After my last trip to Bangkok in September, I decided to take a break from day trading and spend a month (five weeks) driving full-time in Sacramento. The number, $8,567.64, is the amount I made after those five weeks.
As I prepare for another trip to Bangkok, I want to share some finer details of full-time driving. I am writing these tips for serious drivers. Many drivers do not take rideshare driving seriously.
My cleaning lady often mentions how her husband drives daily but only makes $20 per hour. He is not serious. You cannot just jump into your car and drive without a strategy. There is a massive difference between a serious driver and a casual driver.
The difference between earning $20 per hour and $30 per hour over a year is $25,000! This guide will show you how to elevate your driving game and maximize your earnings.
Background
Truthfully, I have never been a casual driver. However, as the driving environment has changed, I have had to adjust and fine-tune my system more than ever.
The market is now saturated. Sometimes, even with BOTH my Uber and Lyft apps open, I may sit for 20 minutes without receiving a ride request here in Sacramento. This was unheard of in San Francisco before the pandemic.
Times have changed, and I had to adapt by revising many of my strategies to thrive in this new environment. Let’s dive into the strategies that have helped me remain successful.
The Five Master Tips
1. Establish a Consistent Repeatable Morning Routine
A well-structured morning routine sets the tone for a productive day.
My day starts at 1:45 AM with a Nespresso to wake my mind and body. Then, I dedicate 20 minutes to meditation, which helps me focus and manage the stress of driving. A wake-up shower, which includes three minutes under cold water, is next.
This invigorates and sharpens my mental state, preparing me for the day ahead. To finish my routine, I prepare a cold brew coffee to take along on my morning rides. My cold brew now includes a mushroom product called Ryze.
I was surprised by how effective this product was at waking me up. I felt mental clarity immediately. This routine helps me maintain the focus and energy required for the long hours behind the wheel, ensuring that I am always ready for whatever the day might bring.
To summarize, I wake up at 1:45 AM. Over the next 75 minutes, I complete the following so my apps are on and I am ready to work at 3 AM:
- Nespresso (15 minutes)
- 20 minutes of meditation (25 minutes with set up)
- Shower and 3 minutes of Cold Shower (20 minutes)
- Cold Brew (10 minutes)
2. Use Text Replacement for Efficient Communication
Communicating effectively with passengers is crucial in rideshare driving, and text replacement is a powerful tool that can save time. It allows you to set up pre-written messages for everyday situations, such as letting a passenger know you have arrived or are stuck in traffic.
To set it up, use your phone’s keyboard settings and create shortcuts for commonly used phrases. On an iPhone, go to Settings – General – Keyboard – Text Replacement.
This way, you can quickly send messages without repeatedly typing them out.
For example, I have a text shortcut for “Hi. Your Ride is here. I am in a Black Honda Accord Hybrid.”
All I type is “bl,” and the message pops up. This simple adjustment can improve your professionalism and enhance the customer experience, translating into better ratings and tips.
3. Focus on Reserved Rides to Maximize Earnings
One of the most effective ways to ensure a steady income is prioritizing reserved rides. With these, you can earn up to $60 an hour, significantly boosting your overall earnings.
Unlike regular rides, reserved rides allow you to plan your schedule and reduce wait time between trips. This predictability means fewer gaps in your driving time, and it often leads to better tips since passengers appreciate the convenience and reliability.
Setting aside time slots for these higher-paying opportunities allows you to optimize your daily earnings and make the most of every driving hour.
Calling your customer upon arrival is one key to making reserved rides pay off. Let them know you have arrived early, and if they would like to leave early, that is OK with you.
Some passengers don’t see their in-app texts. Always call and speak to the passenger. Most will appreciate the promptness and want to get on the road as soon as possible, saving you valuable time and increasing your per-hour earnings.
FREE CHECKLIST
Get Your Car Ready to Maximize Profits
4. Car Preparation is Key
Before hitting the road, having your car prepped and ready to go is essential. A clean car and a full gas tank are the basics, but going a step further can make a big difference.
Even though I may be dog-tired at the end of the day, I always go to my local Safeway and fill my car with gas.
Every other day, I also drive through my Quick Quack car wash so my car has no dust or window smears. I always appreciate having a clean car full of gas ready to go in the morning.
Also, I keep a can of Ozium, a powerful air freshener, to ensure my car smells fresh between rides. These actions create a pleasant environment for passengers, leading to better ratings and healthy tips.
Additionally, having the right apps on hand is vital. Beyond Uber and Lyft, I use Waze, Podcasts, and Spotify. These small efforts help streamline my workflow and improve the overall driving experience for both me and my passengers.
5. Maintain Discipline No Matter What
Discipline is the cornerstone of success in rideshare driving. You must stay focused, whether achieving a daily earnings goal or handling unexpected challenges like a frozen account, low demand, or personal life disruptions.
Just last week, my Uber account was frozen for one day. These were the messages from Uber.
Crazy!
So what did I do for the 24 hours without Uber?
I drove exclusively for Lyft. I planned an extra hour for the day, expecting my ride supply to be lower without Uber.
However, Lyft had an entire morning of Turbo rides, and I made $200 in six hours!
Adjust. Adapt. There will be days when the demand is low or when an unexpected issue disrupts your flow, but maintaining a positive attitude and sticking to your plan is crucial.
Adaptability is essential, but so is the determination to meet your targets. Setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals ensures I remain consistent and productive, regardless of external circumstances. My daily goal is to drive 10 hours and make a minimum of $300.
Key Takeaways
Rideshare driving can be a rewarding career if approached with the right mindset and strategies.
You can significantly increase your earnings by implementing a structured morning routine, utilizing tools like text replacement for efficient communication, prioritizing high-paying rides, and preparing meticulously.
Above all, discipline separates successful drivers from those who struggle.
Remember, the difference between earning $20 per hour and $30 per hour could be the key to an extra $25,000 a year.
Success requires focus, consistency, and a willingness to adapt to a changing market. With these tips, you can elevate your rideshare business and enjoy the benefits of full-time driving.
After five weeks of full-time driving, I am flying to Bangkok on Saturday for a month with Mona. I hope you are having a blast out there on the road.
Be safe.
