Delivery driving is one of the most accessible side hustles in Canada. No resume, no interview, flexible hours.
But most new drivers waste their first few weeks figuring out things the hard way. This guide will help you start smart.
Basic Requirements
What You Need
For all platforms:
- Valid Canadian driver's license (G or equivalent in your province)
- A vehicle (car, SUV, van — some platforms accept bikes/scooters for food delivery)
- Smartphone with data plan
- Clean background check
- Car insurance (some platforms require commercial coverage)
For package delivery (Amazon Flex, Intelcom, etc.):
- Larger vehicle preferred (you'll carry 30-50 packages)
- Ability to lift packages up to 23 kg
- Space for a dolly/cart for apartment buildings
For food delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Skip):
- Any vehicle works (even bikes in urban areas)
- Insulated bag (often provided or cheap to buy)
- Quick navigation skills
Popular Platforms in Canada
Package Delivery
| Platform | Pay Range | Vehicle Needed | Block Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Flex | $18-25/hr base | Mid-size+ | Scheduled blocks |
| Intelcom | $150-200/route | Mid-size+ | Daily routes |
| UPS Personal Vehicle | $20-28/hr | Large SUV/Van | Seasonal/Contract |
| FedEx Ground (ISP) | Varies by contractor | Van | Employee-like |
Food Delivery
| Platform | Pay Structure | Vehicle | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Base + tips + surge | Any | Flexible hours |
| DoorDash | Base $2-4 + tips | Any | Tip-heavy markets |
| Skip The Dishes | Per delivery + tips | Any | Canadian-owned |
Sign-Up Process (Step by Step)
Step 1: Choose Your Platform(s)
Recommended approach:
- Sign up for 2-3 platforms simultaneously (approval takes 1-2 weeks)
- Start with one, add others once comfortable
- Multi-platform = more opportunities
Step 2: Complete Applications
Typical requirements:
- Upload driver's license photos
- Upload vehicle registration
- Upload insurance documents
- Consent to background check
- Complete any required training videos
Timeline: Most platforms approve within 3-7 days. Background checks can take up to 2 weeks.
Step 3: Get Your Equipment
Essential gear:
- Phone mount (critical for safe navigation)
- Portable charger/car charger
- Insulated bags (for food delivery)
- Flashlight (for night deliveries)
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
Nice to have:
- Small dolly/cart (for apartment buildings)
- Bins or bags to organize packages
- Rain jacket
- Comfortable shoes
Step 4: Plan Your First Shift
Best practices for day one:
- Start during off-peak hours (less pressure)
- Accept fewer deliveries to learn the flow
- Focus on your local area (familiar streets)
- Don't worry about speed yet — accuracy first
What to Expect: Realistic Earnings
Food Delivery
According to Indeed:
- Average: $15-20/hour before expenses
- After gas and maintenance: $12-17/hour
- Top earners (strategic hours/zones): $20-25/hour net
Package Delivery
Based on Ridester analysis:
- Amazon Flex: $18-25/hour base rate
- After gas: $15-22/hour
- With surge pricing: Up to $30+/hour
Important: These are gross numbers. Track your actual expenses!
First Week Survival Guide
Day 1-2: Learning Mode
- Accept that you'll be slow
- Screenshot delivery instructions before leaving signal areas
- Note which buildings have tricky access
- Don't fight the GPS — but learn when to ignore it
Day 3-5: Finding Your Rhythm
- Start identifying patterns (busy times, good zones)
- Learn which orders are worth taking
- Build a mental map of your delivery area
- Start tracking your earnings vs. kilometers driven
Day 6-7: Optimization Begins
- Install FlexMesh to optimize multi-stop routes
- Experiment with different time slots
- Consider which platforms work best for your area
Common Beginner Mistakes
Mistake 1: Not Tracking Expenses
The problem: You think you made $200, but spent $60 on gas.
The solution: Use an app to track mileage and expenses from day one. Your actual hourly rate = (Earnings - Expenses) / Hours worked.
Mistake 2: Following App Order Blindly
The problem: Delivery apps give you stops in the order they were assigned — not the most efficient route.
The solution: Use FlexMesh to scan your packages and get an optimized route. Saves 30-45 minutes per shift.
Mistake 3: Accepting Every Order
The problem: Some orders pay $3 for 15 minutes of work. That's $12/hour before expenses.
The solution: Learn your market's pay rates. Decline orders below your minimum threshold (usually $1/km or $6+ minimum).
Mistake 4: Ignoring Multi-Platform Opportunities
The problem: Waiting for orders on one app while another app has surge pricing.
The solution: Run multiple apps, combine stops, use FlexMesh to manage addresses from different platforms in one optimized route.
Setting Up for Success with FlexMesh
Why FlexMesh for new drivers:
- Scan waybills from any carrier — Amazon, Intelcom, UPS, FedEx, food delivery
- AI route optimization — Don't waste time learning manual route planning
- Combine platforms — Food + packages in one efficient route
- Track your efficiency — Know your actual deliveries per hour
The new driver advantage: While experienced drivers learned through years of trial and error, you can start optimized from day one.
Tax Considerations
You're self-employed. That means:
- Set aside 20-30% for taxes
- Track all deductible expenses (gas, phone, vehicle maintenance)
- Keep receipts for everything
- Consider quarterly tax installments if earning significant income
Deductible expenses:
- Vehicle expenses (gas, insurance, maintenance) — proportional to business use
- Phone and data plan (business portion)
- Equipment (bags, mounts, flashlights)
- App subscriptions (including FlexMesh)
Consult a tax professional for specific advice. See CRA's guidelines on self-employment.
Bottom Line
Starting delivery driving in Canada is straightforward:
- Get approved on 2-3 platforms (takes 1-2 weeks)
- Get equipped with basic gear ($50-100)
- Start slow — accuracy before speed
- Track everything — earnings, expenses, hours
- Optimize early — use FlexMesh from the start
The difference between drivers earning $12/hour and $25/hour isn't working harder — it's working smarter. Start smart.
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