Every day, thousands of people are looking to have something delivered. Even more are hitting the road hoping to make an extra buck driving around their neighborhoods or on their way home from work.
At Roadie, we’re connecting those Drivers with deliveries that need to go in the same direction. To do this, we use Gig Matching. It’s a system that strategically pairs drivers with a delivery, or multiple deliveries at once, and allows for speed, efficiency, and consistency from Gig to Gig.
Many Drivers want to know how the system works and how they’re matched with Gigs. So, let’s take a peek behind the curtain.
How Gig Matching Works
Even at the technical level, Gig Matching is focused on our users. Once a driver offers on a delivery, our algorithm takes hundreds of variables into account. Think factors like vehicle size, time of day, past delivery preferences, and even what drivers are currently delivering.
We use this information so we can make informed decisions and create an efficient, flexible delivery system that works for our entire community. Senders don’t want to wait for a driver who is 30 miles away, and a driver doesn’t want to travel an extra 45 minutes off their route. Gig Matching helps us avoid situations like that.
All of this decision-making happens in real-time. As delivery volume flexes and more drivers offer on Gigs, the number of deliveries you’re matched with per day can vary. As part of our ongoing initiative to improve your driving experience, we’ll always continue to iterate and work to improve how often you’re matched with Gigs.
How We Match Drivers with Gigs
So what are the variables that Gig Matching considers? The difference between two Drivers may be very small, but still enough for our algorithm to make a match.
Drivers are already on the way to the pickup location
It’s what our platform was built on, and we’re going to continue rewarding Drivers for it. If Drivers are already heading in the right direction or close to the pickup location, those Drivers have a higher likelihood of being matched compared to those who are farther away.
Keep in mind that proximity to the pickup location is only one factor that the system considers. Waiting around at a pickup location will not guarantee that a Driver will be matched on a Gig.
Past driving experience
Maybe you’re super speedy, only deliver in the morning, or drive a truck that can handle the big stuff. Whatever the case, Gig Matching takes your past driving experience into account before pairing you with a delivery. Things like:
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Ratings
Above all, we value how our community treats each other. This means arriving on time, being communicative, and treating each other with respect. If you have a five-star rating, you’re going to be rewarded for it. Consistent low ratings may prompt an internal review and may temporarily prevent you from being matched with Gigs.
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On-time rate
Because most Gigs require ASAP pickup and delivery, your on-time rate is crucial. When you consistently deliver on time, the system takes notice and knows it can rely on you for urgent deliveries in the future.
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Cancellations
Anytime you cancel a Gig, it directly affects the Sender and our broader community. Having too many cancellations can prompt an internal review.
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Gig types
What deliveries have you shown interest in recently? We’ll take a look and match you with Gigs that are similar to ones you’ve offered on or delivered in the past.
Vehicle size
Before making a match, our system makes sure that the Gig can fit in your vehicle. Think of it this way: if you’re driving a sedan, you probably wouldn’t be able to move a couch.
Current driving status
What you’re currently driving also affects what Gigs you are matched on next. There’s a higher chance you’ll be matched with a Gig if you’re not currently driving a delivery or if another Gig is heading in the same direction as one of your current deliveries.
If you need additional assistance, you can always contact us via chat on the website.