DoorDash drivers are the backbone of modern convenience. Every day, they bring meals, groceries, prescriptions, and household essentials right to our doorsteps. They brave traffic, weather, rising gas prices, and the wear-and-tear on their personal vehicles — all to ensure customers receive timely and reliable service. Despite their essential role in our communities, these drivers are not being fairly compensated for their labor, time, and expenses.

 

Currently, many DoorDash drivers earn less than $0.80 per mile driven. This rate is shockingly low when compared to the actual costs of operating a vehicle. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average cost of owning and operating a vehicle is about $0.58 per mile — and that’s before accounting for the driver’s time, effort, and risk. When drivers take home just a few cents of profit per mile, after covering fuel, maintenance, and insurance, it becomes nearly impossible to earn a sustainable living.

 

This financial strain has real consequences. Drivers often report struggling to pay rent, afford health care, and keep up with the rising costs of everyday necessities. Many feel forced to work excessively long hours just to scrape by — leading to fatigue, stress, and unsafe conditions on the road. In a world where flexible gig work is marketed as empowering, too many drivers find themselves trapped in a cycle of instability.

 

By raising base pay to at least $1.00 per mile plus tips, DoorDash has the opportunity to lead the way in fair gig-economy compensation. This change would not only reflect the true costs of driving but also provide drivers with the dignity of fair pay. A $1.00 per mile standard would:

 

Cover real expenses: Fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs would no longer eat up nearly all of a driver’s pay.

 

Provide stability: Drivers could earn a consistent, livable wage without needing to exhaust themselves with extended shifts.

 

Ensure safety: With fair pay, drivers wouldn’t be pressured to rush or overextend themselves, creating safer roads for everyone.

 

Strengthen communities: Supporting drivers means supporting families, local economies, and the very people who make convenient delivery possible.

 

 

DoorDash’s success is built on the hard work and commitment of its drivers. Without them, the company could not exist. It is only fair that those who keep the platform running are treated with the respect and compensation they deserve.

 

We are calling on DoorDash to immediately raise driver pay to at least $1.00 per mile driven plus tips. This adjustment would not only reflect fairness but also set a new standard across the gig economy for valuing workers’ contributions.

 

By signing this petition, you are standing with drivers nationwide in demanding change. Together, we can send a clear message: the people delivering our food, groceries, and essentials deserve more than pennies per mile — they deserve fair pay, financial security, and dignity in their work.

 

Support the backbone of food delivery in America. Sign now and demand DoorDash raise base pay to $1.00 per mile.