Oct 12, 2026 | Exposed How Roadie’s Low Pay and Long-Distance Gigs May Leave Drivers in the Red

The gig economy has long promised independent contractors flexibility and a chance to earn. But some drivers say that promise falls short on long-distance delivery routes. They argue that Roadie’s pay offers can leave drivers covering substantial fuel and vehicle costs for relatively low gross payouts.

The concerns have reached state officials. On October 11, a formal administrative complaint was filed with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office requesting an investigation into Roadie’s driver compensation practices and operating guidelines.

The Numbers Behind the Offers

Screenshots of gig listings available in the region show offers that raise questions about the relationship between distance, time and compensation.

One listing offered an estimated $56.55 for a 122-mile trip, with an estimated driving time of 150 minutes. If a driver must travel additional miles to return to their starting area, the total distance increases while the listed payout stays the same.

A second listing offered $128.86 for a 189-mile route involving 13 deliveries. The app flagged the route as a “tight fit” for crossover utility vehicles.

A third offer listed a flat payout of $164.62 for a 257-mile route covering 19 deliveries. That works out to about 64 cents per mile before fuel, oil, tires, maintenance and other operating costs are deducted.

Drivers who shared their concerns with NEWS327 say that after paying for fuel and vehicle upkeep, little may remain from some routes. They say the earnings can make it difficult to cover ordinary household expenses.

How Roadie’s Model Compares

Drivers argue that long-distance routes can put Roadie couriers at a disadvantage. They say other delivery and rideshare platforms may adjust base pay or offer local bonuses for longer routes, while Roadie listings can assign substantial distances without guaranteeing that the payout will cover a driver’s operating expenses.

The IRS standard mileage rate is intended to reflect vehicle operating costs, including fuel, depreciation, repairs and insurance. Comparing a gig’s gross offer with that rate does not by itself establish a driver’s net earnings or determine whether a company has violated the law. However, drivers say the comparison highlights the costs they must consider before accepting a route.

The Complaint to Ohio

The October 11 complaint asks the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to review whether Roadie’s payout practices raise concerns under applicable consumer or independent-contractor protections. It also calls for greater transparency about how rates are calculated in relation to route mileage.