Summarize this article with:
Your delivery needs don’t always fit the standard mold. Sometimes you need a couch moved across town, groceries picked up from three different stores, or that vintage guitar shipped to another state.
Apps like Roadie solve this problem by connecting you with real people who have vehicles and flexible schedules. These peer-to-peer delivery platforms handle everything from same-day shipping to local courier work.
The gig economy has created dozens of delivery alternatives. Each platform targets different needs:
- Package delivery services for items too big for traditional shipping
- On-demand delivery for groceries and household items
- Crowdsourced shipping for long-distance transport
- Local delivery networks for immediate pickup requests
This guide covers six proven delivery apps that offer similar functionality to Roadie. You’ll discover which platforms work best for different types of deliveries, compare pricing models, and find the right fit for your specific transport needs.
Apps Like Roadie
Point Pickup
Core Functionality: On-demand delivery platform connecting customers with local drivers for same-day pickup and delivery of items from stores, restaurants, and personal locations.
How It’s Like Roadie: Like Roadie, Point Pickup connects people who need items delivered with drivers who have space and time. Both platforms handle everything from store pickups to personal item transport using crowdsourced delivery networks.
Key Features:
- Precision matching technology
- Multiple delivery verticals
- Flexible delivery windows
- Real-time tracking
- Local store partnerships
Unique Angle: Focuses heavily on retail partnerships and B2B logistics solutions, making it stronger for business-to-consumer deliveries than peer-to-peer transport.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web
Pricing Model: Pay-per-delivery with dynamic pricing
Ideal For: Businesses needing reliable same-day delivery and customers wanting items from local stores.
Point Pickup works great for people who need reliable store-to-door delivery but don’t necessarily need the long-distance transport that makes Roadie special. The precision matching tech means you get drivers who actually fit your delivery needs. If you’re moving from Roadie because you need more local retail options, Point Pickup delivers exactly that experience.
Amazon Flex
Core Functionality: Gig economy platform where independent contractors deliver Amazon packages, groceries, and restaurant orders using their own vehicles.
How It’s Like Roadie: Like Roadie, Amazon Flex uses regular people with cars to handle deliveries. Both platforms let drivers choose their schedules and use personal vehicles for package transport.
Key Features:
- Prime delivery speeds
- Flexible scheduling blocks
- Multiple delivery types
- Instant payments
- Route optimization
Unique Angle: Backed by Amazon’s massive logistics network, offering more consistent work volume and established delivery infrastructure.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android
Pricing Model: Driver earnings per delivery block
Ideal For: Drivers wanting consistent gig work and customers needing fast Amazon deliveries.
Amazon Flex gives you the driver flexibility of Roadie but with Amazon’s reliability behind it. The work is more predictable, and the pay structure is clearer. If you’re switching from Roadie because you want steadier income as a driver, Flex provides that stability while keeping the same car-based delivery model.
Instacart
Core Functionality: Personal shopping and delivery service where shoppers pick up groceries and household items from local stores and deliver them to customers.
How It’s Like Roadie: Like Roadie, Instacart connects people who need items with drivers who can pick them up and deliver them. Both platforms handle the logistics of getting stuff from point A to point B using independent contractors.
Key Features:
- Fresh grocery delivery
- Personal shopping service
- Same-day delivery
- Store partnerships
- Special dietary options
Unique Angle: Specializes in grocery shopping with personal shoppers who can substitute items and handle perishables, unlike general delivery platforms.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web
Pricing Model: Delivery fees plus service fees and tips
Ideal For: Busy families and people who hate grocery shopping but want fresh food delivered.
Instacart works well if you need the convenience of Roadie but specifically for groceries and household stuff. The personal shopping aspect means someone else deals with picking the ripest fruit and best meat cuts. Moving from Roadie to Instacart makes sense when your main delivery need is keeping the fridge stocked.
Favor Delivery
Core Functionality: Texas-based delivery service that handles everything from restaurant orders to personal errands using local drivers called “Runners.”
How It’s Like Roadie: Like Roadie, Favor handles diverse delivery needs beyond just food, connecting customers with local drivers for personal item transport and store pickups.
Key Features:
- Wide variety of stores
- Personalized delivery experience
- Local Texas focus
- Runners handle special requests
- Real-time communication
Unique Angle: Texas-only service with strong local identity and runners who go above and beyond for personalized service experiences.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android
Pricing Model: Delivery fees plus tips
Ideal For: Texas residents wanting personalized local delivery service with a community feel.
Favor brings the personal touch that bigger platforms sometimes miss. The runners actually communicate with you and handle special requests, making it feel more like asking a friend for help. If you’re in Texas and want something more personal than Roadie’s network approach, Favor delivers that local connection.
Shipt
Core Functionality: Membership-based grocery delivery service where personal shoppers select and deliver items from partner stores like Target and local grocers.
How It’s Like Roadie: Like Roadie, Shipt connects customers with independent contractors who pick up and deliver items using their own vehicles and time.
