Lyft hires express drive

Lyft Expanding Express Drive, Customer And Driver Support

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Lyft’s Active Summer and Fall: Express Drive, Driver Coaching, And IPO Hires

It’s been a busy second half of the year for Lyft. Just last week, announced their purchase of Blue Vision, an augmented reality company. The company will fall under Lyft’s Level 5 Engineering Center headed up by Luc Vincent. Blue Vision specializes in 3D mapping and augmented reality, which should dovetail nicely with Lyft’s autonomous vehicle program.

Earlier this summer, Lyft announced Lyft Pitch, a competition for driver entrepreneurs offering $30,000 in prizes. As one in five Lyft drivers are also entrepreneurs, the D.C. based competition has generated a lot of excitement. The winner will be announced November 14th at the Blind Whino SW Arts Club. The competition may expand to other cities next year.

Lyft also recently announced plans to go public in the first half of next year, with J.P. Morgan, Credit Suisse, and Jeffries working on the listing.

However, the big summer Lyft news for drivers was the announced expansion of their popular Express Drive rental car program, and the $100 million investment in new, state of the art, driver support centers. This expansion is being led by Karim Bousta, Lyft’s VP of Driver Experience. He started at Lyft in May after a successful tenure as Tesla’s VP of Worldwide Service & Customer Experience.

Lyft Wants More Drivers Using Express Drive

This week, Lyft announced a further planned expansion of the Express Drive program. While Lyft Express Drive is already available in more than 30 cities, with more on the way, Lyft has bigger plans in mind. The company is not only aiming to double their Express Drive fleet. They eventually want to build a rental car program where even if someone has a car, they primarily use an Express Drive vehicle to Drive With Lyft. This is a substantial change from the way rideshare companies operate today.

Lyft has already partnered with Avis, Hertz, and Flexdrive on their Express Drive program. But in order to make Express Drive the most popular choice for Lyft drivers, the company knows the program will need sufficient driver support infrastructure.

New Express Drive Hires

To that end, Lyft has continued its recent hiring spree.

Chris Donus has joined Lyft as VP of Express Drive. He was previously the President and COO of Silvercar (helping to secure Series A funding). He’s also held positions executive positions at Freescale Semiconductor and Hertz. He will report to Karim Bousta as the work to expand the Express Drive program.

Lyft has also hired Rajiv Bhatia as Head of Driver Product. He was previously VP of Product at Altschool and has also held product and management leadership roles at Zynga. He will report to Ran Makavy, EVP of Rideshare Technology. Rajiv will lead management of the Lyft driver app, support, safety, insurance, as well as Lyft’s fleet management products.

bhatia-donus-lyft

Three New Driver Support Centers On The Way

In terms of physical infrastructure, the Lyft Express Drive expansion includes the construction of new Lyft Driver Support Centers, also called Lyft Hubs.

Lyft’s new driver centers will play a major role in the Express Drive expansion, providing support to drivers on and off the road. The goal of the support centers is to help drivers reduce costs while maximizing earnings. While the new support centers will continue to offer access to the Lyft support team, many of the new centers will offer discounted oil changes and electric vehicle charging stations. The will also provide a place for drivers to socialize or recharge, with refreshments and clean bathrooms.

Lyft Driver Support Center 2018

 

The first three new Lyft hubs will break ground before the end of 2018. Check back with us over the next few weeks to learn where the first three new Lyft Hubs will be.

 

uber driving halloween tips

Tips For Driving Lyft Or Uber On Halloween

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Halloween Uber & Lyft Driving Tips

Halloween is usually a pretty good night for driving Lyft or Uber. This year, at the very least, it should be better than an average Wednesday. Although many people celebrated Halloween throughout this past weekend, there’s still going to be a number of Halloween gatherings this evening.

Overall, driving rideshare on Halloween is a good time. Most people are in a pretty good mood, you’ll see a few awesome costumes, and probably have a pretty good night earnings wise. Now, it may not be as much as you made this past Friday or Saturday, but it should still be fairly busy in most markets. Expect mostly short hops that you can get finished quickly, but don’t be surprised by a trip out to the burbs.

Here’s a few quick tips if this is your first time driving rideshare on Halloween.

Drive prepared

If you’re going to drive Lyft or Uber on Halloween, keep a few things in the car. These are basically clean up items. Hopefully, you won’t need any of this stuff. In fact, the odds are pretty slim that you’ll need anything on this list.

But if you do need one of these items, you’ll be really glad you have it with you. Most of these are the same things you’d want in the car if you drive on weekend nights, with one addition.

  • Papers towels
  • Clorox wipes – Paper towels are great for the initial cleanup, but these are great for disinfecting. Also, they help a little with the smell, if there is one.
  • Plastic bags – These can be used as sickness bags, or for disposing of paper towels and Clorox wipes.

Halloween Special Addition – If you have a small handheld vacuum, charge it up and stick it in the trunk.

There is decent chance that someone will get in your car wearing a costume that has a glitter component. After they leave, some of that glitter will stay behind in your car, an unwanted Halloween gift. When that happens, take many pictures and submit them to Uber or Lyft for a cleaning fee. Then, go get that handheld vacuum, clean up the glitter, and get back on the road. Glitter is a pain to get rid of without a vacuum. It’s still a pain with a vacuum, but more of a 5 minute pain instead of a 20 minute pain.

Lyft & Uber Halloween Driving Advice

 

Candy in the car?

