each week.
5. Grabr
Want to make an extra $200 next time you travel abroad? Work with Grabr to make long-distance delivery best suited to international travelers.
Meet the eligibility requirements to sign up for this international shipping marketplace and you can pick and choose which deliveries you want to make for money. Pay will vary depending on what you deliver and where, but most trips pay around $200.
When you accept the offer to complete a shipment, Grabr will initiate the payment process. Grabr then releases payment to you 10 days after the customer confirms delivery.
6. HeyParcel
HeyParcel is one of many crowdshipping platforms and pays $15 to $23 per hour. Travelers post their itinerary and connect with shippers who need one or more packages delivered along the way.
If you want to earn money as you travel and even discover new places, HeyParcel can help make that dream a reality. Check out how much you can earn with HeyParcel.
7. ParaWorks
Did you know that you can use the Para app to deliver packages for money? This app lets you know exactly how much each delivery job pays before you accept the terms, so you can get paid more for the goods you deliver.
With ParaWorks, you could be delivering everything from standard packages to catering orders and groceries. These one-time gigs make for quick-cash opportunities that pay around $25 per hour on average.
You can also sign up for delivery shifts with ParaWorks, which pays out weekly.
8. PiggyBee
Like HeyParcel, PiggyBee is a crowdshipping platform that pays you when you connect with shipping clients to deliver packages around the country. Post your travel itinerary to elicit connections with shippers who need a package to go the same way.
Many shippers choose PiggyBee because the rates are more affordable. However, PiggyBee does pay its employees on an hourly basis, depending on what is negotiated between shippers and travelers.
9. Roadie
Looking for a side hustle delivery job that could turn full-time? Roadie provides several delivery opportunities for drivers who want to earn around $15 to $23 per hour on average.
To qualify as a driver with Roadie, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and have a valid driver’s license. You’ll also need to maintain at least a four-star rating based on feedback from your previous clients.
Unlike other platforms that pay you to deliver packages, Roadie does not restrict what vehicle you use. However, you are still responsible for upkeep, gas, insurance, etc.
Drivers sign up for the platform and receive a notification when they’ve been matched to a job. You can most certainly bundle jobs to earn more while driving the same distance.
You can earn up to $60 for local trips or up to $650 for cross-country travel. You’ll know how much you get paid before you accept the terms so you can be sure your expenses are paid for.
Roadie even lets you deliver pets. Payments are deposited into your account upon delivery.
10. Steady
This free shipping gig app matches you with delivery apps and jobs that fit your skills and preferences. Here’s a list of the possible delivery apps contained within the Steady app:
- Favor
- uShip
- goPuff
- carGo
- Wingz
- DoorDash
- Dropoff
- HopSkipDrive
- Deliv
- Postmates
- Shipt
- Uber Eats
Pay and driver requirements depend on which app you choose. If you want to search nearly every delivery app for the best gigs, Steady should be at the top of your download list.
Eligibility Requirements to Legally Deliver Packages for Money
Gig economy apps that pay you to deliver packages often have similar requirements. Here are some of the most basic eligibility requirements you’ll likely need to pass if you want to earn money for delivering packages:
- Valid driver’s license
- Active car insurance
- Ability to pass a background check
- A four-door vehicle, such as a sedan, SUV, or pickup truck
- A smartphone with GPS capabilities
Depending on what you deliver, you may need to be 21 years of age or older. However, like some of the best food delivery apps, you can be 18 or 19 years old in some circumstances.
Delivering packages for money isn’t necessarily one of the best side hustles for teens. However, you can also get paid to advertise on your car and earn money from other remote side hustles as well.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Delivering Packages for Money
If you want to deliver packages for money, here are some considerations to keep in mind.
Pros:
- Set your own hours
- Drive a vehicle you’re familiar with
- Work as much or as little as you want
- Meet new people
- Find new places to explore and learn about
- Establish a network of shipping partners that could support you full-time
Cons:
- You pay for vehicle upkeep, gas, insurance, etc.
- Can be dirty, stressful work
- May have to work weekends/holidays
- Inclement weather doesn’t get you hazard pay
- P2P shipments may be infrequent
FAQs
You can make money delivering packages by working for companies like Amazon through the Amazon Flex program. You can also sign up for several peer-to-peer shipping sites to deliver packages on your own terms.
You can make a living delivering packages depending on which platforms you sign up for and how much you charge to deliver those packages. Some freelancers can earn even a few hundred dollars extra per month to supplement their full-time income.
Delivery apps that pay the best depend on your situation. If you want a part-time position delivering packages, hourly opportunities can be the way to go.
However, if you want to earn a sizable one-time sum from delivering packages, choosing jobs that pay you for single shipments could earn you more than a few days of hourly work. Most of these jobs are listed on peer-to-peer shipping marketplaces.
Most freelancers use their own cars to deliver packages for money. However, some companies let you rent a cargo van or truck from a third party for an extended period and use it to deliver packages.
The majority of companies require you to be at least 18 years old to deliver packages for money. However, you should check the age requirements of each opportunity before going too far to ensure you’re of eligible age.
Drive Safe and Deliver Packages for Money
Several companies will pay you to deliver packages on a freelance basis. Whether you choose to work for a large shipping giant like Amazon or just want to bring the occasional package cross-country with you on your trips, there are many ways you can deliver packages for money.
We hope this article has helped you to see there are ways you can deliver packages and earn some side money for your troubles. With so many options available, it’s easier to find a side hustle that works for you if you want to deliver packages for money.
Delivering packages for money can also teach you more about the city around you or the places across the nation that you haven’t yet explored. Where will your next delivery take you?
