If you’re looking for a flexible side hustle that doesn’t involve delivering food or passengers, the Roadie driver app might be exactly what you’re looking for. With Roadie, you’re not just another gig worker—you’re helping move stuff across town (or even across states), from lost airline luggage to small business packages. But how does Roadie stack up against more well-known gig apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, or Amazon Flex?
Let’s break it all down.
What Is the Roadie App?
Roadie is a crowdsourced delivery platform owned by UPS. Unlike food delivery apps, Roadie lets drivers deliver a wide variety of items—luggage, tools, furniture, documents, retail goods, and more. Many deliveries are same-day, and jobs range from hyper-local (just a few miles) to long-distance hauls (100+ miles).
Key Features:
- 📦 Deliver anything (not just food)
- 🕒 Schedule your gigs ahead of time
- 📍 Flexible distance options (local or interstate)
- 💵 Payout per gig depends on distance, item size, and urgency
- 🧾 No tipping, but base pay is usually higher
Pros of Driving with Roadie
✅ Unique Deliveries – You’ll deliver things like musical equipment, retail goods, and luggage, which can be a refreshing change from fast food orders.
✅ Long-Distance Pay – You can earn $50–$300+ per trip for longer deliveries, which often beats short rides for other apps.
✅ Less Rush & Drama – No melting milkshakes or angry restaurant waits. Many pickups are from stores or warehouses.
✅ Airport Partnership – Roadie works with airlines to deliver lost luggage—meaning regular, well-paying gigs from airports.
Cons of Driving with Roadie
❌ Not as many gigs – Depending on your area, opportunities might be limited, especially in rural towns.
❌ No Tipping System – The pay is fixed, and you won’t get extra money from grateful customers like you might on DoorDash or Uber Eats.
❌ Heavy or Awkward Items – Some gigs involve lifting bulky or fragile items. Be sure your vehicle and back are ready.
Roadie vs. Other Delivery Apps
| Feature | Roadie | DoorDash | Uber Eats | Instacart | Amazon Flex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What You Deliver | Packages, luggage, goods | Restaurant food | Restaurant & convenience items | Groceries | Amazon packages |
| Scheduling | Schedule or accept on-demand | On-demand | On-demand | Schedule shifts | Schedule blocks |
| Distance | Short to long (5–200+ miles) | Local only | Local only | Local only | Local delivery routes |
| Tipping | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Average Pay/Hour | $15–$25+ | $12–$25+ | $12–$25+ | $15–$30+ | $18–$25+ |
| Vehicle Requirements | Any vehicle that fits items | Car, scooter, bike | Car, scooter, bike | Car with trunk space | Midsize vehicle or larger |
| Best For | Flexibility, longer hauls | Quick food delivery | Urban delivery | Grocery pros | Package route pros |
Who Should Use Roadie?
- 🚗 Drivers who want less food delivery stress
- 📦 People with larger vehicles for carrying packages
- 🛣️ Those who don’t mind long-distance driving
- 🧘♂️ Gig workers looking for low-contact, scheduled work
If you’re tired of restaurant wait times or ungrateful customers, Roadie might be a good fit. It’s especially great if you’re near an airport or major city.
Tips for Maximizing Roadie Earnings
- 💰 Stack gigs – You can accept multiple deliveries going the same way to maximize earnings.
- 📍 Stay near hotspots – Airports, retail stores, and business areas often have more offers.
- ⏰ Check early in the day – Gigs post early in the morning and go fast.
- 🚚 Know your car’s limits – Don’t accept a delivery you can’t safely fit or carry.
Final Verdict: Is Roadie Worth It?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for non-traditional delivery work and don’t mind a little extra distance. While it might not have the volume of jobs you’ll find on DoorDash or Uber Eats, the higher payouts, unique delivery types, and less stressful work make Roadie a worthy app to keep in your rotation.
If you want to hustle smart—not just hard—Roadie is a hidden gem in the gig economy.
Have you tried Roadie? Let us know in the comments how it compares to your other delivery apps!