No, you don’t have to have candy in the car. Some drivers do it, but most don’t. It will likely have little effect on your earnings or ratings. However, if you’re in a great mood, or just want to spread some Halloween cheer, grab a bag of candy from the store. Also, make sure you have a plastic bag to put all the wrappers in.

Should you dress up?

It’s your car, and it’s Halloween. If you want to wear a costume, then wear a costume. If you don’t, don’t. If you do, just make sure it’s not a costume that would impair your ability to drive, or offend your riders.

Halloween earnings

On Halloween, earnings should be good, but don’t expect Christmas Eve type numbers. Also, there’s generally a bit of a lull between 9pm and 10:30pm.

Giant unwieldy costumes

This probably won’t happen. However, if you have someone with a giant costume, and it blocks your view of the rear window, make them take part of it off and put it in their lap, or the trunk if necessary. They’ll likely oblige. But if they refuse, cancel, and immediately email Lyft and tell them you could not take the ride because of a safety issue, namely, the passenger’s costume blocking the rear view window. In general, if you have an issue with a passenger, always email Uber or Lyft right after the ride if possible.

That just about covers it. Have a happy and safe Halloween, and of course, drive profitably.

Looking For The Best Rideshare Company To Sign Up With?

Sign up to drive with Lyft today and get a sign up bonus.

With Lyft, you can sign up to drive even if you don’t have a car!

Lyft Sign Up Bonus

 

Lyft & Uber driver guide New York City

New York City Lyft & Uber Driver Guide

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New York City was Uber’s first expansion outside of San Francisco, landing in the city in 2011. Lyft came on board just a few years later in 2014. Today, the market for Uber and Lyft drivers has exploded, with roughly 80,000 ridesharing vehicles in New York City.

There’s never been a better time to pick up a side gig driving Uber or Lyft in NYC. Whether you’re new to the business or you’re already an old rideshare pro, you can use this guide below to get the most out of driving Lyft or Uber in New York City. From what you need to get started to the busiest times, best locations, and helpful driving shortcuts, the tips below will help you make more money while spending less time in gridlock.

Note: Lyft (and Uber) have stopped accepting new drivers in New York City due to the recent rideshare law changes. However, you can still sign up to drive for Via in New York City.

 

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Sign up for Doordash today and start earning up to $25/hr!

With Doordash, you can also deliver by motorcycle, scooter, and in many markets, even bikes!

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What Are the New Uber and Lyft Guidelines for New York City?

  • New cap regulates how many operational licenses are granted to potential Uber and Lyft drivers.
  • Cap in place for one year (through August 2019).
  • TLC will study the effects of ride-hail services in the city during the year-long cap.

As the city places its one-year limit on rideshare licenses, it becomes even more important for current Uber and Lyft drivers to understand the busiest areas of New York City and how to navigate the city streets quickly and safely.

Best Areas to Drive With Lyft or Uber in New York City

If you’re driving Uber or Lyft in New York City, the busiest areas overall are:

  • Barclays Center
  • Citi Field
  • JFK (Terminal 4)
  • LGA
  • Madison Square Garden
  • Yankee Stadium

Uber and Lyft both operate in the five boroughs of New York—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island—but Manhattan and Brooklyn see the most traffic. The Bronx is sure to have ride-hailing passengers at Fordham University (during school semesters) and Yankee Stadium.

Busiest Drive Times in Manhattan

The best areas and times in the city’s busiest borough (Manhattan) to maximize your Uber and Lyft income are:

Morning rush: 6 a.m.–10 a.m.

  • East Village
  • Grand Central Terminal
  • Pennsylvania Station
  • Upper East Side
  • Upper West Side

Evening rush: 5 p.m.–8 p.m.

  • Midtown
  • Financial District
  • Grand Central Terminal
  • Pennsylvania Station

Weekend rush: Thursday–Saturday nights after 9 p.m.

  • East Village
  • Lower East Side
  • West Village

Busiest Drive Times in Brooklyn

The most popular locations in Brooklyn for Uber and Lyft drivers are the same during the morning and evening traffic rushes.

Morning rush: 8 a.m.–10 a.m.

Evening rush: 5 p.m.–8 p.m.

Weekend rush: Friday-Saturday nights after 9 p.m.

  • Williamsburg
  • Downtown Brooklyn
  • DUMBO
  • Fort Greene
  • Cobble Hill
  • Prospect Heights

Uber and Lyft drivers in Queens should spend time in Jackson Heights, Long Island City, and Flushing. Staten Island drivers will find their next passenger at Wagner College or Forest Avenue in West New Brighton—super popular on the weekends thanks to the unique bars and restaurants that line the streets.

One of the busiest Uber and Lyft areas for New York City is by the Staten Island Ferry. Each day, hundreds of people commute to and from Manhattan via the ferry and need a ride once they arrive. The ferry runs every 15-30 minutes and takes about 25 minutes to go across the water.

You can expect the busiest times for people to get off the ferry at St. George Terminal between 5:25 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

Riders will need transportation to St. George Terminal each weekday morning from 6:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Here is a complete schedule for the Staten Island Ferry.

Uber vs. Lyft in New York City

Wondering whether you should drive Uber or Lyft? The good news is you can work on both rideshare apps simultaneously. According to a report by the New School Center for New York City Affairs and the Center on Wage and Employment Dynamics, the median net hourly earnings (after expenses) for Uber drivers are $14.17, and the median net hourly earnings (after expenses) for Lyft drivers are $13.85. How much you make on Lyft or Uber in New York City will depend on how much you drive, where you pick up trips, and how efficient you are with your time. Earnings for drivers on Lyft Lux/XL and Uber Select/XL are generally higher.

