Drive with Shipt: Your Guide to Shipt Driver Sign-Up and Success

Drive with Shipt

Ready to hit the road and make money on your own terms? The gig economy is buzzing, and Shipt is a standout choice for drivers who want flexibility, simplicity, and a chance to earn without the hassle of customer small talk. Unlike Shipt’s grocery shopping gigs, the Shipt driver role is all about delivering pre-packaged orders from Target sortation centers to customers’ doorsteps. No shopping, no fuss—just you, your car, and a route to conquer. If you’re pumped to dive into this side hustle (or full-time grind), this guide will walk you through everything: signing up, what the job’s really like, how much you can make, and how to crush it as a Shipt driver. Let’s roll!

What’s the Deal with Shipt Driving?

Shipt, launched in 2014 and snapped up by Target in 2017, started as a grocery delivery service where shoppers hand-pick items for customers. But now, Shipt’s got a slick package delivery gig that’s perfect for drivers who’d rather skip the store aisles. As a Shipt driver, you’re not rummaging through shelves for avocados—you’re picking up pre-packed orders from Target sortation centers in cities like Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, or Philadelphia, then dropping them off along a pre-set route.

Here’s the vibe:

• Pick Up: Head to a Target sortation center, load up your car with packages (think household goods, electronics, maybe some light furniture).
• Deliver: Follow the Shipt app’s optimized route to drop off 30–80+ packages per shift, usually contactless.
• Chill: Minimal customer interaction means less stress and more focus on getting the job done.

This gig’s built for flexibility—work one route a month or grind seven days a week. It’s your call. But it’s only available in select cities with Target sortation centers, so check if your area’s on the list before you get too excited.

Why Drive with Shipt?

Why pick Shipt over other delivery gigs? Here’s the pitch:

• Total Freedom: Set your own hours. Work mornings, nights, or just when you feel like it. Perfect for students, side hustlers, or anyone dodging a 9-to-5.
• No Shopping Drama: Forget wandering aisles or texting customers about substitutions. You’re just driving and dropping.
• Perks: Score gas discounts, oil changes, and a free Shipt membership (if you do one shop every 90 days). Plus, Shipt’s got 24/7 support when you need it.
• Low-Key Vibes: Minimal face-to-face with customers makes this ideal for introverts or anyone who just wants to crank tunes and drive.

Sounds sweet, right? But it’s not all sunshine—expect vehicle wear, variable pay, and no tips since you’re not chatting up customers. We’ll break down the good, the bad, and the real later.

What You Need to Drive with Shipt

Before you hit “apply,” make sure you’ve got what Shipt’s looking for. Here’s the checklist:

1. Age & License: 18+, with a valid U.S. driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience. No newbies behind the wheel.
2. Vehicle: A reliable ride, 1997 or newer. No two-door sedans, but SUVs, minivans, or trucks work great. Don’t own a car? You can rent or borrow one, but you gotta be on the insurance policy.
3. Insurance: Valid auto insurance that meets your state’s minimum requirements. Shipt might ask for proof, so have it ready.
4. Smartphone: iPhone (iOS 10 or newer) or Android (5.1 or newer) for the Shipt Shopper app, your command center for routes and deliveries.
5. Muscle: Be able to lift up to 40 pounds. Some packages (like cases of water or furniture) can be hefty, but you’re usually flying solo—no team lifts here.
6. Background Check: Shipt runs a motor vehicle and criminal background check via Checkr. A clean record helps, but some felons might get approved case-by-case.
7. Bank Account: You’ll need one for weekly direct deposits or Instant Pay (once you’re eligible).

Got all that? You’re ready to sign up. If you’re iffy on something (like a past speeding ticket), apply anyway—Shipt reviews applications individually.

How to Sign Up as a Shipt Driver

Ready to jump in? The sign-up process is quick, but it’s not instant. Here’s how to get rolling:

Step 1: Hit the Website

Head to shipt.com and find the “Become a Driver” section (usually under “Work with Shipt”). Fill out the application with:

• Your full name, email, and phone number.
• Your city (make sure it’s a supported market like Denver or Miami).
• Driver’s license and vehicle details (make, model, year).
• Proof of insurance.

