Roadie is a crowdsourced delivery platform owned by UPS since 2021. Drivers use their own vehicle to deliver packages, retail orders and larger items for businesses, across all 50 states. Each delivery is a “gig” with its pay shown before you accept, and there’s no vehicle age or model requirement to get started.
At a glance
| Type of work | Same-day and local delivery of packages, retail orders, auto parts, bulky items |
| How you earn | A set payout per gig, shown before you accept |
| Published pay | Roadie advertises up to $12 per local trip, with more for multi-stop and larger deliveries |
| Cost to join | None |
| Requirements | 18+, valid US driver’s license, Social Security number, vehicle insurance, background check |
| Vehicle | No minimum vehicle standard; vans and trucks unlock larger gigs |
| Where it works | All 50 US states |
How Roadie works for drivers
You download the Roadie Driver app, enter your details, and pass a background check. Once approved, you browse gigs near you or along routes you already drive. Each gig shows the pickup, drop-off, item size, timing and payout. You accept a gig, collect the item from the store or warehouse, and deliver it with photo confirmation in the app.
Many gigs come from large retail and logistics partners that use Roadie for same-day delivery, which is where the UPS connection helps keep volume steady. Roadie also has a long-running partnership with Delta Cargo for same-day air cargo runs.
RoadieXD routes
In select locations, Roadie runs RoadieXD, where you pick up a batch of deliveries at a single warehouse and drop them along a route. It’s closer to a short shift than a one-off gig, and it has its own eligibility rules. Drivers with vans or box trucks can access larger, better-paying XD work in some markets.
How pay works
Roadie pays per gig, not per hour. Pay depends on distance, delivery speed, item size and demand. Roadie’s own driver site advertises up to $12 per local trip, with higher pay on multi-stop deliveries and larger items. Long-distance or oversized gigs pay more, but they’re less common and take more time.
The trick is picking gigs that fit your route. A $10 delivery that’s on your way home is worth much more per hour than a $20 delivery that sends you 30 miles out and back empty.
Getting more gigs
Roadie gives priority to drivers with good ratings and a reliable record, so the first weeks matter. Accept gigs you know you can complete on time, keep the customer updated through the app if anything changes, and take clear photos at drop-off. Turn on notifications for the areas you drive through most, since the best local gigs tend to go quickly. If you have space in a larger vehicle, say so in your profile: bulky items are where the higher payouts are.
What it costs you
Joining is free. Fuel and wear on your vehicle come out of every gig, and bulky items mean more loading time. As an independent contractor, track your mileage and set money aside for taxes.
Owen’s take
Roadie works best as an “on the way” side hustle. If you already drive the same routes every day, picking up a gig or two that fits can pay for your fuel and then some. As a main income, it’s patchier: volume varies a lot by area, and per-gig pay is modest unless you have a big vehicle and access to XD routes. I like that there are no vehicle hoops to jump through. Just be choosy about what you accept.
Who it suits
It suits commuters and regular drivers who can fit deliveries around trips they’re already making, and van or truck owners in busy metro areas. It suits less well anyone hoping for steady hourly earnings in a quiet area.
Similar options
- GoShare pays more per hour for moving jobs if you have a truck or van.
- Amazon Flex pays a fixed amount per scheduled block.
- DoorDash offers quick on-demand deliveries in most cities.
More local options are in Gig Work, and US-only platforms are in USA.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Owned by UPS, with steady retail partner volume
- No vehicle age or model requirement
- Pay shown upfront on every gig
Cons
- Modest pay per local trip
- Volume varies a lot between areas
- Bigger, better gigs need a van or truck
FAQ
Is Roadie owned by UPS?
Yes. UPS acquired Roadie in 2021, and it operates as “Roadie, a UPS Company”.
How much do Roadie drivers make?
Roadie pays per gig. Its driver site advertises up to $12 per local trip, with more for multi-stop deliveries and larger items.
What do I need to drive for Roadie?
You need to be 18 or older, with a valid US driver’s license, a Social Security number and vehicle insurance, and pass a background check.
Can I use any car for Roadie?
Yes. Roadie has no minimum vehicle standard. Larger vehicles simply qualify for more types of gigs.