In terms of sign up bonuses, only Lyft currently offers sign up bonuses. Instead of bonuses, Uber switched to offering new driver earnings guarantees in early 2017.

You may also want to check out our guide on Via, another rideshare company that operates in New York City. Like Uber, they offer earnings guarantees.

Lyft Uber Driver Guide New York
Luciano Mortula - LGM / Shutterstock.com

 

Digital Tools to Help Uber and Lyft Drivers in NYC

Construction and road closures in New York City are ever-changing. Partner road work with regular Manhattan traffic, and you have a recipe for long wait times and extended routes. A few helpful tools to avoid (heavier than normal) congestion in NYC include:

Gridlock Sam’s Twitter feed: This former NYC traffic commissioner and columnist at the New York Daily News began his professional career as a New York City taxi driver, so his alerts about road closures, parking changes, and detours are legit.

Waze: Designed to help you avoid traffic hazards, the Waze app is a navigational aid that’s easy to read and alerts you to traffic accidents, police activity, and blocked roadways. The information is hyper-local and delivered in real time.

Google Maps: While Waze helps to warn you of potential delays, Google Maps is the go-to for routes and backup routes. You can also use the app to see how busy a particular area is (helping you find potential riders).

NYC Driving Shortcuts and Tips

Traffic in NYC can be overwhelming, to say the least. Though you should generally take the navigation route provided on the app, sometimes it makes more sense to opt for an alternate route that will get the passenger there faster. Use these shortcuts for New York City Uber and Lyft drivers to help you avoid traffic clusters that can slow you down and hinder your ability to make more cash:

Avoid going through Central Park during rush hour traffic, especially on 72nd Street.

If you are far enough north, you can take 110th Street as a quick route to and from the East side.

If you’ve hit traffic on your way to the JFK Airport, you can take a back route through Brooklyn to save time: Bushwick to Pennsylvania to Atlantic to Conduit Avenue.

When you have a passenger that is going downtown and you’re halfway between the FDR and West Side Highway, take FDR, as it tends to be a slightly longer route with a typically faster drive time.

When you are traveling uptown from 14th Street or above, use 1st Avenue.

If your goal is to stick around the uptown area during the day, avoid 8th Avenue and instead take 10th Avenue uptown for 40 to 50 blocks.

If you’re heading to the Upper East Side from the West after 9 p.m., try taking 56th Street, as traffic tends to be lighter here.

Steps to Drive for Uber or Lyft In NYC

Unlike other municipalities, New York City requires Uber and Lyft (and all other ride-hailing drivers) to acquire a TLC license. Here are the steps to obtain your TLC license:

  • Submit a TLC application and payment.
  • Obtain a Class E or CDL license. A certified abstract is required from your license state if different than New York.
  • Complete the TLC-required medical exam.
  • Complete the TLC driving course.
  • Complete the TLC wheelchair accessible vehicle course.
  • Complete the TLC 3 day for-hire vehicle (FHV) course. (Course fees are $175 and the final exam is $75.)
  • Pass a drug test at one of 7 TLC-approved testing centers.
  • Get fingerprinted.

Applicants can complete some of the courses free of charge at Uber’s Greenlight Hub in Long Island City. Lyft also has an office at the same location. Uber also offers assistance by appointment at their offices in Long Island City, the Bronx, or Brooklyn.

Despite the city’s limitations, Uber and Lyft are very busy giving rides to visitors and residents of New York City’s five boroughs. Lyft is currently offering a sign up bonus for new drivers, while Uber offers sign up earnings guarantees.

Driving for Uber or Lyft is a great way to make extra cash. It’s also a unique way to explore the hidden areas of your city and learn new things about the place you call home. If you’re debating which rideshare company you should drive for, check out our comparison article, but keep in mind, you can drive for both.

 

Join Via

 

Upwork Sign Up Guide

A Beginner’s Guide to Freelancing with Upwork

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With the rapid expansion of the gig economy, freelance platforms have provided a much-needed framework to connect service providers with clients all over the world. One of the largest of these platforms is Upwork.

Upwork, the company born from the merger of oDesk and Elance, is a robust platform that enables freelancers to connect and collaborate remotely with clients across the globe. Boasting more than 12 million freelancers and 5 million clients, Upwork sees more than 3 million projects posted each year.

Are you ready to take a slice of the more than $1 billion in Upwork freelancer billings? Check out these tips to help you go from newbie to top-rated faster than you can say, “I want to work in my PJs.”

Step 1: Prove Your Worth

Freelancers on Upwork specialize in a wide range of skills. Are you a coding guru? A talented voiceover specialist? A creative marketer? A graphic design ninja? Whatever your talents, your best bet in succeeding as an Upwork freelancer is to prove you’ve got the skills to satisfy Upwork’s clients.

How do you prove you’re a worthy freelance candidate?

To start, learn a skill. Choose something that interests you and take a course. E-learning sites like Udemy, Lynda (now LinkedIn Learning), and Skillshare offer thousands of classes at low prices. Not sure what to choose? Check out the Top 20 Fastest Growing Skills on Upwork.

Once you’ve learned mastered a skill, create a portfolio. For example, if you want to be a web designer on Upwork, you need to show potential clients some sites you’ve developed. If you’re a writer, choose your best work and put it up for the world to see.

