The relationship between Grubhub and its delivery partners is governed by an Independent Contractor Agreement. As independent contractors, drivers determine their own schedules but must adhere to the platform’s service standards when fulfilling accepted offers. The allowance for multiple stops depends entirely on whether the stops are assigned by the Grubhub system or initiated by the driver, as this distinction relates directly to the timely completion of the delivery service.
Understanding Grubhub’s Policy on Stacked Orders (System Multi-Stops)
The only stops officially permitted by Grubhub are those assigned through the application’s algorithm, known as stacked or bundled orders. This occurs when the system assigns a driver two or more orders for pickup and delivery in a sequence it determines is efficient. These multi-stop offers are presented as a single package opportunity that must be accepted or rejected in its entirety.
The Grubhub application automatically creates a task list and sequences the stops to optimize the route for both pickup and delivery locations. This sequencing ensures deliveries are completed within an acceptable window for both customers and restaurants. When a driver accepts a stacked order, they agree to follow the planned sequence, which includes all restaurant pickups and customer drop-offs.
The system calculates the estimated time and mileage for the complete route, covering all stops until the final delivery. Drivers are expected to adhere to this optimized path, as deviations from the plotted sequence can lead to service issues. Acceptance of a stacked order signifies a commitment to the entire multi-stop process as designed by the platform.
Personal Stops and Unauthorized Detours
The Independent Contractor Agreement allows drivers the freedom to work for competing services or conduct personal business. This freedom is limited, however, as it cannot hinder the performance of any accepted Grubhub delivery service. Any driver-initiated stop—such as running a personal errand, refueling, or fulfilling an order for a competing app—becomes an unauthorized detour if it compromises the food’s integrity or the delivery schedule. Grubhub’s policies specifically prohibit “Delaying pickup or drop-off of orders” and “Masking/Falsifying location” while on an active delivery.
If a driver makes an unplanned stop, the delivery time is extended beyond the platform’s estimate, often resulting in cold food and low customer satisfaction. This delay is considered a failure to complete the service in a timely manner. Any significant detour that materially impacts the delivery window can be considered a breach of the service agreement. The driver assumes full responsibility for any service failure resulting from an unauthorized stop.
Calculating Payouts for Multi-Stop Deliveries
The pay structure for multi-stop or stacked orders is calculated by combining the components for each individual order into a single total payout offer. When a driver receives a stacked offer, the platform calculates the estimated total time and mileage for the entire sequence of pickups and drop-offs. This single figure determines the base pay component for the combined delivery.
The base pay accounts for factors such as total mileage, estimated time spent delivering, and local market specifics. For a stacked order, the mileage calculation covers the entire optimized route, not the distance for each order calculated separately. Drivers retain 100% of any gratuities left by customers on each order in the stack. The payout is fixed at the time the offer is accepted. Unauthorized detours or personal stops do not increase the calculated mileage or time component, meaning any extra distance or time spent on an unscheduled stop is unpaid.
Best Practices for Executing Stacked Deliveries
Effectively managing a system-assigned stacked delivery requires careful attention to logistics and customer service. Drivers should utilize high-quality thermal bags and separate the orders within their vehicle to prevent temperature transfer between hot and cold items. Maintaining the proper temperature for all food items is a primary concern when transporting multiple orders.
The most reliable strategy is to adhere strictly to the delivery sequence provided by the Grubhub application’s task list. The system optimizes the route based on pickup times, drop-off locations, and expected delivery windows. Deviating from this sequence can easily lead to a late delivery for one or more customers.
Proactive communication helps manage customer expectations when executing a stacked order. If the delivery is delayed due to unexpected restaurant wait times, a brief, professional message can mitigate frustration. Informing the customer that the delay is due to a multi-stop route assigned by the platform helps them understand the situation.
Consequences of Unauthorized Stops
Violating the terms of service by making unauthorized stops or detours carries risk, primarily affecting a driver’s standing on the platform. The immediate consequence is a negative impact on the customer experience, often leading to poor ratings and direct complaints. The platform has a clear policy regarding Account Violations, which includes “Delaying pickup or drop-off of orders you’ve accepted.” Such a violation is logged against the driver’s account and remains there for 90 days.
If a driver accumulates three Account Violations within a 90-day period, their contract is subject to termination, resulting in the account being blocked. Since drivers are independent contractors, the process for disputing a violation is limited, often requiring an appeal only after the account is blocked. Avoiding actions that could be construed as fraudulent or deceptive, such as unnecessary delays or falsifying location, is the only way to safeguard the account.