Earlier this month, San Francisco-based Thistle raised $10.3 million in Series B investment. For the uninitiated, Thistle is a plant-centric ready-to-eat food delivery startup. It caters to the health-conscious and the environmentally conscious. These are two of the fastest-growing consumer segments in the food category. Almost 60% of US consumers want to eat less meat. This includes two-thirds of 32-40 year-olds and 80% of millennials. Thistle focuses on plant-based meals, juices, and sides with options for meat. The company’s philosophy centers around nutrition through sustainable, organic local produce.

Thistle works on a subscription model with meals delivered twice a week. It currently delivers in the Bay Area, North Bay, Sacramento, Davis, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, and Las Vegas. It has also partnered with OnTrac to ship all over California and in some parts of Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The latest round of financing will fund a production facility on the East Coast. It will also allow the launch of an online consultation service with a registered in-house dietician.

Working With Thistle

Thistle is currently looking for truck and delivery drivers on and around the West Coast. You can directly apply for positions on their site.

Delivery Driver

Part-time jobs for 8 to 18 hours a week are available for last-mile delivery drivers. Biweekly deliveries (Sunday and Wednesday or Monday and Thursday) work around a set schedule. Shifts typically last for 4 to 6 hours during off-peak timings such as late nights or early mornings. The job requires no previous experience, and drivers can start within 7 days.

Thistle Requirements

To apply for the job, you need to have:

1. Valid driving license.
2. Clean car in good working condition.
3. Clean driving record.
4. Vehicle Insurance with liability and bodily injury coverage.

Thistle Pay and Perks

1. Hourly pay of $24-$30. This includes $1 per hour COVID Hazard pay and mileage and cell phone reimbursement. 
2. Pay hike on completing a certain number of hours or delivery milestones. Some locations offer a $250 limited-time signing bonus to be paid after four weeks on the job.
3. Customer tips.
4. Paid leave, vacation, and sick days. Two weeks paid leave for COVID-19 related emergencies.
5. Healthy meals and juices at the facility. 40% discount on subscriptions for home delivery.

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers are responsible for the delivery and distribution of packages to couriers. Based on location, drivers have options for full-time or part-time employment. A typical week revolves around a set schedule with two workdays (Sunday and Wednesday). Loading and unloading of trucks is part of the job and can require some heavy lifting. Most shifts involve working odd hours.

Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for the job. While some requirements vary from location to location, you must have:

1. Valid driving license. A Class B license and, in some cases, a DOT Physical is preferred.
2. Smartphone to use Thistle’s navigation app and stay in contact with dispatch during a shift.
3. Experience driving a box truck of up to 26 feet.
4. Clean driving record and an ability to clear a background check.

Pay and Perks

While the pay for Truck Drivers is uniform, perks vary from location to location. The incentives listed below may not be available for all sites.

1. Base pay of $20-$21 an hour. Incentive-based bonuses in some cases.
2. Some locations offer paid leave, vacation, and sick days plus two weeks of paid leave for COVID-19 related emergencies.
3. Possible reimbursement for data charges.
4. Healthy meals and juices at the facility and a 40% discount on subscriptions for home delivery.

Most of the positions advertised on Thistle’s site are in established markets. But, with expansion, demand for drivers in other locations might pick up. These are jobs and not gigs. But perks like paid vacation and sick leave are a plus. A fixed schedule implies limited flexibility. But it also means fewer time constraints, unlike on-demand deliveries. If you don’t mind driving during odd hours, you can avoid traffic and delays. For couriers looking for part-time employment, this option might be worth a shot. 

If you’re looking to transition away from going full-time gig work, try these options: 5 Ways To Transition From  Food Delivery Gigs To A Delivery Career