Take Upwork tests for the types of projects you want to take on. Upwork has more than 300 tests available. The best news is that you can take a test, and if you don’t score as well as you’d like, you don’t have to publish it on your profile. Potential clients can filter candidates based on these scores, so do your best. You can also re-take tests, so if you’re not in the top 20%, don’t advertise that on your profile and come back later when you feel more capable.

Step 2: Sign Up for Upwork

Signing up for Upwork is fast, easy, and best of all, *free. There is a paid option that can give you a leg up on your competition, but the free membership can get you started just fine. Now keep in mind, Upwork has to get its money somehow, and that will come when it’s time for you to get paid—that’s when they take a percentage of your earnings, typically 10-20%.

Upwork Sign Up

 

When you’re done signing up, Upwork will ask you some basic questions about your freelancer skills and the services you want to offer to clients. It will also ask you about your skill level.

Now here’s the thing—even if you are an expert in your field, the fastest, easiest way to move up on Upwork is to start as a beginner, working at a lower rate. While that $15 per hour may not be all that appealing, your goal is to knock three to five of these low-expectation, low-paying projects out of the park so they will give you 5-star ratings. Once you’ve gotten some outstanding feedback, you can raise your skill level and your rates.

Step 3: Create Your Freelancer Profile

OK, it’s time to set up your profile. This is not the time to slack off. The time you spend here can make or break you as an Upwork freelancer. Below are the three most critical elements of your profile—master these and you’ll be a rising star in no time.

Upwork Create Profile

 

  1. Professional headshot—Keep your selfies, well, to yourselfie. Spend the $50-100 to have a high-quality headshot done. Dress for the clients you want to attract. Look at the camera and smile. If you’re not comfortable smiling, avoid glaring at the camera. Professional and friendly—that’s your goal.
  2. Keyword-infused title—No, this isn’t the latest Starbucks designer-beverage. Clients will find you based on the keywords you place in your Title and Professional Overview. So, if you are a computer programmer that specializes in React Native Development, your title better be something like “React Native Developer.” Aim to be simple, concise, and accurate.
  3. Professional overview—This is where you really start selling yourself. Be engaging—let your personality come through. And, for the love of all things good in this world, proofread it! Get yourself a free Grammarly account and plop your text in there if spelling and grammar aren’t your thing. There’s no bigger turn-off to a client than a poorly written overview full of misspelled words. Highlight your skills, experience, and the services you offer. Keep these things in mind when writing your overview:
    1. What sets you apart from your competition?
    2. Why should they hire you and not Sasha D. from Nairobi or Sean G. from Nantucket?
    3. How can your clients benefit from your specific skills?

Other Profile Items To Consider

Link other online accounts—Within your professional overview, Upwork lets you connect other online accounts, like LinkedIn, Behance, Twitter, and others, so you can establish yourself legitimately.

Education and employment history—Like your paper resume, this section allows you to show off your value by describing how you got where you are now. Be specific, concise, and value-driven. You want to show your clients that you can help them achieve their business goals. Need some inspiration? Check out this Upwork article: Enhance Your Upwork Freelancer Profile for Greater Success.

Optional video profile—Upwork provides freelancers the ability to add a video profile. It is not necessary for you to get clients. But, if you are the creative type and want to add a short, professional video to introduce yourself, it may make a difference in getting hired. If it’s just you and your cat giving an unscripted talk in your backyard, your prospective clients are more likely to “swipe left” and move on.

Set your rates—The final step in setting up your profile is setting your rates. Again, starting out on the lower end of the freelance pay scale and moving up the freelancer ladder is the best method. Upwork provides a handy tool that automatically calculates what you’ll bring home after the platform takes its cut—typically 20% to start. Once a client has spent $500 on you, that rate drops to 10%.

Upwork Hourly Pay

 

Pro-tip: Do a little reconnaissance on the competition to see what the going rates are for your skillset by browsing Upwork freelancers by skill.

Once you’ve got your profile honed, proofed, and re-proofed, you’re ready to start taking on projects.

Step 4: Landing Your First Contracts on Upwork

You can land a contract on Upwork in one of two ways—proactively and reactively. If you want to land your first client, you need to be proactive. This means going to the job board and searching for contracts that match your skills. Head over to the “Find Work” tab on the platform and enter relevant keywords in the search field. For example, if you want to build websites, you might enter “web design” in the search box.

You can put certain filters on your search as well. For example, maybe you only want to take “Entry-Level” contracts where the bar is set low and you can really impress the client with your design skills. Now you can scroll through the results and see which projects you might want to bid on.

When bidding on a project on Upwork, you want to use those same principles we talked about earlier about your profile. Be clear, concise, and show the clients how you can help them meet their goals.

If the client likes what they see, they’ll either invite you to interview or hire you right then. Now it’s your turn to over-deliver. Ecstatic clients give quality feedback and 5-star reviews—your ticket to the Freelancer’s Kingdom. Get to Top Rated status, and Upwork will start recommending you directly to clients.

Step 5: Raising Your Rates

Once you’ve got three to five solid 5-star reviews on your profile, consider raising your rates by $10-15 an hour and changing your skill status to “Intermediate.” If your profile and portfolio warrant it, the clients will keep coming. You may even start getting clients inviting you to make a proposal based on your Upwork profile.

Upwork Feedback

 

Keys to Upwork Freelancer Success

Now you know what it takes to be a successful Upwork freelancer. Go ahead and sign up, keeping in mind the freelancer trifecta:

  1. Create a professional, keyword-optimized profile that is error-free.
  2. Start at the Entry/Beginner level.
  3. Provide outstanding work to get those 5-star reviews.

