Grubhub: Tips for Delivery Drivers to Save Gas

Fuel efficiency is a consideration for all drivers, but it’s particularly important for food delivery workers. When driving is a key component of the job, it’s important to find ways to reduce fuel expenses that could cut into your earnings. Fortunately, there are steps delivery partners can take to help reduce gas expenses such as following smart driving and fueling strategies. Here are a few worth trying.

Use a route planner

Most apps provide digital maps that help drivers find the shortest and most efficient route to their destination. Using these apps can help delivery drivers find shortcuts, reduce driving time, and improve fuel efficiency. Route planning can also offer the bonus of helping delivery partners avoid getting stuck in traffic. A driver may know their city inside and out, but traffic can be tough to anticipate. The right route planner may make all the difference.

Find good deals on gas

Apps like GasBuddy help delivery partners find the cheapest gas stations in the area so they can save at the pump with every refuel. One of the best delivery apps to work for–Grubhub–lets delivery partners sign up for the free GasBuddy card and gain access to great deals including savings of $0.25 per gallon. Grubhub delivery partners can also get 6% GasBack (free gas) on maintenance and repairs booked through CarAdvise in the GasBuddy app. The GasBuddy card can be used at 95% of gas stations in the country and users don’t need to worry about credit checks or bills.

Slow down

As a delivery partner, getting orders to customers quickly and on time is part of the job. But going too fast is not only dangerous, it’s also burning through more fuel than is necessary. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reported some estimates show that for every 5 mph over 50 mph, drivers pay an additional $0.25 per gallon. Slowing down could potentially translate into big savings over time.

Accelerate slowly

According to the DOE, sudden accelerations and braking can lower mileage by 15%-30% at highway speeds and 10%-40% in stop-and-go traffic. Rapid acceleration may stress the car engine and transmission, causing it to burn fuel quicker than if the driver had sped up gradually.

Reduce use of the air conditioner

Using the air conditioner in a car impacts gas consumption, and many drivers ask if it’s better to roll the windows down or keep them up and use the AC. The general rule of thumb? Roll the windows down at low speeds, such as city driving, for more fuel efficiency. Using the AC at higher speeds–on the highway–becomes more fuel efficient because having the windows down at high speeds creates more drag on the car, burning through fuel quicker. Delivery partners aren’t likely to be driving at highway speeds, so if the weather permits, consider rolling down the windows.

Reduce weight where possible

Car owners in general sometimes make the mistake of treating the trunk of their car as a convenient storage space. What they don’t know is: more stuff equals more fuel consumption. It’s a good idea for delivery partners to look inside their cars and take out things that add unnecessary weight.

Delivery partners can improve fuel efficiency and reduce gas station costs using a combination of smart driving strategies, apps and other tools that help with route planning and savings at the pump.

About Grubhub for Drivers
Grubhub for Drivers creates flexible earning opportunities for delivery partners through Grubhub’s leading food-ordering marketplace. The easy-to-use Grubhub for Drivers app offers the latest in safety features designed to ensure partners feel confident on the road, as well as Instant Cashout tools that send earnings straight to a bank account or debit card. Grubhub for Drivers’ partners are integral to supporting restaurants and communities across the country.