Driving for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft is a popular side hustle, but did you know you can also earn great money delivering medical supplies with your own car? This flexible opportunity allows you to set your own hours while meeting an important need in the healthcare industry.
As a medical courier, you would be responsible for timely transportation of items like lab tests, medications, medical equipment, COVID tests, and more to facilities that need them. It‘s an indispensable service that offers the chance to make $2,500+ a month if you have the right vehicle.
This article will walk through everything you need to know, from job qualifications to signing up for delivery platforms, maximizing earnings, and even building your own courier business.
The Growing Demand for Medical Couriers
With an aging population and rise of precision medicine, the healthcare industry is booming. This drives increasing demand for medical couriers to quickly transport crucial supplies between clinics, labs, pharmacies, hospitals and more.
In fact, the healthcare logistics market size already exceeds $96 billion. But it is projected to accelerate rapidly over the next decade:
Global healthcare logistics industry growth projections from 2021 to 2028. Source: Technavio
This growth spans transportation of all medical products – from routine prescriptions to specialized equipment. Much of it requires precise handling procedures for fragile, temperature-controlled, or time-sensitive materials.
That specialized need is fueling the demand for qualified courier drivers with appropriate vehicles and training. It’s an unprecedented opportunity for those looking to capitalize on this expansive industry.
Why Deliver Medical Supplies?
Before detailing how to get started as courier, let’s look at five compelling reasons this niche is worth exploring for income seekers:
1. Earn over $30 per hour
Medical supply transport offers much higher earnings potential than typical passenger rideshare gigs. Supply/demand dynamics coupled with special handling needs enable strong hourly pay:
Small sedan: $15-25 per hour
Mid-size SUV: $20-35 per hour
Cargo van: $45-75 per hour
Box truck: $55-95 per hour
For perspective, rideshare drivers average around $20 per hour before expenses. So medical couriers unlock way higher income with the right vehicle type.
2. Control your schedule
As an independent contractor, you choose which delivery routes and shifts to take based on your availability. Prefer working weekends? Nights? Irregular hours? No problem – design a schedule matching your lifestyle.
3. Expand with demand
The healthcare industry is only expanding. With steady population growth and rise of new medical technologies, supply transport needs are projected to grow 6% year-over-year through 2028. A built-in tailwind.
4. Gain transferrable skills
From manifest management software to healthcare industry knowledge, this role builds transferrable skills for future logistics roles in high demand.
5. Make a difference
Enable life-saving healthcare by ensuring medical providers have the specialized supplies and devices they need to treat patients. A rewarding purpose.
If those reasons resonate with your passions or financial goals, let’s look at how to tap into this opportunity…
Qualifications to Deliver Medical Supplies
To ensure timely and safe delivery of sensitive materials, medical couriers need to meet certain standards. Here are the main requirements:
- Minimum age – Must be at least 21 years old
- Valid driver’s license – Held for at least 3 years
- Clean driving record – No DUI’s or moving violations in past 5 years
- Reliable vehicle – Pass inspection and be model year 2009 or newer generally
- Insurance – Valid personal insurance meeting state minimums
- Skills/experience – Confidence navigating, basic computer and smartphone skills
- Background check – Extensive criminal and credential verification
You’ll also need to pass extensive background checks and drug tests to verify dependability and trustworthiness.
Some medical transport gigs require additional qualifications like:
- DOT medical card
- Commercial driver’s license
- Occupational accident coverage
- HIPAA training certification
But many roles allow those with just a solid personal driving history and record using one’s own four-door sedan or mid-size SUV.
Once approved, drivers gain access to an intuitive app to search, claim and manage delivery jobs. Easy to use even for those with minimal technical experience.
Finding Medical Courier Jobs
Now let’s explore popular platforms connecting tens of thousands of drivers with delivery work nationwide:
1. Dropoff
Dropoff specializes in same-day local delivery for healthcare items. They partner with medical logistic brokers to offer transport gigs across all 50 states.
