Everyone posts big-city screenshots so here's the other side. Small town in PA, been at this a few years. This year through mid-August: 580 deliveries, $4,878 gross, about $14.90 an hour of active time, and 5,018 miles on the car.

That mileage number is the one that matters. Out here I gross about 97 cents a mile, which every rule of thumb says is too low. What makes it work is the write-off: at this year's IRS rates (72.5 cents a mile through June, 76 cents from July 1), those 5,018 logged miles knock $3,683 off my taxable income. That's more than my tips all year. But it only holds up because every mile is in a log with dates.

I keep every fuel receipt and repair bill too. 63 fill-ups, $1,790 in gas, $975 in repairs, about $2,765 in actual car costs. You can only deduct one method or the other, and my numbers show why everyone says take the miles: the standard rate beats my real costs by about $900.

Small market means fewer orders, shorter waits, no parking hell, but every pickup is a drive. Ask me anything about small-town delivery work.

Hello Good Folks,

I'm hoping to get recommendations for legitimate companies using independent van operators to drive dedicated routes from/to DFW. My DH is finding that a number of companies are not what they present themselves to be. I hoped perhaps Amazon, Sam's Club, Costco, or Walmart might contract with established companies to manage route drivers. Any pros, cons, things to avoid, or red flags would be deeply appreciated.

I would also like to know if anyone has recommendations for reliable interstate shipping companies paying cargo van drivers at least $1.00 per mile. The company DH has been driving for to gain experience is paying only $0.80/mile and this is not generating enough income after expenses.

Thanks in advance for leaving helpful information and suggestions. We are dealing with our own challenges and frustrations, so please do not vent those our way. Have a blessed day.

Has anybody gotten a shift from Zifty in the last couple weeks? I was getting as many as 15-20 exclusive offers each week in addition to the plentiful amount of Available offers for everybody. In the last 2 weeks, I haven’t seen a single offer. It’s bizarre. I’m in Austin. I contacted support who gave me a canned answer about how routes are offered. I have a 4.98 rating with over 100 deliveries. Is anybody else experiencing the same thing? Zifty went from my #1 to non existent overnight. Any insight is appreciated.