 

Join Upwork

 

 

Lyft buys Blue Vision

On Demand Gas, Uber Eats By Drone, Lyft Gets Vision – This Week In On Demand

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This Week In On-Demand — Oct. 26, 2018

It’s been a busy week in the on-demand sector. While the rideshare IPO race is in full swing, the rush for self-sufficient technology is threatening the future of gig-economy opportunities. Here’s what you need to know this week in on-demand news.

Uber Raises Quick Cash With $2 Billion Junk Bond Sale

Late last week, Uber floated $2 billion worth of bonds to select investors. The private placement was initially expected to raise $1.5 billion, but the company raised the offering after immense interest. Since the deal was made privately, not much is known about the specifics of the investors or Uber’s financial reports.

The junk bond sale comes just months ahead of the rideshare company’s expected IPO, which is estimated at $120 billion. However, Uber is struggling with a continual cash flow problem. This latest round of debt is added to the $1.5 billion loan deal completed in May. Such debt increases may seem drastic, but they’re a vital step to keep the company going until it hits the market in 2019.

Lyft Buys Blue Vision Labs

On Tuesday, Lyft’s Level 5 division announced the purchase of Blue Vision Labs. Based in London, Blue Vision Labs specializes in 3D mapping and augmented reality, which goes hand in hand with Lyft’s autonomous vehicle initiative. The AR company’s staff will now join the rest of the Level 5 team — Lyft’s self-driving subsidiary.

As with Uber, Lyft is making various business moves ahead of their impending IPO next year. The purchase of Blue Vision Labs comes a week after the company launched a rideshare subscription program. Within the past month, the business has also gone on a hiring spree to prepare for its market debut. Keep your eye on this space, as it’s highly likely that more acquisitions and big announcements are on the way.

Check out Blue Vision’s collaborative augmented reality technology below. Or if you want to get a head start on an idea for next year’s Lyft Pitch, sign up for an api key.

 

Bird & Lime Hit With Lawsuit

It looks like Bird and Lime are headed to court. On Friday, attorney Catherine Lerer filed a class-action lawsuit in California against the companies. Joining the two popular scooter-rental services are Xiaomi and Segway. All nine plaintiffs are seeking compensation for injuries suffered while riding rented scooters.

The lawsuit comes after months of pushback from local governments regarding electric-scooters. In early October, Bird’s CEO, Travis VanderZanden, stated that the business carefully selects locations based on their lack of legal perimeters as opposed to working with the municipality to implement the service. Such an approach has resulted in a cease-and-desist in Nashville and a ban in San Francisco. If the scooter companies stick with their current techniques, more lawsuits and legal challenges are a given.

Uber Eats Sets Its Sights On Drones

If you were wondering what the future of UberEats looks like, drone food delivery is the answer. The company is reportedly hoping to launch a drone delivery program by 2021. The news comes after Uber posted a job listing referencing their goals. The post has since been taken down, but it was enough to spark the rumor mill. However, the on-demand business is staying quiet about the specifics of the program.

While the prospect of drone deliveries are exciting, there’s a bigger issue to consider — delivery drivers. Swapping out contractors for drones is likely a cost-effective long-term solution for the company, but it eliminates at least some level of income for thousands of drivers across the country. If other businesses follow suit, it could drastically reduce the level of side hustles available.

On-Demand Fuel Delivery Is Here

It was only a matter of time before the oil industry jumped on the delivery bandwagon. Big Oil powerhouse Royal Dutch Shell has announced it’s bringing its service to Houston in the near future. The company provides on-site gasoline deliveries through their app — a service already offered in the Netherlands. Another company, called Yoshi, has landed a $4 million investment from Exxon for its by-request fuel fillups.

Considering the increasing focus on sustainable fuel sources, the oil industry is facing a future of uncertainty. The move to on-demand service offerings is a natural progression. While it may not be a long-term financial solution, it is a way to increase profits beyond the per-gallon price of fuel as a result of service fees and monthly subscriptions

With the moves toward self-driving vehicles and drones food delivery, what do you think the future of the gig economy looks like? Let us know in the comments!

 

Amazon Flex Driver

Amazon Flex: Getting Started As A Driver

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Amazon Flex is one of the newer additions to the gig economy, allowing private couriers to deliver Amazon packages, groceries, and any other of the millions of products you can now have brought to your doorstep within hours of ordering. Many individuals that earn money driving for Lyft and Uber have added food and package delivery to their hustle so that they can earn more money during their time on the road. Intrigued? Check out this quick guide to getting started with Amazon Flex so you can start dominating the delivery space.

Signing Up With Amazon Flex

Signing up with Amazon Flex is quick and easy—as long as there is a position open in your area. This will be the first question you are asked about in the process. Amazon lists all open areas on their site, so all you have to do is scroll through and find an area close to you to work in.

Amazon Flex Driver - City

 

If your area is not on the list, you can sign up to be on a waitlist, and Amazon will email you when a spot opens up. If your area is open, select it and you’ll be asked to provide:

  • Basic demographic info
  • Vehicle make, model, and year
  • Vehicle insurance info
  • Social security number/tax ID
  • Bank account info for direct deposit
  • Driver’s license info

You will also be asked to consent to a background check. The background check process takes a few days, so don’t expect to be making money with Amazon Flex immediately.

While you’re waiting for your clearance, take a look at the short training videos Amazon provides to ensure you’re ready to go when you’re approved. Pay attention closely, as there are quizzes at the end of each video.

