DoorDash launches hourly rates and location sharing for couriers

DoorDash is making a big change to the way couriers are paid. In an announcement on WednesdayDoorDash says it will begin giving couriers the ability to earn hourly rates in addition to tips.

With the update, couriers will now see an option to “earn by time”, which offers a guaranteed minimum hourly rate for the time they spend making deliveries. According to DoorDash, the clock starts as soon as a courier accepts the order and ends when the order is dropped off.

This marks a major change in the way things are set up at present, wherein couriers get a base salary depending on various factors regarding the order such as time, distance and desirability. No Everyone Orders shall have the option of earning hourly rates; However, as DoorDash points out, couriers can only enable it “at the beginning of every Dash where Earn By Time is available.”

Additionally, DoorDash is introducing a location-sharing feature that lets couriers share their real-time location with up to five contacts. This will help give couriers peace of mind while on their route, as friends and family members can track their location and call for emergency help if needed. It also builds on DoorDash’s existing security features, including reminders for customers to turn on their porch lights when expecting orders, as well as a way for couriers to drop off unruly customers without consequence.

Another useful update is the “Dash Along the Way” option that lets couriers pick up orders on the way to a specific destination. There’s also a new tipping option that lets customers add a tip after checkout – or increase an already given tip, which will hopefully remind shoppers to tip their couriers properly.

On the user side, there are some notable updates coming to the DoorDash app. This includes a new search option that lets you search for items at restaurants, grocery stores, and retail locations. Meanwhile, a new Browse tab lets you sort through categories for food, beverage, pet supplies, beauty products, and other products if you haven’t decided what you’re looking for.

But my personal favorite feature to come on DoorDash is the multiple cart option. This means you can fill multiple carts with different products, and DoorDash will save your progress each time, which can come in handy when preparing orders throughout the week. DoorDash is also adding support for online SNAP/EBT payments at supported stores including Aldi, Safeway, Meijer and 7-Eleven.