What makes it work as a side hustle
The main draw is that you control your hours. With Relay, you pre-book shifts in advance through the app. That means you can plan your week around existing commitments rather than showing up and hoping for work. A Wednesday evening shift or a Saturday morning is yours to book when it suits you.
Access your earnings quickly. Relay's Flexipay feature lets you withdraw your earnings the day after your shift. For a side hustle, that matters — you're not waiting a fortnight to see money from hours you already worked.
If you have a vehicle and the right documents, you can be approved and out on routes quickly. Some couriers are approved in less than 24 hours.
How it compares to other side hustles in 2026
Compared to food delivery, parcel delivery has one clear advantage: consistent work across the full shift. Food delivery earnings rise and fall with meal times. There are windows mid-morning and mid-afternoon where the work dries up. With parcel delivery, your route is loaded from the start. You work through it, you earn through it.
Compared to gig work with a wide delivery radius, Relay's hyperlocal routes keep you in a tight area. Less time driving between drops means more of your shift spent actually earning.
The bottom line
Parcel delivery is one of the most reliable flexible side hustles available in 2026. The pay is transparent, the hours are yours to choose, and the work is predictable once you know your routes. If you have a vehicle and a few shifts a week to fill, apply today.
Ready to start? Sign up as a Relay courier and you can be on your first route in as little as 24 hours.
Quick answers
How many hours a week do most side hustle couriers do?
It varies by courier! We have some who choose to work full time and book 3–5 routes a day and others that pick up Relay shifts on weekends or after other job commitments.
Do I need any experience?
No. You need a vehicle, the right documents, and a smartphone. The Copilot app handles navigation and route guidance from your first shift.
Can I do it on weekends only?
Yes. Relay routes run seven days a week. Weekend-only couriers are common.