Choosing Your Schedule

Driving for Amazon Flex is a bit different than driving for Uber or Lyft. You can’t just turn on your app and start driving any time you want. With Amazon Flex, you must pre-book your time by claiming shifts—or blocks, as Amazon calls them.

Amazon Flex Blocks

 

Each block is three to four hours and worth a set amount of money. Blocks are released for claiming 24 hours before they are set to begin. At that time, you can check for available blocks within the app. To claim a block, simply click on it and you’ll receive a confirmation message within the app. Amazon boasts that its drivers can make $18-25 per hour delivering packages to its customers.

What to Expect as an Amazon Flex Driver

Flex drivers can generally expect to pick up packages from an Amazon facility and drop them off to customers in their areas. When you get started, you choose a warehouse that you will pick up from.

Amid your deliveries, you also have the option to pick up “Instant Offers” that pop up in your area, allowing you to earn some extra cash. These could be from Amazon Prime, Amazon Fresh, or Amazon Restaurants.

Amazon Flex Instant Offers

 

The cool thing about Amazon Prime, Fresh, and Restaurants is that customers can tip you. Amazon takes none of your tips, so do a good job and you can dramatically increase your income with these Instant Offers.

Picking Up Orders with Amazon Flex

As mentioned before, you may have a variety of order types, which means you may have a variety of pickup locations. Let’s break them down now.

  • Prime Now, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Restaurants—The location of your pickup will show on your app an hour before your block start time. The pickup spot may not be the actual establishment—you may be instructed to go to a waiting area before being given the pickup location.
    • Prime Now—There are Prime Now delivery stations throughout your working area. When you’ve arrived, you must swipe “I’ve Arrived” in your Flex app. You’ll be given your assigned route, and the app will let you know when your order is ready. You’ll then need to scan each of your assigned packages in the station before you head out.
    • Amazon Fresh—These orders begin at a Prime Now delivery station. Follow the same process as with the other orders. You’ll be instructed as to whether the customer needs to be present for delivery and if you need to verify age due to alcohol deliveries.
    • Amazon Restaurants—When picking up from a restaurant, you’ll want to have an insulated bag to keep food warm. You can either purchase your own bag or hope that there’s a loaner bag available at the delivery station. Like the other pickup types, when you arrive at the location, tap “I’ve Arrived” in the app and it will tell you where to go.
  • Store Orders—Some Prime Now orders require you go to an actual store to pick up the item(s). When you’ve arrived at your start location, tap the “I’ve Arrived” button on the app and it will tell you where to go to pick up the order.
  • Amazon.com Orders—These will begin at a delivery station, which will appear on your app an hour before you start your block. In most cases, you’ll be met by an Amazon employee who will verify your ID and ask you to scan an arrival code.

As with all of these orders, the app will provide you with suggested routes for delivery. Note, these may not be the best routes, so use your judgment and local knowledge to find the best routes in order to maximize your time and your income.

7 Tips to Really Make Money with Amazon Flex

While Amazon says its drivers make between $18-25, the reality is, the range is much wider. Keep in mind that this number is before taxes and expenses. So, when you take into account fuel, oil changes, and other maintenance costs, these numbers can be a lot lower. If you want to truly make money as an Amazon Flex driver, follow these best practices:

  1. Log every mile you drive—Whether you keep a paper notebook in your car, or use an app, keeping track of your miles will enable you to take every deduction you deserve as an independent contractor.
  2. Keep track of car maintenance—Save your receipts each time you fuel up or change your oil, brakes, transmission fluid, lights, windshield wipers, etc. These expenses may be deductible at tax time.
  3. Organize your vehicle—When you receive your packages, they will have a manifest attached, which allows you to cluster your deliveries. Keep your packages organized in this way, with the closest deliveries in the front seat, then move the next round from the backseat to the front and so forth. Being able to hop out of your car with the right packages keeps you efficient.
  4. Use a bigger vehicle—If you have access to a larger vehicle like an SUV, you have the ability to take on more packages for your delivery area. As your deliveries are generally concentrated in a given area, mileage is not as crucial as it is with passenger delivery services, so the reduced mileage efficiency isn’t as much of an issue.
  5. Avoid returning packages undelivered—When you can’t deliver a package, you have to drive it back to the station, which takes time. Do everything you can to prevent package theft by leaving deliveries in a more secure location. Don’t forget to take a picture of the delivery location.
  6. Dress for money—When it comes to making extra tips, it’s all in the presentation. Wear clean, well-fitting clothes. Brush your hair. Think about who you would want walking up to your door and handing you your burrito, electric razor, or organic produce.
  7. Know your area—Even if you don’t live in the area to which you’re delivering packages, the best thing you can do to increase your efficiency is to know the area inside and out. This includes times of increased congestion, construction areas, and insider shortcuts. While the Flex app does its best to provide you with the most efficient route to your deliveries, it may fail to take into account local issues.

Get Ready to Ride

Amazon Flex has the capability to greatly increase your income, particularly as a part-time side-gig. The key is efficiency, so use the tips in this guide to get you started with Amazon Flex.

 

Atlanta Uber Driver Guide

The Atlanta Lyft & Uber Driver Guide

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Uber launched in Atlanta in 2012 and Lyft wasn’t far behind, with drivers coming on board just a year later. With Atlanta’s busy airport, high-energy nightlife, and bustling shopping and restaurant scene, ride-hailing companies just make sense.

Whether you’re just beginning your Uber or Lyft driving side gig in Atlanta or you’re an expert at secondary roads and navigating the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, we have some driving tips to help you make more money and spend less time in traffic.

