Best mileage tracker for DoorDash

As an independent contractor for DoorDash, your hands are full with customer ratings, gas costs, daily profits, and deliveries. 

New drivers often forget to think about the importance of maintaining their mileage. That is where we come in to show you the best mileage trackers for DoorDash drivers.

Regardless of which mode of transport you use, your miles being tracked can save your business in taxes as well as help provide an accurate overview of your delivery patterns. That begs the question: What is the best mileage tracker for DoorDash? Let's take a closer look.

Why is mileage tracking important for DoorDash drivers?

When you drive for DoorDash, you are considered an independent contractor for DoorDash, or better said, technically self-employed. That also makes you responsible for paying for your expenses, and that includes business tracking for tax deductions. 

The IRS has issued optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating a vehicle. This rate applies to vehicles used for business purposes, including those used by self-employed individuals such as gig economy workers.

In other words, this can total several hundred or thousands of dollars in saved taxes down the line. You can't possibly accurately keep track of those numbers without a decent mileage log.

And if you get audited, you will need proof, like complete records or apps, to back you up.

What makes a good mileage tracker?

Let's first discuss what makes a mileage tracker worth using before jumping into individual apps:

• Auto tracking - No need to remember to turn on and off the tracker for every dash.
• User-friendly - The app should be simple to use so non-techie users can use it with ease, too.
• Precise logs - The routes are exactly traceable through GPS tracking.
• Export features - The option to download or export mileage reports makes tax season so much simpler.
• Affordability - The app should either be free or low in price for gig workers.

Top mileage tracker apps for DoorDash drivers

So let’s get down to business and see what apps are the best current options for mileage tracking.

1. Stride (Free)

Stride is one of the most popular free mileage logging programs out there, and for good reason. It is optimized for independent workers and is ideal for DoorDash drivers looking for something simple.

This app starts tracking your trips once your activity is triggered, and can track your trips as business or personal. It can even track expenses for cell payments, health insurance, and fixed maintenance in the same panel. 

It is free of cost but lacks some of the features of custom-paid apps.

2. Everlance (Free and Premium Versions)

Everlance offers a great combination of functionality and user-friendliness. It will record your driving hours, track mileage, and even help with trip classification with just a swipe.

The free option is acceptable for hobbyists, but frequent DoorDash drivers will be willing to pay for the premium option. With the premium option, you receive unlimited auto-tracking, IRS-approved reports, and bank syncing for tracking income and expenses. 

It is an effortless platform that simplifies tax season.

3. MileIQ (Free for 40 trips/month)

One of the earliest apps for logging miles, MileIQ, is a classic logging app for veterans. The distinguishing feature is the swipe option, which is available to label trips. For every trip, you just swipe left for personal or swipe right for business.

The app is quite accurate and stores all your records in the cloud, so in case your phones change, you will not lose your records. While the free version might permit only 40 drives within a month, the unlimited version is reasonably priced and well-suited for full-time Dashers.

4. Hurdlr (Free and Premium Versions)

Hurdlr is ideal for drivers who want an overall financial perspective, not just mere logging of miles. It not only offers auto-mileage tracking, but also connects with DoorDash and other gig platforms for real-time pay tracking.

Hurdlr also calculates your tax bill as you go so that you can budget accordingly, rather than being surprised when tax season comes. The interface is slightly more complex, but ideal for professional DoorDash riders.

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E-bikes and mileage tracking

Suppose you're delivering for DoorDash on an e-bike rather than in an automobile. You're already saving expenses on parking, gas, and maintenance. Do you still have to account for mileage? The answer every successful driver agrees on is - yes, it absolutely matters.

Even though you're not charging gas, mileage for business use can be deducted when riding an individually owned electric bicycle. The IRS can accept the use of vehicles as deductions, and business use of electric bikes can be included.

So what can you do so that your bicycle mileage is easier to manage?

• Utilize apps that have auto-start capabilities so you don't need to pull over.
• Keep your device fully charged with a bike-friendly mount and power bank.
• Check GPS accuracy after your shift.

Tips for maximizing tax deductions with a mileage tracker

There are three main points you should do to maximize tax deductions:

• Track every mile - Record not only when delivering. Record driving to and from congested areas, gas stops, or for repairs. A few of them enable you to track bike maintenance or equipment costs as well.
• Download reports monthly - Don't wait until tax time to stay organized.
• Consult with a tax expert - Especially as a first-time independent worker, consulting with an expert will help you deduct correctly and avoid audits. 

Related: Best places to DoorDash in Chicago

What is the best mileage tracker in the end?

The best mileage tracker for DoorDash is your choice, though some of the apps, such as Stride, Everlance, MileIQ, and Hurdlr, work well. They let you track your miles, save your earnings on taxes, and organize your gig work as a business. 

If you do your deliveries on an electric bike, with a good mileage tracker combined with a cost-effective, power-generating e-bike, your job can be made easier and even more productive and profitable. 

Whizz offers electric bicycle rental schemes for delivery riders, all with the aim of cutting your costs and boosting your productivity. Pair smart riding with smart mileage tracking. Go to Whizz and learn how the right e-bike can help you work smarter and make more money.