Experiences of a Ride Share Driver: Longest and Most Challenging Drives
As a ride share driver, I have had many unique and challenging experiences. From the time spent driving for days to cover vast distances to minute trips that required significant time and effort, I have encountered a variety of situations that have tested my limits as a driver. In this article, I will share some of the longest and most challenging drives I have taken.
Longest and Most Profitable Drive to Los Angeles, CA
I recently drove a client from New York to Los Angeles, CA, a journey that took three whole days and earned me a significant amount of money. Although the total fare was a substantial $3200, the trip required meticulous planning and execution to ensure all aspects of the journey were covered, including the actual fare and my expenses. While this may seem like a long journey, it was made possible due to the flexibility of the ride share app, which allowed for extended distances. This experience highlights the importance of thorough communication and mutual agreements with clients to ensure a successful trip.
Challenging Trip to Munster, Indiana
Another memorable trip involved taking a client from Detroit to Novi, a fairly short distance on its own. However, the client's request to drop him off in Munster, Indiana, added an extra dimension of complexity. The one-way trip was about 250 miles and I was paid over $200, including my share of approximately $170 and an additional $35 for fuel. However, a catch in the app’s rules prohibited me from picking up another client until I was back in Michigan, which meant driving back empty. Despite the logistics, I assumed a generous tip would compensate for the hard work, but the client did not leave any for me. This experience taught me to negotiate additional compensation upfront.
Long Distance Request to Johannesburg, South Africa
Another wild request involved driving from California to Johannesburg, South Africa. Although I declined this one, it exemplifies the unpredictable nature of ride share requests. More realistically, a client once asked me to drive them from Novi, Michigan, to Portland, Oregon, a 7-hour journey. In such cases, ride share apps typically log drivers off after 12 hours to ensure safety and driver well-being. This constraint often limits the extent of the trip a driver can take in a single day.
The Short but Challenging Trip to Salem, MA
A seemingly short but time-consuming trip was from Quincy, MA, to Salem, MA. According to Google Maps, the 48-minute trip ended up taking 1.5 hours. The complexity of driving during rush hour and navigating traffic contributed to the extended travel time. I almost took a much longer trip, but as the end of the day approached, I decided to cancel the ride to avoid further delays and to ensure I was rested for the next day.
Lessons Learned
Through these experiences, I have learned several valuable lessons for ride share drivers. Always negotiate fares and tips upfront to avoid situations where expenses are not covered adequately. Be aware of the app's rules regarding inter-state driving and always plan for potential risks and expenses. Staying flexible and communicative with clients can help in managing these challenges effectively.
As a ride share driver, the journey is not just about the end destination, but also about the experience and the challenges faced along the way. By adapting to different situations, negotiating fairly, and prioritizing safety, one can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and learning.
Remember, the discussion and negotiation of the fare and any additional compensation in advance can go a long way in ensuring a fulfilling and fair transaction for both the client and the driver. By doing so, you can ensure that every trip, regardless of its length or complexity, is a positive experience.