With Dropoff, drivers get paid per delivery instead of hourly or mileage rates. So your earning potential correlates directly with productivity.
Having a larger vehicle like a van or truck allows taking on more orders simultaneously for heightened efficiency. But sedans can still net $600+ per week assuming part-time hours.
Pay rate: Per delivery fee varies based on mileage – average of $8-15 per drop-off
Typical weekly earnings:
| Hours Worked | Pay (Sedan) | Pay (SUV) | Pay (Van) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | $450 | $500 | $700 |
| 20 hours | $900 | $1000 | $1400 |
| 30 hours | $1350 | $1500 | $2100 |
| 40 hours | $1800 | $2000 | $2800 |
Dropoff weekly earnings estimates by vehicle type
Drivers praise Dropoff for reliable support, easy-to-use app, and direct deposit pay. It‘s a flexible way to earn solid side income without an intense time commitment. Well worth checking out.
2. Lab Logistics
Lab Logistics specializes in medical lab sample transportation, working with major healthcare firms. They provide steady delivery jobs nationwide.
Perks include a strong base rate model with same-day pay options, fuel cards to offset expenses, and a stellar driver app. Requirements are also more flexible than some platforms, allowing personal vehicles up to 10 years old.
Pay rate: Base rate + per mile fee averaging $18-28 per hour
Typical weekly earnings:
| Hours Worked | Pay (Sedan) | Pay (SUV) | Pay (Van) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | $180 | $280 | $300 |
| 20 hours | $360 | $560 | $600 |
| 30 hours | $540 | $840 | $900 |
| 40 hours | $720 | $1120 | $1200 |
Lab Logistics typical weekly earnings estimates
From base rate consistency to cash out bonuses, Lab Logistics does an excellent job valuing drivers and their time. One of the most reputable medical delivery networks.
3. FRAYT
FRAYT takes a smart routing approach to medical delivery by bundling optimized routes based on asset type, location density, and machine learning.
Their app makes searching for delivery jobs simple with upfront visibility into route details, pay rate guardrails, and handling requirements. FRAYT focuses primarily on optimized middle-mile movement of medical freight.
Pay rate: Variable based on mileage, weight, specialty handling needs etc.
4. GoShare
GoShare offers an immense variety of delivery types from consumer parcels to business freight. Their “GoMed” division specializes in medical equipment transportation leveraging their fleet of over 10,000 available drivers.
GoShare pre-verifies drivers, provides $1 million in liability coverage, and has capacity for everything from lab samples to patient beds. No chasing down payment as they handle customer billing and driver payout.
Pay rate: Differs based on vehicle type, mileage and specialty requirements:
| Vehicle Type | Avg Hourly Pay Rate |
|---|---|
| Sedan | $15-25 per hour |
| SUV | $20-35 per hour |
| Van | $35-50 per hour |
| Box Truck | $55-95 per hour |
Typical weekly earnings:
| Hours Worked | Pay (Sedan) | Pay (SUV) | Pay (Van) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | $150 | $300 | $350 |
| 20 hours | $300 | $600 | $700 |
| 30 hours | $450 | $900 | $1050 |
| 40 hours | $600 | $1200 | $1400 |
For those looking for versatility to toggle between consumer delivery gigs and medical shipments, GoShare is a compelling platform to drive for.
5. Lalamove
Lalamove initially made its name in Asia before expanding to the US as an all-encompassing delivery provider from food to freight. Their “MedMove” offering instantly connects drivers to urgent hospital runs transporting devices, medicines, blood samples and more.
Perks include a signing bonus, 24/7 support, and ability to preview delivery details before accepting. Instant payout available after completing jobs. Well worth consideration for earning stability.
Building a Medical Courier Business
The delivery space also holds exciting entrepreneurial possibilities for those aspiring to build their own courier company specializing in healthcare logistics.
