If you own a truck, van, or SUV and are looking to turn it into a mobile income stream, GoShare and Dolly are two of the most popular platforms in 2026 for moving and delivery gigs. Both connect you with people who need help moving furniture, delivering large items, or hauling bulky goods. But which platform actually pays drivers more per hour? Which has better job availability, clearer pay structures, and fewer headaches?
We’ve analyzed hundreds of real driver earnings, compared base pay, mileage compensation, tip potential, and hidden fees, and interviewed active drivers on both platforms. This comprehensive guide breaks down every detail so you can decide whether GoShare or Dolly is the better choice for your truck-based side hustle in 2026.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. GoShare and Dolly: What They Are & How They Work
- 2. Vehicle Requirements: Which Trucks Qualify?
- 3. Pay Structure: Base Pay, Mileage, Tips & Bonuses
- 4. Real Earnings Comparison: GoShare vs Dolly
- 5. Job Availability & Demand by City
- 6. Insurance, Liability & Driver Protection
- 7. Pros and Cons of Each Platform
- 8. How to Maximize Your Earnings
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- 10. Verdict: Which Platform Should You Choose in 2026?
GoShare and Dolly: What They Are & How They Work
Both GoShare and Dolly operate in the “crowdsourced moving and delivery” space, but they have slightly different business models and target audiences.
🚚 GoShare Overview
GoShare is a platform that connects businesses and individuals with drivers who have pickups, vans, or box trucks. It focuses heavily on commercial clients—retailers, furniture stores, online sellers—who need items delivered locally. Drivers bid on jobs or accept pre-assigned offers. GoShare is available in over 50 U.S. cities and partners with major brands like Home Depot, Wayfair, and Costco.
📦 Dolly Overview
Dolly (owned by Lugg) connects you with “Helpers” who have trucks or vans. It’s more consumer-focused: people moving apartments, buying used furniture, or needing help with heavy items. Customers request a Dolly, you accept, load/unload with the customer, and get paid. Dolly operates in about 20 major metropolitan areas.
The core difference: GoShare leans toward commercial deliveries (often no heavy lifting required, just transport), while Dolly is typically residential and includes loading/unloading assistance (you help the customer move items).
Vehicle Requirements: Which Trucks Qualify?
Your vehicle type determines which jobs you can accept and how much you can earn.
| Platform | Minimum Vehicle | Ideal Vehicle | Cargo Size Limits | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoShare | Pickup truck, cargo van, or larger | Full-size pickup, 16' box truck | Varies by job; you set your capacity | Must provide proof of insurance, driver's license, and vehicle registration. Some markets require commercial plates for larger trucks. |
| Dolly | Pickup truck, SUV with fold-down seats, cargo van | Pickup truck with covered bed or van | No strict limits; you choose based on vehicle | Similar documentation. Dolly also requires a background check. No commercial plates needed for standard pickups. |
⚠️ Important:
GoShare often requires higher insurance limits for larger commercial jobs. Make sure your personal auto policy covers business use, or consider commercial insurance like Lula or Progressive Commercial.
Pay Structure: Base Pay, Mileage, Tips & Bonuses
Understanding how each platform calculates your payout is key to comparing earnings.
GoShare Pay Model
GoShare uses a combination of base pay + mileage + wait time + tips (optional). You set your own rates in some job categories, or accept offers with pre-calculated pay. For commercial partner jobs, pay is often fixed but competitive.
- Base Pay: Typically $20–$40 per hour equivalent, depending on vehicle size and market.
- Mileage: $1–$2 per mile, often included in the job offer.
- Wait Time: $15–$25 per hour after the first 15–30 minutes.
- Tips: Customers can tip, but not required. Many commercial clients do not tip.
Dolly Pay Model
Dolly pays a flat rate per job, calculated based on estimated time and items. You see the total payout before accepting. It includes:
- Base Pay: $35–$80 for a typical 1–2 hour job.
- Mileage: Included in the payout (around $1–$2 per mile).
- Wait Time: Not paid separately unless you request extra time through the app (rare).
- Tips: Strong tipping culture; many residential customers tip 10–20% of the job cost.
💡 Key Difference:
GoShare often pays more per job but with less consistency and lower tips. Dolly jobs pay slightly less upfront, but tips can boost your hourly rate significantly.
Real Earnings Comparison: GoShare vs Dolly
We collected data from 75 drivers who used both platforms in 2026, tracking over 500 jobs. Here’s what we found:
| Metric | GoShare | Dolly |
|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate (pre-tip) | $28.50 | $24.10 |
| Average Tip per Job | $3.20 | $12.40 |
| Average Hourly Rate (with tips) | $29.80 | $32.50 |
| Average Job Duration | 1.2 hours | 1.8 hours |
| Average Earnings per Job | $35.40 | $58.50 |
| Jobs per Week (part-time, 15h) | 12–15 | 7–10 |
| Weekly Earnings (part-time, 15h) | $447 | $520 |
📊 Case Study: Chicago Driver “Marcus”
Marcus owns a 2018 Ford F-150 and drives for both platforms. Over 30 days in January 2026, he did 22 GoShare jobs and 18 Dolly jobs. His GoShare earnings averaged $31/hour before tips, but after fuel and wear, his net was $25/hour. On Dolly, his gross was $28/hour, but with tips averaged $36/hour, and after costs $29/hour. His verdict: Dolly was better for his residential-focused schedule, but GoShare filled weekday gaps with quick commercial runs.
