Shelby Moeller makes a Saturday evening delivery. Moeller, a driver for Uber and DoorDash, says gas prices and shrinking tips are slicing deep into his income. With inflation, high gas prices and a rising cost of living, extra money that many people have used for tipping is now being spent elsewhere. David Stone photo
DAVID STONE | June 26, 2022
High gas prices have Shelby Moeller working longer hours to make ends meet.
Moeller, who drives for Uber and DoorDash hauling food and people around Temple, fills his Chrysler 200-S with gas several times a week. He pays about $65 per tank, more than twice what he was paying when he started in the delivery business about two years ago.
Meeting financial goals is becoming increasingly difficult for the Temple College student who also is a primary caregiver for his grandfather.
“Driving lets me work a schedule around school and my grandpa’s needs,” Moeller said. “I’m kind of limited as to what I can do.”
“With higher prices, my payoff is definitely shrinking. I used to make about $100 a day and $20 of that went to gas,” he said. “Now I’m spending up to $50 a day on fuel.”
Moeller isn’t alone. Millions of Americans who rely on their cars for work are struggling as record highs for gas prices steadily climb.
Today, regular-grade unleaded gas is averaging $4.91 nationwide and is well over the $5 mark in many areas. This morning in Temple, regular-unleaded was averaging $4.48, up $1.77 from a year ago.
President Joe Biden asked Congress this week to suspend federal gas taxes for three months, which would shave 18.4 cents per gallon off the price of gas. He also called on states to suspend their own gas taxes.
Even if the gas-tax holiday is passed, drivers such as Moeller likely would still struggle, according to analysts.
Moeller said delivery drivers are being struck by a double-edged sword. In addition to higher gas prices, drivers have watched tips shrivel to almost nothing.
“Our customers also are struggling,” he acknowledged. “Not only have gas prices soared, but the cost of everything has increased. Money they used to spend for tips is now going to gas and groceries.”
“The average person is struggling and just can’t tip as well as they have in the past,” he said. “Delivery drivers are like servers in restaurants — our job is completely customer service and we rely heavily on those tips.”
“You can still make money but you have to work, work, work,” Moeller said.
Some companies — such as Uber — have added a small surcharge on all trips, but Moeller said that doesn’t help a great deal.
“Some drivers are using apps such as Get Upside to buy discounted gas,” he said. “I use a Dasher card from DoorDash to buy gas at H-E-B and it discounts gas about 50 cents a gallon.”
Moeller, who studies opera and musical theater, said shortcuts such as gas apps and discount cards are part of today’s delivery business.
“It’s part of being a driver these days,” he said. “It takes more time and effort, but we have to take these shortcuts to get by.”
Sunday’s best bets
Central Texas Film Society Monthly Movie & Discussion presents The Trip To Bountiful at CAC. 2 p.m. “In 1940s Texas, an elderly woman is determined to visit her childhood home for one last time.”
Summer Lecture Series at 2 p.m. at Barrow Brewing Co. Live music TBD
Martian Folk live at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. Noon.
Monday’s best bets
Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Trash to Treasure Totes, Sammons Community Center. 1 p.m. Go green and create a unique tote bag from plastic bags! Becca Bash will be teaching this fun and creative way to recycle and reuse those endless plastic grocery bags that get stashed away to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bag that could have a variety of uses. Watch that bag evolve into your own creation. Knowledge of basic crochet stitch is encouraged. A size K crochet hook is recommended. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Tuesday’s best bets
Tai Chi at Sammons Community Center. 3 p.m. This ancient Chinese exercise and martial art promote vitality, balance, strength, and longevity. Using special breathing techniques and slow, precise physical movements, Tai Chi can help curtail arthritis, respiratory disease, and high blood pressure. Regular practice of this “Moving Meditation” also provides health benefits of stress reduction, mental alertness, and increased energy. This on-going course is adaptable for all levels of mobility. Led by Christopher Dow, who has practiced this and related Chi Kung exercise forms for 42 years. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Tuesday on the Trails. 8:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson “KP” each Tuesday as she leads you on a different trail with a different challenge! One winner per week. Walking not only promotes physical activity and prevents stiffness, but it also stimulates your brain and aids in weight management. See you on the trails! Call 254.298.5403 or stop by for a trail schedule.
Wednesday’s best bets
Airport Food Truck Day at Draughon–Miller Central Texas Regional Airport. This month’s food truck is Lula Mae’s Cajun Cuisine and they will be serving up lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every month through October, a local food truck will be featured.
Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Open Mic Night at Fire Base Brewing featuring Maxx Carter.
Comedy Open Mic Night at Corky’s. Sign up at 7:30, show at 8.
Temple Coyotes FC soccer at Woodson Field. Fun starts at 6, game starts at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday’s best bets
Poetry & Music Open Mic Night at Corky’s with Nate Biddy. Sign up at 6:30, show at 7.
Pre Fourth of July Cornhole Tournament at FoxDog Beer Garden. 5-8 p.m.
Texas Red’s Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.
Karaoke at Bo’s Barn. 8:30 p.m.
Trivia Night at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. There will be 6 rounds of themed trivia to test your knowledge of all things trivia! Other categories will include Movies, Sports, music, and more! Play from your phone! FREE to play! Join anytime. Winners walk away with FSP swag, free pizzas and bragging rights! 6 p.m.
Friday’s best bets
Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo at Bell County Expo Center.
Kenny Orts & No Chance live at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com
Wes Perryman live at 8 p.m. at Barrow Brewing Co.
Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo at the Bell County Expo Center. 7 p.m.
First Friday in Downtown Temple. 5-9 p.m. Join us downtown for First Friday, on July 1st for amazing drinks, food, and specials. The #FirstFriday Downtown Temple turns into a party! Check out our full list of happenings. bit.ly/3vAXira
Savor Latin Night at Ras Kitchen. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join us to learn the foundation and basic Latin dance moves of salsa and bachata. Then take what you've learn for a night of social dancing.
Saturday’s best bets
All-Star Family Day at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Experience the fun of baseball and learn about baseball history. Come enjoy sports-themed crafts and activities for the whole family.
Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo at the Bell County Expo Center. 7 p.m.
Jade Nickol live at Barrow Brewing Co. 8 p.m.
Temple Coyotes FC soccer at Woodson Field. Fun starts at 6, game starts at 7:30 p.m.
People’s Choice live at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com
Real Gun Show at the Bell County Expo Center’s Assembly Hall. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Holly Tucker live at Cyclone Corral. 7 p.m.
To include your events in What’s Happening, email information to OurTownTemple@gmail.com. Photos are welcome to for use in the publication as space permits!