Ordering in? Add a few bucks for blazing-fast delivery

Craving piping hot takeout, stat? Take it from the experts—your food won't arrive crazy fast unless you cough up the minimum tip. Ordering delivery with just a few quick taps on your phone has become second nature. But while Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub make takeout easy, they don't always guarantee fresh, lightning-fast service. Turns out, a fleeting factor determines whether your pad thai arrives lukewarm or mouth-wateringly hot and quick: the tip.

Deliverers working as independent contractors rely on your generosity, not hourly pay. So when that growling stomach calls, how much should you tip to make sure your meal arrives in minutes, not hours? Drivers themselves reveal the magic number that unlocks express delivery—from secret priority algorithms to waiting list hacks.

Bottom line: Skimp on tips and send your order to the back of the line. But tip at least 20% or $5, whichever is higher, and something shifts. You’ll leapfrog legions of cheap tippers as your order lands in your driver's hands and zooms your way—fresh and hot to the last bite. This is the unspoken rule of delivery tipping to get VIP-speedy service, according to couriers.

So next growling stomach craving, open your wallet as wide as your appetite. A few extra dollars transform into hot takeout teleported to your doorstep in minutes flat—the food may taste even better knowing your generosity makes the system work. Just ask the experts.

Choose Nearby Restaurants. Every extra mile means several more minutes of wait. Pick places no more than 3 miles away when possible. "Far deliveries often aren't worth the gas money," said Dasher James K. from Dallas.

Avoid Rush Hour. Lunch and dinner rushes slow down restaurants. Put orders in early or late to avoid the crunch. "I try not to accept orders between 11:30 and 1:30 because restaurants are too crowded," said Dasher Lisa W. in Los Angeles.

Add Delivery Notes. Give clear details like gate codes, which door to use and where to leave food if you won't be home. "Detailed instructions make my job so much easier," said Dasher Michael P. in New York City.

Text Your Driver. Apps provide anonymous phone numbers. Use them to give updates like "I'll be down in 5 minutes" or "Food can be left outside the door." It speeds delivery.

Rate Your Experience. Leave feedback and ratings so companies can improve. Praise good drivers and restaurants. Report significant issues. Your comments help.

Check Your Map. Apps don't always route drivers optimally. If the plotted route seems excessively long, text them a quicker way. "I appreciate when customers offer shortcuts," said Dasher Sarah L. in Seattle.

Bundle Orders. If you're ordering from the same place multiple times a week, consolidate orders. One delivery is quicker than multiple trips.

Avoid Stacked Orders. When you order through services like DoorDash, your driver may be given 2-3 orders to deliver at once. This slows service. Use apps that don't stack orders if possible.

Tip Cash. Some drivers prefer cash tips to avoid credit card fees. Have a few small bills on hand as thank-yous if feasible. Even a couple dollars are appreciated.

Say Thanks. A quick "thank you" and kind word go a long way in improving a driver's day. Gratitude helps to motivate them and provide better service in the future.

In summary, getting hot, fast meal deliveries depends most on providing reasonable tips, ordering nearby, planning ahead and clearly communicating with drivers. With some planning and empathy for hard-working delivery drivers, your food can arrive reliably on time and fresh. Supporting those who bring food to your door ensures the system works for everyone.