Leveraging the Plate‑Buckle Life of Food Riders
GrabFood’s Muhammad Alif Mohd Jasmin, a 30‑year‑old rider from Kilin, had to hustle hard to pocket enough cash for his December nuptials. He threw himself into a week‑long sprint: seven workdays, 30 trips each day, totalling roughly $5,000 in the pay‑check of that month.
Speed‑Katted Earnings – But Is It Viable?
Alif shared the secret sauce behind the numbers: “I set a target, and everything after that was a bonus.” Since 2018, he’s zig‑zagged city streets on a motorcycle, usually tackling 25 to 30 deliveries in a 12‑hour shift. Early‑morning orders (8 a.m.–2 p.m.) are the sweet spot; anything beyond that is pure windfall.
These days, with stay‑at‑home orders surging, 20+ deliveries a day isn’t a stretch. Yet, the tune‑up is a hit on health, especially in a world still juggling COVID‑19 concerns.
Deliveroo’s Top‑Earner Extra Details
Earlier this week, Deliveroo bragged about a rider who raked $7,095 last month—working an average of 11 hours a day and raking in $21 an hour (vs the usual $17). The Sunday Times surveyed other delivery partners, and they echoed Alif’s caution: “Is it worth the toll on my wellbeing?”
Foodpanda’s Sandy Lee, 32, had a similar story. During the festive rush year‑end, she slipped through a puzzle of 27 trips per day on her e‑bike. “It’s a price you pay,” she told us. “You can’t feel your feet. You’re exhausted, and you jeopardise your life by hustling relentlessly.” Her average order earning was about $6.50, while Foodpanda hands riders an average of $7.50 per delivery.
Riders Rally – Clubs, Surges, and the Numbers
- Grab’s spokesman announced a 80% hike in weekly applications for delivery partners.
- Grab launched island‑wide services, enabling customers to order from nearly 800 food and beverage shops.
- Deliveroo added 1,000+ riders this month and will recruit another 2,000 by June’s end.
- Lalamove, mainly a logistics giant, has hopped onto the delivery trend: 18% of its trips are now food deliveries, up from 8% pre‑COVID.
- It’s low commission, just over 10% of the delivery fee—plus a cool “favourite” feature for regular customers.
- Driver George Li, 37, works 12–14 hrs a day, six days a week, gaining up to $2,000 a week through consistent orders and “good after‑sales service.”
Gratitude – The $ in Our Hearts
Grab’s data shows a 40% spike in tips last month. Aaron Chuah, 39, a part‑time Deliveroo rider, said a simple gesture like a “Stay safe” note with a $5 tip can lift spirits amid a demanding job.
Even though the working conditions are tough, a little thank‑you from customers keeps the rhythm alive.
While the article first appeared in The Straits Times, the story reflects the ongoing reality and authenticity of the delivery workforce. Stay tuned for more updates!