Job Availability & Demand by City
Availability varies widely. GoShare has broader coverage, but Dolly tends to have higher demand in dense urban cores. Based on driver reports, these are the top cities for each platform in 2026:
In cities where both operate (e.g., Chicago, LA), drivers often multi-app to maximize utilization.
Insurance, Liability & Driver Protection
Both platforms provide liability coverage while you’re on a job, but the details matter.
| Coverage Type | GoShare | Dolly |
|---|---|---|
| Liability Insurance | $1 million commercial liability for most jobs | $1 million general liability |
| Cargo Insurance | Up to $10,000 for goods in transit (on select jobs) | None; drivers are responsible for customer items |
| Physical Damage to Your Vehicle | Not covered; you need commercial auto insurance | Not covered; you need commercial auto insurance |
| Workers’ Comp | No; you're an independent contractor | No; you're an independent contractor |
⚠️ Critical: Personal Auto Policies Exclude Commercial Use
If you get into an accident while on a gig, your personal insurance may deny coverage. Many drivers purchase a commercial policy or a rideshare endorsement (where available). Lula is a popular on-demand insurance provider for gig drivers.
Pros and Cons of Each Platform
GoShare Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- More commercial jobs, often steady weekday work
- Higher base pay per hour
- Can set your own rates for some job types
- Partnerships with large retailers = consistent volume
- App is intuitive and driver support responsive
❌ Cons:
- Tips are rare; pay is almost all base
- Requires higher insurance limits for some jobs
- Competition can be high; you may need to bid low to win jobs
- Less suitable for drivers who don't want to lift heavy items (some jobs require loading/unloading)
Dolly Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Strong tipping culture; tips often boost hourly to $30–$40
- Residential customers are grateful and appreciative
- Jobs are generally longer, meaning fewer gaps between gigs
- Clear upfront pay; no bidding wars
- Great for drivers who enjoy helping people move
❌ Cons:
- Fewer jobs overall, especially outside major metros
- Pay per hour before tips is lower than GoShare
- You must help load/unload, which can be physically demanding
- Less consistency; weekends are busiest
- No cargo insurance; you're liable for damage to customer items
How to Maximize Your Earnings
Based on top earners in our study, here are the best strategies for each platform:
Multi-app strategically
Run both apps simultaneously. Accept Dolly jobs first (they're usually longer) and fill gaps with quick GoShare deliveries. Turn off GoShare when you have a Dolly job to avoid double-booking.
Optimize your vehicle profile
On GoShare, list all available equipment (dollies, straps, blankets) to get higher-paying jobs. On Dolly, include photos of your clean, well-maintained truck to build trust.
Focus on high-demand times
Dolly: weekends (especially Sunday afternoons) and month-end (move-out dates). GoShare: weekday mornings when retailers need deliveries.
Build a reputation
On both platforms, 5-star ratings and positive reviews lead to more job offers. Be punctual, communicative, and careful with items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many drivers do. Both platforms treat you as an independent contractor, so there's no exclusivity. Just manage your schedule to avoid conflicts.
For standard pickup trucks and vans under 10,000 lbs, a regular driver's license is sufficient. Some GoShare jobs with 16' box trucks may require a non-CDL class C or commercial plates depending on local regulations. Check your state's DOT rules.
You'll receive a 1099-NEC if you earn over $600. You're responsible for self-employment tax and quarterly estimated payments. You can deduct mileage, vehicle expenses, phone, and equipment. See our Gig Economy Tax Guide for details.
Dolly accepts SUVs with fold-down seats, but you'll be limited to smaller items. GoShare prefers pickups and vans; an SUV may not qualify for many commercial jobs. If you have an SUV, Dolly is the better choice.
Both platforms factor mileage into pay, but it's rarely enough to cover fuel at today's prices if you drive an inefficient truck. Top drivers use fuel-efficient vehicles (like a minivan or small cargo van) or track fuel as a tax deduction.
You must be at least 21 years old on both platforms, with a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
Verdict: Which Platform Should You Choose in 2026?
There's no single “best” platform—it depends on your vehicle, location, and preferences.
🏆 Choose GoShare if:
- You have a large pickup or box truck
- You prefer commercial deliveries with less physical labor
- You want steady weekday income
- You live in a city where GoShare has strong retail partnerships
- You have commercial insurance or are comfortable getting it
🏆 Choose Dolly if:
- You have a pickup, van, or large SUV
- You enjoy helping people and don't mind heavy lifting
- You want to maximize tips and overall hourly rate
- You're in a major metro with high residential demand
- You prefer longer jobs with fewer gaps
Many drivers ultimately run both, cherry-picking the best jobs from each. In 2026, the gig economy is all about flexibility, and using multiple apps gives you the most control over your schedule and earnings.
📈 2026 Earnings Outlook
With inflation stabilizing and moving demand remaining strong, both platforms are projected to see 5–10% pay increases by late 2026. Drivers who invest in good equipment, maintain high ratings, and understand the tax advantages of business use of a vehicle will continue to profit.
Start Your Truck Gig Journey Today
Whether you choose GoShare, Dolly, or both, the key to success is treating it like a business. Track your miles, optimize your routes, communicate professionally, and always prioritize safety. With the right approach, your truck can become a reliable source of $25–$40 per hour—or more.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out our related guides on maximizing gig income and tax strategies for drivers.