Owning the full client relationship allows negotiating higher transport margins compared to third-party delivery apps. Benefits include:
- Higher pay rates – Charge premium rates hauling direct for clinics vs. dispatch apps
- Tax advantages – Write-off vehicle costs as a business owner
- More autonomy – Build facility relationships you want to service
- Capacity to scale – Grow fleet over time with staff drivers
By strategically specializing in medical transport, this niche business can become an indispensable supply chain partner to local healthcare networks.
And forecasted industry growth suggests no shortage of delivery needs:
Global healthcare transport industry growth projections of 6% CAGR. Source: Technavio
For those with the appetite, starting a medical courier service holds exciting income potential as healthcare infrastructure expands.
Maximizing Earnings Delivering Supplies
As an independent contractor, your productivity directly impacts earnings. Delivering more supplies per shift and operating in high-demand zones leads to heightened pay.
Here are tips for medical couriers to optimize income:
- Use larger vehicle – Box trucks and vans unlock bigger delivery quantities per trip
- Work weekends – Higher rates for Friday through Sunday shifts
- Pair with passenger gigs – Toggle between people and packages
- Offer niche handling – Transport specialty items like clinical trials kits or vaccines
- Plan around events – Local happenings like games or concerts boost healthcare supply orders. Plot routes accordingly.
- Specalize in hospital routes – Focus on just servicing regional hospitals through a contract route model
- Check new platforms frequently – Scan for better earning rates as new apps launch
- Negotiate as business scales – Once established with large fleet, leverage volume for higher margins
Drivers willing to take initiative by proactively pursuing premium routes, niche handling qualifications, and customer volume can maximize earnings over $70k+ per year.
Signing Up for Medical Delivery Platforms
If you meet age, license and vehicle requirements, signing up for apps like Dropoff is simple:
1. Pick app – Weigh options like Dropoff vs GoShare
2. Gather documents – Have license, insurance, registration ready
3. Complete application – Submit profile details and consents
4. Get approved – Takes 48-72 hours to clear checks
5. Attend orientation – Review equipment and processes
6. Download app – Activation grants access to route portal
7. Start earning – Begin claiming delivery jobs matching your schedule!
Once approved after thorough vetting, navigating the accompanying mobile apps is easy thanks to built-in navigation and support.
Answers to Key Questions
For those considering entering this in-demand transport niche, here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How does training and onboarding work?
Platforms provide orientation sessions to review equipment usage, safety protocols, navigation tools and submitting payment. Extensive support materials provided too covering topics from altering routes to emergency scenarios.
What kind of hours should I expect for part-time work?
Apps allow setting custom availability intervals, but most part-time drivers work 20-30 hours per week focused on evenings and weekends based on demand spikes. Friday through Sunday offers highest hourly rates.
Can I finance a cargo van to do medical delivery?
Lending companies like RoadLoans.com understand the earning potential of commercial delivery vehicles and provide financing to those with good credit. Worth exploring to unlock bigger payouts.
How can I maximize earnings working irregular hours?
Plot your availability around events, holidays, weekends that drive heightened delivery orders from local healthcare providers to boost productivity. Experiment to find profitable pockets.
What happens if I miss picking up a delivery on my schedule?
Reliability is paramount, so apps track late cancellations and no-shows that could result in suspension if exceeding limits. But reasonable late arrival grace periods before order reassignment.
Get Started Making Medical Deliveries
With flexible hours and dynamite earning potential, medical supply delivery platforms outshine traditional sides hustles. And leverage your vehicle to participate in the indispensable healthcare ecosystem.
To get started, make sure you meet base age, license and vehicle requirements. Then browse apps like Dropoff and GoShare to find the best fit based on your goals and experience level.
Keep in mind larger cargo capacity unlocks bigger payouts transporting more supplies simultaneously. So utilize the largest suitable vehicle possible.
And don’t be afraid to message support teams with questions on the signup process, paperwork, technical issues and maximizing productivity. They offer robust resources and guidance.
Soon you’ll be raking in major side income while supporting frontline healthcare heroes. Tapping your underutilized vehicle capacity for such a rewarding purpose is an absolute win-win!