Atlanta Hotspots for Uber and Lyft Drivers

When you’re logged on and ready to make cash, there are a few popular ride spots in Atlanta. Depending on the time of day or night you drive, head to these hotspots to wait for a rider.

If you drive during the day:

  • Emory University
  • Georgia Tech
  • Lenox Mall
  • Perimeter Mall
  • Westin Peachtree Plaza

If you drive late at night:

  • Big Sky Buckhead
  • Dark Horse Tavern
  • RiRa Irish Pub
  • The Ivy
  • W Hotel Whiskey Park

If you drive on the weekend:

  • Atlantic Station
  • Buckhead Atlanta
  • Piedmont Park
  • Ponce City Market

The best hours for driving Uber or Lyft in Atlanta revolve around the morning and evening commute, weekend festivities, and the city’s spectacular nightlife. To get the most rides in the ATL, focus on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The weekend is ripe with ride-hailing customers, especially before and after major sporting events or concerts and late-night socialite mingling (11 p.m. to 3 a.m.).

Atlanta is also home to the Hawks, Braves, and Falcons, so don’t forget about Suntrust Park, State Farm Arena, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on game days/nights.

Atlanta Lyft Driver Guide

 

Hartsfield–Jackson Makes Uber and Lyft Easier For Drivers

As you can imagine, the congestion around America’s busiest airport, Hartsfield–Jackson, can quickly build. Construction planned for the airport created a need for a central location for Uber and Lyft drivers picking up riders at the ATL airport.

In August 2017, Uber and Lyft drivers made the transition to picking up passengers in the North and South Economy lots of Hartsfield–Jackson. The lots are a relatively short walk from baggage claim, and the airport created a virtual guide for how each pickup area works. The pickup spots are slated to be a temporary fix until airport construction is complete, scheduled for early 2019.

Uber and Lyft Driver Pay in Atlanta

If you’re curious how much an Uber or Lyft driver makes working in Atlanta, these numbers should help you decide if you’re making enough as a current driver or if you want to pursue working for a ride-hailing company in the city.

  • Uber driver pay in Atlanta: Indeed puts the average Uber driver hourly earnings at about $15.54 an hour.
  • Lyft driver pay in Atlanta: Indeed reports the average Lyft driver pay in Atlanta is roughly $18.46 an hour. Glassdoor puts the annual Lyft driver salary at around $38,000.

While you may just be saving up for your next vacation with cash from your Uber or Lyft side gig, there’s no reason to not make as much as possible. If you’re interested in making more money as a rideshare driver in Atlanta, check out the tips below.

Uber and Lyft Driver Secrets for Atlanta

Atlanta is infamous for its busy traffic, which can make or break your Uber and Lyft profits. Similarly, while attractions and shopping centers are a natural hotspot for drivers, there are particularly busy areas only known to Atlanta rideshare drivers that have been in the city for a while. Keep these times and areas in mind when planning your rideshare shifts and routes:

Best Times to Pick Up Riders

  • Friday and Saturday nights from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., north of I-20 is busy.
  • Typically, 8:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights is a slow time period, as most riders have already gotten to their destination.
  • To make the most of the morning crowds, start your trips around 4:30 a.m.
  • For the evening crowds, you’ll need to plan on working until just after 2 a.m. to make the most money.
  • The most consistently busy times during the week are Monday mornings from 4:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Thursday nights after 7 p.m.
  • To boost profitability, you may want to avoid morning and afternoon rush hour traffic unless there is significant surge pricing (above 1.8x).

Best Areas to Find Riders

Some of the busiest areas include bars in the Buckhead area, 12th and Crescent Avenue in Midtown, West Midtown, Edgewood, and Cheshire Bridge. Look out for significant surge pricing in these areas on Friday and Saturday nights until about 3:15 a.m.

While the Peachtree Boulevard corridor in Chamblee is busy, it’s also filled with fellow Uber and Lyft drivers—avoid using this area as a waiting spot for a trip because of the high volume of competition.

The northern suburbs of Atlanta—Peachtree City, Chamblee, and Alpharetta—can be profitable if you’re willing to travel outside the city.

Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and up through the Cumming area will often yield longer trips with passengers who typically provide bigger tips.

Short-Cuts, Alternate Routes, and Other Driving Tips

Before you start taking rides, be sure to do a quick online search for road closures, construction, and traffic accidents so you can avoid these areas and find appropriate alternatives.

Morning rush hour typically runs from 4 to 10 a.m., with the busiest traffic starting around 6 or 7 a.m. Evening rush hour starts at about 3:30 p.m. and goes until about 7:30 p.m. If possible, avoid busy highways during these times.

To avoid Interstate 285, try taking these alternate routes: Forest Parkway/Flat Shoals Road, Powers Ferry/Mt. Vernon Highway, or the Downtown Connector.

If you are trying to avoid Georgia 400, try taking SR9, which parallels Georgia 400. During rush hour traffic, avoid I-85 by taking Highway 29, which runs parallel or get on Highway 23, U.S. Highway 123, or the Downtown Connector.

One Last Tip for Rideshare Drivers in Atlanta

Heavy traffic, road construction, and road closures are a part of Atlanta. None of that is expected to change anytime soon, so it’s best to know how to make the best of it (and avoid it when possible). These last Atlanta traffic tips will help you avoid delays and losing your mind in gridlock traffic.

