The foot and bike courier industry has similar economics, although on the other end of the age scale. They can pay out low because more than a few of their "independent contractors" are on welfare.
I have mixed feelings about that. On the one hand, you could rightly say that the owners of those companies are pulling a sharp deal. But on the other hand, those welfare recipients are really working at a real job.
Bike couriers can also deduct food while between work shifts as “fuel”.