Ordering delivery to avoid icy roads? Consider this ahead of winter storm
For many in the Charlotte area, snow in the forecast means cranking up the heat, laying on the couch and binge-watching your favorite Netflix series while gouging on food.
But some may be tempted to have food delivered to them instead.
Apps like DoorDash, Postmates and Uber Eats have become popular in recent years, but having food delivered during extreme winter weather conditions has long been debated on social media.
Requesting someone drive during a storm to deliver food to your home can seem inconsiderate. Nearly 900 people are killed and 76,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
However, many delivery drivers rely on tips to make a living – and they can’t earn money if no one orders food. According to the DoorDash website, drivers earn $25 an hour, though that amount has been disputed, with suggested salaries ranging from $2 to $10 per hour in addition to tips.
What is it like delivering food in a storm?
On Reddit, “dashers” (the name used for DoorDash employees) discuss their experiences working in extreme weather conditions.
“Winter is great for business, but I refuse to work when it’s snowing,” one dasher wrote “You don’t see a noticeable increase in profit, and it’s unnecessarily stressful.
“There are better ways to make money in the winter than delivery,” another explained. “Pray for a lot of snow, because that’s a gig with a truck and a plow.”
A few dashers stated that complaints from customers are more common during winter weather when their food is delivered late, but some are inclined to tip more than usual when the service is good.
Should you order delivery in inclement weather?
There are differing opinions on social media, but the consensus seems to be no.
But if you have a craving for chicken lo mein from Hawkers or a Piedmont Omelette from Flying Biscuit and aren’t prepared to venture out onto the roads this weekend, here are some helpful tips to consider to make things easier for your delivery driver:
- If you can, shovel the snow on your walkway to ensure the driver has a direct path to your door.
- If your home is tricky to find using GPS, give your driver some tips on how to find it. Road signs can be difficult to see in the snow.
- Be patient. Drivers are advised to travel under the speed limit when there is snow or ice on the roads, so expect that your delivery will take longer than usual.
- Show your appreciation by tipping generously. Some areas could see up to eight inches of snow, and drivers are risking their safety to deliver your food.
- Leave a good review for your driver. For dashers, ratings determine whether or not they are eligible to continue driving for DoorDash.
