
Securing employment is more convenient than ever with the advent of new applications that allow you to earn income at any time, particularly if you have a vehicle. Utilize your car by delivering items or transporting individuals throughout the city and receive compensation for your services.
Currently, there is a significant demand for drivers and driving roles as increasingly more applications initiate services aimed at delivering food, packages, and transporting individuals to various destinations. Should you be in search of employment or a supplementary income, here are strategies to earn as a driver in one of these emerging roles.
Ride-Sharing Jobs
Initiating a career as a driver for Lyft or Uber is straightforward. Provided you have access to a four-door car and possess a smartphone, you can simply install a ride-sharing application and begin. The fundamental prerequisites for new drivers are consistent across both Uber and Lyft:
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Drivers must be legally allowed (licensed) to drive.
- Have at least one year of driving experience.
Provided you fulfill these fundamental criteria, you are eligible to apply to Uber or Lyft and begin promptly.
Autonomous investigations highlighted by Forbes indicate that achieving an annual income of $50,000 requires around 60 weekly trips for Uber drivers or 84 for Lyft drivers. The earnings from ride-sharing platforms fluctuate significantly across different cities, however, NerdWallet identifies the national average earnings at $15.97 per trip for Uber drivers and $11.48 for Lyft drivers. Additionally, Uber has launched a campaign promising that drivers could earn as much as $1,500 weekly, plus up to $1,000 just for signing up.
While the amount you make using a ride-sharing application fluctuates based on the number of hours dedicated and the total rides accepted, these specific service providers often offer salaries that exceed the minimum wage in the majority of large urban areas.
Food Delivery Jobs
Recent applications have transformed food delivery into an attractive side job – practically anyone owning a vehicle and spare time can visit nearby eateries and collect takeout for delivery right to the patrons' residences. Platforms like DoorDash and Postmates permit the use of your own car (or bicycle) to assist area restaurants in distributing meals to customers who order online.
Both DoorDash and Postmates enable you to sign up as a driver if you have a functioning vehicle. You must be at least 18 years of age and possess a legitimate driver’s license to begin. New drivers are required to pass a background assessment. You have the freedom to select your own working hours, and drivers could earn between $8 and $15 per hour while working for either DoorDash or Postmates, as estimated by RideSharingDriver.com.
Truck Driving Jobs
Trucking positions have existed for numerous years, yet they continue to offer a reliable income source. According to AllTrucking, the United States is home to 3.5 million truck drivers who earn an average salary of $43,464 annually, or roughly $20 hourly. Drivers employed by specific firms may earn above this average. For example, Wal-mart compensates its truck drivers $73,000 annually as reported by CNN. Additionally, truck drivers who are entrepreneurs can earn substantially more by securing lucrative freight contracts.
The process of becoming a truck driver involves more than just registering via an application. In the United States, one must obtain a commercial driver's license to operate a semi-truck, which requires comprehensive training. Enrollment in a truck driving school is typically essential for those aspiring to secure employment as a truck driver.
Upon employment, there exist two methods to generate income: operating a truck that belongs to your employer, or opting to lease or purchase your own vehicle for driving. If you opt for employment driving, the hiring company will set both your working hours and salary. On the other hand, owning your truck allows you to negotiate directly with various businesses, enabling you to decide your own work schedule and rate per hour. In essence, truck driving can be a rewarding profession financially, but it necessitates thorough investigation to locate the most beneficial opportunities.
Bus Driving Jobs
Operating a bus might not initially come to mind when considering careers in modern transportation, yet it can substantially boost your financial standing. Bus operators earn an hourly wage of $15.87 on average, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In major urban areas, the earnings for bus drivers exceed the nationwide average. For instance, working as a bus driver in New York City, you could earn a yearly salary of approximately $47,350.
Another job possibility for you might be as a shuttle bus operator. It’s noted by PayScale that the typical shuttle bus operator earns about $23,000 annually. A bonus of being a shuttle driver is that a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) isn't always required. Specifically, if the shuttle accommodates fewer than 15 people, a commercial license isn't necessary. Additionally, shuttle drivers whose employment involves vehicles necessitating a CDL might have the opportunity to have their training costs covered by their employer.
Wrapping It Up
Securing a position as a driver might launch a lucrative career or provide a significant boost to your income through one of these rapidly expanding roles. All it takes to begin is a personal vehicle for numerous promising opportunities that are readily accessible via your smartphone application. With some accrued experience, your income potential rises, and you gain the flexibility to tailor a work schedule that suits your preferences.
A great initial step for advancing in the transportation sector involves securing employment and accumulating practical experience. To locate your forthcoming driving position, it's advisable to utilize online resources. Companies that operate online, including Uber, Lyft, Postmates, GrubHub, and Amazon, are currently experiencing an increased need for drivers. You can explore the most recent job vacancies on the internet.
As with any endeavor, it's wise to stay informed with the most recent studies. We suggest evaluating a minimum of three or four alternatives prior to finalizing your choice. Conducting an online search is usually the fastest, most comprehensive method to uncover all the advantages and disadvantages that should be considered.