Viral food delivery raises over $500,000 in donations
A short clip of DoorDasher dropping off a food delivery led to more than $500,000 in donations. Let’s see what happened.
DoorDash is rolling out a new emergency relief program for drivers, hoping the program will help as gas prices rise as the Iran war escalates.
The delivery service’s new program will offer 10% cash back to DoorDashers who fill up on gas, including those with DoorDash cards. Eligible drivers will also receive weekly relief payments, the company said.
While gas prices remain high for some, here’s what you need to know about a new program to help Dashers.
What is DoorDash’s new program?
DoorDash’s new program allows dashers in the U.S. to earn 10% cash back on gas when they use the DoorDash Crimson card. Dashers who drive more than 125 miles during their dash will also receive weekly relief payments, the company said in a release.
Dashers eligible for both cashback and relief payments can save between $1.40 and $1.90 per gallon based on mileage while actively completing deliveries within a week, according to the release.
Dashers with the DoorDash Crimson Visa debit card can earn 10% cash back on every eligible gasoline purchase at the pump, including U.S. gas stations, whether or not they are actively making DoorDash deliveries. Dasher who do not have a DoorDash Crimson card can apply through the Dasher app.
Additionally, eligible dashers who drive 125 miles or more on deliveries will receive weekly fuel relief payments starting at $5 each week and increasing up to $15 depending on the number of miles driven, according to the release.
“This is particularly impactful for rural and suburban dashers who may travel more distance on deliveries,” the release states. “Those who dash can potentially save an estimated $1 to $1.50 per gallon in weekly relief payments alone, depending on the number of miles they dash.”
Drivers who own electric vehicles or who are considering acquiring an electric vehicle can also receive relief benefits, and DoorDash offers exclusive programs to reduce the cost of new vehicles and reduce charging costs, according to the release. DoorDash Crimson cardholders earn 2% cash back on EV charging purchases, and all DoorDash drivers receive discounts on EV charging.
DoorDash said in a release that the program will run until April 26.
Cody Aughney, DoorDash’s vice president of Dasher and Logistics, said in a release that rising gas prices have impacted Dashers, especially those who deliver the most products.
“This program is designed to provide real savings to dashers,” Ogney said.
Gasoline prices soar as Iran war continues
DoorDash’s relief program comes as gas prices have risen in the U.S. amid the Iran war, straining the wallets of Dashers and consumers alike.
While the United States, Israel and Iran enter a new phase in their ongoing war, with oil and gas becoming a key target for both sides, consumers have seen prices rise by nearly $1 over the past three weeks.
The national average for a gallon of gas at around noon ET on March 23 was $3.928, up $1 from the previous month.
Contributors: Kathryn Palmer and Andrea Rikier, USA TODAY
