We know how much the DoorDash platform means for the millions of Dashers, consumers, and merchants who use it every single day. That’s why when bad weather strikes, we do everything in our power to keep the platform available for our communities – but only if it’s safe to do so.
Weather is unpredictable, and no two bad weather events are alike. Sometimes, it’s a matter of striking the right balance in a given city to make sure that we have enough Dashers available to meet major spikes in customer demand. Other times, it’s a matter of adjusting or suspending operations if the weather is severe and being on the road could be dangerous.
Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring severe snow and ice to more than 230 million people across 34 states. Today, we’re sharing an update on how our weather monitoring and response tools fit together, all in service of delivering for those who need it while continuing to prioritize the safety of everyone who uses our platform.
Severe Weather Protocol
To help Dashers stay safe during extreme weather such as hurricanes or blizzards, DoorDash has developed an industry-leading Severe Weather Protocol.
We’re constantly monitoring live weather conditions on the ground along with updated guidance from local authorities. In addition, our precision monitoring system takes into account the impact of weather on Dashers, including delays and cancellations. Combined, our monitoring capabilities sharpen our ability to quickly assess conditions and help keep communities safe.
In extreme weather, DoorDash can activate the Protocol by adjusting or suspending operations in an area. We’re able to pull different levers depending on the severity of the storm, including:
Real-Time Alerts: Around the clock, we send Dashers push notifications when severe weather is heading their way. From extreme heat or cold, to fires, floods, hurricanes, hail and snow, these alerts help Dashers stay informed on the road and make safety decisions fast, especially when conditions can change in an instant.
Pick-Up Only: Sometimes, it’s safe to walk around a city and pick up dinner, but driving a vehicle of any kind could be unsafe. In those situations, we’ll switch to customer pick-up only.
Suspending Operations: If conditions make it unsafe to be on the roads, we’ll temporarily suspend operations in a market altogether. When this happens, we communicate clearly with merchants, consumers, and Dashers, and reopen only when it’s safe to do so.
In 2024 alone, DoorDash activated our Severe Weather Protocol in more than 500 locations nationwide, responding to weather events like Hurricane Helene and Winter Storm Indigo.
Weather Impact Fee
During bad weather, demand for delivery can dramatically outpace the number of available Dashers. That means customers end up with incredibly long wait times and cancelled orders, merchants end up with orders going bad and food wasted, and Dashers may not feel like their efforts are valued or worthwhile. If this imbalance becomes too severe, we can be forced to stop delivering altogether. In those situations – where it’s not a matter of safety, but a matter of balancing the marketplace – customers may see a new Weather Impact Fee that goes 100% to the Dashers making deliveries in the impacted area.
When in effect, the fee helps make it more worthwhile for Dashers to be on the road and helps keep delivery running when it’s safe to do so. Customers see the fee in-app while they’re ordering, and can see additional information about the fee and what it’s for before they ever place an order. They’ll also see an additional reminder about the fee and its purpose at checkout.
To learn more about the Weather Impact Fee, see our help center article here.
Tips for Staying Safe During Winter Storms
We regularly send Dashers safety tips for driving during severe weather, including when conditions are snowy or icy. Driving in the snow can be a challenge even for the most experienced drivers. Here’s what we recommend during conditions like Winter Storm Fern:
Use Extra Caution. As snow builds, it can take longer to reach your destination. Take turns slowly and proceed with caution, even if there’s no visible ice in the road. Use extra caution early in the morning and evening, when black ice is likely to form.
Check Your Vehicle. Dashers who live in colder climates may require extra maintenance for their vehicles, as lower temperatures can affect brake pads and other vehicle functions. Stay prepared by testing brakes, signal lights, and all your vehicle's safety features before dashing in severe weather.
Know Your Limits. Everyone has different levels of comfort and experience driving in winter conditions, and the conditions are expected to change quickly throughout the weekend. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, stop dashing – there’s nothing worth sacrificing your own safety over.
Over the past few months, we’ve developed new tools like in-app surveys that seek Dasher input for smarter reopenings, faster tornado shutdowns, and more clear in-app communications for Dashers when we are forced to shutdown due to weather. Our teams are continuing to improve our ability to monitor, respond to, and reopen during severe weather conditions, all with the shared goal of delivering for the communities we serve while prioritizing the safety of everyone on the DoorDash platform.