Pro tip: Double-check your city’s eligibility. If Shipt’s not hiring drivers in your area, you might get waitlisted.

Step 2: Ace the Web Interview

Next, you’ll do a short web-based interview. It’s not live—just answer a few questions about yourself, like how you’d handle a delivery mix-up or your customer service style. Takes about 10 minutes. Be real, be professional, and you’re golden.

Step 3: Pass the Background Check

Shipt uses Checkr to dig into your driving and criminal history. This can take anywhere from a few hours to two weeks, depending on your record and location. You’ll get email updates on the status. If you pass, you’re in; if not, Shipt will explain why (e.g., too many tickets).

Step 4: Get Onboarded

Once approved, Shipt sends onboarding instructions. You’ll:

• Download the Shipt Shopper app (same one shoppers use).
• Complete quick training modules on app navigation, pick-up procedures, and delivery protocols.
• Set up direct deposit for payments.

You can also update your location in the app later if you move or want to drive in another city with a sortation center.

Step 5: Grab Routes and Go

Now you’re ready to claim routes in the Shipt app. Routes pop up on a first-come, first-served basis, showing estimated pay, stops, and duration. Pick what works for you, head to the sortation center, load up, and start delivering. If routes are scarce, keep checking the app or consider the shopper role for more gigs.

Heads-Up: Shipt hires drivers based on demand, so you might hit a waitlist if your market’s full. If that happens, try platforms like DoorDash or Amazon Flex while you wait.

What’s It Like to Drive for Shipt?

So, you’re approved—now what? Here’s the day-to-day as a Shipt driver:

Schedule Like a Boss

Shipt’s all about freedom. You can work one route a month or go hard seven days a week. Routes come in different flavors:

• Medium: 3–5 hours, ~30 packages.
• Large: 5–7 hours, ~50+ packages.
• Sprinter Van: 7+ hours, ~80+ packages (better for big vehicles).

Claim routes days in advance or snag same-day ones when they drop. It’s perfect for fitting around your life—school, another job, or just Netflix binges.

Pick Up, Drive, Drop

Your shift starts at a Target sortation center. You’ll load pre-packed orders into your car—think boxes of diapers, TVs, or the occasional chair. The Shipt app maps out your route, guiding you to each stop. Most deliveries are contactless: drop the package, snap a pic, mark it delivered, and move on. Easy.

Rule Alert: No ENGAGE No passengers allowed. Shipt’s strict about this to keep you focused and safe. Break this rule, and you risk getting kicked off the platform.

Heavy Lifting

Most packages are manageable, but some can hit 40 pounds (like bulk dog food or furniture). The app shows package weight upfront, so you can skip routes that feel too heavy. You’re usually on your own, so know your limits.

App and Support

The Shipt Shopper app is your lifeline—use it to claim routes, track deliveries, and get help. Got a problem? Shipt’s 24/7 phone or chat support has your back. The app’s intuitive, but it might take a few runs to get the hang of it.

Show Me the Money: Shipt Driver Pay

Let’s talk cash—how much can you make driving for Shipt?

How You Get Paid

Shipt pays per completed route, not hourly. You get weekly direct deposits on Fridays, or unlock Instant Pay for same-day cash after a few runs. Pay depends on:

• Route Size: More packages, bigger bucks.
• Distance/Time: Longer or busier routes pay more.
• Market: Hot markets like Miami might pay better than quieter ones.

Shipt’s cagey about exact driver rates, but estimates suggest $15–$25/hour for medium to large routes, depending on your speed and city. For comparison, Shipt shoppers get $5 per order plus 7.5% of the order total (with a $16/hour minimum guarantee), but drivers get a flat route rate. No shopping, no tips—so your pay’s predictable but capped.

Bonuses

Shipt tosses in bonuses for high-volume routes or peak times (think holidays). These can juice up your earnings if you snag the right routes.

No Tips

Here’s the kicker: drivers rarely get tips since you’re not meeting customers face-to-face. Unlike shoppers, who can rake in extra cash from grateful clients, your income’s mostly route pay and bonuses.

Expenses

You’re on the hook for gas, maintenance, and insurance. Big SUVs or vans handle larger routes but guzzle gas, while fuel-efficient cars save you money. Track every mile and expense for tax deductions—more on that later.