  • Avoid the inner right lane: A number of the inner right lanes on Atlanta freeways quickly become exit-only routes. If you get locked into one of these lanes, it’s not easy to shift, forcing you to take a longer route. Stay in the middle lanes.
  • Rush hour is early: Rush hour in Atlanta starts at 4 a.m. and can last for nearly six hours. Plan ahead and be ready for the congestion before the sun comes up.
  • Take secondary roads: Take the time to learn back roads to … everywhere. When you know the secondary roads that get you to your location, you’ll be available for more rides, bringing in more money.

Finally, don’t think you have to choose between driving for Uber or Lyft. You can do both. We’ve already broken down the differences and benefits of working for a rideshare company as a side gig. As you travel Atlanta as an Uber or Lyft driver, keep these tips in mind to help maximize your experience and your paycheck.

Looking For The Best Rideshare Company To Sign Up With?

Sign up to drive with Lyft today and get a sign up bonus.

With Lyft, you can sign up to drive even if you don’t have a car!

Lyft Sign Up Bonus

 

Uberfreight - Week In On Demand

Lyft Subscriptions, Instacart Checks Out, And Uber Works – This Week In On Demand

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This Week In On Demand — Oct. 19, 2018

The on-demand industry never sleeps. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about missing a thing because we’ve got you covered. From looming grocery wars to rideshare takeovers, here’s the latest round of happenings in the gig economy.

Instacart Scores Another $600 Million In Investment

Thanks to D1 Capital Partners, headed by Daniel Sundheim, Instacart has landed another $600 million investment. This boost comes just months after a two-part investment from Coatue Management and Glade Brook Capital Partners totaling $350 million. Together, the business has scored a whopping $950 million in investments in 2018 and raised its valuation to $7.6 billion.

While the scope of these venture capital investments are impressive, they’re not without reason. The grocery-delivery company is preparing for an epic battle with Amazon. The online retailer has set its sights on grocery delivery — where Instacart currently reigns supreme. With such a powerful company threatening to enter its sphere, it’s no wonder Instacart is taking such precautionary steps. Plus, the enterprise is looking to go public soon, which raises the stakes further. We’re likely to see even more investments coming within the next few quarters.

Lyft Launches Monthly Subscription Service

Lyft is joining the ranks of Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu with its newest offering. On Tuesday, the company announced the launch of its All-Access Plan. The subscription service offers 30 rides costing up to $15 each for a flat monthly rate of $299. This launch accompanies the rideshare company’s new Ditch Your Car marketing initiative that encourages vehicle owners to give up driving for ridesharing.

Offering a subscription service isn’t just convenient for Lyft users — it’s also a power play. The company is amping up for its market debut next year and has already started building a hand-selected IPO team. Since its biggest competitor, Uber, is also preparing to go public, the stakes have never been greater. Keep an eye out on this rideshare race, as there are likely to be a host of unexpected announcements and service updates in the near future.

Airbnb Receives More Pushback From Local Governments

Once again, Airbnb is facing tough opposition from municipalities in some of its most popular markets. Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners passed a new ordinance on Tuesday that regulates short-term property rentals. The rule imposes a fine on property owners and hosting services, like Airbnb, that offer rentals without proper registration and tourism tax payments. In Washington D.C., the City Council is considering even harsher measures that prevent short-term rentals on all secondary properties and place restrictions on primary residences.

The latest round of pushback joins the growing collection of local and county municipalities questioning the legality of the hosting platform. Last week, Las Vegas took the next step in imposing their own restrictions on peer-to-peer home rental services. To combat such potentially large profit losses, we’re likely to witness an increase in lobbying, PR campaigns, and even legal battles from Airbnb in coming months.

Uber Launches Powerloop, Uber Works & Sets Its Sights On Grocery Delivery

On Wednesday, Uber announced the launch of a new business venture called Powerloop — another step in the rideshare company’s goal of conquering the trucking industry. The trailer rental service is currently available in Texas and already boasts Anheuser-Busch among its clientele. Powerloop falls under the Uber Freight umbrella, which provides on-demand hauling services across the country.

Uberfreight Powerloop

 

On Thursday, Uber announced it was also getting into the on-demand staffing industry with the launch of Uber Works. The new company will offer short term staffing solutions (waitstaff and security primarily) for events and functions.

These new initiatives (along with the Jump roll out) are being led by Rachel Holt, who led the company after Travis Kalanick’s resignation. The moves come ahead of the ride-hailing company’s expected IPO in the second half of 2019. Like Lyft, Uber is attempting to expand its offerings ahead of hitting the market, which is why it’s also reportedly setting its sights on grocery delivery. While it’s UberRUSH collaboration with Walmart didn’t prove successful, the business is determined to take another shot. However, the move would put them up against the likes of Instacart and Amazon, making it an incredibly challenging endeavor.

Fiverr Announces Educational Platform for Freelancers

Known for connecting freelancers with clients, Fiverr announced the launch of a new e-learning program coined Learn from Fiverr. The platform offers a variety of paid online courses, ranging from marketing to graphic design, designed to enhance professional skills. Upon completion, users receive a badge that’s displayed on their profile for clients to see.

Offering such a collection of professional tools is a smart move for Fiverr. Other top contractor platforms, like Freelancer, haven’t yet entered the realm of educational content. Considering the upwards growth of the freelance community, the lack of competition in this environment is sure to boost Fiverr’s profits as well as grow their contractor list.

You’re all caught up! What are your predictions for the upcoming battle between Instacart and Amazon? Do you think Uber stands a chance in the on-demand grocery delivery market? Let us know in the comments.