Updated (previous coverage)
Rideshare and delivery drivers for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Grubhub, UberEats, Postmates, Instacart, Gopuff, Amazon Flex, Shipt and others are all impacted by rising costs in automotive repair and maintenance.
The cost of car repair and maintenance services has risen between to more than 11% over the last year (2022). In prior years, costs have consistently increased by 4%-5% annually. For 2019, average miles driven by U.S. drivers reached 14,263 miles according to the United States Department of Transportation – Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). However, for rideshare and delivery drivers (independent contract drivers), driving upward of 1,000 miles per week is common.
Independent contract drivers are used by rideshare platforms (Lyft, Uber), food-delivery services (DoorDash, Grubhub, UberEats, Postmates, Favor Delivery, Instacart), everyday needs delivery (Gopuff), and package delivery (Amazon Flex, Shipt ).
For this segment of drivers, higher miles traveled translates directly into higher automotive repair and maintenance costs (see chart). Annual vehicle repair and maintenance costs for an independent contract driver can vary from $1,470 for a small sedan driving upwards of 15,000 miles annually to as much as $6,111 for a medium SUV driving 55,000 miles annually.
Annual Automotive Repair and Maintenance costs for Rideshare and Delivery Drivers for 2022
| Annual Miles | Small Sedan | Medium Sedan | Subcompact SUV | Compact SUV (FWD) | Medium SUV (4WD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15,000 | $ 1,470 | $ 1,737 | $ 1,650 | $ 1,653 | $ 1,667 |
| 25,000 | $ 2,450 | $ 2,894 | $ 2,750 | $ 2,756 | $ 2,778 |
| 35,000 | $ 3,105 | $ 3,724 | $ 3,444 | $ 3,546 | $ 3,570 |
| 45,000 | $ 4,411 | $ 5,210 | $ 4,950 | $ 4,960 | $ 5,000 |
| 55,000 | $ 5,391 | $ 6,368 | $ 6,050 | $ 6,062 | $ 6,111 |
Given current economic conditions, auto part prices and labor rates are expected to continue to rise. When you add in the hike in gasoline prices and costs for insurance, net income for independent contract drivers is impacted. Several companies such as Gopuff is addressing this challenge head-on by deploying Openbay+ for all its delivery partners, nationwide.
Openbay+ and how it works
Openbay+ is available through Openbay corporate, channel and affiliate partnerships (Partner). Partner drivers, partner employees, and partner customers on Openbay+ get matched instantly with multiple local automotive service professionals that can service their brand of vehicle and deliver the requested service for that brand. Some of the more popular services requested on Openbay+ include oil changes, fluid replacements, brake services, suspension, diagnostic services (check engine light), and OE recommended maintenance.
Openbay+ provides a variety of automotive service professionals for Rideshare and Delivery drivers on its platform delivered by mobile mechanics (driveway of home), independently owned and operated service centers, national name-brand and franchise businesses, national corporate brands, and franchise dealerships. Every automotive service provider on Openbay+ goes through a vetting process and once approved, are trained on how the Openbay+ platform operates to ensure a great customer experience.
Savings and Convenience: benefits of Openbay+
Openbay+ helps independent contract drivers reduce the total cost of owning and operating their motor vehicle. Within a few seconds, a service request can be entered on Openbay+ and upfront pricing is delivered from qualified automotive service professionals nearby. Verified customer ratings and reviews for each service professional are also presented alongside location information, amenities, shop hours, and specialized automotive certifications, so that drivers can choose the professional that best fits their needs and preferences.
All automotive service providers on Openbay+ are required to offer a discount on parts and labor. Discounts range by each provider and are upwards of 25% for parts and labor.
Openbay+ is available now and through several partners of Openbay.
Lyft drivers sign up here
Amazon Flex drivers sign up here
Gopuff drivers sign up here
Image courtesy of Michael Siddiq