Key Features:
- Same-day delivery
- Personal shopping service
- Membership perks
- Store partnerships
- Order customization
Unique Angle: Membership model with Target integration and focus on building ongoing relationships between shoppers and customers.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web
Pricing Model: Annual membership plus delivery fees
Ideal For: Frequent grocery shoppers who want consistent service and Target integration.
Shipt works great if you want the convenience of Roadie but specifically for groceries with a membership twist. The personal shopper relationship means you get someone who learns your preferences over time. Switching from Roadie to Shipt makes sense when your main delivery need is regular grocery runs with consistent quality.
Postmates
Core Functionality: On-demand delivery platform (now part of Uber Eats) that connects customers with couriers for food, groceries, and other items from local businesses.
How It’s Like Roadie: Like Roadie, Postmates uses independent contractors with personal vehicles to handle diverse delivery needs beyond just restaurant food.
Key Features:
- 24/7 delivery availability
- Diverse merchant selection
- Real-time tracking
- Multiple delivery categories
- Local partnerships
Unique Angle: All-day and all-night delivery with strong urban coverage and integration with Uber’s driver network.
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web
Pricing Model: Delivery fees plus service fees and tips
Ideal For: Urban dwellers who need reliable delivery at any hour for various items.
Postmates fills the gap when you need something delivered but don’t want to coordinate with individual drivers like on Roadie. The 24/7 availability and urban focus make it perfect for city life. If you’re moving from Roadie because you need more predictable service times and late-night options, Postmates delivers that reliability.
FAQ on Apps Like Roadie
What delivery services work like Roadie?
Point Pickup, Amazon Flex, and Favor Delivery offer similar peer-to-peer delivery models. These platforms connect customers with independent contractors for same-day shipping and package transport. Each handles different types of deliveries from local courier work to long-distance freight shipping.
How much do delivery driver jobs pay on these platforms?
Driver earnings vary by platform and location. Amazon Flex pays $18-25 per hour, while gig economy apps like Instacart range from $15-22 hourly. Payment includes delivery fees, tips, and sometimes fuel reimbursement depending on the service.
What vehicle requirements do delivery apps have?
Most platforms require a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and insurance coverage. Some accept cars, trucks, or vans depending on delivery types. Background checks are standard across all delivery platforms for safety and security purposes.
Can I use multiple delivery apps simultaneously?
Yes, most independent contractors work across several platforms. Popular combinations include Amazon Flex with Instacart, or Point Pickup with local delivery services. This approach maximizes driver earnings and provides flexible schedule options throughout the week.
Which apps handle large item delivery best?
Point Pickup and Amazon Flex work well for bigger packages. Traditional shipping alternatives like GoShare specialize in furniture and appliances. These logistics platforms connect customers with drivers who have appropriate vehicles for oversized items.
How do delivery tracking and customer communication work?
Most apps provide real-time tracking through GPS integration. Customers receive updates on pickup and delivery progress. Driver ratings systems help maintain service quality, while delivery confirmation ensures accountability across the transport network.
What insurance coverage do these delivery platforms provide?
Coverage varies significantly between platforms. Amazon Flex includes liability insurance during active deliveries. Independent contractor status means drivers often need personal commercial insurance. Check each platform’s policy before starting delivery work.
Are there regional differences in app availability?
Favor Delivery operates only in Texas, while others have national coverage. Urban areas typically have more on-demand delivery options than rural locations. Local delivery companies may fill gaps where major platforms don’t operate effectively.
How do pricing models compare across platforms?
Most use delivery fees plus service charges and tips. Amazon Flex pays per delivery block, while Instacart combines base pay with customer tips. Shipping marketplace pricing depends on distance, item size, and delivery time requirements.
What happens if items get damaged during delivery?
Each platform has different damage policies. Most provide some protection through their delivery insurance coverage. Customers should document issues immediately and contact platform support. Driver ratings may be affected by damage claims or poor package handling.
Conclusion
Finding the right delivery solution depends on your specific transport needs. Apps like Roadie offer crowdsourced shipping alternatives that work across different scenarios and budgets.
Each platform serves distinct purposes:
- Amazon Flex provides consistent gig economy work with reliable logistics networks
- Instacart and Shipt excel at grocery delivery and household essentials
- Point Pickup handles diverse item transport with precision matching technology
- Favor Delivery offers personalized service within Texas markets
The delivery marketplace continues growing rapidly. Independent contractors now have multiple income streams through these collaborative delivery platforms. Customers benefit from competitive pricing and flexible pickup options.
Same-day delivery has become standard across most services. Real-time tracking, driver background checks, and delivery insurance coverage protect both parties in the transaction.
Choose based on your primary needs: consistent driver earnings, specialized grocery shopping, or general package handling. Most successful users combine multiple platforms to maximize coverage and reliability in their local delivery zones.
If you liked this article about apps like Roadie, you should check out this article about apps like Uber.
There are also similar articles discussing apps like Shipt, apps like Lyft, apps like Postmates, and apps like goPuff.
And let’s not forget about articles on apps like Instacart, apps like Flashfood, apps like QVC, and apps like Groupon.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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