With the rapid advancement of technology, alongside changing consumer expectations, the world has witnessed an unprecedented surge in delivery services. From groceries and restaurant meals to electronics and clothing, we can order just about anything we want with the push of a button. Of course, none of this would be possible without delivery people. They’re the backbone of these on-demand services, bringing our meals and packages safely from point A to point B.
But they aren’t always treated well. Drivers often work long, brutal shifts and have to deal with hazards like inclement weather, tricky traffic conditions, and angry customers. Jobs in this growing sector are looked down upon, even as they’re becoming more essential to the way we live and shop.
Fortunately, some people recognize the efforts delivery drivers make and go the extra mile to show their appreciation. A recent study by Regional Foundation Repair surveyed Americans all across the country to find which states treat delivery drivers best.
Where Americans are nicest at delivering people
Of all the states in America, residents in Kentucky, Virginia, and Georgia ranked as the kindest to delivery people.
1. Kentucky
The #1 nicest state in our survey, 76% of Kentucky residents report that they always smile at delivery people, while 66% say they always make eye contact. As far as tipping, 50% of Kentuckians say they tip generously during the holiday season, with 40% always tipping at least 20% on their bills for food delivery.
Kind treatment in Kentucky comes with a personal touch. For example, 26% of Kentucky respondents know their mail person’s name. Another 56% say they’ve left positive reviews for delivery people to praise them for a job well done.
2. Virginia
Coming in at #2 is the state of Virginia, with 65% of residents saying they always smile at delivery people and another 57% always making eye contact. As far as tipping, 63% of Virginians are especially generous during the holidays, while 51% always tip at least 20% on their food delivery bills.
Virginians also go the extra mile for their delivery people: 58% of respondents say they’ve held a door or gate open to help a delivery person, and 1 in 6 residents have left refreshments out for their drivers. Talk about Southern hospitality!
3. Georgia
Rounding out our top three is the state of Georgia, with 68% of residents saying they always smile at delivery people and 60% saying they always make eye contact. As far as tipping, 48% of Georgians say they are more generous tipping during the holiday season, and 50% always tip food delivery drivers 20%. Of Georgia residents surveyed, 1 in 5 even make a point to tip in cash, ensuring their drivers get to keep 100% of the tip.
Best cities to be a delivery person
Of all the cities in the United States, Louisville, KY, Nashville, TN, and Las Vegas, NV, topped our list as the nicest for delivery people.
1. Louisville, KY
The nicest of all cities in the U.S., 68.6% of Louisville residents say they always smile at delivery people. They also tip well, with 46% tipping more during the holiday season and 34% always tipping at least 20% on food delivery.
Residents in Louisville are the most likely of any city to know their mailperson’s name. They also are the most likely to provide delivery drivers with detailed directions to their homes to help make the job easier.
2. Nashville, TN
Coming in second is Nashville, TN, with 74% of respondents saying they always smile at delivery people — the highest percentage of any city, making Nashville residents the most generous with their smiles. They also tip well, with 46% tipping more during the holiday season and 40% always tipping at least 20% on food delivery.
3. Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV, comes in just behind Nashville, with 73% of residents saying they always smile at delivery people. Their tipping stats are right on par, with 49% tipping more during the holiday season and 37% always tipping at least 20% on food delivery.
1 in 5 Vegas residents also leaves refreshments out for their delivery people, a level of kindness that might have their drivers thinking Viva Las Vegas!
Where delivery people get tipped the most
Residents in Colorado (57%), Wisconsin (56%), and Virginia (51%) are the top tippers when it comes to food delivery, always giving a solid 20% tip. On the flip side, folks in Washington state may need to step up their tipping game as they ranked the worst in this category.
During the holiday season, Virginians take the lead again, with 63% of them being extra generous tippers, closely followed by Mississippi and New Jersey at 60% each. Residents in New Mexico might need to take a page from their books, as they ranked the worst for holiday tipping.
When it comes to showing appreciation for their mail carriers, New Jersey residents are at the top of the list, with 38% of them tipping at the end of the year. New York and Connecticut follow close behind at 22% each. On the other hand, residents of Arkansas might want to consider showing a little more love, as they ranked the worst for tipping their mail person.
Overall, a whopping 75% of Americans tend to leave a 20% tip for food delivery, showing that they appreciate the hustle and hard work of the people bringing meals to their doors. And it seems like the holiday season brings out the best in tipping habits, as 1 in 2 Americans tend to be more generous when it comes to tipping delivery people during this time of year.
Final Thoughts
In a world that often seems fast-paced and impersonal, it’s important to take a moment to recognize the people who work hard to bring us our packages and food. They brave traffic, weather conditions, and even the occasional cranky customer to get us what we want when we want it.
Guide to tipping etiquette around the world(Opens in a new browser tab)
Our survey shed light on the areas where kindness toward delivery people is thriving, but it also serves as a gentle reminder for all of us to show a little more appreciation. With a simple gesture like a smile or friendly eye contact, you can help spread some much-needed kindness and make our world a more positive place.
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