Taxes

As a 1099 contractor, you’re paying self-employment taxes. But you can deduct mileage, gas, and repairs to cut your tax bill. Apps like Stride or MileIQ make tracking a breeze. Talk to a tax pro to maximize savings.

Pros and Cons: Is Shipt Driving Worth It?

Every gig’s got its highs and lows. Here’s the real talk:

Pros

• Total Control: Work when you want, how you want. Perfect for side hustlers or anyone with a packed schedule.
• No Shopping Hassle: Just drive and drop—none of the grocery-picking stress.
• Solid Support: 24/7 help via phone or chat, plus perks like gas discounts and a free Shipt membership.
• Low Interaction: Ideal for those who’d rather not deal with people.

Cons

• No Tips: Minimal customer contact means no extra cash from gratuities.
• Pay Mystery: Shipt’s pay model isn’t always transparent, and some drivers gripe about lower earnings since recent changes.
• Car Wear: Long routes and heavy loads can beat up your vehicle, hiking up maintenance costs.
• Commute Pain: Some sortation centers are a trek (up to an hour), eating into your profits.
• No Love: Shipt doesn’t reward top performers with perks or recognition, which can feel like a slog.

How to Crush It as a Shipt Driver

Want to make bank and love the gig? Here’s how to dominate:

1. Pick Smart Routes:
   • Check pay, stops, and package weight before committing.
   • Stick to areas you know to save time and gas.
   • Hunt for bonuses during peak times like holidays.
2. Pimp Your Ride:
   • Use a fuel-efficient car to keep costs low.
   • Get cargo organizers to handle big loads like a pro.
3. Own Your Schedule:
   • Check the app daily for new routes—they go fast.
   • Book ahead for prime times or locations.
   • Mix medium and large routes to balance cash and energy.
4. Track Everything:
   • Log miles with Stride or MileIQ for tax write-offs.
   • Save receipts for gas, repairs, and other expenses.
5. Stay Sharp:
   • No passengers—Shipt’s serious about this.
   • Double-check package labels to avoid screw-ups.
   • Pair the Shipt app with Google Maps or Waze for faster routes.
6. Diversify:
   • If Shipt routes are thin, try DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Amazon Flex.
   • Or switch to Shipt’s shopper role for tip potential.

Shipt Driver vs. Other Gigs

Not sure if Shipt’s your jam? Here’s how it stacks up:

• Shipt Driver vs. Shipt Shopper:
  • Driver: Pre-set routes, no shopping, no tips, simpler vibe.
  • Shopper: Pick groceries, chat with customers, earn tips, potentially more cash.
  • Pick: Driver for ease, shopper for higher pay.
• Shipt Driver vs. DoorDash:
  • Shipt: Fixed routes, no tips, less customer face-time.
  • DoorDash: Food deliveries, tips galore, more customer interaction.
  • Pick: Shipt for chill vibes, DoorDash for tip potential.
• Shipt Driver vs. Amazon Flex:
  • Shipt: Flexible routes, smaller packages, no warehouse grind.
  • Amazon Flex: Scheduled blocks, bigger loads, no tips.
  • Pick: Shipt for freedom, Flex for steady work.

FAQs

Can I drive for Shipt if I’m not near a Target sortation center?
Nope, you need to be in a supported city (e.g., Atlanta, Miami). Check shipt.com for details. If it’s not available, try the shopper role or other platforms.

How long’s the application process?
A few days to two weeks, depending on your background check and market demand.

Can I do both driver and shopper roles?
Yup, since March 2022, you can toggle between both in the same app.

What if I’m waitlisted?
Keep checking the app or apply to DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart for faster cash.

Any benefits?
No health insurance or PTO, but you get gas discounts, oil changes, and a free Shipt membership if you do one shop every 90 days.

Ready to Roll?

Driving with Shipt is a killer way to earn money with zero boss breathing down your neck. Sign up at shipt.com, breeze through the application, and start claiming routes that fit your life. Sure, you’ll miss out on tips, and your car might take a beating, but the flexibility, perks, and straightforward gig make it a solid choice for the right driver. Pick smart routes, track expenses, and maybe mix in some shopper gigs to keep the cash flowing. If you’re in a supported city, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start delivering!