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Holiday Season Driving Jobs: Where to Earn Extra Cash This Fall
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October through December is the busiest time of year for delivery. Here's where the seasonal work is and how to get hired fast.
Package volume jumps from October through the end of December. Seasonal jobs fill quickly, so apply early.
Seasonal employee jobs
- UPS seasonal: driver helpers ride along and carry packages (18+). Personal Vehicle Drivers (21+) deliver in their own cars and get mileage. Pay runs about $15 to $23 an hour.
- Amazon DSP and FedEx Ground contractors: many add drivers for peak season.
Gig apps get busier
- Amazon Flex: more blocks become available.
- Instacart and Spark Driver: holiday grocery orders spike before Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- DoorDash and Uber Eats: cold, rainy nights mean more orders and bigger tips.
Tips for peak season
- Apply by early October; background checks can take a week or two.
- Keep your car ready: tires, wipers, and an emergency kit.
- Seasonal jobs can turn permanent; ask about openings in January.
A seasonal game plan
- Early October: apply to UPS seasonal and local DSPs. Sign up for Flex, Instacart and Spark if you haven't.
- November: pick up Flex and grocery shifts around Thanksgiving.
- December: the busiest weeks. Expect long days and weekend work.
Staying safe in winter
- Carry gloves, a flashlight, a phone battery pack and an ice scraper.
- Leave extra time. Late deliveries in bad weather are better than accidents.
- Wear shoes with good grip for icy steps.
Frequently asked questions
Do seasonal jobs pay overtime? Employee jobs do, after 40 hours in a week. Gig apps don't pay overtime.
Will I pay taxes on seasonal pay? Yes. Employee jobs withhold taxes; gig income requires you to set money aside.
Bottom line
Apply in early October, stack a seasonal job with a gig app, and ask about permanent openings before the season ends.
Which seasonal option fits you
| If you... | Try |
|---|---|
| Have no car | UPS seasonal driver helper |
| Have a car and a flexible schedule | Amazon Flex, Instacart, Spark Driver |
| Want full-time hours until January | Amazon DSP or FedEx Ground contractors |
| Want a foot in the door for a career | UPS seasonal, then apply for permanent roles |
Budget for the season
Seasonal gig income swings with weather and demand. Pay down holiday costs as you go, and set aside 25–30% of gig profit for taxes so the January tax bill doesn't erase your December earnings.
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