We, the undersigned, are calling on DoorDash to implement a guaranteed $5 minimum pay per order for all drivers in the United States. As gig economy workers, DoorDash drivers play a vital role in delivering food and essential goods to communities across the country. Despite this, many drivers face unfair wages, long hours, and rising expenses that are not being met by the current pay structure.

 

The rising cost of living, increased fuel prices, and constant wear and tear on vehicles are just some of the challenges that drivers face while working for DoorDash. Yet, the pay they receive per order often fails to cover these costs, leaving drivers with earnings that fall below a living wage.

 

Why This Matters:

 

Rising Costs: The cost of living is increasing nationwide. Fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, and everyday expenses are making it harder for drivers to make ends meet.

 

Unpredictable Earnings: DoorDash drivers are often at the mercy of customer tips and the unpredictability of orders. The base pay per order can be too low, particularly during slower periods or in areas with low customer tips.

 

Fair Compensation: A $5 minimum pay per order would ensure that drivers are fairly compensated for their time, energy, and expenses, regardless of tips or order size. This change would provide financial stability for drivers who rely on DoorDash to make a living.

 

Support for Essential Workers: DoorDash drivers are essential workers, providing services that help support local businesses, restaurants, and communities. It’s time for DoorDash to recognize the value of these workers and provide fair wages.

 

 

Our Request:

 

We respectfully call on DoorDash to:

 

1. Implement a $5 minimum pay per order for all drivers in the United States, regardless of tips or order size.

 

 

2. Ensure that this change is applied nationwide to ensure fairer compensation for all drivers.

 

 

 

By implementing this change, DoorDash will help ensure that its drivers can earn a living wage, which would result in a more sustainable workforce, improved worker satisfaction, and better service for customers.

 

We believe that all workers deserve to be paid fairly for their time and effort, and this is a critical step in ensuring that DoorDash drivers are treated with the respect they deserve.

 

We urge DoorDash to take action and make this positive change for drivers across the nation. We’re not asking for charity — we’re asking for a wage that reflects the value of the work we do every day.

The Real Costs of Driving for DoorDash

 

Driving for DoorDash isn't just about time — it's about wear and tear on personal vehicles that drivers pay for out-of-pocket. Many customers and even companies underestimate how expensive it is to maintain a vehicle used for high-mileage delivery work. Here are just a few examples of what drivers regularly pay:

 

Oil Changes: $60–$100 per service

Most drivers need an oil change every 3,000–5,000 miles. For full-time drivers, that could mean oil changes every 3–5 weeks.

 

Brake Pads and Rotors: $300–$800 per axle

Frequent stop-and-go driving wears down brake components much faster than normal driving. Some drivers report needing brake service twice a year or more.

 

Suspension Repairs (Struts/Shocks/Control Arms): $500–$1,500+

Poor roads and heavy use can lead to suspension damage. Unlike regular commuters, delivery drivers often face high repair bills just to keep their vehicles road-safe.

 

Tires: $400–$1,200 for a full set

Delivery driving leads to rapid tire wear. Drivers often replace tires once or twice a year, depending on their delivery volume.

 

 

These expenses are not reimbursed by DoorDash. Instead, drivers are expected to absorb these costs while still accepting base pay offers that can be as low as $2.50 in some markets — and that’s before even factoring in taxes or downtime between orders.

 

A $5 minimum per order helps cover these unavoidable costs and provides drivers a better chance at brea

king even — or ideally, earning a livable income.