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The Dollar-Per-Mile Rule: Does It Work for Delivery Drivers?
The short answer: the "$1 a mile" rule is a quick filter many drivers use to skip low offers, and it helps. But it ignores time and the unpaid miles to the pickup and back. A better method uses two minimums: dollars per real mile and dollars per hour, after your car costs.
What the rule says
Only accept offers that pay at least $1 for each mile the app shows. It's popular because it's easy to check in the few seconds an offer is on screen.
Where it fails
- It uses the app's distance. The drive to the pickup and back to a busy area can double the real miles. See how to calculate pay per mile.
- It ignores time. A 3-mile order that takes 40 minutes at a slow restaurant can pay far less per hour than a 6-mile order that takes 20.
- It ignores your car. $1 a mile means less if your car costs 50¢ a mile than if it costs 30¢.
A better method: two minimums
- Work out your car cost per mile.
- Set a minimum per real mile (pay ÷ total miles).
- Set a minimum per hour after car costs.
- Take offers that meet both; skip ones that miss both; judge the borderline ones by how busy it is.
Save your minimums on your phone in the offer tool so each check takes seconds.
FAQ
What is the dollar-per-mile rule for DoorDash?
A common rule of thumb to accept offers only if they pay at least $1 per mile shown. It filters low offers but ignores time and unpaid miles.
Is $1 per mile good for delivery?
It depends on the real total distance, how long the order takes and your car's cost per mile. Check pay per hour too.
What should my minimum per hour be?
Pick a number above what you could earn elsewhere after car costs, and adjust it as you learn your market.
Sources: IRS 2026 mileage rates. General information for planning, not tax, legal or financial advice.
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