The sun has set, the lamps are lit, the streets are quiet, and you’re ready to do some late night delivery. Not everyone takes on night delivery jobs, but that’s the point: you can enjoy a more moderate pace, less competition, and still see plenty of demand.
For many, dashing between 10PM and 6AM is an excellent way to earn income with a flexible schedule. If you're considering late night deliveries on DoorDash, it's helpful to learn more about the types of orders you might encounter and key safety tips to keep in mind while driving after dark.
The most common late night deliveries on DoorDash
Here’s an oft-repeated myth: after-hours deliveries are strictly made on weekends when customers are craving some comfort food, or when they want snacks for a late night movie. While it’s true that most late night offers are from quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and convenience stores, people place orders on any day — or in this case, night — of the week.
Among the restaurants that keep long hours and provide customers with go-to midnight snacks, fast food is a fan favourite. McDonald’s, KFC, Hungry Jacks, Chubby Buns Burgers, Amalfi Pizza and Pasta, Oporto, and Guzman y Gomez are some of the most common late night offers in Australia.
Certain convenience stores and service stations are also open well into the night, or 24 hours a day. Nighttime convenience store offers are most commonly found with BP, Ampol, 7-Eleven, and Eats 2 U.
Reasons why Dashers complete late night offers on DoorDash
Making deliveries at night isn’t for everyone. Some people are night owls, and staying awake late into the night is inherently easier for certain individuals. For those whose schedules and lifestyles make it possible to deliver at night, you can enjoy the benefits of little to no traffic and faster delivery times.
Jem from Melbourne, enjoys dashing at night because it allows him to balance his schedule between classes.
I’m a student, and I enjoy Dashing at night because it allows me to work around times when I might be in class or studying during the day.
Safety tips for late night deliveries
As a driver, your ability to see your surroundings is your best defence for avoiding any type of road accident. So while the roads may be emptier, it’s essential to put safety first when driving in the dark.
1. Know where you are
Before you venture out, familiarise yourself with the neighbourhoods where you’ll be dashing. If possible, stick to areas that you know well. Not only will it be safer, but it will also be faster.
2. Stay aware and alert
If you’re feeling even a little tired, prioritise your safety and stay home.
3. Park close to your destination
Always park as close to your destination as possible. This helps minimise the distance between you and the designated drop-off point and reduces the time it could take looking for a customer’s address in the dark. Parking in a well-lit area or under a streetlamp can also help you spot your car faster after dropping off the offer.
4. Prioritise visibility
Whether you’re walking or driving, there’s nothing more vital than your ability to see your surroundings, as well as being seen by others on the road.
That means keeping your headlights and windows clean, and maintaining your windshield wipers and washer fluid levels. It also means considering having a torch on hand — preferably an actual, physical device rather than the flashlight on your phone, which can deplete your battery — or better yet, a high-visibility vest or jacket. Check out the safety gear range available on the Dasher Store.
Visibility can also mean making sure you have a viewable record if any incidents do occur. Consider installing a dashboard camera to document any unexpected events that may happen during your deliveries.
5. Keep communication open
When dashing at night, it’s important to stay in touch with your customers so they know that you’re coming, and you know that they’re home to receive their order.
If for any reason you feel a delivery might be unsafe, remember that Chat support is available to Dashers at all hours of the day and night. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, you can speak to a representative about the issue; it’s possible to cancel an order without fear of penalty, and any flagged interactions will be reviewed by a qualified Safety Agent.
DoorDash safety features for Dashers
Along with safety reporting through Chat support, there are a number of tools that make late night deliveries simple and safe for Dashers. For example, Dashers are notified via real-time safety alerts in the event of a nearby emergency.
A useful aid is the Outside Light Reminders function, where customers who place orders between 8:00 PM and 5:00 AM local time are asked to turn on their outside lights, making it easier for Dashers to see addresses.
Solutions like these empower you to dash when, where, and how you want — even if it’s long after most businesses have closed for the night.
Are you looking for a gig that gives you freedom, flexibility, and opportunity? Sign up to become a Dasher.
